Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase, 2012

 

 

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase, 2012

The ultra-luxury saloon, the sixth new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, caters for customers who require increased space and comfort without sacrificing Ghost's unique balance of dynamism and poise.

The award-winning, four-seater Ghost has seen outstanding demand since its worldwide launch in 2009. Designed as a vision of simplicity, it is a Rolls-Royce that drives and rides in peerless fashion. Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase takes this principle further, designed as a car to drive or in which to be chauffeured. It will be built to order and is available in only limited numbers for 2011 until full production begins in 2012.

The Ghost's ample interior space is further enhanced in the Extended Wheelbase variant by the addition of 170mm to the car's wheelbase, but with no detriment to the model's balanced proportions and stunning contemporary design. Legroom is significantly enhanced with knee-room more than doubled compared to the standard Ghost.

Increased cabin space in the rear passenger compartment and a panoramic sunroof sets new standards for interior ambience and light. Effortless entry and exit for passengers further reinforces Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' pinnacle position in the ultra-luxury segment.

Powered by the acclaimed Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine which produces an effortless 563hp and 780Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm, Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase accelerates from 0-100km/h in just five seconds. An intelligent, four corner air suspension maintains a perfect balance between ride and handling.

On the unveiling of the new car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, "This latest Rolls-Royce is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury. Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.

The first time a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region.

Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Concept, 2011

 

Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Concept, 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents Rolls-Royce 102EX, a car that represents one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years. It is the world's first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment and continues a tradition of experimental cars running through the model generations.

Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring for the world's most discerning customers. However, the company also recognises the need to look to the future and to plan for long-term sustainable growth. An investigation into alternative drive-train options is an important step in that process.

With Rolls-Royce 102EX, also to be known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company's intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.

Throughout 2011 Phantom EE serve as a working test bed, giving owners, VIPs, the media and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience an established alternative drive-train technology and to feed back their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly.
The bank of research gathered from a global drive programme that will include Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America will be crucial to decisions affecting alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Phantom EE also poses more fundamental questions: Is an all-electric drive-train able to deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience for customers, an experience that truly befits the marque?
Whether all-electric or another alternative drive-train option is right for Rolls-Royce will become clearer when the test programme is complete at the end of the year.

Rolls-Royce 102EX - PHANTOM EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRIC (EE)
Reinvention is part of being timeless and Phantom EE is the latest in a line of experimental vehicles from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It builds on a legacy which dates back to 1919 and 1EX.

Experimental models are used to test and evaluate new technologies and applications which could shape future Rolls-Royce products. Unlike a concept car, Rolls-Royce experimental models are always fully functioning, drivable vehicles using tangible materials such as wood, leather and metals rather than clay and foam or other concepts.
They present engineers and designers with the opportunity for real-world innovation and are used not only to showcase new components and engineering techniques but also to evaluate them.

The latest in this line of experimental projects began with a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a strikingly modern and immaculately proportioned car in which high technology and hand-craftsmanship combine to produce something extraordinary.
Phantom EE features the car's ground-breaking aluminium spaceframe, so important to dynamic prowess, as well as the sense of calm and tranquillity enjoyed by occupants. However, the naturally aspirated 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine and 6-speed gearbox have been replaced by a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame. These motors are connected to a single speed transmission with integrated differential.

DESIGN
102EX bears the famous hallmarks of the Rolls-Royce Phantom on which it is based, such as hand craftsmanship, fine detailing and iconic design cues like the pantheon grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy which celebrates its centenary in 2011. However, at the core of its design is the essence of an experimental vehicle, establishing this car's status as a test bed, while subtly alluding to its electric power plant.

ATLANTIC CHROME EXTERIOR
Our designers were challenged with creating a finish for Phantom EE which immediately signified a special car, distinguishing it from standard Phantom models in the absence of many overt design changes. Not an easy task, since all Phantom models are special - with customers benefitting from a range of bespoke paint options running to some 45,000 colours.

