New suspension, awd make for an ‘effortlessly useable' Ghost

In a nod to consumers' desire for more functionality, performance and safety — even in an ultraluxury sedan — the upcoming redesign of the Rolls-Royce Ghost will feature standard all-wheel drive and an advanced, smart suspension.

The Ghost, which is slotted below the larger Phantom in Rolls-Royce's lineup, previously was rear-wheel drive. Rolls-Royce says the redesigned Ghost, which moves to an aluminum architecture, will feature all-wheel steering, also found on the Cullinan SUV.

Rolls-Royce developed what it has named the Planar system for the redesigned sedan's suspension.

The system is highlighted by three components, including an upper wishbone damper unit, which is mounted above the front suspension assembly and allows a more stable ride. A camera-based Flagbearer system monitors the road ahead and prepares the suspension system for any changes in surface.

A satellite-aided transmission also "draws GPS data to preselect the optimum gear for upcoming corners," the automaker said.

"We pushed our architecture even further and created a car even more dynamic, even more luxurious and, most of all, even more effortlessly useable," said Jonathan Simms, lead engineer for the redesigned Ghost.

Rolls-Royce has given the sedan's exterior a modest styling update in deference to customers' newfound desire for a less flashy, "post-opulent" design, the company said.

Rolls-Royce is teasing the car's unveiling with a series of four animated short videos and has released three so far.

The second-generation Ghost replaces a model that, since its debut in 2009, has become the bestselling car in the ultraluxury brand's 116-year history. Production of the first-gen Ghost ended in 2019.

The retooled Ghost follows the redesigned Phantom, which went on sale in 2018, and the addition of the Cullinan SUV late the same year.

Deliveries of the redesigned Ghost will start globally in the first quarter of 2021, Rolls-Royce said.

The British brand sold 5,152 vehicles worldwide in 2019, fueled by demand for the Cullinan.