Rolls Royce Ghost – Prices & Performance

As is the way with car launches, information on the Rolls Royce Ghost has been trickling out for months now. Since the first reveal of what was then the RR4 / EX200 in February at Geneva, we’ve had umpteen RR Ghost Spy Shots and been spoon-fed information on the RR Ghost’ Suspension and its mechanicals.

But as the new Ghost starts to roll off the production line ahead of its public reveal at Frankfurt in September (there has already been a private showing of the RR Ghost), Rolls Royce has decided the time has come to give us more detail and performance figures.

The new 6.6 litre V12 in the RR Ghost delivers 563bhp, 575lb/ft of torque and can sprint to 60mph in 4.7 seconds. Which is far from shoddy. In fact, it’s about the same time as an Aston Martin DB9. All this power gets shoved through an 8-speed ZF auto ‘box.

Despite the fact that Rolls Royce are making it clear that the Ghost is a more dynamic Rolls…

“Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road. Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

…you won’t be getting a big V12 soundtrack to go with the performance. Rolls Royce has engineered the Ghost to eliminate – as far as possible – road, engine and tyre noise. But then I suppose a ‘Sport’ RR is enough of a departure without letting the real world intrude in to the cabin.

The Rolls Royce Ghost goes on sales in the UK at the end of 2009, with a starting price of £165,000. Which is really not too bad at all. But, Rolls Royce are quoting the price as ‘+ tax’. So think £190k+.

Rolls Royce Ghost Quick Tech Specs

• No. of doors/seats: 4/5
• Vehicle length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches
• Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches
• Vehicle height: 1550 mm / 61 inches
• Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches
• Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
• Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
• Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
• Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
• Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
• 0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)
• 0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)

Rolls Royce Ghost Prices

• UK £165,000
• Europe €213,000
• North America US$245,000
• Rest of World US$250,000

(+tax and shipping)