Autoblog

Rolls-Royce Ghost meets its muddy maker in Jakarta flood

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Luxury

When severe weather or a natural disaster strikes an area, it's hard to get sentimental over trivial possessions like cars, but at the same time, as auto enthusiasts, it always pains us to see a rare car lost regardless of the circumstances. Heavy rains in Jakarta, Indonesia have produced the worst flooding in the city since 2007, which according to Reuters has left an estimated 18,000 people displaced from their homes in addition to six deaths, leaving the roadways covered covered in feet of water.

One of the many cars claimed by the rising waters was this Rolls-Royce Ghost that is surrounded by water that almost fully covers the massive wheels. There is no word as to how much water got inside this Ghost, but it was obviously enough that it could be bailed out by the bucket.

Rolls-Royce Ghost meets its muddy maker in Jakarta flood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

The wheeled monolith above is the 2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase - a rolling demonstration of the real definition of "More." For that reason we can use it as a symbol of the firm's sales, which have not only achieved 'more' for the past three years but have also broken company records. Adding to its record-setting years in 2010 and 2011, the Goodwood-based carmaker moved 3,575 units, an increase of 38 over the year before.

The US retook its crown as the greatest consumers of Rolls-Royces, snagging it back from China. Other market movers were the Middle East, where sales rose 26 percent, Mainland Europe - the same place where mass-market makers are drowning in woe and inventory - that rose by 21 percent, and the Asia Pacific region and its 18-percent rise. Rolls-Royce is probably making more money on its cars, too, with bespoke uptake reaching 95 percent on the 10-year-old Phantom line and 73 percent for the Ghost line.

With a just-refreshed lineup and one or perhaps two more models coming, the indicators for more upward sales movement are strong, even if we don't know how soon the new models will arrive. For 2012, the brand that sells more cars above $200,000 than any other proved the saying that storms can't affect you when you live above the clouds. The press release below has more to say about the record year.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year

Rolls-Royce rings up best-ever sales year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll

Matt DeLorenzo — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Limited Volume, Big Margins Spell Success

Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to selling super luxury. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös expects the British automaker to again post a record year, despite the economic troubles in Europe and weak growth in both the US and China.

"It is not all doom and gloom out there," Müller-Ötvös explains, noting that the declining sales in Europe and elsewhere have been offset by good performance for the marque in the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Russia.

You won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

The key to this success is remaining focused on its strengths by limiting itself to what it knows best, very expensive cars and cars alone. As a result, you won't see an SUV from Rolls-Royce.

"Our clear strategy is to stick to this segment of 200,000 Euros and up," he explains, adding because of the limited volume of about 3,500 cars per year, "we are not in a situation where we need to fill up excess capacity in the plant."

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll

Even in a down economy, Rolls-Royce is on a roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology, Videos

Some of the protagonists placed on the tiny battlefield of action sports cameras are the JVC Adixxion, Sony Action Cam, Ion Air Pro, Contour +2 and GoPro Hero3 HD. The first three are in their infancy, the Contour recently upgraded to next-gen status and the big-daddy Hero3 about to ship as a third generation, specs-busting model.

Also just refreshed is the $400 Drift HD Ghost, bettering the previous version by the addition of a new seven-element lens covered by Gorilla Glass 2 and built-in Wi-Fi that, with a coming DriftMobile app, lets you control the camera with your phone. Its two-way remote - that works from 30 feet away - has an LED that lets you know when the camera is recording, the illumination color-coded to indicate the mode: video, photo, time-lapse or photo burst. There's also a feature called Flashback, which captures footage to memory in five-minute chunks; if you hadn't hit record but want something the camera caught in the last five minutes, you can save the footage. It also has a built-in two-inch LCD screen and is waterproof to nine feet.

The Ghost will do 1080p, 960p, 720p and WVGA, the 1080p frame rates in either 25 or 30 fps, 720p going up to 60 fps. But specs without footage don't mean much, so you'll find some video samples below. Make sure you turn up the quality.

Continue reading Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video]

Drift HD Ghost camera ready to bring the fight to GoPro [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost gets minor updates for 2013

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Befitting a creature called the Ghost, it was there and then it wasn't: Rolls-Royce dropped a few details and a picture of the 2013 Ghost, then removed all trace of it from the corporate site. The Internet can't keep a secret, though, so we have the goss on a carryover sedan with a few upgrades.

