Not so long ago, Rolls-Royce executives dismissed the possibility of creating a crossover that would be adorned with the Spirit of Ecstasy on the hood. Now, after watching other exclusive marques like Bentley and Lamborghini prepare similar vehicles for launch within the next two to three years, it appears Rolls-Royce may now see a case for a $200,000 crossover, as CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes now says such a vehicle is currently being seriously considered.
In the tiny nation of Monaco, home of the eponymous Formula 1 Grand Prix in the city of Monte Carlo, is a car manufacturer called Monte Carlo Automobile (also known as Montecarlo Automobile; also known as MCA). The marque’s newest vehicle is the Rascasse supercar, an impressively upscale 500-horsepower machine with an overtly nautically themed interior.
This is the Master Landing Page for the Rolls-Royce Wraith. From now on, as we further review this car, we will be updating this page with whatever fresh content we create. Future drive reviews, updated specifications, videos, and other relevant information will all be found right here, in one convenient spot.
And it’s a fastback. While it doesn’t seem like the sort of thing Rolls-Royce would do, the teaser image, an illustrated outline of the car’s profile, is quite interesting to behold. Featuring three key lines, the Wraith’s profile looks far more sporting than anything we’ve seen from the British brand before.
We’re all pretty familiar with Grey Poupon’s iconic commercial from the 1980s, involving a jar of the delicious dijon mustard being passed between a pair of aristocratic gentlemen in a pair of equally aristocratic Rolls-Royces. The ad has been parodied in a number of films and TV shows, and is one of the icons of 80s advertising (for those geeky enough to study the subject).
Rolls-Royce, purveyor of the world’s ultimate luxury land yachts has been teasing its newest car. It’s called the Wraith, a name that harkens back to the pre-war Wraith and post-war Silver Wraith.
If you’re a chauffer and your boss wants an Alpina, be happy. It is stupendously fast, this. With 540 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, the Alpina is every bit the sports sedan it purports to be. Power is up from 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque over the standard 750i/Li.
No one knows how to do big, expensive, handbuilt luxury land yachts like the British—storied marquees Rolls-Royce and Bentley are the very definition of this type of motoring. And now, Bentley may underscoring yet again its position near the top of the food chain with a convertible version of its Mulsanne sedan.
The spy photographers over at MotorAuthority recently caught what appears to be a two door Rolls-Royce Ghost prototype out on the road. It’s rumored that this car could revive the legendary Corniche namplate, last used back in 2000. BMW, parent company to Rolls-Royce, recently filed a trademark for the name ‘Corniche’ and this heavily camoflauged Rolls may wear that name again.
If you have any doubt that the Chinese market is big on luxury, than here’s your proof. Rolls-Royce has debuted an extended-wheelbase version of its already huge Phantom at Auto China 2012.
As this year’s Auto China show in Beijing begins to slow down, it’s becoming more and more obvious that the Chinese show is not one to be missed. Helped along by the ever-increasing number of cars the Chinese economy consumes, auto makers the world over have taken notice of Auto China, and brought some serious hardware to reflect that.
It’s no secret that the Chinese market is a big deal. What you may not know, though, is that it’s the limousine business that’s really booming in the communist country. Look no further than the Jaguar XJ Ultimate or Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design Concept that debuted yesterday, or the Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Concept that debuted today.
Back in 2011, Rolls-Royce was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Spirit Of Ecstasy hood ornament. This symbol is Rolls-Royce’s calling card, and is one of the most identifiable brands emblems in the world. To celebrate this landmark, Rolls-Royce hired world-famous fashion photographer Rankin to take 100 contemporary portraits, with inspiration from the Spirit Of Ecstasy.
Although it looks all but the same as the current Phantom, the majority of the fascia seems to be hiding under quite a bit of camouflage.
Rolls-Royce is creating a special “Year Of The Dragon” edition, based on the Chinese zodiac, of the Phantom for 2012. The dragon is a symbol of power and prosperity, which seems fitting for a Rolls, and its image will be featured throughout the car.
Does $400,000 seem just a bit too dear for that shiny new Phantom you spotted at your local Rolls-Royce dealership? We thought so. Thankfully, Mini, Rolls-Royce’s corporate brother and countryman (no pun intended) has an excellent way of delivering the luxury afforded by the Spirit of Ecstasy in a slightly more affordable package. It’s called the Mini Goodwood.
As drivers, we very rarely get to sample the nice rear seats that automakers put into their latest and greatest cars. Whether it’s for the purpose of luxury or functionality, rear seats have come a long way from the standard benches of yore, and this list is a true testament to some cars being better suited for passengers, rather than those behind the steering wheel.
Rolls-Royce showed the full production version of its new, slightly smaller than Phantom, limousine today—the 2011 Ghost.