ILLUMINATED SPIRIT OF ECSTASY
As well as the launch of Rolls-Royce 102EX, 2011 marks another milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. On 6 February 1911, the design for Charles Sykes' Spirit of Ecstasy was first registered, signalling the start of a 100 year period in which this famous icon has adorned the prow of Rolls-Royce cars, from the famous Silver Ghosts, Clouds and Shadows of the 20th Century to today's hand-built Phantom and Ghost models.

INTERIOR DETAILING
Atlantic chrome-finished dashboard dials echo the exterior colour, providing a sense of interior-exterior balance and their analogue displays maintain the timeless architecture that every Phantom interior commands.
Other changes hint at further evolutionary designs applied to the car. For example, some dials have been subtly modified to provide information needed by the driver of an electric vehicle. The fuel gauge in particular has been replaced by an elegant battery charge indicator.

EXTERIOR RE-CHARGING POINT
Re-charging is undertaken with a plug and five-pin socket which takes the place of the normal fuel filling mechanism for Phantom.The standard fuel filler cap has been replaced by a design featuring a clear window, displaying the RR logo and 102EX motif. The window frames rear-mounted, tricolour LEDs which present the car's charging status.
On start up, the socket is bathed in blue light. This begins to flash as charging commences. When completely charged, the display turns green, then flashing green as the solenoid is disengaged. A potential fault in the system is indicated by either constant or flashing red light.

CENTRE CONSOLE DETAIL
A key identifier for Phantom EE is the design of the centre console charging and display, sited below the central arm rest. A simple switch is used to start and halt charging, while the display itself features a bright plate with an image of a battery, lit by LEDs.
Reflecting the lights applied to the exterior charging point, this image changes colour according to the charge status of the car. A blue-lit battery shows the vehicle is on standard charge, while pulsating blue indicates that inductive charging is taking place. Green indicates a fully charged battery while red notifies engineers of a potential fault in the system.

CORINOVA LEATHER
"At Rolls-Royce we pride ourselves in producing an authentic and natural product for customers, the quality of which is second to none. Seton Corinova is an experimental vegetable-tanned leather that allows us to celebrate more of the curves, creases and other features that are part and parcel of the life of the animal. It's a more sympathetic process that stretches our understanding of Rolls-Royce interior expectations. Owners' reactions will prove fascinating during the tour." - Andrew Monachan, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars General Manager, Leathershop.

Interior wood veneers present Phantom owners with unique grains, patterns and detail adding weight to the fact that every model leaving Goodwood is as unique as the finger print of its owner. Phantom EE takes this concept a step further.
Its leather interior is derived from a natural vegetable tanning process christened Corinova. This gives life to the car, adding definition to the seats, floor and arm rests.

Most leather produced for automotive applications is chrome tanned. This is an important constituent that helps to stabilise animal hides and transfer collagen into leather fibres. The barrel-dyeing process used to colour Phantom interior leathers gives a rich, uniform pigmentation while maintaining the natural feel and softness.

An experimental leather, Corinova distinguishes itself by being entirely chrome free. It starts with a preparation of Glutardialehyde to prepare for tanning. Chestnut extract, sustainably sourced from Southern Europe and Tara powder from crushed fruit of the Tara bush in South America are used for drum-spun colouring. Fruits are harvested without damage to the plant and the product is finished with a combination of natural binders and high tech polymers.

Rolls-Royce fully expects perceptions to be challenged and first impressions will no doubt focus on appearance, as features that define the life of the animal are more clearly visible in areas like seats and armrests than in production Phantom interiors. A change from the sumptuous finish applied to Phantom leather may imply a compromise to some owners, but others may welcome distinguishing features that stretch individualisation for Rolls-Royce Phantom models ever further.
As well as gauging owner feedback, the leather will be tested for its durability and performance after several months on tour.

INTERIOR PANELS
The interior of Phantom EE represents a departure from the traditional wood sets that define the majority of cars delivered to customers, providing a unique finish to the car. It features a distinctive aluminised foil weave that lifts the environment of the interior, contrasting sharply with the darker natural leather within. As is the case with Corinova leather, the aim is to challenge traditional perceptions of what might constitute a Rolls-Royce interior design scheme.

