By Cassandra Yany × Vaughn Lowery
As of late, 360 was able to spend some time with the newly reimagined Rolls-Royce Ghost at the illustrious Fairmont in Austin. Prior to our arrival, the staff and media representatives all tested negative for COVID-19.
Our room at the Fairmont was spacious and we had a gorgeous view of the city. The hotel was filled with modern art and had a number of amenities available for our enjoyment, including an outdoor pool which was fitted with chaise lounges alongside large cabanas which illuminated at night. The hotel compliments Austin’s identity as a city on the rise, and the Rolls Royce New Ghost is similarly ascendant. Both have been reimagined for an elevated, excellent future. Full of innovation and prosperity. During this event, we were ecstatic to be in the presence of friends, colleagues and advanced automotive architecture, and to be doing so safely. It was gratifying to come together and experience the Ghost’s artistry during this prolonged time of uncertainty.
Design
The Rolls Royce New Ghost was designed with a client-centered approach and with technological advancements to drive with ease. It has been termed “future-focused with a minimal aesthetic.” CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös describes this model as “the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet.” It is offered in a variety of colors including Arctic White, Salamanca Blue, Tempest Gray and Gunmetal Gray. 360 had the experience driving Artic White, an electrifying yet brilliant shade certain to capture the attention of all.
360 Magazine President, Vaughn Lowery, said, “This vehicle is for an obsessive perfectionist, it’s a driver’s car – ergonomically fabricated for those who enjoy to drive or be driven.”
A team of specialists, engineers and craftsmen researched Ghost clients’ interests, opinions and taste patterns to meet drivers’ preferences. The style of the Ghost was created using the ‘Post Opulence’ philosophy, which designer Henry Cloke said is “about simplicity. [It’s] about something that doesn’t shout at you, but it whispers.”
Starting in the front, the bonnet has been lowered and tested for aerodynamics, which gives it a new look. The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament can be lowered or raised using controls from the driver’s seat, perfect for that personalized touch. The New Ghost’s dashboard is lighter than that of the first model, giving the vehicle an overall more spacious feeling. It features hundreds of illuminated lights that resemble a constellation surrounding the Ghost nameplate, lighting up an evening like stars do a night sky.
The interior contains open-pore wood accents, which create a relaxing and serene experience. The headliner is adorned with celestial fiber optic lights, which can be dimmed or brightened from the driver and passenger seats. Occasionally, you might catch a streak of light that mimics a meteor. It is truly a one of a kind visual experience.
The trunk is power-operated, completely carpeted (even under the lid) and provides ample space to store any and all belongings.
Technology
The 2021 Ghost is a new and improved style of its 2010 predecessor. Engineers combined dynamic highlights from the portfolios of numerous types of cars into this edition. It was formulated to remove as much energy transfer as possible from the road into the body with the goal of creating a smooth ride.
The Ghost was built with sound absorbing materials which reduced the level of noise inside. Touch enabled media screens fold in and out automatically from behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats, providing entertainment for those sitting in the back. Wooden trays emerge as well, ones that can be used with or without screens.
A bespoke audio design allows passengers to use dials on the rear doors to control the stereo volume to their preference. Beyond this, the back seats have headrest pillows and individual controls that allow you to move forward or backward, and design the back of the seat to your desired level of comfort. There is also a refrigerator located behind the center console in the rear seats, perfect for storing beverages on the go and the definition of opulence behind the wheel.
The inclusion of USB-C ports is another phenomenal addition, as well as the wireless charger in the arm rest. Though there is no AI system such as Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri, the tech was on-demand and had a hands-free bluetooth function, a wireless hotspot, and Rolls-Royce Assist at your beck and call. Rolls-Royce Assist connects to an emergency services call center if necessary.These are the standard technical features for the New Ghost, but each Rolls Royce can be configured to its unique driver to make it “a motor car that is yours, and yours alone.”
Performance
The New Ghost’s all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering makes driving easy, regardless of road conditions. The car is planted firmly to the ground and corners very well. It was built on Rolls-Royce aluminum spaceframe architecture, which has been adapted to make way for advancements. The steering is much stiffer and more precise than that of the first Ghost, and the braking is more powerful.
The Planar system increases agility through the Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, which creates a secure and effortless ride; the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras to read the road and prepare the suspension system for any upcoming changes in the road surface; and the Satellite Aided Transmission, which uses GPS data to pre-select the optimum gear for approaching corners.
Furthermore, the New Ghost is equipped with a 6.75-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine. The doors open and close electrically, which made for an easy entrance and exit. Engineering Lead Jonathan Simms, said the team “pushed [their] architecture even further and created a car even more dynamic, even more luxurious and, most of all, even more effortlessly usable.”
Additional Features
The iconic Rolls-Royce logo on the wheels is weighted so that it is always facing upright. Also, the key color is customized to match the accents of the car, a note that will be appreciated by any driver looking for a personal touch. Other notes in the interior include the inside of the doors being completely leather and having an embossment of the Spirit of Ecstasy. A button on the rear doors allows passengers to shut them automatically from the inside, and a tap of the door handle will close them from the outside. There is also a hidden umbrella that pops out from the rear doors when needed.
With so many refined and client-centered designs, it is no wonder celebrities like Beyoncé and Floyd Mayweather have strong connections to the moniker. Beyoncé has her own 1959 Silver Cloud Rolls Royce convertible. In her most recent project, Black Is King — the musical film available on Disney+ for her 2019 album “The Lion King: The Gift” — the artist sits atop the hood of a cheetah print Rolls Royce to match the catsuit she is wearing in the scene. The boxing legend similarly showed off his automobile collection earlier this year, which includes at least six Rolls Royce’s. The Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly the most iconic brand in pop culture, including being the most mentioned brand in top-charting songs. The Ghost edition is particularly bold amongst Rolls-Royce’s many stars, and anyone seeking to solidify their luxurious lifestyle need look no further for their ride.
Experiencing this sophisticated and sleek model awoken all of our senses during this challenging time of introspection. The presence of beauty and craftsmanship gave us a feeling of hope as well as pride. Rolls-Royce has long set the bar on lavish vehicles, and the 2021 edition of the Rolls Royce Ghost is no exception. For those interested in a slice of the high life, the Ghost is the very definition of it.
Felt Hats by Tenth Street.
