Review: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost (2010-20)

Review: Rolls-Royce 664.I Ghost (2010-14)

Overview

Released in September 2010, the Rolls-Royce 664 Series I (664.I) Ghost was a large, prestige sedan. Manufactured in Goodwood, England, the rear-wheel drive 664 Ghost was powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine that was mated to an eight-speed ZF 8HP90 automatic transmission. In March 2012, the Ghost range was expanded with the introduction of extended wheelbase models.

N74B66 engine

The 6.6-litre BMW N74 B66 V12 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy (Alusil) block, an aluminium cylinder head, direct petrol injection, a single scroll turbocharger for each cylinder bank (each providing peak boost pressure of 0.7 bar or 10.15 psi), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve lift and variable valve timing (BMW’s VANOS), and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Body and dimensions

The 664 Ghost was based on a significantly modified BMW F02 7-Series platform. Compared to the F02 7-Series, however, the Ghost was 187 mm longer (at 5399 mm), 46 mm wider (1948 mm), 71 mm taller (1550 mm) and had an 85 mm longer wheelbase (3295 mm). Furthermore, the Rolls-Royce Ghost had a drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd.

The extended wheelbase models had a 170 mm longer wheelbase (at 3465 mm) and overall length length (5569 mm). Both the standard and extended wheelbase models featured rear-hinged ‘coach’ doors which had an opening angle of 83 degrees.

Suspension

The 664 Ghost had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, both with air springs and electronically controlled dampers. The air suspension also included a ‘lift and kneel’ function which could raise or lower the Ghost by 25 mm.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rolls-Royce Ghost included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with cornering brake control, rollover stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.

Brakes

The Rolls-Royce Ghost had 410 mm by 36 mm ventilated front brake discs and 402 mm by 30 mm ventiatled rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Rolls-Royce Ghost included 19-inch alloy wheels, a sixteen speaker 600 watt sound system (including two subwoofers) with six-disc CD player, 12.5GB hard drive, MP3-compatiblity and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/memory card), dual zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, soft full-grain leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, head-up display, rear seat entertainment system with two colour displays, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, 12 volt power outlets, memory settings (driver’s seat, mirrors and steering wheel), a trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, tinted windows, an alarm and immobiliser.

Inside, the Ghost also featured natural wood veneers, deep tufted Blenheim carpets and a cashmere-blend roof lining. The extended wheelbase models were also fitted with a panoramic sunroof.

Brochures

• Brochure: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost (August 2009)
• Brochure: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost (October 2011)

Related links

• Rolls-Royce Press Club: Ghost Press Kit (September 2009)
• Rolls-Royce Press Club: Ghost Extended Wheelbase – Press Kit (July 2011)
• Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost

Review: Rolls-Royce 664.II Ghost (2014-20)

Overview

Released in Australia in November 2014, the Rolls-Royce 664 Series II (664.II) Ghost introduced subtle styling changes and additional features. Visually, the 664.II Ghost could be identified by its re-sculpted LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights, tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, reshaped bumpers, chrome inserts for the front air intakes and restyled ‘waft line’ which leant further forwards.

Inside, the 664.II Ghost had redesigned front seats (with power adjustable thigh support), a thicker steering wheel, enhanced finishes for the clock fascia and instrument cluster and revised rear seats. In the ‘Lounge seat’ configuration, the rear seats were angled towards each other ‘to create a more intimate setting’.

Mechanical upgrades for the 664.II Ghost included redesigned front and rear struts, revised dampers, new hydraulic rear axle bearings and a new steering gear.

Features

The 664.II Ghost featured on-board Wi-Fi and an updated satellite navigation system which, as previously introduced in the Rolls-Royce Wraith , included a ‘Satellite Aided Transmission’ function that used GPS data to monitor the driver’s predicted route and automatically select the right gear for the road ahead (thereby avoiding unnecessary gear changes).

Corresponding with a reduction in its retail price, the Australian-delivered 664.II Ghost omitted the following features:

• 20-inch satin-finished alloy wheels (replaced with 19-inch alloy wheels);
• Individual seat configurations;
• Rolls-Royce’s ‘Driver Assistance Package 3’;
• Camera system;
• Keyless entry;
• Rear media system;
• Picnic tables;
• Lamb’s wool mats; and,
• Chrome exhaust.

Related links

• Rolls-Royce Press Club: Ghost Series II – Press Kit (April 2014)
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Rolls-Royce Ghost
• Wikipedia.org: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost