Rolls-Royce Wraith debuts
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29th March, 2013
- Elegant fastback design hints at dynamic prowess of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever: 465 kW (624 bhp), 800 Nm from
1,500 rpm : 0-62 km/h in 4.6 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds)
- Debut of Satellite Aided Transmission. A technology that uses GPS mapping data to ensure the correct gear is always
pre-selected for the road terrain ahead
- Voice activated connectivity augments effortlessness – the ‘on-board valet’
- Canadel Panelling sweeps through a sumptuous, contemporary and yacht-like interior cabin
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has debuted the Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history at the Geneva
Motor Show earlier this month. At its heart lie hallmark Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and
hand-craftsmanship, but the new model from the British-based BMW-owned marque also presents a unique character defined by
power, style and drama.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said “The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith, promises
the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather. But of course, Wraith’s starting point is luxury,
refinement and quality, traits that remain as important to Rolls-Royce customers today as they were more than a century
ago.”
Rolls-Royce Chairman and BMW Group board member Harald Krüger added the following: “Growth and a prosperous future
lie ahead thanks to continued investment, careful brand stewardship and the launch of groundbreaking new models like
Rolls-Royce Wraith, a magnificent addition to the product range.”
In profile, Wraith’s sweeping fastback design gives the car its unique character. Bold lines, tension in the panels
and a raked rear screen evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of
dynamic intent can be seen in Wraith’s deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.
Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood
called Canadel Panelling. Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and
engineering teams spent their winters, this contemporary and tactile finish sweeps through the interior, cosseting four
occupants in a space bathed in light and warmth.
The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars
for the first time. Some 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a
glittering, starry night sky.
Performance delivers on the promise of Wraith’s styling. Power delivery is effortless, but dramatic, thanks to a V12
engine matched to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. With 465kW (624 bhp) available to the driver while the 0-60 mph
sprint is achieved in 4.4 seconds, compared with 420kW/563 bhp and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.
From 1,500 rpm 800 Nm of torque is available (780 Nm for Ghost), while a wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower
roof height further contribute to the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. The
car’s suspension has also been tuned to minimise body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering
weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds adding to the spirited drive.
However, Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the
sensation of riding on a bed of air. Furthermore, the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology takes the
powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.
Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees; it anticipates his next move based on
location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway
junctions and roundabouts are all anticipated in advance meaning Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its promise of
performance.
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A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the
famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.
For over a century a Rolls-Royce motor car has featured technologies designed to support occupants discreetly,
delivering a peerless driving experience epitomised by the term ‘effortlessness’. In every Rolls-Royce these assist the
driver when called upon, but are prepared to return without fuss to the background when no longer required.
Advances in mechanical and electrical technology deliver systems like head-up display, adaptive headlights and
Wraith’s keyless opening boot. But improvements in connectivity have taken the human-machine interface to a new level of
sophistication, a suite of aids that could be likened to a contemporary on-board valet.
Voice activation commands, for example, come with a one-touch call button located on the steering wheel. A destination
no longer requires manual input from a navigation menu and route assistance begins immediately, on-screen and via audio
guidance following a voice command such as “navigate to Piccadilly in London.”
Additional improvements in communications come in the design and functionality of the elegant Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary
Controller. This allows navigation through on-screen functions using a touch pad that features pinch and pull
functionality to echo smart phone usage. Letters can also be ‘drawn’ onto the pad by hand rather than by scrolling
through a series of available characters on-screen.
First deliveries of Wraith will be made to European customers in the final quarter of 2013, with Australian
availability not far behind.
E&OE.
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