Next year's model takes its inspiration and several new tricks from the Ghost Six Senses concept revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. The new natural grain leather, cross-banded wood veneers and "exciter" (high-range) speakers come straight from the concept. A new alloy wheel option is also available, but the single press photo doesn't show the same alloys used on the Six Senses car. Not shown in Beijing but on the menu for the coming sedan is Comfort Access, the ability to open the trunk by waving your foot under the rear bumper as long as you have the key on your person. It is the first Rolls-Royce to get the option.

The price gets an upgrade, too, rising $7,050 to $260,750. Part of the increase is in the gas-guzzler tax, which climbed to $2,100 from $1,700 because of a new EPA calculations for fuel economy. As if you'd be worried about gas when you own a Ghost, but just in case, it will return 13 miles per gallon city and 21 mpg highway.

The extended-wheelbase model jumps to $300,100 from $293,700 last year. A pittance, really, considering it only requires ticking three boxes on the options list to add another $91,100 dollars to the price. Feel free to consider your own options while you check out the press release below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Ghost gets minor updates for 2013

Rolls-Royce Ghost gets minor updates for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupe does some performance testing at Nürburgring

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

While all the gory details surrounding the new Rolls-Royce coupe - including its true name, "Corniche" is just a savory-sounding best guess right now - are still shrouded in mystery, this new set of clandestinely foraged images proves that the car probably won't be a slouch in terms of performance.

The Ghost-based Roller was spotted on the Nürburgring Nordschleife recently, demonstrating its sporting chops at the same time it was showing off it's impressive patrician nose. Expectations are that, when the new coupe is shown off for real at the Geneva Motor Show in March of next year, that nose will belong to the fastest production car to ever wear the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Indications are that the Corniche will be rocking a turbocharged V12, making in the ballpark of 600 horsepower, and using an eight-speed transmission.

Rolls-Royce Corniche Coupe does some performance testing at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Rolls-Royce, Design/Style, Luxury

Rolls-Royce has used the 2012 Paris Motor Show to pull the covers off its art deco-inspired Phantom saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Ghost models. These three bespoke machines are said to pay homage to the 1925 Paris Exhibition or Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Not coincidentally, the phrase 'art deco' was coined at that very show.

These three models are finished in period-correct color schemes and feature details that include mother of pearl and silver inlays and ornamental glassware. According to Giles Taylor, Design Director Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, "Art Deco was defined by theatre, glamour and a sense of excitement. Working to create contemporary interpretations of these classic themes has been enormously rewarding for everyone in my bespoke design team." But of course.

Feel free to check out our live gallery of high-res images above along with the official shots released by Rolls-Royce below. There's also a press release or two waiting for your prying eyes, if you're so inclined.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris

Rolls-Royce goes glam, celebrates Art Deco heritage in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce planning one or two new models based on the Ghost

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Fourteen years after Volkswagen bought Bentley, its English brand has two distinct lines, Mulsanne and Continental - with numerous variants at the Continental's lower price point - an SUV on the way and perhaps a sports car and a Mulsanne convertible, too. In the 14 years since BMW bought Rolls-Royce, its English brand has the Phantom and Ghost - with three variants at the Phantom's much higher price point. Rolls-Royce doesn't chase sales, but the difference in the brand direction helps explain why Bentley has sold more cars in the first six months of this year than Rolls-Royce sold all of last year.

And even though Rolls-Royce isn't solely about the tally, it would still like to improve on the 3,538 cars it sold last year - a sales record that eclipsed a mark set in 1978. To do so its CEO is planning one or two more Ghost-based models beyond the as-yet-unnamed Ghost Coupe due next year, perhaps to be called the Corniche, according to a report in Autocar. A convertible version of the Ghost Coupe is the obvious guess for one of them, and it would get the double-R "closer to 4,000" sales, where the CEO would like to be.

Sales might not be the only part of it, though; the headline of the Autocar piece says the CEO wants the new models because they're "required to give Rolls-Royce a proper identity." If that is accurate, we have no idea what kind of identity Rolls-Royce could be missing that would be served by a wider range of cars in the Ghost range, which by their place in the brand's own lineup are admittedly not the most opulent carriages on the planet.

