Any car that prominently features the “Spirit of Ecstasy” atop of a large chrome grill has met the requirements to be called a Rolls Royce. The Ghost is a vehicle worthy of donning such an iconic emblem, although it goes about things a tad different than it’s larger sibling, the Phantom, and that is what makes it all the more special.
On a normal day here at BimmerFile we tend to bemoan large heavy vehicles that are not worthy of a track, weight is the enemy so is over the top luxury and the pomp and circumstance that follows. Consider today a departure from our regualry scheduled programming, the cognac is flowing as well as the billows from a fine cigar. Sometimes revelling in a slower pace and the finer luxuries is ok; even for us. The one caveat of all this is- the Ghost has been designed for the driver rather than the passenger in the back.
BMW of North America is submitting a letter to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 198,000 V8 and V12-powered BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars models produced between the 2002 and 2010 model years. In the affected vehicles, a leak may develop in the power braking system, potentially causing a vacuum loss and consequent reduction of power braking assistance. Mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle. There has been no report of accidents or injuries.
The following is an official release by Rolls Royce, subsidiary of BMW AG. Considering the importance of this model launch and the heavy use of BMW based technology and engineering, we felt this was an appropriate addition to BimmerFile.
INTRODUCTION
Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately…
Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”
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.
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
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.
Over the last year there have lots of rumors about BMW forgoing a new generation V12 altogether for the F01 7 Series. While that still may be true BMW will be indeed be developing the new V12 but it’ll end up in the new RR4 Rolls Royce.
While here at BimmerFile we do not usually cover the Rolls Royce brand in detail we thought we would make a bit of an initial exception for this model. The reason is simple, it is based on the new BMW 7 Series and will also debut the new V12 powerplant that will grace the 760Li in the future.
Just north of 20% of this car is rumored to be shared with the 7er, BMW and the Rolls Royce division worked hand in hand designing many of the components. Taking that into account it gives you a bit more respect for the luxury in the new 7 and the driving dynamics and technology (including a Rolls version of iDrive!) of the 200EX (RR4). Where the 7 Series tops out this car steps in; pricing should begin in the $190,000 plus range and go up to near $300k.
Our good friends over at AUSmotive were kind enough to steer us towards this model guide.
It includes all BMW models and MINI/Rolls Royce models since there inception into the BMW group. There are simple line drawings, engine details as well as a brief synopsis of each individual model.
It is a nice way to brush up on your history of cars for those random pop quizzes about BMW your enthusiast friends give you, it is essentially a “Cliff’s Notes” for BMW produced automobiles. All in all a nice little guide.
Over the next several months we expect a lot of spy photos to be taken as BMW is redesigning or launching a number of models. We got a tip off to some spy photos of the upcoming X1 and thought instead of giving you just photos of it we would give a gallery of it and other BMW models we have.
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: Review, Rolls Royce Oct 5th, 2011 No Comments 
