Rolls Royce Ghost takes to the Streets

Rolls Royce is giving us another preview of its 'baby' Phantom with a new video that shows the luxury sedan's product manager Dan Balmer taking a pre-production prototype for a spin on the road. Scheduled to be revealed to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Show next month before going on sale in Europe at the end of the year and the rest of the world in spring 2010, the Ghost is powered by a 570 horsepower 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox. Watch the video after the jump.

Gallery : Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom

Yes, an electric Rolls-Royce. And why not? The torque curve of an electric motor – making maximum pulling power right at zero RPM – would seem to suit the R-R mission perfectly, as would the distinct lack of noise, vibration and harshness. Sounds like a match made in heaven, no?

Naturally, there are issues to overcome, not the least of which is sourcing a suitably large battery for the three-ton Phantom sedan. According to Auto Express, that battery pack would feature lithium ion cells, which happens to be the same technology used by parent company BMW in its electric Mini E.

These rumors aren't exactly new – we last heard of an electric Roller about a year ago – but this time the addition of a possible range extender is mentioned for the first time. Such a configuration is featured in both the upcoming Chevy Volt and the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept BMW showed off at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The unnamed spokesperson cited by Auto Express doesn't offer any sort of timetable as to when we might see an electric Phantom, but we're not exactly holding our breath.

Rolls Royce Releases Performance Figures for 2010 Ghost Sedan

Since there's no point in releasing teaser photos of the Ghost as changes over the pre-production concept will be extremely limited, Rolls Royce is bombarding us with new information on its 'entry-level' sedan model. This time the BMW Group owned British automaker confirmed details on the performance figures for the Phantom's baby brother. More specifically, the new 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine will produce an output of 570PS at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 780Nm or 575 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm.

The V12 engine that will be linked to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox, will help the Ghost to deliver a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and a governed top speed of 155mph or 250km/h.

"First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery," said Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl. "This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience."

Previously, Rolls-Royce confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an "intelligent" four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

In Europe, deliveries of the Ghost will begin late in 2009 with prices in the UK starting from £165,000 ($272,000 US or €191,000) excluding taxes and delivery charges. Ιn other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region, the Ghost will begin to arrive at dealerships from the second quarter of 2010.

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II Receives Redneck Tuning Treatment

And yes, here's yet another ridiculously tuned classic. Spotted somewhere in Belgium, this 1960s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II has been ill-treated with rice-racer-esque aero-parts such as a front apron and a large rear wing complemented by a set of contemporary five-spoke alloy wheels, a stupendous hood scoop and as if that wasn't enough, the owner of the classic Rolls also added flame graphics to the sides of the vehicle. Hit the jump to check out the rest of the pics and weep...

Rolls Royce Ghost Caught Without Camo in Germany

Even though we're getting very close to the Ghost's official launch date, Rolls Royce continues to polish up its all-new "baby" Phantom that was scooped here in production-ready form testing in Germany. Sans the black tape on the grille, the prototype model was completely undisguised and unless we're missing something, the Ghost is virtually unchanged from the 200 EX concept study that was unveiled at this year's Geneva Salon.

The production model retains the prototype model's suicide rear doors as well as the brushed aluminum bonnet and A-pillars that will most likely be offered as an option when sales begin in Europe in late 2009 and the rest of the world, from the second quarter of 2010.

Measuring just under 5,4 meters in length, the Ghost is 187 mm longer than a LWB 7-Series (5,212 mm) but almost half-a-meter shorter than the Phantom (5,83m).

The Phantom's baby brother will be offered with a newly developed 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox. The V12 produces an output of 570 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 780Nm (575 lb-ft) at just 1,500 rpm.

Rolls Royce has revealed that the Ghost will accelerate from 0 to 60mph 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and reach an electronically governed top speed of 155mph or 250km/h.

The BMW Group owned British automaker also announced that the Ghost will be equipped with "intelligent" four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminum front and rear axles. The company claims that hat the newly developed air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes, including the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other compensating accordingly.

Rolls Royce Ghost to Feature "Intelligent" Air Suspension System

As we're getting closer to the Frankfurt motor show, Rolls Royce is releasing further technical details on its new 'baby' model. This time, the British automaker revealed that like the larger Phantom, the 2010 Ghost will make use of an "intelligent" four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminum front and rear axles that promise to offer driver and passengers alike the ride of the their life - or so to speak.

"The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced," said Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves. "But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. We are very proud of our engineering team's achievements with Ghost. The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing," he added

Rolls Royce claims that the newly developed air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes, including the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and compensate accordingly.

The system uses an on-board computer that reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car with the dampers alone making individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. Rolls Royce said that the air suspension system also incorporates a so-called "lift and kneel" function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist those folks that have a problem getting in or out of the car -or at least that's what the company suggests...- or allow the Ghost to travel over rough ground.

In an earlier release, Rolls Royce revealed that the Ghost will be powered by a new 6.6-liter V12 engine churning out "more than 507HP". Series production of the new Rolls will begin in late 2009.

MINI Rolls Royce Edition Scooped but Report Claims it Won't go on Sale

Talk about a 'hot and cold shower' story... Just as we were getting ready to post the first photos of the rumored MINI Rolls Royce limited edition model that appeared on the 'Total Mini' forum, we discovered a report from the MINI-loving crew over at 'Theswitchback' saying that the car will not go on sale. More specifically, the report said that while a company spokesman confirmed the production of the Rolls Royce Edition model for a recent dealer event, he claimed that MINI has "no current plans" to release the car into the market.

"MINI is known for successfully marketing special edition models. But for every 100 that are proposed, 99 don't make the final cut," the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying.

