'Baby' Rolls Royce PR4 named Ghost

In another first for the Shanghai Auto Show, Rolls Royce CEO, Tom Purves announced that the luxury automaker's new model series, which until now had been known either by its internal codename PR4 or as the 200EX Concept, will be called the Rolls Royce Ghost. The firm's new entry level luxury sedan that will remain very close to the 200EX Concept that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in March, will be powered by a brand new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine delivering an output in excess of 507 horsepower.

Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011According to the British automaker, the Ghost name was used by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars between 1906 and 1925 although these cars were first introduced as the 40/50hp model. A total of 7,876 Ghosts were made during this period, 6173 in Derby, and 1703 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The new Rolls Royce Ghost that will sit right under the larger and more expensive Phantom in the automaker's range, will go on sale late this year.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, said, "We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model's breadth of abilities.

"The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost," he concluded.

Rolls Royce Ghost Specs

  • No. of doors/seats: 4/5
  • Vehicle length: 5399mm
  • Vehicle width: 1948mm
  • Vehicle height: 1550mm
  • Wheelbase: 3295mm
  • Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
  • Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
  • Power: Upwards of 500bhp (upwards of 373kW/507PS)

Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011
Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011
Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011
Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011
Rolls Royce Ghost - Auto Cars 2011