Even though we're getting very close to the Ghost's official launch date, Rolls Royce continues to polish up its all-new "baby" Phantom that was scooped here in production-ready form testing in Germany. Sans the black tape on the grille, the prototype model was completely undisguised and unless we're missing something, the Ghost is virtually unchanged from the 200 EX concept study that was unveiled at this year's Geneva Salon.
The production model retains the prototype model's suicide rear doors as well as the brushed aluminum bonnet and A-pillars that will most likely be offered as an option when sales begin in Europe in late 2009 and the rest of the world, from the second quarter of 2010.
Measuring just under 5,4 meters in length, the Ghost is 187 mm longer than a LWB 7-Series (5,212 mm) but almost half-a-meter shorter than the Phantom (5,83m).
The Phantom's baby brother will be offered with a newly developed 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox. The V12 produces an output of 570 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 780Nm (575 lb-ft) at just 1,500 rpm.
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olls Royce has revealed that the Ghost will accelerate from 0 to 60mph 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and reach an electronically governed top speed of 155mph or 250km/h.
The BMW Group owned British automaker also announced that the Ghost will be equipped with "intelligent" four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminum front and rear axles. The company claims that hat the newly developed air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes, including the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other compensating accordingly.
