Power, style, drama
Performance complements the drama of exterior styling. A shorter wheelbase, wider rear track, 624 bhp / 465kW derived from the twin turbo V12 and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds (0-62, 4.6 seconds) give expression to the car's dynamic looks.
But Wraith is no GT bruiser; it is every inch a refined and luxurious Rolls-Royce, a car where the sense of arrival and joy of the journey are as important as the canvas upon which it is drawn.
Effortless performance, luxurious interior
Wraith debuts the most intelligent drive train ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce, including the application of ground-breaking technologies like Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT). This processes GPS data to predict the driver's next move and automatically select the right gear for the road ahead. Unnecessary gear changes are thus avoided, augmenting the famous Rolls-Royce trait of waftability and ensuring Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its dynamic promise. Following a sweeping bend, for example, the optimum gear is always pre-selected for effortless acceleration.
Complementing Satellite Aided Transmission, Rolls-Royce Wraith's further dynamic enhancements include a more direct steering response to aid precision in corners, as well as more dynamic spring and damper settings.
Step inside Wraith's coach doors and there is the feeling of going aboard a luxury yacht. It is a serene space for four occupants, who will be cocooned in a striking and contemporary interior furnished in beautiful materials, surrounded by tactile Phantom-grade leathers.
Design details like the expansive Canadel Panelling and blood orange needle tips for speedometer and power reserve gauge hint further at agility, speed and performance. Look upwards however, and Rolls-Royce presents something more traditional - at least for the 21st century. Starlight headliner - offered for the first time beyond the Phantom range - features thousands of tiny fibre optic lamps hand-woven by craftspeople into the roof lining.
It remains one of the company's most endearing and popular features.
The expression of power
The traditional pantheon grille design has further evolved with Wraith. 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.
Beauty in profile
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 Rolls-Royce 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.
Architecture in 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
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.
Wraith presents the perfect marriage of glamour and refinement, as well as an underlying, brooding sense that power and drama lie beneath. One can imagine that this Rolls-Royce in particular would perfectly match the inimitable lifestyle of adventure and speed enjoyed by Rolls-Royce's founding forefather the Honourable Charles Rolls.
Luxurious interior
Rolls-Royce Wraith's coach doors open to present an inviting, harmonious interior space - one with every possible comfort, delivered in a thoroughly modern way.
The eye is immediately drawn to the contemporary panelling that elegantly adorns the inside of the doors and sweeps round the entire lower space. Finished in either wood or leather, the effect draws the eye quickly around the cabin, similar in dynamic effect to the clean fastback style of the exterior.
Canadel Panelling
Wraith's mellow interior is the perfect space to present the debut of a very special new wood treatment , Canadel Panelling, a beautiful open grain wood. Tactile and with a light satin finish that retains the material's natural texture, this crafted wood contributes to the cabin's warm, contemporary ambiance, evoking the interior feel of a fine, super-luxury yacht.
In this wood configuration, the car stands as a testament to the skills of craftspeople in the wood shop at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. Every detail has been carefully considered; the veneer gently curved to hug the contours of the doors, delighting the eye as well as increasing space for occupants. In orientation the grain is angled at 55 degrees increasing dynamic flow through the interior. Echoing the wood craftsmanship of its pinnacle stable mate Phantom, Canadel Panelling is bookmatched throughout, creating a perfect mirror image through the centre console and featuring a contemporary chevron pattern that runs through the centre of the car, adding to the sense of cutting edge dynamic.
Dynamism... and delicacy
The dynamic theme is reinforced when viewed from the driver's seat. Black chrome dials are framed by a black horseshoe sweep. Blood orange tips to gauge indicators pay homage to the marque's aviation heritage whilst the steering-wheel is thicker rimmed to build dynamic intent.
Detailed with a delicate subtlety, the interior complements Wraith's dramatic exterior aesthetic. Four individual seats cosset driver and occupants ensuring the most involving Rolls-Royce driving experience ever, whilst never compromising on pinnacle standards of comfort and contemporary elegance. Touches like the chrome bullet tips to recessed piping on the seat panels further enhances the sense of a vehicle tailored for performance.
The finest Phantom-grade natural grain leather adds to the luxury, its tactility unequalled in the motor industry. Detailing to armrests and panniers reinforce the opulence, inspired in their design by fine saddle-making.
Light from darkness
The Rolls-Royce principle of effortlessness has informed designers' thinking throughout. Perfectly appointed storage compartments for two iPads add convenience for rear seat passengers, whilst automatic door closing buttons located behind the a-pillar aid those in the front.
Warm and serene, Wraith's interior lighting bathes occupants in gentle light. Beyond this, additional ambient lighting comes on request - courtesy of reading lights above c-pillars and waterfall roof lights that deliver increased but unobtrusive illumination with a hint of Art Deco influence.
One of the marque's most popular Bespoke features is now available to complete the glamour that befits this stunning new Rolls-Royce interior. Starlight Headliner presents a starry night sky within the cabin, an effect that is achieved with 1,340 individual fibre optic lights hand-woven into the leather roof-lining by craftspeople in the Rolls-Royce Leathershop.
Drivetrain
Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever to have played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. It develops 624 bhp, from a 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12, an engine that features direct petrol injection to maximise efficiency and reduce emissions. Should they wish to take advantage of the extraordianary power at their disposal, drivers may choose to be propelled from rest to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-62 mph, 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.
