Geneva show: Rolls-Royce to unleash its Wraith

ROLLS-ROYCE will reveal a Ghost-based Coupe at the Geneva motor show in March, reviving the Wraith nameplate that has remained dormant since 1980.

Described by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos as a car that will “draw superlatives when it is unveiled in Geneva”, the Wraith is promised to be the most powerful and dynamic vehicle in the company’s history.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but the Phantom Coupe costs 16 per cent more than the sedan, suggesting the Wraith could cost around $750,000 plus on-road costs in Australia – unless Rolls-Royce dramatically slashes Ghost prices, as it did with the Phantom in November.

First customer deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

British publication Autocar reports the Wraith will ride on a wheelbase shortened by around 180mm compared with the standard-length Ghost, while the twin-turbo V12 engine will have power boosted from 396kW to 447kW.

As a result, 0-100km/h should come in well under the Ghost’s already sprightly 5.0 seconds.

Rolls-Royce says the Wraith will “boldly shape” the company’s future and bring new customers to the brand.

Rumours of a Ghost coupe have been rife since spy shots of the car testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany emerged last year.

The fact the BMW-owned British ultra-luxury car-maker took the Wraith to the ’Ring suggests it may deliver on the dynamic promise.

Mr Muller-Otvos said the Wraith is “not only defined by a timeless elegance, but one that encapsulates a sense of power, style and drama”.

The Wraith nameplate was first used between 1938 and 1939, then resurrected after the second World War for the Silver Wraith between 1946 and 1959.

Rolls-Royce briefly revived the Silver Wraith badge for long-wheelbase versions of the Silver Shadow II sold between 1977 and 1980.

Mr Muller-Otvos said the name “alludes to an almost imperceptible but powerful force, something rare, agile and potent, a spirit that will not be tethered to the earth”.

Rolls-Royce has promised a drawn-out teaser campaign of four instalments, and in an industry first has even published the dates of when they will be issued.

The teaser campaign has started with an interactive video in which mist shrouding the Wraith can be parted by swiping a mouse pointer – or finger if using a touchscreen device – across the image.