2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Although the Ghost is Rolls-Royce's smallest and least expensive sedan, the average bystander wouldn't think it. With a starting price of $250,000 and a twin-turbo V-12 under the hood, it competes with the likes of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, or perhaps a well-accessorized Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.

New for 2012
An extended-wheelbase version of the Ghost is newly available.

Exterior
Though stately by anyone's standards, the Ghost's lines are sleeker than the brand's larger, more upright Phantom sedan. The size comparisons, of course, are all relative: At 212.6 inches long, the regular-length Ghost stretches more than 10 inches past most minivans. Exterior features include:

• Nineteen- and 20-inch wheels are available, with self-righting centerpieces that display Rolls-Royce's double-R logo right-side up no matter the position of the wheel
• Retracting Spirit of Ecstasy statuette on the hood
• Rear-hinged doors can power shut at the touch of a backseat button
• Front doors have storage nooks with Teflon-coated umbrellas

Interior
Up front, the Ghost's dashboard is an imposing array of wood and chrome. There's an iDrive-like controller that shows the influence of Rolls-Royce owner BMW, but other similarities are few. Technological features include a navigation system with graphics similar to BMW's latest version of iDrive, a head-up display and a 16-speaker stereo with full USB/iPod integration. Interior features include:

• Recessed backseat sits well behind the door openings, meaning many passengers would require a hand to make a graceful exit
• Two- and three-seat rear configurations available
• Both rows of seats feature leather from cows raised in fields free of barbed wire to minimize imperfections
• Each car's wood inlays come from the same tree to ensure consistent coloration as the wood ages

Under the Hood
The Ghost's twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 makes 563 horsepower and 575 pounds-feet of torque. Working through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine can propel the car to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, Rolls-Royce says. Other sedans may be quicker, but at nearly 5,500 pounds, the Ghost weighs nearly as much as some full-size SUVs. Mechanical features include:

• Rear-wheel drive
• Runs on premium gas

Safety
Safety features include:

• Antilock brakes
• Traction control
• Electronic stability system
• Side-impact and side curtain airbags