NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Having rolled out the Wraith coupe and updated Phantom last year, Rolls-Royce boosted its line-up with another fresh addition at this week’s New York motor show – a facelifted version of its Ghost sedan.

Launched in 2009, the current-gen Ghost will have a 10-year lifecycle, according to Rolls-Royce Global Communications Director, Richard Carter, with the latest version seeing it through for the next five years.

Carter says the facelifted Ghost will be launched globally around September, before landing in Australia in the last quarter of this year.

You’d almost need to be a trainspotter to distinguish old from new, but look closely and you’ll pick up on the resculpted headlights, with unbroken daytime running lights framing a new, more dynamic shape.

The formerly flat bonnet also makes way for a new one featuring a tapered ‘wake channel’ that runs in line with the Spirit of Ecstasy’s wings – it’s meant to evoke images of a jet’s vapour trail.

The bumpers have also been reprofiled to create a stronger stance and an illusion of added width and height, and there are chrome inserts to the front air intakes, which now feed more air cooling to the front brakes.

Meanwhile, Ghost II’s profile has been given a nip and tuck via a revised ‘waft line’ that leans further forwards, with the aim of “emphasising the car’s effortless dynamism”.

Also new is the availability of 21-inch forged wheels (19-inchers are standard) to really beef up the car’s stance. Other exterior options include a monogrammed stainless-steel fuel-filler cap.

Spirited drivers also have the option of selecting a Dynamic Driving Package that brings stiffer springs and dampers and a thicker steering wheel. The package also includes a new steering rack for a more direct feel and sharper response

The cabin has been upgraded with sportier seats that come with electronically adjustable thigh supports for front seat passengers, boosting comfort levels for long trips.

In the back, there’s now a ‘Lounge seat’ configuration whereby the seats are gently angled towards each other to create a more intimate setting. The reclining rear seats are available with three-level heating as standard, with optional massage function.

Rolls-Royce has enjoyed great sales success of late, posting record tallies for the last four years in succession.

The brand notched up 3575 global sales in 2013 and, boosted by the recent launch of the Wraith, its numbers were up 40 per cent over last year during the first quarter of 2014.

A Drophead version of the Wraith will join the range in a couple of years, according to Carter, but no changes are planned for the Phantom range, which was refreshed in 2013 – a full decade after the model was first launched. The current-gen Phantom is expected to continue soldiering on until 2020.