Rolls-Royce builds bigger Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase makes Australian debut in Sydney to coincide with the opening of a new and extended showroom in Sydney's O'Riordan Street. 

The long wheelbase Ghost, which at $695,000 is $50,000 more expensive than the existing Ghost, is the sixth new Rolls-Royce model to be available in Australia. 

Standard is a panoramic sunroof, lambs wool carpets, multi-media theatre system and electronically-controlled air suspension.

But more than luxury on wheels, the 420kW/780Nm 6.6-litre V12 engine allows the lengthened Rolls to sprint to 100km/h in only five seconds - about the same time as a Subaru WRX.

Rolls-Royce regional director for Asia-Pacific, Paul Harris, says "The Ghost Extended Wheelbase is a car for all occasions''. 

"Owners who enjoy Ghost for its effortless power-delivery and driver dynamic will be delighted with the enhanced rear-cabin space in Ghost Extended Wheelbase,'' he says. 

"This truly is the perfect, no compromise motor car - a fact that's been reflected in the phenomenal media and customer response the car has enjoyed across Asia-Pacific.''

Rolls-Royce in Australia sold 20 cars in 2011, down from 25 in 2010, and has sold three cars to the end of February. 

But Mr Harris says the Ghost - at $645,000 a "less formal'' Rolls-Royce that is $423,000 shy of the bigger Phantom - has seen "exceptional demand'' since its 2009 launch in Australia. 

"It has introduced a new generation of customers to the marque, wowed by its combination of drivability and hallmark Rolls-Royce exuberant luxury,'' he says. 

The new Rolls-Royce showroom, operated by Trivett, is described as a custom-built, state-of-the art facility with room for four cars and a "bespoke'' space for customers to comm ission their hand-built cars.

In addition to the bespoke area, the showroom has a mezzanine entertainment lounge designed by renowned interior designers POCO. 

Customers will be able to view the latest paint, leather and wood samples from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, and commission a car "as unique as their own fingerprints'', says Harris.