Rolls-Royce unveils Ghost Series II

Update time for R-R's slightly smaller saloon, ready for whatever Bespoke commissioning you can conjure up

Four years on from its launch, the second generation Rolls-Royce Ghost is now available in its updated form. Not that this qualifies as anything so gauche as a facelift, of course, chiefly because it looks very similar to what came before; plus the fact that Rolls-Royce would rather that Series II is referred to as a ‘subtle evolution of Ghost’s monolithic and self-assured external appearance’.

There’s reasoning behind that move, too, rather than just the design team sitting back and continuing to admire what a fine job they did first time around. Apparently the refreshed look - redesigned lights to show off the illuminated grille, new 22-inch wheels, Spectre-style rear - has been done to ensure the Ghost Series II ‘serves as a potent stage for Bespoke commissions’. Business is booming at Bespoke, with customers typically spending 10 per cent of the cost of a Ghost on their own flourishes, so it’s in everybody’s interests to enhance that side of the car. For when 44,000 standard colours isn't enough, Bespoke is on hand.

The fabulous Ghost seen here is Mustique Blue, which pays homage to a similar colour seen on a 1929 Phantom II Continental prototype that was used by Henry Royce and was one of the first cars ever to use pearlescent paint. Which was made using ground fish scales back then. Nowadays the paint uses glass and mica flakes for the shimmer, the colour capturing ‘the hues and glamour of the Caribbean island it is named after’.

Underneath the Ghost sounds reasonably familiar, which means the twin-turbo V12 remains. Paired once more to an eight-speed auto and making peak torque of 627lb ft at just 600rpm above idle, the powertrain creates ‘the perception of one, endless gear and the unique ‘waftability’ associated with the Rolls-Royce experience.’ And 18mpg. The Planar Suspension System is retained, as is all-wheel steering and four-wheel drive. There are no explicit mentions of significant changes in that regard; this is probably the most driver focused Rolls-Royce ever made because the predecessor was.

And for those who do need a bit more, the Black Badge has returned - the white car in the pics - complete with another 29hp and 37lb ft for 620hp and 664lb ft. It also offers up 50 per cent faster gearshifts (when the throttle is through more than 90 per cent of its travel), a higher brake bite point, and 'a subtly more voluble note from the motor car’s exhaust system'. Marvellous. Plus Technical Carbon for the interior, because even Rolls-Royce can't escape the ruddy stuff - one more thing for Bespoke to sort, presumably.

Or buyers could go for a new Duality Twill finish. It’s a rayon fabric made from bamboo, took a year to develop, and requires 11 miles of thread to kit out an interior with it. And 20 hours of work. And more than two million stitches. If that’s not a reason to upgrade a Ghost, what is? The base twill is offered in Lilac, Chocolate or Black, with 51 different colours available for the thread stitched through. The possibilities aren’t endless (that’s where Bespoke comes in), but they are comprehensive.

Additional changes inside include a new Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet, a new look for the Illuminated Fascia and more material choices including Grey Stained Ash. The 18-speaker audio system has been improved further for Series II, with a 1400-watt amp that’s further upgradeable to a R-R Bespoke Audio System. This bonds ‘speakerless exciters’ (hopefully audiophiles of PH will know) into the headliner, creating an overhead sound stage. But one that doesn’t disturb the Starlight Headliner, because the cables for that are compressed with an acoustic membrane. Promises to be quite the concert in the back of a new Ghost. When the going is more sedate, the rear screens can now stream content independent of each other via a new interface

For those who really want to relax (or rock) in the back of their Ghosts will want an Extended Series II. Rolls-Royce says that the 170mm extension to the rear suite means ‘an even greater canvas creativity’, so expect some funky interior specs. The gain comes from extendering doors and apertures rather than wheelbase, so an EWB will be a tough one to spot. But probably a very easy one to enjoy: ‘Ghost Extended clients almost unanimously commission this motor car for self-driving with the benefit of enhanced rear seating space, rather than retain the services of a chauffeur.’ What a way to travel it’ll be for all onboard.

Rolls-Royce Chief Exec Chris Brownbridge said: “Ghost is renowned as a uniquely expressive, agile, and self-assured representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. At our clients’ request, this new Series II iteration remains faithful to these principles, incorporating a potent and uncompromising engine and the essential potential for Bespoke. Meaningful exterior and material updates make an even more expressive and impactful statement.”

It’s going to be pretty special, then, even those that do stick with plain old Mustique Blue, a standard wheelbase, just the 18 speakers and regular upholstery. Prices for the Series II haven’t been announced just yet, because nobody buying new really needs to know them, but expect the Ghost to have climbed a little closer to £300,000 this time around (from a 2021 RRP of £250k). Those of (slightly) more modest means might be pleased to know that the Series I now kicks off from £185k, this Rolls-Royce approved used EWB having accrued a healthy 38,000 miles in three years. With the original 21st-century Ghosts (from 2009 onwards) cracking on towards 100,000, there are many more miles wafting left to enjoy yet.

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