Rolls-Royce planning one or two new models based on the Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghost Coupe to be fastest Rolls-Royce ever

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:12:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Autocar has snapped spy shots of a Rolls-Royce Ghost Coupe, and judging from proportions the car will be so long in front and raked in back that it would make Dick Tracy whistle. We'll get the true story on that at next year's Geneva Motor Show, which is when Autocar says it's due to be revealed, but what's less in question is this: with a 6.6-liter, 600-horsepower V12 and a tauter ride it will be the fastest Rolls-Royce ever.

Weight is estimated to drop by 200 kg compared to its sedan sibling, and its roofline to drop by up to nearly three inches. If the horsepower numbers are correct the shorter and lighter Ghost coupe, with a 69-hp bump over the sedan, will assuredly deliver the "considerably brisker" acceleration promised. Helping matters will be the lowered chassis, larger tires, "mildly sports-orientated" brakes and a suspension tuned to be more aggressive but delivering just as much waftability.

Although it's being called the Ghost Coupe for now, insiders have suggested to the magazine that that it will get its own, bespoke, name, with pricing above the standard sedan but below the extended-wheelbase sedan.

Ghost Coupe to be fastest Rolls-Royce ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corniche Comeback: New Rolls-Royce coupe spotted testing

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Rolls-Royce

It's been over a decade since Rolls-Royce last offered a Corniche, which was the company's name for its unibody coupe and convertible models since the early 1970s. But from the looks of what our photographers recently snapped in Munich, that drought may soon be over.

What they've spied is the 2014 Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe, a forthcoming model based on the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Never mind the fake door handles and rear doors on the test mules, the production Corniche will have just two suicide doors like its big brother the Phantom coupe.

Powertrain will probably be carried over from the Ghost sedan, meaning a 6.6-liter V12. We suspect that BMW will roll out its new Roller at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. Until then, our spies will keep their eyes open for more prototypes, including the oft-rumored convertible.

Corniche Comeback: New Rolls-Royce coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce showcases Ghost Six Senses concept in Beijing

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

"Stock" is a relative term. Stock cars, for example, like those raced in NASCAR, are anything but showroom stock. And at the opposite end of the spectrum, "stock" is just the starting point when ordering a new Rolls-Royce. The high-end marque offers its customers a virtually endless array of personalization options, and to drive that point, home Rolls-Royce is showcasing the show car seen here at this week's Beijing Motor Show.

Called the Six Senses concept, this specially equipped Ghost is designed to stimulate each of the five senses - sight, sound, scent, taste and touch - and proffers the singular luxury of a Rolls-Royce as the sixth sense. Sure beats seeing dead people.

The concept is painted in pearlescent Carrara White, with unique forged alloys and an interior decked out in walnut burr veneer, deep-pile lambswool carpeting (even in the trunk), leather headliner with panoramic sunroof, an upgraded sound system and champagne cooler. Check it out in the gallery above and follow the jump for the details in the press release.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce showcases Ghost Six Senses concept in Beijing

Rolls-Royce showcases Ghost Six Senses concept in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce debuts two-tone bespoke Ghost

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce, Design/Style, Luxury

For the first time in the life of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the company is offering a two-tone color scheme as a "bespoke" factory option. This comes as a surprise to us because we didn't know there was something you couldn't get on a Ghost.

The company's stand at the Geneva Motor Show was used to display the first two examples: one with Infinity Black topped by Cassiopeia Silver and another in Baynunah Brown capped by Arizona Sun, with a gold-plated hood ornament and a gold double coach-line (read: pinstripes). The Infinity Black model carries the contrast to the interior, with black leather offset by a seashell headliner and steel pinstripes set into black ash veneer.

If this is why you've been holding back on a Ghost purchase, first admire the handiwork in the photo gallery, and then pick up your phone: your local dealer is waiting on line two.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce debuts two-tone bespoke Ghost

Rolls-Royce debuts two-tone bespoke Ghost originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce revels in the customization options most of its customers spring for

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

If you're going to shell out for a brand new Rolls-Royce, you're going to want to get it exactly the way you want it, right? Right. And that's the case for the majority of buyers even of the (relatively) more accessible Ghost as it is of the higher-end Phantom range. In fact, Goodwood reports that 56% of buyers of the Ghost (including the extended wheelbase model) opted for some measure of personalization direct from the factory.

