First Look: Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Just in time for Halloween comes a new spirit, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, an extensive update of the Rolls-Royce’s smaller sedan, which was last remade for 2020. Of course, small is a relative term, as the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is 219 inches long.

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, describes the company’s newest apparition as “the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created ­– a side of Ghost’s character that our clients increasingly and enthusiastically embrace.”

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is also available in Black Badge or Extended models, the latter providing an additional 6.69 inches of rear seat space.

LOOKING GOOD

Not surprisingly, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II receives fresh lighting designs front and rear, with the rear lighting treatment inspired by the Roll-Royce Spectre EV. There are also two fresh 22-inch wheel designs. Still, none of these changes are radical departures from what come before.

Rolls-Royce fits the Ghost Series II with its trademark illuminated Pantheon grille, that can be set among a choice of 44,000 colors. Buyers can opt for reserve a shade for their exclusive use through Rolls-Royce Bespoke service. Nevertheless, there is one new color, Mustique Blue, inspired by one of the earliest driver-focused Rolls-Royces – the 1929 Phantom II Continental prototype, which sported a similar hue.

For the Black Badge Ghost Series II, the model retains its trademark darkened chrome accents. However, the new model now sports its own unique lower grille, along with door handles sporting a black finish for the first time. And it sports its own unique footwear: 22-inch partially-polished, seven-spoke forged wheels.

THE INSIDE STORY

Rolls-Royce has updated its center-mounted display’s software, dubbed SPIRIT, which incorporates Whispers, a Rolls-Royce app that allows owners to view their vehicle’s location, remotely lock and unlock it, and other functions. The dual rear screens can now stream different content on each screen, and accept Bluetooth headphones. Lift the rear center console lid, and you’ll find an improved Wi-Fi hotspot and USB-C charging ports. The 18-speaker audio system is now fitted with a revised 1400-watt amplifier.

Yes, the starlight headliner is still offered, and customizable. A champagne cooler is also available. A new option is called Placed Perforation, which used small perforations in the seat leather to create unique imagery. Interiors are also fitted with Duality Twill, a new rayon fabric made from bamboo and a new Grey-Stained Ash wood that took four years to develop.

On Black Badge models, the mood is a bit more somber, with black chrome replacing mirror chrome on the interior. It accents the carbon fiber used elsewhere in the cabin as well as the darkened metal and other finishes.

More Rolls-Royce News

• First Drive: Rolls-Royce Spectre EV
• First Look: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
• Cadillac Challenges Rolls-Royce with Sollei Concept

UNDER THE HOOD

Power comes from the Ghost’s familiar 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine and eight-speed gearbox. Four-wheel steering and all-wheel come standard. As with the current Ghost, the Ghost Series II features a Planar Suspension System with a continuously variable, electronically controlled shock absorbers and self-leveling air struts. It’s incorporated into Rolls-Royce’s Flagbearer System, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension for any changes in the road. This is complemented by a satellite-aided transmission, which uses GPS data to select the optimum gear for the road ahead.

The Black Badge Ghost gets similar goodies, but tuned differently, featuring a braking bite point that has been raised, and pedal travel that has decreased to make for a more exhilarating ride.

Sounds tempting, right?

The Ghost Series II can be ordered, with prices starting at $355,000.