Throughout its storied history, Rolls-Royce has navigated through numerous highs and lows. Yet, the company has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in recent times, particularly following its integration into the BMW Group, reviving its legacy of excellence.
The revitalization of Rolls-Royce has been propelled by the launch of innovative models, including the luxurious Phantom in sedan, convertible, and coupe variants, the elegant Ghost sedan, the sporty Wraith coupe, and the exquisite Dawn convertible. In this feature, we spotlight the iconic Rolls-Royce Wraith, which made its debut in 2013.
A Different Rolls-Royce
There are primarily two motivations behind acquiring such prestigious vehicles. Firstly, it's about projecting one's financial success and affluence to peers. Secondly, there's the pursuit of owning a vehicle that transcends typical automotive critique, embodying a unique marvel of engineering rather than just a means of transportation.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith caters to the discerning elite, often those who already possess a collection that may include a Rolls-Royce or Bentley sedan. This exclusive circle might also enjoy the thrill of driving a Ferrari, an Aston Martin, or a Lamborghini for leisurely weekend escapades. For those with the means to further indulge in unparalleled automotive craftsmanship, the Rolls-Royce Wraith emerges as the quintessential choice.
Hidden BMW Genes
Constructed on a modified Ghost platform, the Wraith features an 18.3 cm reduction in wheelbase. Despite this adjustment, it maintains a commanding presence with a wheelbase stretching to 3.11 metres, surpassing that of the S-Class Mercedes-Benz.
While the manufacturer presents it as a spacious full-size four-seater, the reality of seating comfort in the industry often tells a different story. Many vehicles are marketed as 2 + 2 type cars, yet attempting to occupy the rear seats can quickly lead to a claustrophobic experience. In fact, there are 12 such models globally that officially fall into this category, yet challenge the comfort of rear passengers.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith, with its impressive length of 5.26 meters and nearly 2 meters in width, genuinely qualifies as a luxurious full-featured four-seater coupe. The spacious design ensures that even with the grand front seats fully retracted, they offer not just comfort but a genuinely enjoyable seating experience. Engineers at Rolls-Royce have meticulously crafted the rear seating to make passengers feel as esteemed as those in the front, emphasizing a uniformly luxurious experience throughout the vehicle. Yet, before delving further into the interior elegance, let's shift our focus to the Wraith's distinguished exterior.
Circling the vehicle, one feels compelled to scrutinize every detail of its bodywork multiple times, appreciating each millimeter of craftsmanship. The Wraith coupe is powered by a formidable 6.6-litre, 12-cylinder petrol engine, boasting 632 horsepower and 799 Nm of torque, blending performance with prestige seamlessly.
In essence, the Wraith stands as potentially the most sporty and dynamic member of the Rolls-Royce lineage, without forsaking the manufacturer's hallmark values of luxury and refinement.
The King’s Throne
Despite their imposing appearance, the doors of the Rolls-Royce Wraith are surprisingly light, facilitating effortless entry and exit. The vehicle extends an invitation into luxury that requires minimal effort to accept. Furthermore, for those who prefer an even more seamless experience, the car offers an automatic option: once seated, a simple press of a button prompts the Wraith's door to close on its own.
Settling into the dual-colour leather seats, the transition to understanding the driver's experience begins, marking a departure from conventional automotive norms. Initially, the car's dynamics hint at a sporty coupe; however, a glance to the left and right quickly dispels the illusion of being seated low. Even at its lowest adjustment, the seat maintains a height that ensures the driver's gaze frequently meets the expansive hood and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy emblem, serving as a constant reminder of the Rolls-Royce legacy.
The interior of the Wraith captivates not merely through the tactile luxury of its leather, the craftsmanship of its woodwork, or the flawless assembly quality. Its true allure lies in the British mastery of merging styles and technologies from distinct eras into a cohesive whole. The Wraith is equipped with all the conveniences of modern technology—climate control, a navigation system, automatic cruise control, and an array of additional features. Yet, Rolls-Royce designers have skillfully fashioned the controls, buttons, and even the navigation display to evoke a sense of stepping back into the previous century, blending innovation with tradition seamlessly.
While embracing cutting-edge technology, Rolls-Royce also preserves elements of its heritage in the Wraith. Notably, in place of a conventional tachometer, the dashboard features a unique gauge that indicates the engine's power reserve, and the gear lever is thoughtfully positioned next to the steering wheel, nods to the past that enrich the driving experience with a sense of timeless elegance.
The Locomotive
The capability of the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds is undeniably impressive, especially considering its substantial weight of 2435 kg. Yet, it's plausible that this statistic might not hold significant importance for the typical Rolls-Royce purchaser, as the true excellence of this petrol-powered marvel lies beyond mere acceleration to 100 km/h.
Regardless of the speed, or whenever one opts to engage the accelerator, the 6.6-litre engine performs with a consistent and unwavering power delivery. There's no drama or unnerving moments with the speedometer needle escalating more rapidly than a blink. The experience is designed to be as smooth as possible, devoid of any abruptness.
Contrastingly, were a Porsche or a Ferrari equipped with an engine capable of such acceleration to 60 km/h, the roar would not only be noticeable to the driver and nearby observers but potentially to all living creatures within a several-kilometer radius. However, Rolls-Royce engineers have devoted considerable effort to soundproofing. Thus, while the hum of the 12-cylinder engine is perceptible, it doesn’t dominate the vehicle's soundscape. Instead, it serves more as a dignified powerhouse, reminiscent of a locomotive pulling a grand ensemble, rather than a boisterous headline act.
The Embodiment of Sportiness
In dissecting the essence of the Rolls-Royce Wraith, some might initially believe it challenges the dynamic prowess of vehicles like the Porsche 911 Turbo or the Ferrari FF. However, it quickly becomes evident that the Wraith doesn't seek to compete on those terms; Rolls-Royce operates within its own distinct category.
For me, the Rolls-Royce Wraith conjures images of a grand yacht that demands gentle and calculated navigation rather than abrupt maneuvers. Although capable of navigating turns with grace, engaging in such actions feels out of character, almost as if one is pushing beyond its natural purpose. This isn't to suggest it lacks agility, but rather, its essence lies in offering an unrivaled smoothness and stateliness, steering clear from the conventional expectations of a performance coupe.
Seated within a Rolls-Royce, you effortlessly disconnect from the external world, immersing yourself in your favorite album and unwinding as the plush seats and effortless steering instill a sense of commanding the globe. It's an extraordinary and immensely satisfying sensation.
Whether cruising on the highway or navigating the curves of a country road, the experience resembles gliding on a cloud. Every imperfection on the road is seamlessly absorbed, showcasing the car's epitome as a GT-type vehicle designed for both exhilarating short sprints and extended journeys. While it may not claim the title of the sportiest car, its formidable front-mounted 12-cylinder engine can effortlessly outpace many rivals.
This realization dawns: the Rolls-Royce isn't crafted to cater to the masses but stands as a distinguished entity in its own right, indifferent to widespread approval. It epitomizes an aristocrat at play in a personal domain, unconcerned with external judgments.
Conclusively, it's evident that no other vehicle on the planet melds excitement, peculiarity, and uniqueness in such a captivating blend. This car encapsulates a myriad of the most extraordinary features, affirming its status as truly unparalleled. However, it's imperative to acknowledge its distinctiveness as part of its inherent charm.
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