LUXE ON THE ROAD
Rolls-Royce Adds Visual Improvements Technological Innovations to Ghost Series II T
he original Ghost Series took Rolls-Royce up to a new level in multiple regards when it debuted in 2009. For one, the design positioned the company as a less-formal brand and, as a result, attracted a new generation of high-achievers and go-getters. Two, the car, now the most popular in the $250,000-plus class, turned into a status symbol for entrepreneurs across the globe. In response, RollsRoyce saw four historic sales records since the Ghost’s launch. Beyond these distinctions, the Ghost, a series balancing dynamism and luxury with a composed design, presented a refined, ambient aesthetic – one equally appropriate for conducting a business meeting and taking a weekend getaway. Rolls-Royce achieved this by creating a simple concept free of complications for the driver and passengers. In April 2014, the company took a new step with the Ghost Series II. The car made its first appearance to North American audiences at the New York International Audio Show, and what audiences saw was a continuation of everything that made the initial Ghost so successful but with re-imagined aspects. To start, the exterior went through an upgrade, with the most noticeable, at a glance, being the less-formal, softer grill, yacht-like flowing lines, and the stronger flank. Specifically, this design re-sculpts the headlights into a new, dynamic shape. As well, you’ll see revised surface treatments to the car’s front, a tapered “wake channel” on the bonnet, and re-sculpted bumpers. For this last feature, the stronger presence is part of the Ghost Series II’s overall greater width and height. Other visual improvements are a bit more subtle. For instance, chrome inserts add a contemporary look, while the “waft line” leans forward just a bit more. In selecting this vehicle, a car owner gets a choice of standard 19-inch and optional 21-inch forged wheels. Similar improvements give the interior a slightly different character. Re-designed front seats now come with thigh supports, while those in the rear have a lounge-type configuration: angled toward each other in order to create a more intimate setting for improved communication. For comfort, the Ghost Series II introduces three-level heating and an optional massage function. It’s not just the seats getting revamped. This series adds chrome around sun visor lights, a new soft-feel dashboard, and dials and clocks that appear like handmade, luxury wrist watches. As well, the natural grain leather now extends to A and C pillars, and more Bespoke customization introduces two more veneers: Paldao and Walnut Burr Crossband. As well, Rolls-Royce changed what you can’t always see: new front and rear struts, new steering gear, adjusted dampers, a thicker steering wheel, and new rear hydraulic axle bearings. Beyond the visuals, the Ghost Series II’s functionality stays ahead with the latest technology, such as Wi-Fi, navigation assistance, and anticipation of unnecessary delays. Rolls-Royce updated the Multimedia Interface and Navigation system, letting users access these through a 10.25-inch high-definition screen, and included the 6 | www.ClienteleLuxury.com
Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller. For this last feature, a touch pad, rather than the standard screen, eliminates smudge marks at eye level and further lets users scroll by turning a chrome dial and enter characters by hand in a range of languages. Much like a smart phone, pull and pinch functionality enables you to zoom in for a better view. Media here, too, is enhanced. Users get access to a USB port, iPod and iPad connection, and audio streaming, but what truly sets the Ghost Series II apart is the Bespoke radio, expanded to the car’s new size. The same near-perfect acoustic balance and performance remains intact with 18 individually-tuned speakers, with studio and theater settings. Two bass speakers in the boot, seven spaced in the cabin, and two “exciter” models in the roof create a fully immersive, surround-sound experience. And, at the same time, a highly-sensitive microphone is constantly attuned to exterior ambient noise and adjusts the car’s volume and settings in response. Along these lines, LED lighting technology and Satellite Aided Transmission improve your driving experience. For the former, electronically-controlled reflectors, enhanced by adaptive technology, move in your driving direction with the steering wheel’s motion. Compared to standard lights, these provide greater visual depth and brighter, whiter light to improve driving on dark roads and reduce driver tiredness. As well, the new glare-free technology replaces the older automatic dipping of full-beam headlights. The latter gives the Ghost Series II a new dimension of intuitiveness, letting the car see what’s ahead of the driver. In response, the vehicle selects the most appropriate gear for the conditions ahead, resulting in a smoother experience. ■