The new Rolls-Royce Ghost brings perfection in simplicity

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the new Ghost.

The car now sits atop a Rolls-Royce exclusive proprietary aluminium spaceframe architecture, which Rolls-Royce claims delivers an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic proposition for the new Ghost.

The new platform positions the aluminium bulkhead, floor, crossmembers and sill panels to ensure the new Ghost meets client expectations as a motor car that is equally enjoyable to drive as it is to be driven in. Two of the cast suspension mounting assembles have also been pushed to the very front of new Ghost, placing its 6.75-litre V12 behind the front axle to achieve an optimum 50:50 weight distribution.

The new car has had its overall length has grown by 89mm compared to the first Goodwood Ghost, to 5,546mm, while its overall width has grown by 30mm to 1,978mm.

On the exterior, the new Ghost reflects an evolved appreciation of luxury, one defined by minimalism and purity, but underpinned by great substance. Sharp bow lines that intersect with an angular light signature, creating an assertive yet beautiful front end. 20 LEDs underneath the top of the radiator grille subtly illuminate the veins for a restrained glow at night.

From the flank, the 'waft line' of the new car has been lowered, lightening the surfacing to create a pure, uncomplicated sense of motion,  while the near-square rear light graphic at the rear has also been modernised with a slight forward tilt.

On the cabin, busy details and superficial embellishments have been rejected not only to create a more relaxing refuge, but to better celebrate the material substance and maximise the impact of bespoke colour personalisation.

Each of the 20 half-hides used to create the interior suite of new Ghost are subject to the automotive industry's most exhaustive quality control checks to ensure that each of the 338 panels used is of the very best quality.

Further demonstrating the marque's competence in leathercraft, complex, busy stitchwork has been eschewed for scant but incredibly long and perfectly straight lines, again welcoming scrutiny from the marque's clients. 

Two new interior finishes have been developed specifically for the Ghost. The first is Obsidian Ayous, inspired by the rich versatility of colours found in lava rock. The second is Dark Amber; which introduces subtle glamour to the interior suite by integrating veins of fine aluminium particles into the dark wood. As with the leather finishes, this material is left exposed as long, single-veneer leaves.

A new Illuminated Fascia also now rests in the cabin of the Ghost. The Illuminated Fascia utilises 152 LEDs and 90,000 laser-etched dots across its surface to disperse light evenly while creating a twinkling effect as the eye moves across it, echoing the subtle sparkle of the Starlight Headliner while also delivering an ethereal glowing Ghost nameplate.

A bespoke Ghost engine map has been created for the 6.75-litre engine to ensure ample performance for this dynamic motor car. The engine delivers 563bhp and 850Nm of torque to the all-wheel steer, all-wheel drive system.

Commensurate with clients' expectations, maximum torque is available from just 1,600rpm - only 600rpm above idle. To further refine its already remarkable acoustic properties, the air intake system now also incorporates larger porting to reduce engine presence in the interior.

The marque's hallmark Magic Carpet Ride has also evolved thanks to a new Planar Suspension System. The system incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more stable and effortless ride.

This is paired with the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in road surface, as well as the marque's Satellite Aided Transmission, to allow the car to anticipate and react to the most demanding road surfaces.

At the rear lies a five-link rear axle which benefits from the same self-levelling high-volume air suspension technology, as well as rear-wheel steering.

Power assisted self-closing doors also make an appearance on the new Ghost, allowing clients to close the door completely automatically at the push of a button on the exterior door handle. Power assistance is also delivered should they opt to open or close the door manually. On-board longitudinal and transverse sensors, as well as G-force sensors fitted to each door, ensure the same speed of operation for the doors, regardless of hill or driveway angles.

On the interior, Rolls-Royce promises a new level of serenity for the new Ghost, thanks to more than 100kg of acoustic damping material, as well as the use of sandwiching composite damping felts throughout the Ghost's architecture to reduce road noise intruding into the passenger suite.