Rolls-Royce News

Fresh from its appearances at the 2013 Geneva and New York auto shows, Rolls-Royce’s new Wraith finally gets a chance to stretch its legs.Here we see the elegant coupe take to some of Britain’s country roads, with the car’s product manager, Philip Harnett, sitting behind the wheel.He lets us share the journey by providing an intimate explanation of what it feels like to drive the new Wraith.We also learn about the extensive testing program the car was put through before being signed off for production. Durability and performance testing took place at the Nürburgring while extreme weather tests were done in the heat of California’s Death Valley and the cold of northern Sweden.The end result of Rolls-Royce’s hard work is the marque’s fastest and most powerful model to date. The Wraith, which is powered by a 616-horsepower version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine, needs just 4.6 seconds to reach 60 mph.One other standard feature of the Wraith worth mentioning is its unique Satellite Aided Transmission. Using GPS data about the road ahead, the Wraith pre-selects the correct gear for the terrain--effectively shifting intelligently based on topological, road map, and other key data.Hopefully we’ll have a chance to experience it firsthand when deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of 2013.www.motorauthority.com 

The recall is equivalent to more than one year of sales in Australia, and is not due to a safety issue but because owners might notice the smell of fuel coming from the car. It follows two recalls at about this time last year that took in almost every Rolls-Royce sold in Australia over the previous 10 years for a potential brake failure and fire risk.The $645,000 Ghost limousine is being recalled this time simply because customers may notice the smell of fuel when approaching their vehicles. The director of global communications for Rolls-Royce, Richard Carter, told News Limited: “Australia seems to be at the moment the only country around the world to make this recall on a safety basis. It’s a minor fuel vapour venting issue. As fuel is naturally vented from the fuel tank when not in use it goes through a carbon filter … which removes any odours.“The software is not properly working. That means that you could when approaching your car smell fuel,” Carter said. “We are convinced this is not a safety issue because fuel vapours occur on any car, it’s just that you don’t smell them.”Last year Rolls-Royce recalled approximately 74 of the company's flagship Phantom sedans, coupes and convertibles sold between 2003 and 2009, and approximately 36 of its Ghost sedans sold between 2009 and 2011. It amounted to most cars sold over the previous 10 years and almost $100 million worth of vehicles. The latest recall affects only $12 million worth of vehicles.Product Safety Recalls Australia reported last year the $645,000 Ghost was being recalled because: “If the turbo cooling pump cracks, the pump electronics may smoulder, possibly causing an engine compartment fire or a vehicle fire.”At the same time, the agency issued a notice that the $1 million Phantom range was being recalled because of “the possibility of oil entering the brake booster, there may be a reduction in power braking assistance and an increased chance of an accident occurring.” 

Luxury car buyers in Australia are paying too much, according to a British exotic brand that has just slashed a massive $100,000 from its local pricetags.

Given the success of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, it’s safe to assume the prestigious British brand will launch a similar drophead version of its latest 2014 Wraith.However, we can’t say with certainty that a Wraith Drophead Coupe will be launched until we either see some spy shots or Rolls-Royce confirms the matter. But Rolls-Royce's boss has now come close to doing the latter.Speaking with media at the UK launch of the Wraith, held fittingly at the Harrods luxury department store in London’s upmarket Knightsbridge, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös strongly suggested that that a Wraith Drophead Coupe was in the pipeline.“The design certainly lends itself to a drophead coupe, and I think that will be the next variant,” Müller-Ötvös revealed to Auto Express. Unfortunately, he went on to say that producing another Wraith variant could take “some time.”One variant that we definitely won’t be seeing, however, is an SUV. Müller-Ötvös confirmed that there were no plans for a Rolls-Royce SUV despite some rumours to the contrary.Finally, the Rolls-Royce CEO mentioned some of his company’s plans for the next-generation Phantom flagship sedan. He said that a plug-in hybrid was definitely the way to go with such a car, as some city centres, particularly in Europe, may have restrictions on the use of non-electrified vehicles when the model is finally launched.As previously reported, Rolls-Royce ruled out an all-electric Phantom because of range concerns, saying plug-in was a better option. The next-generation Phantom is tipped to arrive sometime around 2016.www.motorauthority.com

