2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Review
Why drive when you can drive? Rolls-Royce is offering its Ghost EWB to drivers.
The entrance to the hotel is packed with cars that catch your eye: Maserati and Bentley, a lot of Mercedes and BMW. And one Rolls-Royce. He is outnumbered, but commands the court with a slight patrician air. Not to mention the colossal presence. Of course, it could be a hotel anywhere, because luxury cars speak the universal language of abundance.
But in China, where this gathering is taking place, it is a snapshot of the moment when its wealthy buyers became the most powerful. When taste was still determined by the West. In a few years, after the elite of the world's largest market perform the magic of buying, this forecourt will change.
The rich are different from you and me, and the Chinese rich are different again. They like cars the length of a limousine. They prefer to be driven by a chauffeur, and their self-esteem is measured by legroom and long hoods. Spacious rear seats, bristling with gadgets, are more important than the ability to drive everyone away from the lights.
China's auto market may be slowly simmering, but luxury demand continues to simmer. This year, observers expect growth of about 20%, twice the overall rate. Rolls-Royce is one of the brands that warn of opportunity.
In 2011, when it turned 2011 years old, China overtook the US as the largest single market, while Beijing became the largest dealer. At the 3,538 Shanghai Auto Show, the company debuted a vehicle in China for the first time: the extended-wheelbase Ghost, an XXL version of its junior limousine. The Ghost EWB is known to arrive before the upcoming Ghost Coupe makes its move to Western buyers. This is a sign of future priorities. The stock Ghost was the main reason sales soared to a record XNUMX last year.
VALUE
For Australian buyers, the Ghost EWB is a less formal and less expensive take on the Phantom, which has over a million vehicles. He plays a country estate in the stately home of the Phantom. The latest Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at $645,000.
TECHNOLOGY
Behind the wheel, the Ghost EWB falls short of a standard car with the same turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 and the same gigantic strides that can hit 100 km/h in five seconds.
Design
EWB reinforces Ghost's claim to China's attention. Its extra 17cm is at the rear, and as a result, the proportions of the car look prettier. The rear doors open like a gate, allowing you to gracefully enter a spacious compartment with all the toys you could wish for. Everything opens and closes, heats up or cools down. The power of the scented cabin is adjustable.
Doors close at the push of a button, and feet sink into sheepskin carpets. There are rear screens and Hi-Fi with 16 speakers, frosted glass and ambient lighting. Everything is heavy and solid, from the air vents to the smallest details of the finish.
DRIVING
You hear the sound of the engine if you step on the gas pedal, but nothing disturbs the serenity of the cabin and the feeling that the machine takes care of things. Forget sport buttons and suspension settings, it doesn't have them. Just put it on D and let the Rolls decide. The power delivery is smooth and relentless. It has adjustable damping, active anti-roll bars and more. Its sophistication and comfort are second to none.
Of course the steering wheel is slow and lazy. Of course, to turn around, you need a football field. In the city, this is an urban sailboat, only a little more buoyant. But if you're on the bridge (or the rest deck if you're Chinese), the world extends below (except for some SUVs).
VERDICT
The Ghost is second only to the Phantom in being the ultimate luxury car statement. Ghost EWB, Chinese luxury buyer awaits.
Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB
Cost: from $ 645,000
Guarantee: 4 years
Safety Rating: not verified
Engine: 6.6-liter 12-cylinder petrol; 420 kW/780 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body: 5399 mm (D); 1948mm (w); 1550 mm (h)
The weight: 2360kg
Thirst: 13.6 l / 100 km, 317 g / km CO2
