share on BufferAimed at competing against the Bentley GTs, the new Rolls-Royce Wraith features a previously unseen fastback body style.
The main proportions are defined by the pushed back cabin, the high waist line, the arched roofline that gently descend rearwards and the flowing, tapered rear end.
The front end is similar to the Ghost model and features a new recessed grille.
The car is equipped with a 624 bhp / 465kW twin turbo V12 engine and the main performances are a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds (0-62, 4.6 seconds) and a top speed limited to 250 km/h.
The exclusive interior is inspired by luxury yachts and includes distinctive details such as the Starlight headliner – with thousands of tiny fibre optic lamps hand-woven by craftspeople into the roof lining.
Among the new onboard technologies is the Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT), a system that processes GPS data to predict the driver’s next move and automatically select the right gear for the road ahead.
Prices start from 245K Euros. Below we report the design details from the official release.
From the official Press Release:
Design
Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce Design Director, comments: “The purposeful fastback profile is Wraith’s defining element. Inherent in this graceful line that sweeps from the top of the screen to the very rear edge, is the promise of fast, yet effortless touring.”
Yet it displays cues that can be traced through past generations; effortless poise with accentuated rear overhang, elegant coach doors and, of course, the Spirit of Ecstasy adorning the grille.
The traditional pantheon grille design has further evolved. The cue here is that of a more functionally derived air intake, not unlike that of a jet turbine, giving greater expression to the car’s dynamic promise.
The grille itself is recessed by 45mm compared with Rolls-Royce Ghost. The surround has also been lengthened by 40mm while the bumper has been designed to incorporate the number plate surround with a focused lower air dam.
Recessed and finished in black, the lower valance mesh helps create depth to echo that of the grille.
Chrome blades plant the car, complementing horizontal lines that accelerate the sense of flow around the exterior.
Gentle evolution is also a theme of the 102-year-old Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.
Positioned further forward on the grille and angled by five degrees, her eager position draws the eye up and along the bonnet, helping define the development of three harmonious lines: the waftability line, waist line and roof line.
In side view, it is the fastback that most clearly sets this latest Rolls-Royce design apart from its thoroughbred stable mates. There is a dramatic combination of linear tension and expressive line that bestows Wraith with such an elegant yet uniquely powerful character.
Developing from the masculine frontal architecture, the linear formality of the waist line gently dips to the rear providing a sense of stability and effortless poise. This combines with the expressive gesture of the window graphic that sweeps downwards to the coach door swage line and gives expression to that essential Rolls-Royce trait of waftability.
Frameless coach doors and the absence of a b-pillar further augment elegance and drama. Perfectly sized to complement long front wings, these are the epitome of effortless entry and egress, but also impart a sense of theatre and occasion that are so important to Rolls-Royce customers. Doors open to reveal an exquisite interior and are closed from inside at the touch of a button.
With all four windows down, the side opening adds length and a sense of waftable debonair to Wraith’s character. The elegant chrome side finisher frames this graphic beautifully and pulls the eye seamlessly down onto the rear wheel. For further open view touring enjoyment, a fixed glass roof can also be specified, complete with leather sun blind.
In Wraith’s design, every detail has been considered; stainless steel door handles for example conceal barrel locks maintaining clean exterior panels. Three new wheels have also been designed to fit like a tailored shoe. Confident yet understated, these include a standard 20” seven spoke design along with optional 21” seven spoke part polished and 21” five-spoke part-polished, bi-colour choices.
Two-tone
The wide rear track reinforces the promise of Wraith’s athletic prowess and powerful intent.
Prominent rear shoulders with powerful wheel arches nestle the tapered glasshouse, so beautifully accentuated by the raked rear screen.
These design elements present the perfect three dimensional canvas for a two-tone paint scheme that further enhances the unique, architectural design qualities of Wraith and hints at a nautical theme.
The fastback style
The origins of fastback design lie in the streamlined design era of the 1930s. Initially popular in America, the word fastback soon came to define the spirit of adventure and dynamism that epitomised early and mid 20th century European sporting and GT cars.
Rather than take inspiration from any one car, Wraith simply evokes the alluring pedigree of some of the most iconic designs from this influential era.
Creating a visible distinction between a sporting GT and a true Rolls-Royce was very much key to the success of Wraith’s modern design statement. Whilst the striking silhouette of the long fastback hints at a sporting dynamic, Wraith is clearly a consummate gentleman’s gran turismo.
The perfect balance has been struck between the visual language of the fastback’s heyday and a thoroughly contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car. Traditional high-seating position and Rolls-Royce proportions remain, leaving the beholder in no doubt that it is true to the marque’s DNA.
Rolls-Royce Wraith – Technical Specifications
Dimensions
Vehicle length 5269 mm / 17 ft.3”
Vehicle width 1947 mm / 6 ft 5”
Vehicle height (unladen) 1507 mm / 4 ft 11”
Wheelbase 3112 mm / 10 ft 2”
Turning circle 12.7 m / 41.7 ft
Boot Volume (DIN) 470 ltr / 16.6 ft3
Weight
Unladen Weight (DIN) 2360 kg / 5203 lb
Engine
Engine / cylinders / valves V / 12 / 48
Fuel management Direct injection
Power output @ engine speed 624 bhp / 632 PS (DIN) / 465 kW @ 5,600 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed 800 Nm / lb ft @ 1,500-5,500 rpm
Fuel type Super unleaded1
Performance
Top speed 250 km/h / 155 mph (governed)
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (UK) 4.4 sec
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 4.6 sec
Fuel Consumption
Urban 21.2 ltr/100 km / 13.3 mpg (Imp.)
Extra urban 9.8 ltr/100 km / 28.8 mpg (Imp.)
Combined consumption / range 14.0 ltr/100 km / 20.2 mpg (Imp.)
CO2 emissions 327 g/km
(Source: Rolls-Royce)
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