2021 Rolls Royce Ghost Unveiled: New Technologies To Match The Luxury

The company first launched the Ghost model back in the year 2009. After 11 years, it is now updated to the new second-generation model. The new Ghost features an all-new engine, new architecture and improved suspension technology. The new Ghost is priced at Rs 6.95 Crore (ex-showroom).

Starting with exterior changes, the 2021 Ghost features new powerful headlamps with integrated C-shaped DRLs, an illuminated grille, new bumper design with wider air intake.

At the rear, the changes are limited to redesigned tail lamps. The side profile of the car continues to remain the same including the distinctive alloy wheel with weighed Rolls Royce logo placed in the centre.

According to the company, the design approach on the new Ghost is said to be minimal. During the development of the second-gen model, the company had reached out to customers for inputs. Based on the feedback, the company has not tampered much in terms of looks and kept it similar to the previous-gen model.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "The only components that we carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost were the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas. Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered from the ground up. The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet a highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients' needs and perfectly in tune with the times."

The new Ghost is also slightly larger as compared to the older-gen model. It is now 89mm longer, 30mm wider and 21mm taller than the older model. However, the wheelbase is identical at 3295mm.

The increase dimension of the new Ghost is primarily due to its new aluminium spaceframe architecture that underpins the Phantom and the Cullinan SUV. The new dynamics has allowed the company to attain perfect 50:50 weight distribution as the engine is now mounted behind the front axle. The increase dimensions has also resulted in improved boot space of 507 litres.

The new architecture is also paired with an all-new engine on the 2021 Ghost. The 6.75-litre twin-turbo engine from Phantom replaces the old 6.6-litre V12 that powered the older-gen model. The engine on the 2021 Ghost produces a maximum of 563bhp at 5000rpm and a peak torque of 850Nm at 6000rpm.

With the new engine, the drivetrain is also upgraded to the four-wheel-drive system, replacing the rear-wheel driven unit on the first-gen Ghost. The new model also features four-wheel steering for easier manoeuvrability and enhanced handling characteristics.

Despite its massive heft of over 2500kgs, the new Ghost manages to post an impressive 0 to 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds. It will continue to accelerate to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

However, the performance figures of a Rolls Royce is irrelevant for the company and the buyers. What matters to both is the ride quality of the new Ghost. Addressing the top priority of Rolls Royce buyers, the company has developed a new ‘Planar' suspension technology.

The new system is named after a geometric plane, which is completely flat and level. The system is the result of ten collective years of testing and development to create a sense of flight on land never before achieved by a motor car.

The new system incorporates the worlds first upper wishbone damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more stable and effortless ride. This works alongside the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras placed on the front to the car to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in the road surface.

The proactive suspension adjustment functions at speeds of up to 100km/h. The system also works in conjunction with the brand's Satellite Aided Transmission to preselect a gear for a seamless experience. The new system enhances the brand ‘Magic Carpet Ride' offering with all models.

On the Inside, the company has continued with its minimalist design approach. There are quite a lot of new features and the cabin continues to look clean, fresh and luxurious. The company has used over 100kgs of damping material to let only a whisper barely connecting the occupants to the outside world.

The cabin also features a new illuminated dashboard panel which echoes the ‘Starlight headliner' feature that Rolls-Royce already offers. It contains 152 LEDs that light up the Ghost nameplate and over 850 ‘stars' on the passenger side of the dashboard. The illuminated panel is invisible and is only switched on once the car is turned on.

Also, the starlight roofline now doubles up as a speaker to match the bespoke audio system. It creates a world of serenity to occupants inside the 2021 Ghost. The touchscreen system is updated with connected technology along with a couple of screens for rear-passenger entertainment.

Other features include a micro-environment purification system for the climate control to provide cleaner air to the occupants, a head-up display, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning, alertness assistant, and auto-park; among others.

It also features automated doors that can now be opened with a push of a button. Also, the umbrella holder are now heated to completely remove the traces of water, and offers a dry umbrella everytime.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, further added, "To create a new product that would resonate with our Ghost clients for the next ten years meant we had to listen carefully to their demands. Today we set new standards in customer-centricity by creating a completely new motor car for a unique group of Rolls-Royce's clients. These business leaders and entrepreneurs demand more of their Ghost than ever. They require a new type of super-luxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism. Ghost is this product."

Thoughts About The 2021 Rolls Royce Ghost

Rolls Royce has done a fabulous job of addressing the core values of its customers base. It strikes a perfect balance between modern technology and brand heritage. The 2021 Ghost will offer enhanced driving experience and ride quality, while nearly disconnecting the occupants from the outside world.