You may find the color of this Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase a bit distressing, but there's a good reason for the particular hue applied to this car. The Ghost was painted this way to help foster support for breast cancer care.It was commissioned by FAB1, an organization headed by British broadcaster Chris Evans and which aims to raise funds for breast cancer care. However, the paint finish is only part of the scheme. The one-off Ghost will be used as a hire car in the UK over the next 12 months, with all proceeds from the hire service being donated.The car will also make appearances at exclusive events and be used by celebrities in order to build awareness for the FAB1 cause. Organizers are hoping to raise at least a million pounds (approximately $1.53 million).In support of the project, Rolls-Royce has combined numerous exclusive bespoke elements, from pink accented umbrellas, to hand-embroidered headrests featuring the breast cancer care pink ribbon motif.Further enhancements include unique ‘FAB1’ treadplates and a custom pink and cream leather interior. The cabin is also enhanced with hand veneered picnic tables, 9.2-inch LCD screens and a champagne coolbox.In case you were wondering, the FAB1 name comes from the pink Rolls-Royce seen in the 1960s British science-fiction television series Thunderbirds; owned by London agent Lady Penelope and driven by her butler, Parker.www.motorauthority.com 

One half of that name, Henry Royce, born 150 years ago today, started out as an electrical engineer in England. A business downturn and competition from foreign imports made him look to cars as another way to make a living. He turned to his love of the new-fangled automobile and motoring history was created. He was born Frederick Henry Royce on March 27, 1863, at Alwalton, Huntingdonshire, the youngest of James and Mary Royce's five children. James ran a flour mill but when that failed the family moved to London. James died in 1872 and Henry sold papers and delivered telegraph messages to help support his family. With only one year of formal schooling, in 1878 an aunt paid to secure him an apprenticeship with the Great Northern Railway company. Money to pay for his apprenticeship ran out after three years, so he took a job at a tool and dye company in Leeds. In 1882 he went to work for the Electric Light & Power Company in London, becoming chief engineer in 1884 and installing the first electric street lights in Liverpool, England. The confident 21-year-old engineer then pooled his money with a colleague, Ernest Claremont, forming FH Royce and Company, making electrical fittings for homes. The business thrived and by the 1890s they were also making electric dynamos, motors and cranes. With a bit of wealth behind him, in 1893 Royce married Minnie Punt, but they would divorce without having children in 1912. This may have been because he had also found his true love, starting his affair with automobiles in the 1890s. He bought several cars and liked to tinker with them, making improvements. When the Boer War and cheaper electric motor imports from the US and Germany started to have an impact on his business, he began to think seriously about making his own cars. In about 1902 he bought a second hand, two-cylinder, 10hp Decauville. He liked the car, but found it unreliable and so decided to build his own car based on the Decauville. By 1904 Royce had built three cars he called Royces. He gave one to Claremont and sold another to fellow motoring enthusiast Henry Edmunds. Edmunds was a member of the Automobile Club and, impressed by the car, introduced Royce to Charles Rolls. Born in 1877, Rolls was a young racing driver and owner of the car dealership CS Rolls. He had been selling foreign cars but was looking for a reliable English vehicle. Rolls took possession of the third Royce car, liked what he saw and agreed to become the sole agent for Royce Ltd automobiles. Royce produced a range of cars over the next few years that would be badged Rolls-Royce -- but it was only in 1906 that manufacturer and dealer merged to form Rolls-Royce. In 1907 Rolls-Royce cemented its reputation as premium carmakers by producing what was then known as the 40/50hp model, an ultra-quiet new six-cylinder car. The managing director of Rolls-Royce, Claude Johnson, ordered that one of the cars be painted with silver coachwork and have silver-plated fittings, to use it as a promotional vehicle. This car, known as chassis No.60551, was nicknamed the "Silver Ghost", a name that became applied to all other 40/50hps. It handled everything thrown at it -- earning it the reputation of "the perfect car". It soon became the car of choice for the wealthy, famous and powerful. Tsar Nicholas of Russia had customised Silver Ghosts, as did the Maharaja of Mysore, although Johnson couldn't seem to interest the British royal family in his cars. Later both Rolls and Royce became aviation enthusiasts, the former piloting aircraft, the latter building aircraft engines. Rolls died in a plane crash in 1910 and Royce would turn the company over to the war effort in 1914. After the war the company continued to make luxury cars, discontinuing the Silver Ghost in 1926 when the Phantom went into production. Royce died in 1933 by which time even the king of England owned a Rolls-Royce.  

