We've published a number of teaser shots over the past few weeks, but now Rolls-Royce has revealed its new Wraith at the Geneva Motor Show – and it’s set to be the sportiest and most dynamic car in the range.
Reviving a name first used by the brand in 1938, this two-door fastback coupe version of the Ghost is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever and develops 624bhp and 800Nm from its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12.
That eclipses the Ghost’s 563bhp, while the Wraith also has 20Nm more torque than the saloon, with the staggering 800Nm output available from only 1,500rpm. The result is 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds – that’s three-tenths up on the Ghost.
To make the Wraith more agile than the saloon, the company has also tweaked the suspension, widened the rear track and shortened the wheelbase. Rolls says the new suspension will “discreetly amplify feedback”, while the steering will weight up at high speeds.
The interior of the two-tone car on the Geneva stand looked suitably lavish with Phantom grade leathers and what CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös described as a luxrious and yacht-like interior. The steering wheel and centre console also feature more controls and switches than we have seen on previous models from the brand.
The Wraith also debuts a new Satellite Aided Transmission system. This uses satellite maps and data to help the eight-speed automatic gearbox predict corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts, and select the most appropriate gear.
Rear-hinged doors open to reveal a Ghost-inspired interior featuring new matt Canadel wood panelling. There’s also the option of Starlight headlining, with 1,340 handwoven fibre optic lights – this is the first time it’s been offered outside the Phantom.
A new voice command system allows drivers to tell the sat-nav where they want to be navigated to, while the new infotainment controller has a smartphone-style pinch to zoom facility. It even lets users draw letters for postcodes.
The Wraith is priced from 245,000 Euros, which should translate to around £220,000 when the first cars are delivered here towards the end of the year.
Disqus - noscript
awkward profile, slanting roof looks a bit odd, this won't date well I'm afraid
James Bond can forget Aston Martin & Bentley this car can suit him with gadgets
I like the new Rolls Royce Wraith
Premiership footballers will be abandoning their Bentley Continentals and raiding their overstuffed piggy-banks in droves. This is the ultimate statement of money over good taste.
I would say 99.9% of us reading this could not afford this car and those that can will like as not reside outside the UK. So lets hope it sells. It really doesn't matter if 'we' think it is ugly or lovely but that is not to say we cannot comment. I say money and good taste are typically mutually exclusive.
NQOC
A modern take on the 1968 VW Fastback! Only kidding, Russian oligarchs, oily shiekhs, footballers and hedge fund managers form an orderly line please.
Looks like a bloated Jaguar from the side Profile.wonder if Rooney and Giggs have ordered Their's yet?. If i Could Afford One i would'nt Bother rather have a out and Out Sports car for that Cash Outlay.
Its perfectly clear where the important influences on this car are from.....Germany. The first car sighted is LHD, obviously not for its home of origin. The whole rear of the car looks contrived and awkward, right down to the tacky bling exhausts. Original RR's had absolutely no need for 'show' and ostentation. If they'd concentrated on making a car, rather than a 4-wheeled pseudo boat, with what easily looks like photographed mock-woodgrain vinyl, it might stand a chance against the stunning Conti. I mean, if youre looking for a car do you start in a boat yard? It looks about as much like a boat as a tug looks like a yacht. Confused designers I think. RR never needed to 'show' the gubbins that slow/stop their cars, but now its all there clearly visible through effete minimalist spoked wheels. I no longer understand where this car fits into RR's range now. Is this the new halo baby car coupe? Of course they were going to chop the roof off the Ghost....so they stuffed a huge motor under the bonnet, and voila, the new wunderkar? If its a fop to the Brooklands, they are a bit late. The Brooklands has been and gone. But one only need consider the business plan of its owners.....profits, profits, profits. At any expense, and hang the heritage. Good luck, playing catch-up with Bentley.