Geneva show: Rolls-Royce tweaks Ghost of the past

LUXURY British marque Rolls-Royce has nodded to progress, rolling out subtle updates to its Ghost limousine at this week’s Geneva motor show that do little to spoil the model’s appearance in the view of conservative buyers.

Built for the “captains of industry, entrepreneurs and successful businessmen and women who are the wealth and job creators in our economies”, the Ghost Series II has evolved to become “the ultimate entrepreneur’s business tool”, according to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes.

While nothing has changed under the bonnet – the smaller sibling to the Phantom range that includes the limousine, Drophead Coupe and Coupe still uses a 6.6-litre V12 producing 420kW of power and 780Nm of torque – the car-maker has subtly altered the Ghost both inside and out.

A redesigned front face is described as a “contemporary reimagining”, with a bumper that gives an impression of even more width and a bonnet with a “wake channel” – Rolls-Royce’s definition of a sharp crease running back from the Spirit of Ecstasy adorning the grille.

The LED headlights that can peer around corners are also now framed in daytime running lights, while a “waft line” down the side of the vehicle – a subtle crease running above the rocker panel – inclines just a little bit further, suggesting if the Ghost wanted to, it could break into a run.

Inside, redesigned front seats now include electronically adjustable thigh support, and depth adjustment. The two rear seats are subtly re-angled to “augment effortless communication with fellow passengers”.

Meanwhile, the analogue clock’s fascia and instrument dials gain wristwatch-style polished metal rings.

Underneath, the Ghost Series II sports re-engineered front and rear struts, a new steering gear and adjusted dampers that increase the car’s cornering ability when paired with the Dynamic Driving Package.

Revised hydraulic rear axle bearings enhance ride quality and rear stability whilst reducing vibrations and cabin intrusions.

“As a design statement, Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II continues to transcend time,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars director of design Giles Taylor.

“This is ensured by the deft treatment of features such as the new headlights, the new wake channel on the bonnet and surfacing that lend the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance and hint at the cutting edge technology inside.

“I am very pleased with the overall sense of design harmony.”

The first Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II deliveries are expected to arrive in Australia late this year.

Global pricing for the updated model will be announced April, with Australian pricing to follow.

With the Australian dollar falling about 10 per cent in value since wholesale price cuts were made to the Rolls-Royce range in late 2012, expect the Ghost’s sticker price to potentially nudge into the $700,000 range.