Intriguing as those numbers are - and as helpful as they've been to the BMW division's bottom line - they still pale in comparison to the proportion of customized Phantom models. In North America alone, a solid 84% of Phantom buyers opt for bespoke personalization (up from just 30% in 2005). In continental Europe, those numbers rose from 50% to 89%. In the marque's home market of the UK, they rose from 60% up to 88%, while in the Asia Pacific market they jumped from 50% to 79%. Most impressively, however, just about every single Phantom ordered in the Middle East comes in as a custom order, standing at 99% from the 75% at which it stood in 2005.

So just what constitutes "bespoke personalization" in the Rolls-Royce catalog? It could be anything from unique paint colors (like the questionable metallic pink pictured above) to custom humidors. Take a stroll through the high-resolution images in the gallery above to see just a few of the options.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce revels in the customization options most of its customers spring for

Rolls-Royce revels in the customization options most of its customers spring for originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Rolls-Royce, Earnings/Financials, UK, Luxury

Some would say that 2011 wasn't exactly a banner year, but the good chaps at Rolls-Royce would likely respond with a definitive "Poppycock!" That's because the 107-year-old brand experienced its best-ever sales totals in 2011, with 3,538 very expensive autos sold around the globe. That's a 31 percent increase over the 2,711 models sold in 2010, thanks mostly to brisk sales of the Ghost and Phantom models.

With sales up 31 percent, it's clear that the storied automaker was on fire the world over, but certain markets really catapulted the marque. In fact, sales in Asia were up 47 percent, and the U.S. saw 17 percent growth. Austerity measures in England didn't stop the craze for new Rolls-Royce models, either, with sales up 30 percent.

It may not be all that exciting to see that the rich can afford more Rolls Royce models, but we're guessing the 1,000 employees working in Goodwood are probably tickled at the brand's rising popularity. Hit the jump to read over the official Rolls-Royce press release.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history

Rolls-Royce records highest annual sales in 107-year history originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce recalling 2010 Ghost over possible engine fires

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

No car is invincible to defects, and sometimes, even the folks in the highest tax bracket have to deal with vehicle recalls. The 589 lucky souls who purchased 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost models manufactured between September 2009 and September 2010 will need to make a trip to the dealership (or at least send their butler or chauffeur), as the ultralux sedan is being recalled due to an electric auxiliary water pump that can overheat and potentially result in a fire.

Those of you paying close attention will note that BMW and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for this exact problem earlier this week covering vehicles that use the automaker's turbocharged eight- and twelve-cylinder engines. The Ghost uses a reworked version of the twin-turbo V12 found in the BMW 760Li, and thus, is affected by this water pump problem.

Rolls-Royce will notify owners of this problem and a new auxiliary water pump will be installed free of charge. For the full details, follow the jump for NHTSA's official statement.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce recalling 2010 Ghost over possible engine fires

Rolls-Royce recalling 2010 Ghost over possible engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce debuts Ghost Extended Wheelbase in Shanghai

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Rolls-Royce, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a Rolls-Royce Ghost but the current model isn't quite big enough, or you can't stomach the idea of driving yourself to and from the country club, Rolls has you covered. The company just pulled the wrapper off the 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase at the Shanghai Motor Show today.

The latest addition to the Ghost lineup is 170mm, or about 6.7 inches, longer than the standard car, making it the perfect barge for those who want to be driven. If being chauffeured isn't your style, Rolls-Royce promises the Ghost Extended Wheelbase will be just as satisfying to drive as the smaller version, despite its added length and extra girth.

For people in the back, there's a new panoramic sunroof to bathe the interior in natural light, and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the view. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase will be sold in very limited numbers for the rest of 2011, with full production beginning in 2012. Price, naturally, goes unmentioned.

