After debuting the Series II for both the Phantom and Phantom Coupe models, Rolls Royce->ke74 engineers have started to test a new luxury coupe. Initially thought to be called Corniche, the latest creation from Rolls Royce brings back in fact a name that was initially used in 1938: Wraith.

The new Wraith, simply described as "the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history," features a fastback profile, and is wider and lower than the Ghost, making it more aerodynamic and aggressive in the same time.

For its new model, Rolls Royce has made numerous improvements to the suspension and the steering system and for the interior, it has installed the “on-board valet,” - an innovative voice-command system that sends data to the navigation and infotainment systems.

Sales will begin in the final quarter of 2013 and in Europe prices will start from €245,000 (about $320,000 at the current exchange rates).

UPDATE 03/05/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

UPDATE 09/25/2013: Rolls Royce unveiled a series of new images and video for the latest addition to its lineup: Wraith. The shots were taken in the beautiful city of Vienna and on location in the spectacular surrounding area.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Rolls Royce Wraith.

2014 Rolls Royce Wraith

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Rolls Royce Wraith
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 624
  • Torque: 590
  • Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Wraith is defined by "bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen" -- features that offer it a unique character. The model will be immediately recognized as a Rolls Royce, thanks to its deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and, of course, the dramatic two-tone colorization offered for the exterior.

Interior

The sporty feeling offered by the exterior is combined with a luxurious and elegant interior. In here, Rolls Royce engineers have combined the softest Phantom-grade leathers with a special wood called Canadel Panelling.

For the first time in a model beyond the Phantom family, the new Wraith is offered with a feature called Starlight Headliner, meaning that a total of 1,340 fiber optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

The model is offered with numerous standard features that provide the driver with the best experience behind the wheel. First, there is the Satellite Aided Transmission - a system that uses GPS to anticipate driver's next move based on location and current driving style and then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead.

The most amazing feature, however, is the new "on-board valet" - it uses voice commands to send data to the navigation menu, on-screen and audio guidance. This way all the driver needs to do is to press a one-touch call button located on the steering wheel and initiate his command.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the new Wraith features the company's usual V-12 engine, but the output has been considerably improved to 624 horsepower and a peak torque of 590 pound-feet.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds - a 0.3 seconds improvement over the Ghost.

Suspensions and brakes

Rolls Royce also made a series of changes to the suspension and steering system. The suspension has been tuned to minimize body roll and offer improved handling. The steering system has also been improved to be heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds.

Prices

The new Rolls Royce Wraith will be put on sale in the final quarter of 2013 and in Europe prices will start from €245,000 (about $320,000 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

The new Rolls Royce Wraith is the most powerful and fastest model in Rolls Royce's history, but you can still find models that are far better than it.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

The GT Speed is powered by a 6-liter, 48-valve, four-cam, twin turbocharged W-12 engine that delivers a total of 616 horsepower and a peak torque of 590 pound-feet. Despite being less powerful than the Wraith, the GT Speed is faster -- 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds and up to a top speed of 205 mph.

Also, when it comes to appearance, we would prefer the Bentley model: it looks better and it is a little bit more aerodynamic.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Not really a direct competitor for the new Wraith, the 2014 Vanquish is a proof that those looking to combine high performance with great luxury can do it for a smaller price, as the Vanquish is priced under $300k.

The Aston Martin model is powered by a 6-liter V-12 engine that delivers a total of 565 horsepower and a peak torque of 457 pound-feet. As a result, the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 186 mph.

Conclusion

We have to admit, the new Wraith is one of the best models Rolls Royce has unveiled in the past few years. Still, for the money you can get more powerful and faster sports car. But then again, customers looking to buy a Rolls Royce aren't interested in getting a sporty car, so maybe the new Wraith will turn out to be very successful.