RISING TO THE ROLLS-ROYCE OFFICE IN ABU-DABI, THE FIRST THAT THROWN ME IN THE EYES - THREE POLISHED SHINY ON THE SUN “ROLLS”, TAKING THREE THREE PARKS IN FIVE. YES, THE MACHINE IS NOT SMALL, IT IS NOT FOR YOU A MINI COOPER. A LITTLE FORMALITY - I WILL PUT A AUTOGRAPH ON FORM THAT I HAVE DRIVING RIGHTS, AND THERE, WHEREOF, I DO NOT ATTEMPT ANYONE, I DO NOT BE CAREFUL AT THE DRIVE AND OTHER. OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF THE TEST DRIVE DO THE SAME. A RESPONSIBILITY!
Further, everything goes according to plan. RollsRoyce brand manager in the UAE presents a new product for the audience - an elongated Rolls-Royce Ghost 2011. It would seem, well, where else to lengthen it? And so already Ghost - such a spacious car, which to look for.
Ghost on wheels
The Ghost model was originally planned as a mass car and a more modest “palace on wheels” model designed to attract those drivers who are interested in not only owning a luxurious car and enjoying it in the passenger seat, but also driving it on their own with RollsRoyce fans.
So, we are testing a new modification of Ghost called Extended Wheelbase. This is an elongated version of the standard Ghost sedan, whose wheelbase is stretched over 170 mm. Passengers in the backseat of the Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB have twice as much legroom than the passengers of the regular Ghost (increased from 160 to 330 mm).
This real English "ghost" is equipped with a standard 6.6-liter V12 engine with two turbines that accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in just 5 seconds. Not weak, for such a giant.
Interior design is an inimitable blend of classics and modern elements. As always! But how differently in the car, where each one is made and hand-picked! On the one hand - a thin steering wheel and a control panel with metal keys, on the other - huge color monitors and comfortable durable tables that recline from the front seat. Naturally, there is also a special feature of the brand that all brothers of this model have - swinging back doors that are difficult to close on their own, sitting in the back seat ... hands just do not reach. Although, on the other hand, there is a button by pressing which the doors close automatically.
With the wind…
I sit behind the wheel - while driving along a narrow service road to the highway, it feels like the car is completely not designed for narrow roads and small intersections - it seems that Rolls Royce occupies both lanes and can easily touch any oncoming car ... But do not forget about the class this car, because all oncoming and passing and so respectfully scatter around, looking with envy looking after.
We leave on the track - here you can push, and wag a little! I barely squeeze the gas pedal, and it seems that the speed is not so high, and the speedometer shows 160! How so? Speaking of speedometer. The speed indications are constantly in front of the driver’s eyes: they are not hidden on the dashboard, but are reflected directly on the windshield. Well, since you don’t feel it at all, let it be at least visible!
Slowing down and steering too - smoothly, steadily, without screeching wheels. My passenger opens a bottle of water and says: “Is it slow to brake so that I spill water?” Well how so! Now I will show you! Accelerate and brake sharply .... And what would you think? This car seems to feel and anticipate all your actions, smooth out your mistakes ... Our Ghost just leaned forward smoothly! Water is in place. Laughing ...
Conventions of the world of Rolls-Royce
But such jokes are not for Rolls-Royce. I must say that once in the Ghost salon, it seems that you immediately become someone else. Style and chic Rolls Royce prevails here in everything, as if this car has its own unwritten etiquette, its own rules of conduct, its own special luxurious world, a part of which you become as soon as the door closes.
We swap places with a fellow traveler, who until that moment was resting in the passenger seat. In the back seat, I immediately relax, I feel how everything is harmonious, how far the worldly vanity is from me! The full insulation of the Ghost not only contributes to this, moreover, nothing prevents us from hearing what they are whispering about in the front seat.
There is absolutely no feeling that you are generally in a huge heavy car and driving along a highway ... The feeling of an airplane, in some places even softer. What's the matter? I believe that the secret is in the 8-speed automatic transmission, which smooths out the moments of gear shifting so much that you don’t feel them at all. No noise, no sudden movements, no hard seats and lack of legroom ... a flying pillow, not otherwise!
