New Rolls-Royce Ghost Gets 563 hp turbo V12, sub-5 second 0-60!

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed)
Jul 21st 2009 at 7:02PM

As we get closer to the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost, the automaker is gradually teasing us with more and more information. Today, the folks at Rolls have revealed that the Ghost will definitely be the strong-silent type, thanks to a very powerful new V12 engine. The silent part of course is expected of any Rolls-Royce, hence model names like Ghost and Phantom.

What we don't typically expect is acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Motivating a big luxury machine like the Ghost in that manner takes 563 hp which in this case is generated by a new 6.6-liter V12 with twin turbocharging. This engine is derived from the unit in the new BMW 760Li but will be uniqe to Rolls-Royce. The top speed of the Ghost is electronically governed to 155 mph, but with that much power on tap, it could surely go significantly faster. The Rolls-Royce press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX

[Source: Rolls-Royce]
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS GHOST FIGURES

* 21.07.2009
* Press Release

- Engine power output of 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
- 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds*
- Top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
- Maximum torque 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed headline performance figures for Ghost, their new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. This engine will produce 563 bhp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph. The engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl 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."

Riedl continues, "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."

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles. The fully integrated system allows each of the Ghost's dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.

The vehicle acoustics also play a vital role in creating the authentic Rolls-Royce environment. Naturally engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Tom Purves, said, "Ghost is not about a single superlative but rather a careful blend of attributes. A Rolls-Royce should carry its power with grace, agility and refinement and this is never achieved by a focus on outright performance. Mastery comes in creating a balance and having driven the Ghost again recently I can say confidently that our engineering team has achieved this in fine style".

Customer deliveries of Ghost in the UK and Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges. Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.

A full technical specification will be released later in the year.

-ends-

* 0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)
* 0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)

Tags: rolls, rolls royce, rolls royce 200ex, rolls royce ghost, rolls royce rr4, rolls-royce, RollsRoyce, RollsRoyce200ex, RollsRoyceGhost, RollsRoyceRr4

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

John Jul 22nd 2009 12:05AM

Back when Rolls Royce was a stand alone company, they never released anything as crass as bhp. It was always listed as "adequate." Sad it has come to this, and I really wish they would let these old marques just die rather than torture them into something new and flash.

phantom Jul 29th 2009 7:38PM

It has also been said that when Henry Royce was making the Rolls Royce engines, that they could last 100 years without a single problem. Now thats how you build a car company marque.

Sad thing about business though is that once the originators of a company either pass on, sell, or even loose their buisness, the product can never truly be the same. Even though you have the same name and maybe even style, the heart and pride seem to go. Building something from the ground up takes dedication, hard work and pride to always keep reaching for better. Buying something just takes money.

johnpro2 Jul 30th 2009 6:25AM

Phantom wrote:
It has also been said that when Henry Royce was making the Rolls Royce engines, that they could last 100 years .

Did H.R. really say that?

I was a RR owner and RR club member. The closest I have heard is that RR engines will last 100 000 miles before overhaul is required. {nothing to boast about these days}

John
Brisbane
Aust

phantom Jul 30th 2009 7:11PM

Hi John,

Like I said in my post, It is something that I heard. Did Henry Royce say it himself? I don't know. I would have to do further research. I know that when I heard this, it was in regards to the cars and engines that he made himself and not the cars after his death. I think I first heard this on a RR doc and history show.