2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith unveiled

It’s unlikely that the new Rolls-Royce Wraith is going to be mistaken for anything else on the road.

Just launched at the Geneva Motor Show, its dramatic fastback bodywork, low roof height and deeply-recessed grille characterise the brand’s most daring design since BMW took control.

Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Rear Side
2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith. Scroll down for more images.

In profile the styling works well and the back end looks fine, but the rear three-quarter view is arguably less successful. And that’s with a two-tone paint finish, which undoubtedly helps to break up the visual mass of those thick rear pillars. Interestingly, reports suggest that Rolls-Royce is encouraging prospective Wraith owners to not specify their cars with just a single colour.

No less striking is the cabin. Created to transport four people in extreme comfort, it features leather upholstery and swathes of wooden ‘Canadel Panelling’ throughout.

The Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. With 624 bhp (465 kW / 632 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque available from its V12 engine, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) benchmark sprint is completed in an astonishingly quick 4.6 seconds.

That doesn’t make it a sports car though. Indeed, despite having more steering feel and less body roll than the Ghost saloon, Rolls-Royce is still keen to describe the Wraith as a luxurious and refined grand tourer.

Wraith customer deliveries are due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013. In Europe it’s expected to be priced at around €245,000, which equates to £211,000 or US$320,000 at today’s exchange rates.

Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Front SideRolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Interior 1

Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Rear 2Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Side 2

Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Interior 2Rolls-Royce Wraith (2014) Rear Side Detail

Related posts:
Final Wraith teaser image
Phantom Coupé Aviator

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more