Rolls-Royce created the Silver Ghost in 1906. The 40/50 HP model was considered ‘the best car in the world’ at the time. Its production was terminated due to WWI, but the model itself was re-worked into British military vehicle. Phantom series came to the market in 1926, after the war, and marked the end of Silver Ghost.
Rollys-Royce officially announced a new model in Paris Auto Show 2006, and planned to go into production in 2010. The new model is to be more compact than Phantom, its price is set to be between 200,000 and 300,000 Euro.
In spring 2008, before Rolls-Royce announced its first draft for RR4, head designer Ian Cameron said, ‘Compare with Phantom, RR4’s aesthetic is more leisurely and the design emphasises on the driving experience. The reduced size and aesthetic are two apparent indications.’
Rolls-Royce eventually unfolded the test model Ghost 200EX at Geneva Motor Show in March 2009 and explained its design concept. The team wanted to create a modern Rolls-Royce, inspired by a variety of inspirations such as contemporary furniture, architecture and yacht.
Its name, Ghost, is also a tribute to Silver Ghost. The mass production version of Ghost is only slightly modified, a rare example in the industry. Ghost is one of the only models successfully combine elegance, sci-fi and modernist aesthetic.
Most car labels are launching new divisions to create a youthful, modern appeal. Supersports by Bentley, California by Ferrari, GranTurismo by Maserati are a few recent examples, defining the users as the drivers (as opposed to passengers). Functionality becomes a key — Ghost’s maximum power is 570ps at 5,250rpm, maximum torque is 79.6kgm (1,500rpm).
If Phantom is a bench mark for Rolls-Royce’s image in the 21st century, Ghost is a step further into the unknown — a perfect experimentation.
Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Yeung Chi Kin
Photo Courtesy: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hong Kong
Update: 20 Aug 2010
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 6,592c.c. V12 Twin-Turbo
Maximun Power: 570ps/5,250rpm
Maximun Torque: 79.6kgm/1,500rpm
Transmission: 8 Speed Automatic, Rear Wheel Drive
HKD$4,800,000
ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS HONG KONG (SHOWROOM)
Shop G7A, G/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong.
+852 2870 1692
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.hk
