Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited is a luxury automobile manufacturer based in Great Britain. The cars they make are often tailor-fit to their owners. In light of this, the company has taken great lengths to improve the design of its vehicles. They even went as far as making it soundproof, but there were some issues with this.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was designed to be soundproof. Engineers went over the top, developing a really silent experience when riding the car. It caused drivers to be nauseated as it was too “quiet.”
The 2019 Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was first introduced in 2009, the vehicle at the peak of reserved automobile luxury. The Ghost was designed to be a smaller version of its brother, the Phantom. Despite that, it is actually the direct competition of the Phantom.
The Ghost was conceptualized by designers Andreas Thurner and Helmut Reidl, the same people responsible for designing the Phantom. As Rolls-Royce is a subsidiary of BMW, the base platform design of the Ghost is taken from the BMW 7 Series.
The vehicle has an engine similar to the 7 Series, a 6.7 liter, 8-gear V-12 Twin Turbo capable of going from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. Though thoroughly designed and engineered, the Ghost saw a few slight iterations over the next few years. (Source: Money Inc.)
But the 2019 redesign was a complete overhaul. A bespoke engine map was created for this model to ensure excellent performance for a full-sized sedan. It also features the Planar suspension system for agility and extreme comfort.
The 2019 version of the luxury car featured most was its capability of being so silent as it is driven. The Ghost saw several upgrades to make this happen.
- Upgrading the vehicle’s frame from steel to aluminum
- Insulating the bulkhead of the car with sound-deafening skin
- Air condition ducts were smoothened
- Windscreen wipers were modified
- Windows were double-glazed with transparent composite center sheets
- Lining the tires with lightweight foam
- Adding 220 pounds of sound-insulating material
The result of these upgrades produced an ultra-silent vehicle. According to lead engineer Jon Simms, test drivers found the unusual calmness of the car disorienting, bordering on nausea. The car was too quiet that they felt oddly sick.
With this discovery, engineers worked on harmonizing the Ghost’s components, creating a subtle and non-intrusive ambiance. Seat frame dampeners were added to resonate at specific frequencies instead of silencing it completely.
A vent was added to the trunk, resonating at the same frequencies as the seat dampeners. The engine was recalibrated to allow it to be heard from the inside of the vehicle in a non-intrusive way. And the sound-insulating materials were rearranged in some parts of the car. (Source: Boss Hunting)
Why Are Rolls-Royce Cars Expensive?
There are several reasons why Rolls-Royce cars are expensive. When speaking to agents, they wouldn’t be able to give you a base price simply because it is an ultimate luxury car. Here are a few reasons why this brand is so expensive.
Color choices – The brand allows extreme personalization of the color its owners want. If they don’t have it, they will replicate it.
Paint job – Multiple layers of paint are sprayed on the vehicle, and if your choice of color is unique, Rolls-Royce will name it after you. If someone else wants the exact color as yours, the brand will call you to ask for your permission if they can use it.
Hand-made interior detailing – all interior details are made by hand, and only one person in the entire company does it.
Self-righting steering wheel – the company takes its branding seriously. Even if you park your car and leave the wheels in an awkward position, the steering wheel will automatically align, ensuring the car’s logo is always upright.
(Source: The Cold Wire)