Simply Abu Dhabi III

146 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Wheelbase maintains a powerful profile, with flowing lines dominated by majestic ‘yacht line’ styling. Large uninterrupted surfaces, powerful shoulders and flanks point to the car’s unmistakeable dynamic prowess and the addition of 170mm only adds to the car’s already considerable presence. It is a balanced exterior canvas with rear doors just 35mm longer than those in the front. Rolls-Royce DNA flows through Ghost Extended Wheelbase starting with the car’s elevated prow, long bonnet and short front overhang, through to its elegant tail. Contemporary design details further affirm Rolls- Royce credentials, including self-righting wheel centres, front door-mounted Teflon-coated umbrellas and a modern take on the famous Rolls-Royce grille, with sides curved inwards and vanes set back into the opening to resemble a jet intake. From the exterior, Ghost Extended Wheelbase further distinguishes itself by the addition of a new forged wheel, adding to the model’s distinctive character. Entering Ghost Extended Wheelbase through extended coach doors that open to 89 degrees is effortless and immediately imparts a wave of serenity for occupants. Those who have already experienced Ghost’s ample interior space may at first be surprised by the interior experience of Ghost Extended Wheelbase, which bestows a far greater sense of scale than an extra 170mm might imply. Legroom is significantly enhanced, with knee-room more than doubled from 160 to 330mm. It is this that will appeal to the many Rolls-Royce Ghost customers who value additional space and comfort for rear seat passengers at least as much as experiencing the car’s dynamic performance. But, while longer, Ghost Extended Wheelbase remains around half a metre shorter than the pinnacle Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the ultimate expression of a Rolls-Royce and a car that stands alone in its class. Ghost Extended Wheelbase positively encourages occupants to relax, stretch out in standard lounge seats after closing doors - at the touch of a button. Discretion comes as standard. Passengers relax in lounge seats covered in sumptuous leather, seated behind the C-pillar to heighten the sense of privacy. The seat’s slight curve allows those inside to turn more easily to face each other, creating a convivial environment to chat informally or in which to do business, perhaps taking advantage of the optional wireless hotspot. Theatre configuration is available as an option, allowing all settings that do not directly affect the driver to be controlled and accessed from the rear seat. Functions are displayed on two 9.2 inch LCD screens in front-seat backs; these can be angled to suit the viewer and are managed via a central rotary controller mounted on the armrest. Passengers can activate climate control regulating the temperature of the air on their side of the car, access TV channels and CDs, radio or browse the navigation menu. Those with a passion for music will enjoy an audio system delivering 600 Watts through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow external audio devices to be integrated. Alternatively, passengers can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the clear view past the Spirit of Ecstasy, sinking their feet into deep pile carpets or lambs’ wool floor mats for added opulence, massaged and cooled through perforated seats. The perfect environment to soak up that other trademark of the Rolls-Royce brand: silence. Engineered For Effortless Performance “In Ghost we engineered a car with outstanding refinement and dynamic ability and it was important this was not lost in the development of Ghost Extended Wheelbase. I can confidently say we achieved this fundamental aim: performance is astonishing and the difference in driving dynamics almost imperceptible.” - Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director Ghost was designed as a vision of simplicity, to drive in peerless fashion. The engineering behind Ghost Extended Wheelbase has enhanced these principles further. It’s a car that you wouldn’t think twice about driving yourself. While extra space gives an even more rewarding ride for occupants, the chassis retains its poise, delivering a totally engaging experience for Ghost Extended Wheelbase drivers. Power is delivered in an effortless and seemingly endless way, with the latest in-car technology falling easily to hand. Ghost Extended Wheelbase is powered by the 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine of Ghost, delivering the same 563 hp effortlessly on an intelligent air suspension system for peerless ride and handling. Travelling from 0-62 in just five seconds, and with a top speed limited to 155 mph, Ghost Extended Wheelbase remains imperceptibly different in terms of its performance. Power is transmitted in abundance through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The feeling of surging power is illustrated by the power reserve gauge on the fascia, underpinned by 780Nm of torque available at just 1,500 rpm. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension play a role in the exquisite ride in Ghost Extended Wheelbase and are complemented by an intelligent, four cornered air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to ensure the car is able to deliver the refinement demanded by the world’s most exclusive customers. Indeed, the air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect and react to the smallest of changes. It can sense, for example, the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the rear seat to the other. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. Ghost Extended Wheelbase also incorporates a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on any surface. These include anti-roll stabilisation, dynamic brake control, and dynamic traction control and cornering brake control. These technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that Ghost Extended Wheelbase always remains perfectly poised even in the face of vigorous testing. Handcrafted In Goodwood, England Each Rolls-Royce passes through up to 60 pairs of hands before leaving Goodwood in England. These belong to the skilled craftspeople and technicians who expend 20 days and undertake 2,000 individual operations to create Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Ghost Extended Wheelbase spends seven days being painted and hand polished to perfection. The first of five stages starts with a phosphate electro-coat to protect against corrosion. This is followed by a layer of primer, colour coat and two layers of clear lacquer. The body is sanded between each layer and hand-polished for five hours after the application of the final coat. Ghost Extended Wheelbase comes in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by an optional Silver Satin bonnet. The slightest imperfection has no place in a Rolls-Royce interior. Consequently, nine high-grade bull hides are used in each Ghost Extended Wheelbase interior. Leather is drum dyed to ensure colour permeates right through; it is then naturally dried to bring out the grain and deliver a contemporary feel for the car. Each leather component is precision cut by laser, then hand-stitched using traditional upholstering techniques before seats and interior panels are personally signed by the craftsperson involved in their creation. A Ghost Extended Wheelbase wood-set has at least 3m2 of veneer, consisting of 18 wood parts and takes 16 days to complete. Each individual piece consists of 11 layers of veneer, one layer of foil and one of aluminium to provide strength and to prevent shattering in the event of an accident. Their natural beauty is brought to life by the skill of those working in the wood shop. Ghost Extended Wheelbase boasts high quality wood veneers available in four different finishes ranging from contemporary straight grain to classic burr finishes. Veneer from the same tree is used in any car ensuring the grain matches throughout and parts age at the same pace. They are milled and sanded by hand before being coated with five layers of lacquer for protection – and to give the trademark mirror-like sheen. The interior experience is one without equal. And delivered on the original ethos of Sir Henry Royce – to strive for perfection in everything Rolls-Royce does. Simply Abu Dhabi LOVES Rolls Royce. For more information please visit: www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com The Ghost rolls royce