Smaller but quicker and more powerful than a Phantom, the Ghost was conceived as the drive-it-yourself “entry-level” Rolls-Royce saloon. Sitting between the Bentley Flying Spur and Mulsanne in price and available with an extended-wheelbase option (a two-door coupé went into production in 2013), it is no less imposing than the Phantom and is every bit as well soundproofed and well insulated from the ranks of the great unwashed.
Under the surface, the Ghost shares much with the BMW 7-series — including its twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12, here tuned to produce 563bhp. However, attention has been paid to all the necessary details to ensure that it’s not just a rebodied 760 Li, and the Ghost does feel every inch an authentic Rolls-Royce, complete with its rear-hinged rear doors. It has a slightly sportier ambience than the Phantom — a head-up display, a thicker steering wheel, a lower driving position — but otherwise has clearly been furnished by the same Goodwood team.
A revised model (the Ghost II) introduced for model-year 2014 has re-designed LED-type headlights, re-sculptured bumpers and a modified bonnet, and brought with it new paint-colour and wheel options. Inside the Ghost II can be found re-designed front seats, an upgraded clock fascia and instrument dials and the addition of two new crafted veneers: Paldao and Walnut Burr Crossband. A Ghost II is easily identified from outside by a slightly different headlight shape featuring a step in its lower edge.
Suspension improvements were also made for 2014, and include re-engineered front and rear struts, new steering gear and dampers adjusted to increase the big saloon’s cornering prowess when it’s fitted with the optional Dynamic Driving Package. New rear-axle bearings enhance the ride and rear stability, while reducing vibration and cabin intrusion. All Ghost Series II cars have Satellite Aided Transmission as standard — a technology that employs GPS and mapping data to ensure the car is always in the correct gear when negotiating turns, motorway exists and roundabouts.