Power is transmitted - effortlessly - thanks to an eight speed, automatic ZF transmission. The combination of powerful engine and sophisticated transmission leads to immediate power delivery with 800 Nm of torque available to the driver from 1,500 rpm.
The sense of scale is illustrated deftly by the power reserve gauge on the fascia. This reveals how much power is available should it be needed - or simply desired - by the driver at any time during a journey.
Rolls-Royce Wraith also features the ability to multi-shift down gears. When the accelerator is pushed rapidly, the car knows that the driver is seeking to maximise acceleration and it moves directly to an appropriate lower gear.
Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) - a new technology
"From powertrain engineers to our director of engineering, everyone instinctively realised the affinity of Satellite Aided Transmission to the Rolls-Royce brand - and particularly to Wraith. It's an effortless system that knows the car's location and reads the mind of its driver. It selects the optimum gear as though it were a skilled pilot changing a manual 'box himself." Philip Harnett, Product Manager, Rolls-Royce Wraith.
Abundant power comes effortlessly thanks to Rolls-Royce Wraith's powerful V12 twin-turbo engine married to an eight-speed automatic transmission. But Satellite Aided Transmission technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.
Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees; it anticipates his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts are all anticipated in advance, meaning Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its promise of performance.
A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.
With eight years experience as electronic and systems engineer with the BMW Formula 1 team - and subsequent experience in the BMW engine development department - Product manager Philip Harnett was instrumental in bringing the technology to Rolls-Royce Wraith.
"A former F1 colleague who worked on gearbox software demonstrated Satellite Aided Transmission to us one afternoon. I was very impressed. A few months later I moved from BMW to Rolls-Royce and quickly lobbied for its inclusion in Wraith. The reason was simple; it augments effortlessness and dynamism; the fit was perfect.
In context, the benefits of Satellite Aided Transmission become clear. Consider piloting Wraith in its natural environment, through the twisting roads of an Alpine pass for example. While negotiating a hairpin, approaching an inviting series of bends, the car knows its location; it sees what you are seeing, but importantly is also anticipating what is to come.
It knows when a sweeping curve approaches and can predict how you wish to drive through it. Easing off the accelerator tells Wraith that this is no cruise on a straight country road. Rather, the driver is controlling speed to negotiate a series of bends. Instead of shifting up a gear to allow more relaxed cruising, the lower gear is held, thereby ensuring the powertrain is perfectly primed and ready to accelerate from the corner.
When travelling home, as Alpine roads approach a highway, Satellite Aided Transmission once more effortlessly assists. On indication, the car recognises an intention to enter the highway slip road identified by GPS, so the car then maintains the appropriate gear for a smooth and powerful entry."
Taking the best sound system, and making it better
Rolls-Royce employs experts for all aspects of high-end craftsmanship, from hand-painted coach lines to finely-tuned audio systems. Today Wraith presents a bespoke audio system that has been specially optimised by experts for stereo and multi-channel sources, that - naturally - incorporates the finest hardware and latest advances in connectivity.
Wraith's on-board hard drive holds 20.5 GB of storage, meaning it can host approximately 5,700 items of music downloaded via the USB port located within the centre console or glove compartment. iPod and iPad connection allows the importation of music, but also podcast and audio book downloads. Bluetooth audio streaming is an option too, from one of two phones that can be paired with equal functionality.
A number of music searches can be made via the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, including a "play more like this" function while online Gracenote® access for CDs with hit selection make navigating music collections an easy experience. But it is the sound quality itself that places Rolls-Royce Wraith at the pinnacle of in-car audio.
Finely tuned by Rolls-Royce experts, the system takes the best features and components to produce a sound that is rich in quality and depth. DIRAC settings, 'studio' and 'theatre' guarantee optimal aural pleasure, for a pure, original sound or 'larger than live' sensation within the car.
The fully active 18-channel amplifier delivers surround sound through 18 speakers. This includes two central bass speakers located in the boot, seven tweeters, seven mid-range and two 'exciter' speakers in the headliner bringing the sound sensation to ear level.
Maximum power output is 1,300W. But the set-up is also very sensitive. A microphone measures the ambient exterior noise, with the digital processing unit using this information to adjust volume and tone settings automatically, ensuring the system is always perfectly set-up. DIRAC technology complements this, with frequency and phase correction for individual speakers, eliminating potential loud and dead spots caused by reflections from windows.
SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY
As one would expect of a Rolls-Royce, no technical avenue has been left unexplored to ensure occupant safety.
The Advanced Crash Management system (ACSM) for example, utilises sensors placed around the car to make 2,000 measurements per second. This data ensures the car deploys the correct safety features in the event of an accident.
A combination of seat belts with force limiters and smart airbags help protect occupants in the event of a severe impact. Those in the front seats have the reassurance of knee airbags and intelligent front airbags which feature graduated output and adaptive vents ensuring that the strength of bag deployment directly responds to the severity of a collision.
In the event of a lateral collision, an integrated head airbag system, whose curtain extends to cover the side window areas in their entirety, protect against an impact with the vehicle structure, as well as from glass splinters. Side airbags in the front seat offer further extended protection.