The Rolls-Royce Wraith is the ultimate grand tourer

One defining nature of humanity, since time immemorial, is our high-strung, unrestrainable desire to move and discover new frontiers, to explore new environments and quench our unquenchable curiosities. From horses and steam trains to Airbus A380 planes and modern cars, mankind has continued to improve his means of travel.

Journey in the best

In this Chinese New Year season, many of us travel up to Malaysia for family reunions and holidays. What greater way is there to embark on a trip of epic proportions than in an automobile - namely a grand tourer?

The marvelous thing about long driving journeys is that you can head for somewhere in no particular rush, find a diversion, and explore. Even if you don't find your own private racetrack, that's okay, because if you're drawn to the experience, the drive alone is the prize.

The car to take on a grand tour should be capable of fast and long-distance driving and be a handsome, comfortable and luxurious coupe. There are many of such, which would do the job. But, if we could pick, we'd have the best. We'd take ours in a Rolls-Royce Wraith.

As grand as they come

It's a stylish fastback, whose powerful automotive design origins date as far back as the 1930s. Rather than take inspiration from any one car, the Wraith evokes the captivating pedigree of some of the most iconic designs from this influential era. This masterpiece of elegance and simplicity, led by the Spirit of Ecstasy, exudes poise and dynamism from any angle, and conveys a sense of purpose on any road you decide to travel.

The Wraith is also the luxury British marque's most sporting model, and the most powerful one in Singapore until the Wraith Black Badge comes. It has the performance to complement style, powered by a twin-turbo V12 that's capable of 624 strong horses, and goes from nought to a hundred in just 4.4 seconds. You get power on demand, in any gear, at any velocity. Just push down on the power pedal and a colossal surge of power kicks in.

Long drives are notorious for leaving you weary and achy but not in a Wraith. Even though its suspension is tweaked for improved driving performance, it isn't firm and the company's signature magic carpet ride guarantees total repose. The refinement it offers is simply extraordinary.

Due to the fact that it's also made to be a driver's machine, the Wraith gets a thicker steering wheel and a lower seating position compared to the Ghost. Inside, you and your partner can enjoy state-of-the-art infotainment, rich cabin materials and superb serenity wonted of any Rolls-Royce.

This is the very essence of Rolls-Royce grand touring, a unique take on the genre without any intrusive exhaust notes and overly firm ride conditions. This is what makes the Wraith our ultimate grand tourer, a car where the sense of arrival and joy of the journey are as important as the canvas upon which it's drawn.