Mega New Rolls-Royce Wraith Uses GPS To Change Gear!

Rolls Royce’s new “Analysis Centre” is normally shrouded in secrecy, it’s where the illustrious marque will develop its new models, behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. This wasn’t the case yesterday, however, as a select group of journalists and local dignitaries descended on the Goodwood facility for the unveiling of the new Wraith, a car head of manufacturing Jörg Bause introduced as “the most dynamic, powerful, and beautiful Rolls Royce ever made”. Away from the crowds of jostling, jaded hacks at this week's Geneva motor show, we were able to score some hands-on time with the Wraith. It’s truly exquisite - here’s why. 

Rolls itself says the word wraith “describes an almost imperceptible force, an otherworldly entity that imposes its presence before swiftly returning to the dark”. While this is true of any Rolls-Royce, given the smoothness and effortlessness with which they pick up speed, the phrasing will be especially apt for the Wraith. With an impressive 624bhp and 590lb ft from the Ghost’s twin-turboed V12 - more than any Bentley - the “otherworldly” surge to 60mph only takes 4.4 seconds. “Adequate, Sir” - the answer typically given to anyone who questions a Rolls-Royce’s power output - is no longer appropriate. “More than ample”, more like.

Designed to embody the spirit of the carmaker’s creator - adventurer Charles Royce - the Wraith is a more successful design in person than it may appear in photos. And though designer Alex Innes said many of the cars sold will have two-tone paint schemes, the solid, metallic silver of our pre-production car was, at least to these eyes, far more becoming than the two-tone Geneva car.

According to RR, the sweeping body is indicative of a “world-class athlete poised at the starting blocks”, and the Spirit of Ecstasy is tilted forwards, “as if she were preparing herself for speed”. The Wraith is wider and shorter than the Ghost on which it’s based - though the bonnet is two inches longer and the grille more deeply recessed.

Inside, there’s space for four - just. Rear headroom is acceptable, though gaining access can prove difficult, and the front seats are fantastically comfortable, but don’t feel as though they'd offer much lateral support. The centre console has been raised, and the driving position lowered - with the car’s high belt-line, the occupants feel suitably enveloped. As usual, the materials transcend first-rate, and concurrent with the carmaker’s claims of poise and dynamism, the steering wheel is smaller and thicker. There are still no paddles though, or indeed any way to influence gear changes - the new “Satellite Aided Transmission” takes care of that.

The Wraith’s eight-speed box knows the car’s position and changes gear in anticipation of forthcoming roundabouts, gradients and corners accordingly. It even monitors the driver’s progress to determine which gear they require.

The Wraith may be the most driver-centric Roller we’ll ever get. And that’s a good thing; Rollers aren’t supposed to be anything other than supreme wafters.

Impressively, only around seven per cent of the Wraith’s components are directly interchangeable with a 7-Series - which is nice, considering you’ll be paying around £212,000 when it goes into production later this year.

Going back to Jörg - I think he might be right. Beautiful? Subjective, but a resounding yes from me. Powerful? Check. Dynamic? We'll just have to wait and see.