The Rolls-Royce brand has been known for bringing the most luxurious cars ever built in England, but this year they will be making a big upgrade. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the new 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith will be shown to the public and is getting praised as the fastest and most powerful vehicle ever made by the British manufacturer. Here are some facts you may need to know about the newest coach convertible from across the pond.
1. It’s Being Billed As the Most Powerful and Dynamic Rolls-Royce in History
According to the company’s press release, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is expected to be the “most dynamic, powerful and beautiful Rolls-Royce in the company’s history. Wraith alludes to an almost imperceptible but powerful force, something rare, agile and potent, a spirit that will not be tethered to the earth. It is the perfect name for our new model.” says Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.
2. This Luxurious Car is Built for Speed
Rolls-Royce cars are known for their luxurious style for the rich and famous. With the times changing, the British manufacturer’s newest car will be built for speed as well. The Wraith’s 624 horsepower and 6.6-liter V-12 engine will make this car speed up to 60 mph in only about 4 seconds. But don’t worry, the eight-speed automatic transmission will make the drive real smooth for passengers having a drink at the back seats.
3. It Has a New Feature: Satellite Aided Transmission
One of the key features of the Wraith would be the Satellite Aided Transmission. What is does is by using data from the GPS, the SAT will map out the roads ahead and check for any cautions beyond the driver’s vision. The SAT also automatically selects the right gear for any terrain that comes in the vehicle’s way.
4. The Voice Command System is Your Own Personal Valet
To keep up with modern technology, the Wraith also includes a voice command system that allows the driver to activate the navigation and communications system purely by voice. What’s also interesting is that the voice interface also offers concierge service to its system. Think of this as your own personal valet.
5. The Wraith Will Take on the Bentley
With the Wraith being released in the market soon, expect it to be going head on with it’s rival, the Bentley. The two British manufacturers have always been trying to get one step ahead of each other in sales with the Bentley recently gaining the upper hand back in 2011 after two years of facing losses. Rolls-Royce hopes that this new car will be more of a challenge to the Bentley’s newest offering, the Continental GT Coupe.
6. The Car is Remodeled After the Ghost Sedan
The Rolls-Royce Wraith’s body was inspired in part by the company’s previous car, the Silver Ghost. The Wraith is simply the GT coupe version of the Ghost sedan with it’s two-door functionality and its re-invigoration of the founders’ vision of luxury and class.
7. The Headliner Has Fiber Optic Lighting
The vehicle’s roof has gone through a few changes, especially with the material. The Wraith’s headliner is now soft to the touch that is hand woven with 1,340 fiber optic lamps, making passengers feel like they are under the starry skies.
8. Rolls-Royce Is Backed By BMW
With BMW acquiring Rolls-Royce Motors in 1998, the German manufacturer had obtained Rolls-Royce’s trademark but attained the style of the Spirit of Ecstasy. With BMW’s ownership, Rolls-Royce’s sales went up by 31 percent in 2011 with purchases made mostly from the Ghost and Phantom models. Rolls-Royce plans to keep this trend going with the Wraith as soon as its up in the market.
9. The Wraith Will Be in the Market This Fall
At the Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce announced that the expected market debut for the Wraith would be this fall.
10. The Cost Will Start at $300,000
In the European market, the public can expect the price for the Wraith to be at €245,000 ($319,284) when they arrive later this year. No announcements have been made on how much it will be in the states, but the company will report on a price for other regions during the show.