Frankfurt Motor Show 2009
Rolls-Royce - Ghost
The Ghost is a more ‘informal’ Rolls-Royce, designed to broaden the appeal of the marque. The production car follows the same design language as the 200EX concept, first shown at the Geneva show. Incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues - the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail - it's relatively small compared to the flagship Phantom.
The style and verve of Cary Grant was apparently a key inspiration behind the car. ‘He is something of a benchmark!’ reflects project leader interior design, Alan Sheppard. This is intended as a modern interpretation of the Rolls-Royce spirit: the idea being to create something a little less formal than the Phantom. ‘The Ghost is therefore bit more casual, a little bit more free spirited, a little more jolly,’ says Sheppard.
The upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Inside features a mix of traditional and modern materials such as full grain leather on the seats, optional lambs wool floor mats and a new cashmere blend on the headlining. The team have added a little more 'jewellery' inside, car design shorthand for intriguing splashes of chrome and switchgear. Shephard explains: ‘The way the jewellery is used, it emphasises the graphic elements in the car and makes it more playful.’ He feels there is always a hint of Art Deco in his cars, manifested in the interplay between natural and machine surfaces.
Unlike the Phantom, The Ghost is less likely to be chauffeur driven so the interior is more driver-focused than previous Rolls-Royces. Nonetheless, the interior designer is keen to stress that there are no ‘second class’ seats in a Rolls-Royce. ‘Everyone in the Ghost has an equal amount of things to fascinate them so you don’t feel relegated to the back seat like many other cars.’
The Ghost is powered by the marque’s new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine reaching 60mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.
.Price: £192,500
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
The Ghost is a more ‘informal’ Rolls-Royce, designed to broaden the appeal of the marque. The production car follows the same design language as the 200EX concept, first shown at the Geneva show. Incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues - the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail - it's relatively small compared to the flagship Phantom.
The style and verve of Cary Grant was apparently a key inspiration behind the car. ‘He is something of a benchmark!’ reflects project leader interior design, Alan Sheppard. This is intended as a modern interpretation of the Rolls-Royce spirit: the idea being to create something a little less formal than the Phantom. ‘The Ghost is therefore bit more casual, a little bit more free spirited, a little more jolly,’ says Sheppard.
The upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Inside features a mix of traditional and modern materials such as full grain leather on the seats, optional lambs wool floor mats and a new cashmere blend on the headlining. The team have added a little more 'jewellery' inside, car design shorthand for intriguing splashes of chrome and switchgear. Shephard explains: ‘The way the jewellery is used, it emphasises the graphic elements in the car and makes it more playful.’ He feels there is always a hint of Art Deco in his cars, manifested in the interplay between natural and machine surfaces.
Unlike the Phantom, The Ghost is less likely to be chauffeur driven so the interior is more driver-focused than previous Rolls-Royces. Nonetheless, the interior designer is keen to stress that there are no ‘second class’ seats in a Rolls-Royce. ‘Everyone in the Ghost has an equal amount of things to fascinate them so you don’t feel relegated to the back seat like many other cars.’
The Ghost is powered by the marque’s new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine reaching 60mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.
.Price: £192,500
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
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cars 30 Sep 2009
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