Rolls-Royce to call baby sedan Ghost
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The Ghost will be the BMW-owned brand's smallest model. First deliveries will begin in 2010, with annual production expected to be more than 1,000 units.
The Ghost name was first used by Rolls-Royce on its 40/50 models from 1906 that later became immortalized as the Silver Ghost.
"Rolls-Royce Ghost is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation," said Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves at the Shanghai auto show.
Purves said the first cars to bear the Ghost name were known for impressive dependability and refinement and also great flair and style.
"This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines - the Phantom and Ghost," Purves said.
The new Ghost will have a 6.6-liter V12 gasoline engine and is based on the 200EX concept that was shown at the Geneva auto show in March.
Production will begin at Rolls-Royce's factory in Goodwood, England, later this year.
Rolls-Royce hopes the car will take its annual sales to 2,500 from 1,200 units.
From the end of 2009, Rolls-Royce will have five models Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe.
Pretax prices for the Ghost are expected to be 200,000 euros to 250,000 euros.
The Ghost is 5399mm long, 1948mm wide and a wheelbase of 3295mm.
It will have an eight-speed transmission supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen.
The Ghost will debut at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
