- The Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan has been updated
- Updates to Ghost include new styling, enhanced suspension, and increased connectivity
- U.S. pricing starts at $355,000
Rolls-Royce's second-generation Ghost sedan has undergone a mid-cycle refresh, or a Series II update, as the automaker refers to it.
The current Ghost arrived for the 2021 model year and the Series II update, unveiled on Tuesday, brings significant changes to the exterior styling, at least by Rolls-Royce standards. The interior has also been enhanced with a new digital interface and a clock complete with a Spirit of Ecstasy ornament.
The exterior changes are marked by a new front end with newly shaped headlights and an illuminated version of Rolls-Royce's signature Pantheon grille. At the rear, the taillights keep their current shape but the light signature is new. Instead of the horizontal elements of the current design, there are now two vertical elements, one of which doubles as the turn signal.
Moving inside, Rolls-Royce designers have added a new glass display panel spanning the width of the dash. It integrates a digital instrument cluster for the driver, a central infotainment screen which runs Rolls-Royce's own Spirit operating system, and an illuminated fascia facing the front passenger seat.
The Spirit operating system is the real highlight, and has been designed to work in conjunction with Rolls-Royce's Whispers app. It's now possible for owners to remotely connect with the car, for example to send destinations to the navigation, view the car's location, control the climate system, and lock or unlock it.
Entertainment functions have been improved with enhanced streaming capabilities and connectivity, according to Rolls-Royce, the 18-speaker audio system has received an upgraded 1,400-watt amplifier (up from 1,300 watts previously). Designers also added new sustainable trim options, including a bamboo-based fabric.
The Ghost Series II range also includes a long-wheelbase model that delivers an additional 6.7 inches for rear-seat passengers, plus a sporty Black Badge model which benefits from several performance upgrades including more power, a more responsible braking system, and a sportier tune for the suspension system.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
All Ghost Series II models come with a twin-turbocharged 6.8-liter V-12 that delivers 563 hp as standard and 592 hp in the Black Badge. In both cases there's an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Though there's no extra power, the Ghost's mechanicals weren't left untouched. The standard self-leveling suspension system, which features air springs and adjustable dampers, has been enhanced with a new upper wishbone damper at the front. According to Rolls-Royce, this helps deliver more stable composure over rough surfaces. Once again, the suspension works in concert with front-mounted cameras scanning the road surface and Rolls-Royce's transmission software which uses GPS data to predict road conditions ahead and pre-select the gear most suited to delivering a comfortable ride.
Order books for the Ghost Series II range are already open. Pricing in the U.S. starts at $355,000, excluding destination.
