Rolls-Royce Ghost will spawn coupe and drop-top

Rolls-Royce has already unveiled its upcoming Ghost 'compact' limo, albeit in concept form (more  here), but UK's Autocar magazine reports the newcomer will spawn additional model variants -- including a coupe and a convertible.

"The Ghost was designed in a way to make other body styles," the car's exterior stylist, Andreas Thurner, told the UK publication. "We have to build up a family for the Ghost just as we did for the Phantom."

Autocar is speculating that, if given the production green light, the coupe and drop-top could rekindle the Carmargue and Corniche models, which were derived from the Silver Shadow (1965-1980), the spiritual forefather of the Ghost.

Thurner also confirmed to the British magazine that Rolls-Royce would not build an offering smaller than the Ghost, as doing so would compromise the brand's core values.

Meanwhile, the company has just issued fresh information about the Ghost -- perhaps partly as a ploy to steal some thunder from the just-announced 'grand Bentley' (more here) -- and the latest press release promises "peerless riding dynamics by making use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering".

"The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced. But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques," boasts Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves in the latest PR blurb.

At the heart of the Ghost's "magic carpet ride" will be a state-of-the-art chassis that uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles, according to the company.

Rolls-Royce claims systems such as Active Roll Stabilisation, four-corner air springs and Variable Damping Control will provide the best possible comfort for occupants and ensure the tyres maintain optimum contact with the road.

The new air suspension system is said to be so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes -- for example the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and then compensate accordingly.

The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist with entry and exit or allow the Ghost to travel over uneven ground.

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