The new Rolls-Royce Wraith is finally unveiled at Geneva, and you can tell they wanted to make it extra special, because it has some unusual feature that sound like a bit of an overkill. For instance, it has a satellite-guided transmission!
What that does is using GPS data to scan the road ahead and anticipate what the driver wants. It uses that to pre-select the driving mode and the appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts. When did changing gears become so complicated?
The Wraith has a jewel of an engine though; a BMW-sourced V12 from the Ghost, hooked up to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. It sends 624 bhp / 465kW and 800Nm of torque to the rear wheels, so you can go from nought to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
One thing that is slightly worrying about the new Roller is the suspension system, which they say is designed to minimise body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering. It also has a heavier steering system. While those are great in terms of handling, they are not at all what you’d expect from a Rolls-Royce. The Wraith may not ride just as supple as the Phantom or even the Ghost sedan.
The suspension may not be very RR-like, but the interior and the luxury are pure Goodwood. The whole cabin is wrapped in the softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. You also get the Starlight Headliner from the Phantom, with 1,340 fiber optic lamps in the roof lining trying to replicate the starry night sky.
Another nice feature of this car is a voice activation system they call the on-board valet. It is especially handy when navigating. You just tell it where you want to go, and it will guide you; no manual labor!
Rolls-Royce Wraith will go on sale later this year with a base price of around €245,000.
