Rolls-Royce Announces RR4 Name as *Ghost*

Classic nameplate, modern engineering

By Michael Gauthier
April 20, 2009 11:46 AM
Filed Under: European, German, Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce has revealed that the brand's upcoming entry-level model, which has thus far only been referred to by its internal RR4 codename, will officially be called the "Ghost." The classic nameplate draws to mind the original 7,876 Rolls-Royce Ghosts which were built between 1906 and 1925.

In a press conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Rolls-Royce's CEO, Tom Purves, said "We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model's breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style."

Based on the recently launched 2010 BMW 760Li, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost boasts Phantom inspired styling in a smaller package that measures 5399mm (212.6 inches) in length, 3295mm (129.7 inches) in wheelbase, 1948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1550mm (61 inches) in height.

Power is expected to come from a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine which produces 400 kW (544 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. The engine will be connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission which was specifically designed to provide maximum gearshift comfort and fuel efficiency.

The official unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Ghost is expected to occur at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with production scheduled to occur shortly thereafter.

 

Source: Rolls-Royce

Press Release (Click to expand)

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS NAMES RR4

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the name for its new model series which until now has been known as RR4. The name was announced by CEO, Tom Purves at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show.

The new car will be called the Rolls-Royce Ghost and production will begin at the company's Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in 2009.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, said, "We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model's breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines - Phantom and Ghost.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood but will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars. Rolls-Royce has expanded all areas of its manufacturing facility over the last 18 months to prepare for the introduction of the Ghost model.

Comments

Bristol411S3
April 20, 2009 11:59 AM
I'm really starting to like this car, especially if it can keep the feeling of "specialness" and presence that the Phantom has.

AOS
April 20, 2009 12:18 PM
wooo... spooky.... very upper class name, hahahha.... besides that should be a superb car

GRAVE
April 20, 2009 1:40 PM
I don't like the design of this car, specially in the interior

lucifa
April 20, 2009 1:43 PM
I thought there was some problem with the translation of "Ghost" into another language -- German? I remember hearing that's why they called it the Silver Shadow, not the Silver Ghost...

Bristol411S3
April 20, 2009 4:15 PM
Might BMW have spotted that before naming it?

BabyMilo
April 20, 2009 2:12 PM
I guess it kinda fits in with Phantom but Phantom soudns better

sideskraper
April 20, 2009 6:03 PM
yes and heritage has nothing to do with the name selection at all.....

Geefiasco
April 20, 2009 2:29 PM
Poor man's Phantom...

Wish I could afford it :-(

Flachzwilling
April 20, 2009 4:23 PM
@lucifa: Close, but no guitar... The RR in question was the Silver Mist (later called Silver Shadow). The german word "Mist" translates rather precisely to manure. Although it might have fitted for a Rolls specifically used to pull trailers with racing horses...

najdier
April 20, 2009 4:27 PM
So, does that mean the next model in the line up will be called "Apparition"?

sideskraper
April 20, 2009 6:02 PM
looks great, can't wait to see it in the flesh.


Edited by user on April 20, 2009 at 6:03 PM
N20_Purge
April 20, 2009 7:07 PM
Ghost, quite a good name, but as said before, It'll be known as the poor-man's Phantom. =(

How long will it be before Cadillac, Bentley, or any other make create a car called the 'Ghostbuster?'

radmeister
April 20, 2009 8:50 PM
I think they chose Ghost because it really does look pretty much the same as the Phantom, but smaller. 2 Letters smaller to be precise LOL.

najdier
April 20, 2009 10:59 PM
Now that would mean the Apparition would have to be larger than the Phantom. 3 letters larger, to be precise.

radmeister
April 22, 2009 12:48 AM
Yes, perhaps Maybach 62 rival?

rcw
April 20, 2009 10:04 PM
I love this design. Would definitely consider/buy if I were in this price range. All of the good stuff about RR but a little more hip.

jandrews90
April 20, 2009 10:24 PM
Good looking car, and I like the name but i would prefer "Silver Ghost"

joelynn
April 21, 2009 1:05 AM
nice interior, rear looks a bit too much like a volvo or lincoln for my liking

peterjames7
April 21, 2009 8:04 AM
i dont know what it is but this car reminds me of the rover 75 for some reason. Its as if this was the replacement design for the 75 when bmw were still in charge and they just changed it to a RR made it bigger and put some decent engines in it.

khartveli
April 23, 2009 11:40 PM
Love the car, but they got to work on a better name. I agree it's a Phantom for the poor, but I personally think that it's a Phantom that you can drive,without being "uncool", even though you could perfectly have a driver for it. I would definitely buy this car instead of the Flying Spur.

alessandro
April 24, 2009 7:03 PM
Modest ride for our humble servants. Entry-level indeed. For edition: Only sub-zero cool posh car.


Edited by user on April 24, 2009 at 7:09 PM
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