Nonetheless, if you're were wondering what a $50k MINI Rolls Royce Edition would look like, these shots from 'Totalmini' forumster 'Posts001' give us a pretty good idea. Aside from the RR blue finish, the special edition MINI features a bodykit and new alloy wheels while the interior of the car seems to be upgraded with premium materials and new trim. Unless we're missing something, it doesn't seem as special as some speculated.

Rolls Royce Ghost to Feature "Intelligent" Air Suspension System

As we're getting closer to the Frankfurt motor show, Rolls Royce is releasing further technical details on its new 'baby' model. This time, the British automaker revealed that like the larger Phantom, the 2010 Ghost will make use of an "intelligent" four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminum front and rear axles that promise to offer driver and passengers alike the ride of the their life - or so to speak.

"The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced," said Rolls-Royce CEO, Tom Purves. "But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. We are very proud of our engineering team's achievements with Ghost. The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing," he added

Rolls Royce claims that the newly developed air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes, including the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and compensate accordingly.

The system uses an on-board computer that reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car with the dampers alone making individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. Rolls Royce said that the air suspension system also incorporates a so-called "lift and kneel" function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist those folks that have a problem getting in or out of the car -or at least that's what the company suggests...- or allow the Ghost to travel over rough ground.

In an earlier release, Rolls Royce revealed that the Ghost will be powered by a new 6.6-liter V12 engine churning out "more than 507HP". Series production of the new Rolls will begin in late 2009.

'Aristocratic' Tuning: Hamman Rolls Royce Phantom and Drophead Coupe

Tuners are leaving no stone unturned these harsh economic times in their pursuit to make a buck or two. And what better candidates for some extra cash than the Rolls Royce Phantom limo and its convertible offspring, the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Though Hamann Motorsports has yet to disclose something official, these photos made their way into the net revealing the two cars. Aside from the massive 23-inch alloy wheels that are available in various designs, we didn't any other exterior changes on the Phantoms. A photograph of the interior though reveals that the German tuner has developed a new three spoke sport steering wheel for both models.

It is also said, but not verified, that Hamann Motorsport's Phantom package also includes an engine kit that boosts the 6.75-liter V12's output from 460HP to 535HP and maximum torque from 720Nm to 835Nm (615-lbs/ft). Along with the removal of the speed limiter, it is claimed that both Phantoms reach a top speed of 300km/h or 187 mph.

2010 Rolls Royce Ghost: Production Model Spied on the Road

The most talked about Rolls Royce model of the past couple of years, the freshly baptized Ghost, was spotted by an online user at the Calais - Dover crossing waiting for the ferry. The production ready Rolls Royce Ghost was virtually camouflage free as only the hidden / tapped parts were the grille and the RR badge on the boot. On the outside, with the exception of the production-like headlight assembly, the absence of visible tail pipes at the rear and the different alloy wheels, we didn't find any other changes over the 200EX concept car shown at the Geneva Show in March.

The amateur spy photographer also snapped a quick shot of the Ghost's interior. From what we are able to make out from the picture, there are only a couple of notable differences between the two cars such as the matte plastic trim on the steering wheel (instead of the 200EX's glossy chrome trim) and the dark surrounding of the instrument panel.

Often called the 'baby' Rolls Royce, the 5.4 meter (212.6") long Ghost will make its world premiere in production form at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show and hit showrooms by the end of the year. Under the elongated bonnet there's a new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine that produces an output in excess of 507 horsepower.

'Aristocratic' Tuning: Hamman Rolls Royce Phantom and Drophead Coupe

Tuners are leaving no stone unturned these harsh economic times in their pursuit to make a buck or two. And what better candidates for some extra cash than the Rolls Royce Phantom limo and its convertible offspring, the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Though Hamann Motorsports has yet to disclose something official, these photos made their way into the net revealing the two cars. Aside from the massive 23-inch alloy wheels that are available in various designs, we didn't any other exterior changes on the Phantoms. A photograph of the interior though reveals that the German tuner has developed a new three spoke sport steering wheel for both models.

It is also said, but not verified, that Hamann Motorsport's Phantom package also includes an engine kit that boosts the 6.75-liter V12's output from 460HP to 535HP and maximum torque from 720Nm to 835Nm (615-lbs/ft). Along with the removal of the speed limiter, it is claimed that both Phantoms reach a top speed of 300km/h or 187 mph.

MINI Rolls Royce Edition Scooped but Report Claims it Won't go on Sale

Talk about a 'hot and cold shower' story... Just as we were getting ready to post the first photos of the rumored MINI Rolls Royce limited edition model that appeared on the 'Total Mini' forum, we discovered a report from the MINI-loving crew over at 'Theswitchback' saying that the car will not go on sale. More specifically, the report said that while a company spokesman confirmed the production of the Rolls Royce Edition model for a recent dealer event, he claimed that MINI has "no current plans" to release the car into the market.

"MINI is known for successfully marketing special edition models. But for every 100 that are proposed, 99 don't make the final cut," the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying.

Nonetheless, if you're were wondering what a $50k MINI Rolls Royce Edition would look like, these shots from 'Totalmini' forumster 'Posts001' give us a pretty good idea. Aside from the RR blue finish, the special edition MINI features a bodykit and new alloy wheels while the interior of the car seems to be upgraded with premium materials and new trim. Unless we're missing something, it doesn't seem as special as some speculated.

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe 'ala' Louis Vuitton

We've seen some obnoxiously modified Rolls Royce cars but we think this Phantom Drophead Coupe with its Louis Vuitton outer skin and larger than life alloy rims is so vulgar that it deserves to be ranked amongst the worst. Goes to show you that bad taste has no limits nor boundaries, it knows no rules or classes...