New Rolls-Royce Ghost: introducing the minimalist Roller

When Rolls-Royce’s design team was given the brief for the all-new Ghost the objective was clear: create something minimalist, pure yet unmistakably a Roller.

Minimalism is not often associated with Rolls-Royce, but the British car maker says the look of the 2021 Ghost rejects “superficial expressions of wealth” and has an “evolved appreciation of luxury”.

Described by Rolls-Royce as “post opulence”, this is characterised by reduction, substance and a design which must be “limited, intelligent and unobtrusive”.

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Over its ten-year lifespan, which began in 2009, the Ghost has become the most successful model in the marque’s 116-year history. The only components carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost to the new model are the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas.

Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered “from the ground up”, says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet,” he added. “It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times.”

The cost

With a starting price of £208,000 excluding taxes, you’ll still need a “bulging wallet to buy the thing”, says Top Gear. “That’s before you go anywhere near the options list. But remember, it’s for those who don’t want to show off”.

The engine

Rolls-Royce further developed the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine in response to client feedback asking for near-instant torque and near-silent running. The hallmark V12 delivers 563 horsepower and 627lb ft of torque to the all-wheel steer, all-wheel drivetrain. According to the manufacturer, it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph.

The tech

Although creating a “pure and detoxifying environment” was one of the greatest challenges in Rolls-Royce’s history, the new Ghost is the most technologically advanced motor car the company has ever produced.

The equipment list includes:

• LED and laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range, vision assist, including day- and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning
• Alertness assistant
• A four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view
• Active cruise control
• Collision warnings and cross-traffic warning
• Lane departure and lane change warning
• A 7x3 high-resolution head-up display
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Self-park
• Latest navigation and entertainment systems
• Doors which now electrically open as well as close

New Ghost: in pictures