That the Chinese market has turned into an important base for premium carmakers is evident from the fact that it was the Shanghai Auto Show that Rolls Royce selected for the premiere of their Ghost Extended Wheelbase version. The LWB Ghost is indeed a befitting model to be shown at a consumer market that has a strong liking for long and spacious sedans. No wonder Rolls Royce came to the Asia Pacific region for a world launch for the first time ever.
The car is indeed the best choice for those who like space and comfort while getting the poise and dynamism of the looks of the car they are in. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase would therefore be built to order and only in limited numbers in 2011 while full production gets underway in 2012.
A total of 170 mm has been added to the Ghost’s wheel base in the LWB version and this caters for added knee room which is nearly double when compared with that of the standard Ghost. The car also has been given a new panoramic sunroof. With this the car’s overall length goes up from the existing 5.40 meter to 5.57 meters. Incidentally the Phantom SWB is 5.83 meter by length. The rear doors of the car are significantly larger due to the increased overall length of the car, which is where the LWB thing becomes evident.
However, there is no change in the engine which continues to be the same 6.6 liter twin turbo V12 unit which is capable of producing 571 HP and 780 Nm (575.4 lb-ft) of torque, most of which is available from as low as 1,500 rpm. Also, the increase in length along with a corresponding increase in weight hasn’t much effected the car’s take off figures, capable as it is of hitting the three figure speed mark in 5 seconds flat. Something that isn’t bad for a car of its size and weight.
The balance between comfort and handling of the car has been achieved by the intelligent four corner air suspension feature that the car has been installed with.
Price of the Ghost Extended Wheelbase is 5.118 million Yuan in China including tax. At current exchange rates this would be €548,000 or $784,000.
The other cars that Rolls Royce displayed at the Shanghai show was the China Edition Ghost featuring red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes. This model has been developed by the company solely for the Chinese market and would be available in limited series models with three color options – Deep Garnet, Black Ember and Infinity. The cars would also come with other added features like silver and gold packages.
Source: carscoop