The ultra-luxury brand is expanding the lineup that sits below its Phantom flagship after unveiling its new Wraith coupe at the Geneva motor show, with the man at the top admitting an SUV is a potential addition to the family.Confirmation of the SUV investigation confirmation comes as Bentley pushes ahead with a production plan - including much-needed styling tweaks - of its EXP 9 F concept car and other upscale brands including Lamborghini and Maserati also work to provide an SUV solution for new-age families."There is potential for a high-end luxury vehicle in that segment. I wouldn’t rule it out, let's say it that way," the chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, tells Carsguide in the closest thing to an all-out admission."The big question for us is "Does it fit for Rolls-Royce?" We have to ask if it is possible to create an authentic Rolls-Royce in an authentic way that will fit into that segment. That is something we need to get our arms around."Insiders confirm a serious research plan for an SUV as Rolls-Royce looks to morph its two-door Wraith into a convertible, as well as considering an even-smaller car than the Ghost, which shares its mechanical package with the BMW 7 Series."I would say, with Wraith we have taken the first step after Ghost to move the brand into new territory. Definitely. And my clear understanding and long-term strategy is to move the brand on further." Müller-Ötvös has high expectations for the Wraith and reveals the thinking behind the name, which was first used by Rolls-Royce in 1938."It is Scottish, it is kind of a ghost, a black ghost, and a much more menacing ghost. This is the positioning of the car. Wraith is more menacing. Wraith is the most powerful car in our history. Wraith is also a car that, I don't want to say the evil brother of the Ghost, but it is on the more menacing side."Müller-Ötvös says the success of the Wraith is almost guaranteed and he hints strongly about a convertible to follow, probably within two years. "We have a substantial amount of firm orders with down payments. I've said quite often that this car lends massively to a convertible, or a drophead coupe as we call it. But this is not the moment to discuss a convertible. The time will come."Some analysts regard the Wraith as a Bentley buster, providing the sporty driving and head-turning looks that have worked well for the rival brand. “I would not be surprised to see a couple of Bentley GT buyers coming along and purchasing our car. It's now around every single street corner in London.“(But) I wouldn't say that we are competing against Bentley, because we operate in a far different price segment. This car is more expensive than Ghost. We are very keen to remain rare. We're not chasing volume."But Rolls-Royce could easily boost its volume with an SUV, or a sports activity vehicle as Müller-Ötvös calls it. The question now is the timing and the likely styling and price. "Regarding SAV or SUV-type vehicles, it's an interesting segment. It is very stable and is growing."There are no firm plans on our hands to bring an SUV type of car into the market, but it's an interesting segment," he says with a smile.This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover 

