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Business Courage
Monday, March 17, 2014
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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he 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is a thoroughly contemporary representation of Rolls-Royce exclusive luxury, perfectly balancing effortless dynamism and modern luxury in a car that is exquisitely composed under all circumstances. Owners enjoy a quietly assured, exquisitely refined modern motor car with an interior ambiance that offers a sense of calm and serenity in an often frenetic and chaotic business world. Specifically, Rolls-Royce is referring to the subtle changes it has made to the redesigned Ghost Series II, which will still coddle its passengers in opulence while providing sports-car like acceleration from a twinturbo V-12 under the hood. That engine, by the way, doesn’t change, though it hardly needed any tweaking. The 6.6-liter twelve-cylinder augmented with two turbos still sends 565 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. The gearbox, however, now gains satellite-aided technology that first debuted on the Wraith. Using GPS data, the gearbox will prepare and select gears based on the road ahead. Rounding off the mechanical tweaks is the Ghost Series II’s suspension that includes redesigned struts, a new steering gear, and new rear hydraulic axle bearings. A Dynamic Driving Package improves handling with adjusted dampers. Rolls-Royces estimates that the short wheelbase Ghost Series II will run from 0-60 mph in
4.8 seconds, while the extended wheelbase model will need an extra tenth of a second to do the deed. Keep in mind that a recently tested 2014 Ghost with the short wheelbase, ran to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Created to serve as a more affordable entry point to the prestigious British marquee, the Rolls Royce Ghost is the technical “baby” of this regal family which has served its maker well, contributing significantly to Rolls-Royce’s alltime record sales of 3,630 cars worldwide in 2013 - the firm’s fourth consecutive volume record. Company execs only offered a one-sentence observation in a statement noting: “After five years as the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce’s sustainable growth success worldwide, this mid-life update is a showcase for the most recent technological advances from Rolls-Royce enrobed in a considered exterior design revision.” The aura of Simplicity A single defining principle came to characterise the Ghost design process - to harness the aura of simplicity. The notion that no complication should ever distract from driver or passenger pleasure, informed every facet of the design and engineering process. This bold new generation of Rolls-Royce customer seeks a motor car with a silent assurance - a cosseting, super-premium environment in which to conduct business and augment their leisure time. In Ghost Series II, tradition blends perfectly with this bold, contemporary
direction. An uncompromising approach to materials and craftsmanship remained and traditional visual tenets were re-imagined to express the car’s modernity and dynamism. For example, the stately presence of Phantom’s grille made way for a softer, less formal design - its subtle curvature more akin to a jet air-intake than traditional pantheon facia. Flowing ‘yacht lines’ and powerful flanks hint at the car’s inherent dynamism, whilst traditional Rolls-Royce DNA is expressed in the elevated prow, large uninterrupted surfaces, long bonnet and short overhang. Visual enchanter The eye is immediately drawn towards the re-sculpted headlights, with unbroken daytime running lights framing a new, more dynamic shape, giving Ghost Series II a distinct visual signature from the front. The headlights have a new shape and sharper LED daytime running lamps, while the revised active high beam system will deflect light for oncoming traffic. This blends perfectly with revised surface treatments to the front of the car. A tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy’s wings, evokes the sight of a jet’s vapour trail, hinting at the car’s dynamism. Subtle re-sculpting of Ghost’s bumpers creates a stronger stance and a sense of extra width and height, whilst the contemporary aesthetic is further enhanced with the addi-
tion of chrome innserts to the frontt air intakes, which now feed more air cooling to the front brakes. One of Rolls-Royce’s defining visual signatures is given an enhanced dynamic edge. The famous waft line has be re-designed on Ghost Series II to lean further forwards - with a view to emphasising the car’s effortless dynamism. These features, married with new optional 21” forged wheels and standard 19” wheels, ensure Ghost remains a perfectly executed, contemporary expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. New surprise and delight features such as the optional monogrammed stainless-steel fuel-filler cap enhance the car’s tactile and visual appeal. Captivating interior Interior comfort and style are enhanced with re-designed seats. Electronically adjustable thigh supports for front seat passengers complement a new seat structure, enhancing Ghost’s unchallenged interior comfort levels. A revised rear seat design ensures absolute comfort for those wishing to conduct business or simply relax. In ‘lounge seat’ configuration, the seats are gently angled towards each other to create a more intimate setting, allowing passengers to communicate more easily. The seats are available with three-level heating as standard with optional massage function and can be reclined for comfort. Chrome surrounds to the sun visor lights and a new soft-feel dashboard treatment enhance
t h e car’s premium tactility, whilst sumptuous natural grain leather can now be optionally extended to the A and C pillars. The instrument dials and clock have also undergone subtle enhancements with individually applied polished metal chaplets around the dials evoking the precision design of handmade, luxury wrist watches, whilst the matt chrome centres ‘float’ in the middle of each instrument. Finally, the scope for bespoke customisation is widened with the introduction of two new, exquisitely crafted veneers; Paldao and Walnut Burr Crossband. Discreet technology Throughout the marquee’s storied history, engineers have sought to refine the experience for drivers and occupants by applying the very latest technologies. Ghost Series II is no different, presenting a full suite of the latest technological updates. Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is the ultimate contemporary combination of luxury, technology and connectivity available to the successful entrepreneur on the move today. Key to this is the discreet placement of the car’s technological functions. Accessed through a one-touch call button or the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, on-board Wi-Fi facilitates email, file sharing, telephony and video-conferencing. The user is also able to watch televised business news