The last time we saw a Rolls-Royce->ke74 Series II model was in 2012, when the luxury car->ke505 builder released the Phantom Series II a full nine years after the Phantom debuted in 2003. With that timeframe as a point of reference, we would not expect to see a Ghost Series II until about 2019 or 2020.

Well, prepare to be surprised, as Rolls-Royce has revealed the Ghost Series II at the Geneva Auto Show->ke228 . But just like I said earlier, the revisions are pretty minor relative to more mainstream automakers.

Then again, Rolls-Royce is not your "typical" automaker, as it finds a nice place and doesn't change much until things get completely stale. Actually, the changes that Rolls Royce made are fairly extensive for a Series II model, so we can;t say that we're upset with the new Ghost.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II.

2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 563
  • Torque: 575
  • Transmission: ZF eight-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As expected, the Series II Ghost is little more than a refresh, but Rolls sees this minor update as a complete overhaul. The biggest differences are up front, where the new Ghost Series II gets reshaped LED headlights, which thankfully rids the Ghost of the odd bags-under-the-eyes look that it's always had. The only downside to these new headlights is that they are a little too Chrysler 300-like (see comparison image below.

2014 Chrysler 300 headlight vs 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II headlight

Also new on the Series II is a tapered "wake channel" on the hood that give the Spirit of Ecstasy emblem a feeling of motion. Rolls changed up the bumpers in order to make the new Ghost look larger than it actually is and give it a more dynamic stance.

In the Apron, the Ghost II gets new chrome on the enlarged from air intakes, which help cool off the brakes more effectively. Finally, Rolls leaned the Ghost II's waft lines forward slightly, but the change is very (and I mean very) subtle.

As is typical, the Ghost Series II comes in a standard wheelbase (SWB) and extended wheelbase (EWB), with the latter gaining and extra 6.7 inches in wheelbase length and an extra 6.6 inches in body length.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II vs. Rolls-Royce Ghost

Trim

SWB

EWB

Wheelbase

3,295 MM (129.7 In)

3,465 MM (136.4 In.)

Length

5,399 MM (212.6 In)

5,569 MM (219.2 In.)

Width

1,948 MM (76.7 In)

1,948 MM (76.7 In.)

Height

1,550 MM (61 In)

1,550 MM (61 In.)

Weight

2,360 KG (5,203 LB)

2,420 KG (5,335 LB)


ids=544486,544484,544483,544482,544481,544499>


Interior

On the inside, the Ghost Series II is the same over-the-top-luxurious rig that it has always been. Rolls let us know that it will feature the type of technology you'd expect from a car in this class, like onboard Wi-Fi, navigation with an updated interface for ease of use and an optional Bespoke Audio system that is sure to give your ears quite the treat.

The Ghost Series II's cabin, like the exterior, received minor updates to set it apart. These changes kick off with the addition of the Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller touchpad allows the passenger or driver to scroll through features without leaving unsightly fingerprints on the beautiful screen. It also recognized smartphone-like input and letters drawn with your finger in English, Latin, Arabic and Mandarin.

Rolls redesigned the seats, and they include adjustable thigh supports for optimal comfort. The rear seats were also revised, and offer lounge-seat-like comfort for doing business or just hanging out.

Rounding out the interior enhancements are revised dials and clock with polished-metal chaplets and matte-chrome inserts, and Paldao or Walnut Burr Crossband veneers.

ids=544497,544495,544494,544493,544503,544506>


Drivetrain and Chassis

Again, just as I predicted, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II carries the same 6.6-liter, twin-turbo V-12 engine as last year's model that puts down 562 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. The engine mates to a ZF-sourced eight-speed auto transmission that comes with Satellite Aided Transmission, which uses the navigation system to predict the driving conditions and adapt the shift points accordingly.

This combo rockets this massive sedan to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds up to its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

On the suspension side of things, Rolls added in revised front and rear struts the help the big sedan in the corners, and a new steering gear for quicker response. Optionally, buyers can add in the Dynamic Driving Package that allows for increased cornering capabilities via adjustable dampers.

Finally, hydraulic rear axle bearings help to further reduce NVH levels inside the cabin.

Type

6,592 cc (402.3 cu in) V12 twin turbo

Horsepower

562 HP @ 5250 RPM

Torque

575 LBS-FT @1500 RPM

Transmission

ZF 8-speed automatic

0 to 60 mph

4.7 seconds (4.8 Sec EWB)

Top Speed (electronically limited)

155 MPH

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

13 / 29 / 20


Prices

There are no prices available yet for the new Ghost, but I'm sure we'll get them soon.

Competitors

Bentley Flying Spur

For 2014, the Flying Spur gets a redesign much like the Ghost just received -- an evolution, not revolution. This new model received a lightly updated front fascia and a new rear look, thank to all-new taillights.

Under its hood, the Bentley features a turbocharged, 6.0-liter W-12 that is tuned to 616 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque -- a 16-horsepower and 37 pound-feet increase over the 2013 model. This is enough to launch the Bentley to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, which is far quicker than the Rolls.

Pricing is set at $205,825, but does that really matter at this point?

count=6>


Audi A8L W12

The Audi A8L W12 is the pinnacle of the German automaker's lineup, and is a great alternative to the pricey Ghost Series II. With 500 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque coming from its 6.3-liter, W-12 engine, the massive A8L can sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

On top of being one hell of a performer, the A8L also features all the luxury one could want from a large sedan.

The A8L checks in at $138,895 in 2014.

count=6>


Mercedes-Benz S550

The Benz S550 is not as premium of a car as the A8L or the RR Ghost Series II, but it is a far-cheaper alternative at just $93,825. With 449 ponies and 516 pound-feet of torque coming from its 4.7-liter V-8, the big Benz can sprint to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

count=6>


History

In 2010, the Rolls-Royce Ghost debuted as the super-luxury automaker's "entry-level" car and drew its name from the Silver Ghosts of the early 1900s. It rolled out of Goodwood atop the same platform as the BMW 760Li, but only 20 percent of its components are the same as you'd find on the Bimmer.

Rolls borrowed BMW's V-12 engine and increased its displacement to 6.6-liters, giving the big sedan 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of twist.

Since its debut, the Ghost has remained relatively unchanged, but that all changes at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show.

count=6>


Conclusion

When compared to most cars, this is little more than a light refresh for the Ghost. For Rolls Royce, which rarely ever breaks it mold when revising a car, this is a full overhaul for the Ghost. The luxury automaker took what was already great and pushed it up on more slot, and I love it. The best part is the elimination of those ridiculous headlights that really never sat well with me.