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Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible spied sliding in the snow

Rolls-Royce may be on the verge of producing its first crossover, but it's a different prototype we're looking at here, frolicking in the snow. It's the convertible version of the Wraith, which Rolls-Royce is preparing to join the existing fastback coupe and the Ghost sedan in its "entry-level" lineup. Only we don't expect it to be called the Wraith Drophead Coupe like its larger counterpart, the Phantom DHC, but to go with an entirely different name (just as the aforementioned fastback took to distinguish itself from the sedan). Expect Goodwood to pull another suitably poltergeist-related nameplate from its archives (or from the netherworld) to slap on its new drop-top. Otherwise, we can expect the Wraith convertible (or whatever it's ultimately called) to closely mirror its fixed-roof counterpart, complete with suicide doors and a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12, when it arrives sometime in the middle of next year. Related Video:

5 thoughts on the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Dudes associated with Rolls-Royce have said some pretty memorable things. T.E. Lawrence called the cars “above rubies,” while Charles Royce presciently observed — in 1900 no less — “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.”  IÂ’m not into jewelry, so the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is definitely better than rubies, and itÂ’s an EV with a lot of character and purpose. Chuck and Tom were right. This luxury grand tourer is one of the best cars IÂ’ve ever driven — as it should be given it starts at $422,750 — but it also succeeds as an EV.  HereÂ’s five thoughts as to why. 1. ItÂ’s dressed impeccably My test car has a striking two-tone exterior of Arctic White and Midnight Black, recalling a signature cue of great Rollers of the past. A spokesman said two-tone paint dates to the 1920s, notably on the Phantom V, then took off during the coachbuilt cars in the ‘30s. By the 1950s, the paint scheme had become a Rolls-Royce calling card. It looks like the Spectre is wearing a tuxedo. Upon arriving for my drive at Meadow Brook Hall, a century-old mansion with a history almost as deep as Rolls, I was asked if I had a preference. There was a pink car, a pretty blue one and some others. I pointed at this one immediately. Furthering the coachbuilt vibe, you get in and out of the car via two huge rear-opening doors. Like on other Rolls-Royces, they can open and close themselves. 2. What an interior Naturally, itÂ’s a beautiful cabin. The wood, chrome and leather look and feel rich. The one I tested has a gorgeous blue interior with a navy blue backdrop and sky blue accenting along the top of the dash. A sliver and white clock is set in the middle of the instrument panel. The seats are two-tone blue with the RR crest embroidered in the headliners. ThereÂ’s a fair amount of room in the backseat, and my knees didn't even touch the seat in front of me.  The turn-by-turn navigation is outstanding. There's a camera in the middle of the dashboard with arrows telling you which way to go. It's not distracting because the aesthetic of the SpectreÂ’s dashboard is so simple, yet elegant. It's a quiet cabin — more serene than the Cullinan — and stoutly keeps the outside world at bay. Look up and youÂ’re greeted by the Starry Night Sky. Look down and note the plush carpet. I encourage you to drive barefoot. 3.

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost gets high-tech suspension, AWD, rear-wheel steering

The first-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost started life as a BMW 7 Series, and in 10 years on sale became the best-selling model the brand has known. That sedan ended production last year, leading Rolls-Royce to begin the process of introducing us to the second-generation Ghost. Having abundant feedback from customers about what they'd like in the new model, and, more importantly, having listened to the feedback, Rolls-Royce realized it would need to start from scratch. Engineers modified the aluminum-intensive Architecture of Luxury that supports the Phantom and Cullinan to fit the Ghost's needs, in standard and Extended Wheelbase spec. Instead of the predecessor's rear-wheel drive, the coming Ghost will get standard all-wheel drive. And taking another page from the big brother Cullinan, the entry-level offering will come with rear-wheel steering, too. Going beyond the other two models in the brand's lineup, the Ghost will be the first to fit what Rolls-Royce calls its Planar suspension that brings together three technologies. The first is an upper wishbone damper unit that's been three years in development, placed above the front suspension. The automaker didn't go into details, but the damper unit is said to provide an improvement on the brand's "hallmark magic carpet ride and dynamic abilities." The Flagbearer camera system monitors the road surface ahead to prepare the suspension, a technology offered on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a few years now. The third Planar trick is a satellite-aided transmission, wherein the ZF eight-speed automatic "draws GPS data to pre-select optimum gear for upcoming corners," a technology already in use on the Phantom. The bodywork won't stray far from what we know; designers wrapped Spirit of Ecstasy opulence into a discrete package. Inside, the gauge cluster will go digital inside three fixed instrument bezels, next to a widescreen infotainment display, and driver assistance features could include everything from night-vision to some advanced self-driving capability. Under the hood, we expect the same 6.75-liter V12 utilized by the Phantom and Cullinan, with something like 560 horsepower. The global situation pushed the Ghost's launch back, we're told. Deliveries should begin early next year, with a debut sometime between now and then. The first-gen ran $314,400 in standard length, $348,400 in EWB guise.