BATTERY PACK
Phantom EE is thought to have the largest passenger car battery in the world. Peak current is 850A, delivered at 338V DC. Overall capacity is 71kWh.
The pack is comprised of large-format NCM pouch cells. NCM (Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Oxide) is a variant of lithium-ion chemistry that has particularly high energy and power densities.

The Phantom EE battery pack houses five modules of cells, a 38-cell module, a 36-cell module, and three smaller ones of ten, eight and four arranged in various orientations within an irregular shaped unit. This resembles the overall shape of the original engine and gearbox.
Each of the 96 cells was individually tested before assembly into modules to determine their characteristics and capacity. Sub-assemblies were further tested under load to verify that the power connections between each cell perform to specification.

The electronic sensing units for each group of cells were tested and calibrated prior to assembly and put through a rigorous temperature cycling regime designed to provoke failure of weak components. The main electronic box, which contains the switching and control gear, was tested in isolation from the other components to verify correct operation.

Rolls-Royce RR4, 2010

 

Rolls-Royce RR4, 2010

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 is smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company  move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.

The effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.

 

The RR4 mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Car. The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand.
Further design and engineering details  announced during the course of 2009.

Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2010

 

 

 

Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2010

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. However, Rolls-Royce power is delivered in a very different manner to other cars. It arrives in an elegant, cosseting way that some have described as being designed to lower the pulse, not raise it.

The principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Rolls-Royce Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a slightly elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. The fascia has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The control centre display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are called upon. All features such as satellite navigation, telephone, communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked by quick-access buttons on the front centre console.

The optional driver assistance systems and technologies in Rolls-Royce Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of operation. From the moment the driver approaches the car, optional Comfort Entry allows easy access, unlocking the doors when the key fob is within 1.5 metres and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the car, voice control allows you to select from the control systems menus without using the central controller.

THE CONCEPT
Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately...

As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled Rolls-Royce 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Rolls-Royce Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling fashion. It was a clear statement of intent.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE
Rolls-Royce Ghost's flowing lines are dominated by its majestic 'Yacht Line' styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Rolls-Royce Ghost's more dynamic nature.

While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues - the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail - Rolls-Royce Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake," says Ian Cameron.

Inside Rolls-Royce Ghost, the interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is entered through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment.

Four-zone automatic air conditioning can be individually tailored to each passenger's requirements, with separate controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-stop plungers.

Within Rolls-Royce Ghost's ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.

ENGINEERING A BENCHMARK
When considering a Rolls-Royce car it is usual to think of wood, leather and chrome, but the company has its roots in engineering. The refinement of its end product stems from its engineers' desire to get the smallest details correct. Long before the interior items are prepared, experts are working to ensure that the chassis components, power trains and bodywork are operating in fluid harmony. This is a world where welds are an art form and craftsmanship exists at a nano level.

The body has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise. It is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect. In total, Rolls-Royce Ghost's frame contains 4.9m of seam weld and braze and 6,988 spot-welds. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminium.

Rolls-Royce Ghost rides on a bed of air. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work with an intelligent, four-cornered, air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to deliver the refinement that has been associated with Rolls-Royce for more than 100 years.

LEGENDARY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Rolls-Royce has a reputation for producing cars that transcend the mere automotive. There is a magic attached to the name, which stems in part from exquisite attention to detail and the fine materials used throughout.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is available in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by the optional Silver Satin bonnet.

