* World debut for Ghost Extended Wheelbase
* Specially commissioned China Edition bespoke Ghost and Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars presented
* First quarter global sales more than double compared to the same period in 2010
* China expansion plans announced Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model for the first time at the 14th Auto Shanghai Motor Show on Tuesday, 19 April 2011.
First world debut for a Rolls-Royce car in Asia Pacific
The ultra-luxury saloon, the sixth new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, caters for customers who require increased space and comfort without sacrificing Ghost's unique balance of dynamism and poise.
The award-winning, four-seater Ghost has seen outstanding demand since its worldwide launch in 2009. Designed as a vision of simplicity, it is a Rolls-Royce that drives and rides in peerless fashion. Ghost Extended Wheelbase takes this principle further, designed as a car to drive or in which to be chauffeured. It will be built to order and is available in only limited numbers for 2011 until full production begins in 2012.
Ghost's ample interior space is further enhanced in the Extended Wheelbase variant by the addition of 170mm to the car's wheelbase, but with no detriment to the model's balanced proportions and stunning contemporary design. Legroom is significantly enhanced with knee-room more than doubled compared to the standard Ghost.
Increased cabin space in the rear passenger compartment and a panoramic sunroof sets new standards for interior ambience and light. Effortless entry and exit for passengers further reinforces Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' pinnacle position in the ultra-luxury segment.
Powered by the acclaimed Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine which produces an effortless 563hp and 780Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm, Ghost Extended Wheelbase accelerates from 0-100km/h in just five seconds. An intelligent, four corner air suspension maintains a perfect balance between ride and handling.
On the unveiling of the new car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, "This latest Rolls-Royce is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury. Ghost Extended Wheelbase delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.
"This is the first time we have undertaken a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region. We expect to build on last year's record growth, with further strong demand for Rolls-Royce models and a positive economic forecast throughout the region," he added.
Bespoke models showcased
A highly bespoke China Edition Ghost is displayed for the first time, showcasing the company's unique bespoke capabilities for the Chinese market. Featuring a stunning consort red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes, the model is available to order in limited quantities by discerning Chinese customers. Three exclusive paint colours (Deep Garnet, Black Ember and Infinity), silver and gold packages (e.g. specially plated Spirit of Ecstasy, coachlines, Rolls-Royce inlays) and a number of other features have been developed for the China market.
Also presented for the first time in the Asia Pacific region are two highly-bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection models featuring a host of design details that celebrate 100 years of the world's most famous hood figurine. Specially commissioned for Auto Shanghai 2011, Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon is exhibited with a Rhapsody Black exterior and a sumptuous mix of Ardent Red and Seashell interior with Piano Black veneer. Also on the stand is a Phantom Drophead Coupé in Maiden Blue exterior, Navy Blue and seashell interior with Straight Grained Oak and Ebony.
Customers from China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region represent the largest proportion of buyers worldwide for Centenary Collection cars, of which only 100 limited edition models are being built. Demand for bespoke Phantom models is also among the highest in the world. Through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme, customers can tailor individual features to one-off accessories for their cars, all designed and developed in-house at the Rolls-Royce Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant at Goodwood in England.
Robust first quarter sales worldwide
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed a record number of cars globally in the first quarter of this year, more than doubling sales compared to the same period last year (+160%), with China again experiencing strong demand for cars. The company is on course for expansion in China, after record sales last year which saw dealerships in Beijing and Shanghai topping global sales.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has also announced it is in the process of establishing new dealers in Chongqing, Tianjin and Wuhan by the end of this year. Currently, Rolls-Royce has showrooms in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Ningbo, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The expansion plan will increase Rolls-Royce showrooms in China from 8 to 11, the most in a single market and second only to the United States.
Further expansion is expected to be announced in the rest of the Asia Pacific region throughout the year. Currently, the company's presence spans 18 showrooms in the region and 81 worldwide.
View the original article here
Rolls-Royce Ghost – Click above for high-res image gallery