Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost

What it isn't is a 7-series with a Rolls-Royce body. No, the Ghost is the new baby Rolls, and it shares less than 20 percent of parts with the big BMW. Underhood, the Ghost uses BMW's V12 engine block, stroked to 6.6 liters. The twin-turbo V12 produces 563 hp, good enough for a 4.7-second 0-to-60-mph time. It will go on sale in February for $250,000, including destination and gas-guzzler charges.

What's it like to drive? Awesome, as you'd expect. The Ghost feels a lot more British than we thought it would. It drives very much like a Rolls: Smooth, smooth ride, seamless acceleration and whisper-quiet at all speeds. The car will go through corners as well, with nicely weighted steering and adaptive roll control. It is fast and, did we say smooth? The car feels well connected to the road.

Do I want it? Indeed you do. It's the everyday Rolls-Royce. Rolls says it has orders for 1,500 cars, and all will be built at the firm's Goodwood assembly plant. It's an impressive car, gorgeous inside and out, and one that should be hugely successful. It deserves to be.