Flawless leather is an absolute requirement for the interior of a Rolls-Royce. For this reason, our leather is sourced from bulls raised in pastures free of barbed wire, ensuring that there are fewer imperfections in the leather. Any other marks are carefully avoided by our skilled laser cutters. At least eight hides are used for an interior, and to ensure colour consistency, each hide comes from a batch dyed at the same time. The hides are drum-dyed rather than painted, ensuring that the colour permeates right through the leather. The process also means the leather remains much more supple, preventing cracking or squeaking and ensuring durability and longevity. All seats and interior panels are hand-stitched, using traditional upholstering techniques by those most skilled at their craft.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

•     * Number of doors / seats: 4 / 5
•     * Vehicle length: 5399 mm
•     * Vehicle width: 1948 mm
•     * Vehicle height: 1550 mm
•     * Wheelbase: 3295 mm
•     * Turning circle: 13.4 m
•     * Overhang front: 867.5 mm
•     * Overhang rear: 1236.5 mm
•     * Track width front: 1622 mm
•     * Track width rear: 1660 mm
•     * Shoulder room front: 1510 mm
•     * Shoulder room rear: 1418 mm
•     * Elbow room front: 1540 mm
•     * Elbow room rear: 1448 mm
•     * Max headroom front: 1030 mm
•     * Max headroom rear: 990 mm
•     * Effective headroom front with sunroof: 995
•     * Effective headroom rear with sunroof: 975 mm
•     * Ground clearance: 150 mm
•     * Width including mirrors: 2108 mm
•     * Luggage compartment capacity (ISO3832): 490 l
•     * Fuel tank capacity: 82.5 l
•     * Unladen weight (DIN / EU): 2360 kg / 2435 kg
•     * Axle load ratio, rear: 48.2 %
•     * Gross axle weight / max payload: 2940 kg / 580 kg
•     * Axle payload limit front / rear: 1445 kg / 1575 kg
•     * Engine type: V12
•     * valves: 48
•     * Fuel management: Direct injection
•     * Engine injector set-up / Aspiration: DI(VVT) / twin turbo
•     * Displacement: 6592 cm3
•     * Stroke / Bore: 88.3 mm / 89.0 mm
•     * Power output: 563 bhp (420 kW) @ 5250 rpm
•     * Max torque: 780 Nm (575 lb/ft) @ 1500 rpm
•     * Compression ratio: 10.0
•     * Fuel type: Super unleaded
•     * Transmission type: 8 speed automatic
•     * Transmission ratios 1st/2nd/3rd/4th: 4.717 / 3.143 / 2.106 / 1.667
•     * Transmission ratios 5th/6th/7th/8th: 1.285 / 1.000 / 0.839 / 0.667
•     * Transmission ratio reverse gear: 3.317
•     * Final drive ratio: 2.813
•     * Steering wheel revolutions lock to lock: 3.1
•     * Brakes front / diameter x thickness: Ventilated discs / 410x36 mm
•     * Brakes rear / diameter x thickness: Ventilated discs / 402x30 mm
•     * Drag co-efficient cd / A / cd x A: 0.33 / 2.60 m2 / 0.863 m2
•     * Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
•     * Acceleration 0-60 mph / 0-100km/h: 4.7 s / 4.9 s
•     * 1km from standing start: 23.1 s
•     * Power to weight (DIN-Unladen weight): 5.6 kg/kW
•     * Power per litre: 63.7 kW/l
•     * Consumption urban (EU): 20.5 l/100 km
•     * Consumption extra urban: 9.6 l/100 km
•     * Combined consumption: 13.6 l/100 km (20.8 mpg (imp. gal.))
•     * Range: 605 km (376 miles)
•     * CO2 Emissions (combined): 317 g/km
•     * Exhaust emissions standard: EU5
•     * Front tyres: 255/50 R19 103Y / 255/45 R20 101Y
•     * Rear tyres: 255/50 R19 103Y / 285/40 R20 104Y
•     * Front wheels: 8.5J x 19 EH2 / 8.5Jx20 EH2
•     * Rear wheels: 8.5J x 19 EH2 / 9.5Jx20 EH2
•     * Battery capacity / location: 90 Ah (AGM) / Luggage compartment
•     * Alternator output rating: 210 A / 2900 W

Rolls-Royce

 Rolls-Royce, 2013

Rolls-Royce, 2012

= Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase

Rolls-Royce, 2011

= Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Concept

Rolls-Royce, 2010

= Rolls-Royce Ghost
= Rolls-Royce RR4

Rolls-Royce, 2009