Rolls-Royce says the Wraith is the most powerful car they’ve ever produced. It is also probably one of the sleekest machines to bear the prestige marque.For those qualities alone, the £225,000 ($331,445 AUD) Rolls-Royce Wraith is one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show. But this car is rather clever, too. It can read the road that hasn’t quite come into the driver’s view yet.Using GPS mapping, it pre-selects the correct gear for what lies ahead – even when confronted with potentially complicated situations such as roundabouts and motorway junctions.A company spokesman said: ‘The satellite aided transmission uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees; it anticipates his or her next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead.’Naturally the driver retains ultimate control of the car’s automatic gearbox through the brakes and accelerator. Apart from the transmission, the latest technology is also deployed in the Wraith’s steering and suspension and in its voice-activated controls – ‘the on-board valet’.These include the satellite navigation, meaning the car can simply be told its destination. The low-slung Wraith has the sweeping styling of a ‘fastback’ coupe and Rolls-Royce describes the four-seater as ‘the ultimate gentleman’s grand tourer’.The latest car to bear the Spirit of Ecstasy Flying Lady figurine is powered by a mighty 6.7 litre V12 petrol engine developing 458 kilowatts – equivalent to six Ford Fiestas. Linked to an eight-speed automatic gear-box, the Wraith will accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds with its top speed artificially limited to 249.45 km/h.Rolls-Royce said the car, reviving a name first used in 1938, goes on sale in late autumn. But you’ll need deep pockets for the fuel bills. The Wraith averages just 20.2 miles to the gallon.The company said: ‘It has the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. Rolls-Royce was founded after sales and marketing genius Charles Stewart Rolls, a passionate racing driver, balloonist and aviator, met engineer Henry Royce at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on May 4, 1904, with the aim of creating the world’s finest car.BMW bought Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from Vickers PLC in 1998 following a bidding war with Volkswagen, which secured Bentley. It employs 1,050 staff at its boutique factory near Chichester, having taken on an extra 100 staff last year. 

A very old-school Rolls-Royce coupe is setting new standards today for the historic British brand.The all-new Wraith is the most powerful and dynamic car in the company's history, with 465 kiloWatts and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds, and it also picks up everything from a great looking two-door body to a satellite-linked system that pre-selects the right gear for safe cornering.It is priced from 245,000 Euros in Europe with deliveries in the second half of the year, but that price is likely to blow out to more than $700,000 in Australia in 2014 judging by the $645,000 sticker for the Ghost model that is used as the base for the Wraith.The Wraith has genuine movie-star looks - most likely in the next Batman flick - and plenty of new-age technology, but Rolls-Royce is clear on its clients. And it's not being remotely politically correct."Today we launch the ultimate gentlemen's gran turismo," says Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Wraith promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather." So, not even the slightest nod to the potential for female sales.But the Wraith - a name plucked from the history books for a 21st century comeback - is clearly aimed at the world's ultra-wealthy car buyers, who might be shopping it against a new Bentley, or a new helicopter or the sort of holiday that would be a ridiculous dream in suburban Australia. And Rolls-Royce believes almost all of them will be men.Plenty of women drive Phantoms, and there will be females who crave a Wraith, but it's a very masculine car. That includes the chunky body and a cabin that's predictably slapped with upscale wood and leather. But the real focus is on performance, with 800 Newton-metres of torque on tap, sporty-ish suspension settings and an eight-speed automatic.Rolls-Royce clearly believes it can compete against Bentley's latest super-quick coupes, but it says it has no sacrificed any luxury. "Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air," says Muller-Otvos."A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability."Away from the engine room, equipment levels in the Wraith are predictably sumptuous and - thanks to tapping German technology from its BMW owners - Rolls-Royce has added everything from a heads-up instrument display to adaptive headlights and far more user-friendly connectivity.There is a final signature item common to the Phantom Coupe and convertible, the suicide front doors that Rolls-Royce describes - in another old-school nod - as coach doors, a term that comes from the days when horses and not horsepower ruled the road. 

While we're not sure why the sketched profile of the top half of the car would be of any additive value to the photographic profile of the same released ahead of its Geneva debut, we're glad Rolls-Royce has decided to give the Wraith's form a name: the fastback.Fastbacks are a familiar form, and while essentially a spin on the coupe body style, the name helps guide the onlooking world toward Rolls-Royce's idea for the car as much as toward its final appearance.By calling the Wraith a fastback, the company is clearly putting an emphasis on the car's performance nature--though still undeniably bringing a velvet-gloved fist down on the luxury front as well.What we suspect of the Wraith so far also leans in the sport-oriented direction, too, as befits a car with the Bentley Continental GT, and its Speed derivatives, as its most likely competition. Power for the Wraith could come from a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 shared with the Ghost sedan, but tuned to more than 440 kilowatts--right on the GT Speed's heels.Whether the Wraith will be able to hang with the proven, albeit decade-old, Bentley remains to be seen on the road--but we'll have our first full look at the car, and its specs, in just a couple of weeks with our live coverage from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.www.motorauthority.com