Phamtom of the opera

The Rolls-Royce Ghost made its Singapore debut at On e on the Bund on Collyer Quay. At the event, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia Pacific Regional Director Colin Kelly said: "Ghost is a more informal design that broadens the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, combining refinement, new technology and contemporary style. It bears all the hallmarks of other Rolls-Royce cars, using the finest wood and leather materials and employing manufacturing standards which are no different to Phantom. Ghost will be built-to-order."

Mr Karsono Kwee, Dealer Principal for Rolls-Royce in Singapore said: "I am delighted to have Ghost, truly fulfilling the engineering and design excellence for which the brand is famous for." Added Brenda Pek, General Manager Rolls-Royce for South and East Asia Pacific, "Singapore has seen a healthy amount of interest in Ghost since the 200EX [review in April 2009. Ghost is attracting a broader set of buyers who have not considered a Rolls-Royce before."

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6-litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. This engine produces 563bhp, delivering performance figures that are among the best in the class - 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 250km/h. With 780Nm of torque available at just 1500rpm, delivery of power should be immediate and extremely smooth. The engine will send its power to the wheels via a ZF sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Ghost also has a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. These individual technologies work together under dual Integrated Chassis Management systems, meaning that even when subjected to a vigorous test Ghost remains perfectly poised. Its handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers, to maintain optimum contact with the road in any condition.

The Ghost name was last used by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars between 1906 and 1925. Rolls-Royce's current line up now include the Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe.

Production of Ghost has begun at Goodwood, East Sussex, England and Singapore's first customer cars are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2010. For tycoons out there, Ghost prices start from $998,888.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and manufacturer