Gallery: 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce debuts Ghost Extended Wheelbase in Shanghai

Rolls-Royce debuts Ghost Extended Wheelbase in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce reportedly planning to expand Ghost family with coupe, cabrio, LWB sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Ghost has been a runaway success for Rolls-Royce, the (relatively) more accessible saloon more than doubling its sales figures and outselling the larger Phantom by order of magnitude. And as might be expected, the BMW subsidiary has every intention of cashing in its success with a family of new models.

Much as it has with the Phantom, Rolls-Royce is reportedly planning on spinning the Ghost sedan into a full range, including a long-wheelbase version, a coupe and convertible. The stretched limousine is expected to come first, with about half a foot of extra length added between the B and C pillars for more rear-seat space. The coupe and convertible versions are expected to follow.

Reports also indicate that Rolls-Royce is planning a green push by implementing more environmentally-friendly drivetrain options, although it has not yet decided exactly what form they'll take. With sister-brands BMW and Mini taking the pressure of carbon emissions regulations off its back, the Spirit of Ecstasy is more concerned with pinpointing just what its customers want, and delivering it in a finely-crafted, leather-lined burlwood box.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce reportedly planning to expand Ghost family with coupe, cabrio, LWB sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fenice Milano's Rolls-Royce Ghost "Diva" makes Mansory look tasteful

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Ghost Diva edition by Fenice Milano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Between the gallons of chrome and the Spirit of Ecstasy protruding from its prominent grille, the contemporary offerings from Rolls-Royce have become a favorite among the bling crowd. But there are always those looking for something more outlandish. We thought Mansory had them covered with their take on the Ghost, but even that's looking subdued in comparison to Fenice Milano's Diva.

Decked out in more gold than an aging Mediterranean playboy's neck, the Diva edition takes the borderline tasteful way over the top. The hood, grille, side sills and mirrors have all been coated in 24-karat gold, as has the interior, along with custom teak, leather and Alcantara trim. It's enough to make Liberace spin in his grave, and if you're wearing your gold D&G sunglasses, you can check it out for yourself in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Ghost Diva edition by Fenice Milano

[Source: Fenice Milano]

Continue reading Fenice Milano's Rolls-Royce Ghost "Diva" makes Mansory look tasteful

Fenice Milano's Rolls-Royce Ghost "Diva" makes Mansory look tasteful originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Rolls-Royce to expand Ghost line

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, UK, Luxury

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

It sounds like Rolls-Royce is looking to pull a few more Ghosts out of its hat. According to Bloomberg, the company has its eyes on doubling sales figures in a hurry, and part of that plan may involve more variants of the Baby Roller. As the second model line in the company's stable, the Ghost has done plenty to generate growth for the company, primarily due to its smaller size and (slightly) more accessible price tag. The Ghost starts at $245,000, while the next step up, the Phantom, hits luxury buyers for a less manageable $380,000.

Rolls-Royce is currently producing around three Ghosts for every Phantom, thanks largely to increased interest in the brand from China. China has already moved up to become the company's second biggest market after the U.S. - a slot formerly occupied by the UK.

Bloomberg didn't offer much in the way of details as to what to expect from any upcoming Ghost variants, so full-line Rolls collectors will want to keep their Dom Perignon on ice for the moment. Stay tuned.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Report: Rolls-Royce to expand Ghost line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce White Ghost shows Mansory at its most restrained

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Mansory White Ghost Limited - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time Mansory showed us one of its Rolls-Royce Ghost creations, it was OMG! drenched in blue and gold. But if you took that same car and re-hued it in white, well, all of a sudden we could be on to something. The White Ghost Limited is a three-of-a-kind special that adds a mild body kit and rear spoiler, LED running lights up front and on the mirrors, and a new dual exhaust out back.

The inside is a little more intense, but put into Mansory context next to the Bentley Vitesse Rose and Panamera Turbo, it's as subtle as an English butler. Thankfully, things are upgraded under the hood, with a 66-horsepower jump to 629 ponies and a boost of 60 pound-feet to 634. That means a 4.5-second run from zero to 62 miles per hour and a higher top speed of 180 mph. It'll run you €119,800 ($152,407 U.S.) on top of the price of the standard Ghost, but if you just prefer to window shop, there's a press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Mansory White Ghost Limited

[Source: Mansory]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce White Ghost shows Mansory at its most restrained

Rolls-Royce White Ghost shows Mansory at its most restrained originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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