2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

In the autumn of 2006, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Phantom sedan and priced somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately...
Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognizable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling fashion. It was a clear statement of intent.
After the show, 200EX embarked on a world tour, during which further information about the forthcoming production model became available. It would be powered by a new 6.6 liter V-12 unique to the marque, delivering 563 horsepower with extraordinary performance figures. It would ride on an intelligent air suspension system offering peerless ride and dynamics. And it would be called Ghost.
“Ghost is one of the most revered names in automotive industry,” said Tom Purves. “It evokes images of adventure and technical innovation. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style.”
Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to 200EX during its travels, very few changes were made in the transition to the production Ghost – a tribute to the remarkable achievements of Ian Cameron’s and Helmut Riedl’s design and engineering teams.
In September 2009, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost was formally launched to the world.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE
“Simplicity is the hardest design principle to follow.” Ian Cameron, Chief Designer
Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Ghost’s more dynamic nature.

While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues – the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail – Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centers and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron. A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. The finish is achieved by setting silver metallic paint under a layer of lacquer, giving a flawless matte finish.
The central principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout Ghost. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the drive and ride experience, not to complicate it.

“Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this marque has ever produced.”
Charles Coldham, Interior Designer

Inside Ghost, the interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lamb’s wool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.
Ghost is entered through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment. Four-zone automatic air conditioning can be individually tailored to each passenger’s requirements, with separate controls for front and rear. Automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation are delivered through classic chromed eyeball vents controlled via organ-stop plungers.
Within Ghost’s ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasized by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.
Individual lounge seating is offered as an alternative to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the addition of a massage function and also perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. Auxiliary rear climate control allows the passenger to regulate the temperature of the air on their side of the car, without intrusion on the other. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne glasses is also available.
Veneered picnic tables are another option, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost’s interior. Fitted to the rear of each front seat, these tables are a traditional Rolls-Royce design cue and finished with a veneered surface with leather-covered backs.

“Ghost is designed to be an escape from the outside world.”
Alan Sheppard, Interior Designer

EPILOGUE
Ghost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. Ghost has been engineered to ride and drive in peerless fashion. The chassis’ poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfortable ride for passengers. Engine power is delivered in a manner which has become an engineering signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to hand while forming part of the background.
Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

For more information visit Rolls-Royce Motor Cars of Pasadena located at 297 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California 91105 or call one of our Experienced Sales Associates at (888) 238-8976.

Rusnak and Hillsides Bring Smiles with Toy Drive

Bringing joy to children during the holidays is relatively easy. Feasting on a gingerbread house, unwrapping a toy, or taking a picture with Santa Claus are ways to brighten a child’s day during this time. For foster care children living at Hillsides, there is no difference. With the generous support from Rusnak Auto Group, children at Hillsides, the foster care children’s charity, experienced a day of joy.
Rusnak Auto Group collected unwrapped toy donations at their five locations in Pasadena, Arcadia, Westlake, and Loma Linda. Beginning December 1, patrons visited these locations and dropped off a gift that brought joy to children who need it the most.

“While Hillsides strives to give children new traditions and experiences that will create happy memories, we can only do this with the support of the community who helps provide the extras for our children,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides’ director of community resources. “We’re grateful to Paul Rusnak and the Rusnak Auto Group for including our children this holiday season,” Kelso continues.
As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for children at risk and their families by providing residential care, mental health services to break the cycle of domestic violence, special education, and advocacy. Hillsides encourages individuals to support its effort to provide holiday toys and wishes to these children and others at-risk in the community.
Other businesses, organizations, or churches wishing to sponsor a Hillsides’ toy drive for foster care children at their establishment requested a red bucket adorned with a Hillsides’ display sign and information cards. Red buckets were delivered to places of business or were picked up at Hillsides’ campus.
For more information, call Kelso at (323) 254-2274, ext. 251. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org and for the Rusnak Auto Group locations, visit www.RusnakOnline.com.

Distinguished Speaker Series

On Wednesday, February 24, The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California presents Journalist and Best-Selling Author Jeannette Walls. Her powerful memoir, The Glass Castle, has been on the New York Times best-seller list for over two years and has sold over two million copies. The Atlanta Constitution said, “Charles Dickens has nothing on Walls. Dickens's scenes of poverty and hardship are no more audacious and no more provocative than those in the pages of this stunning memoir.” Walls grew up in poverty in the Southwest and later in West Virginia with her siblings and the brilliant, unorthodox, irresponsible parents who manage at once to neglect them, love them, and teach them to face their fears. Despite all her hardships, she develops the determination to move to New York City at sixteen, graduate with honors from Barnard College and become a well-known TV personality and journalist for New York Magazine, Esquire, USA Today and MSNBC.com. Her message of confronting your past and facing your fears resonates with audiences everywhere.
Rusnak Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Speakers Series for the past 8 years. To purchase your season tickets, please visit them online at www.speakersla.com or call Kathy Winterhalder at (310) 546-6222.

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Ken Christ:

Dear Ken Christ (General Manager, Rusnak Audi Westlake),

I took a “little time off”, I have been meaning to send you this e-mail but got bombarded with work when I got back into the office. I just want to extend a BIG GIANT Thank you to you & your team (meaning Beshoy Abdou…) Harry came into my office after that weekend and expressed to me that he was very happy with the exceptional service & outcome. So you have another “Happy Camper” on your list. He made a comment that he will be filling out the questionnaire that Rusnak gives to their customers. It is always such a pleasure to do business with you. All you RUSNAK-ers ROCK!!!!

Thanks Again!

Kathy Ignacio
Prize Administrator
Wheel of Fortune
Culver City

Hello Michael Bradford (General Manager of Rusnak Audi Pasadena),

Thank you for contacting me. I was able to make all the arrangements over the past couple weeks with Paula and came by this past weekend to make the purchase. Everything went very smoothly. Paula and Regina were exceptional. I would both gladly highly recommend you to friends and family and hope to do business with you again in the future. In addition I very much appreciate you contacting my personally to offer any assistance. Thank you again for such a positive purchase experience.

Jonathan Boksberger

Liz,

I wanted to let you now that my experience with the Audi group was great.
I love my A5 3.2 and really enjoyed working with John Edwards.
Please pass on the appropriate people, John is a skilled salesman who as a buyer really makes you feel no pressure while demonstrating great patience and knowledge.

I think I've been back 3 or 4 times just to say hi.

Have a great Holiday season.

Jim Stein

rusnakonline.com
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