Rolls-Royce Ghost (2009) prices and performance announced

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

21 July 2009 09:46

Rolls-Royce today confirms the full spec of the new ‘baby Rolls’, the Ghost. Although the final production car hasn’t yet been revealed, the prices, performance and other tech figures have now been made public.

The Ghost, which is being shown at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show for the first time (the first four pictures are of the 200EX concept car, only the fifth, teaser photo is of the real production car), will be powered by a 563bhp 6.6-litre turbocharged V12. With a  blistering 575lb ft on tap at just 1500rpm, the new Rolls-Royce will whoosh to 60mph in 4.7 seconds and is limited to 155mph.

The gearbox is ZF’s new eight-speed auto, while front and rear axles are suspended on air; all four corners feature aluminium multi-link suspension, today's spec confirms.

There’s very little ‘baby-like’ about the price of the new Ghost. Rolls today confirms that it will cost £165,000 'plus taxes and delivery charges'. So we’re talking a good £190,000 in the UK, minimum. First deliveries in Europe kick off in late 2009, slipping into spring 2010 for the US and Asia.

The precise measurements of the Rolls-Royce Ghost (2009) have been published today – allowing us to position in relation to big brother the Phantom. It’s a four-door, five-seater:

• Length: 5399mm
• Width 1948mm
• Height: 1550mm
• Wheelbase: 3295mm

More explanation from Rolls-Royce engineering director Helmut Riedl. He said: ‘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. 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.

‘Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road. Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.’

Not too badly. Official figures show Rolls sold 1212 cars around the world in 2008 – up 20% over the previous year, and the fifth consecutive year of growth since the Phantom was first launched in 2003.

By Tim Pollard