A push of the soft-metal start button and a 12-cylinder whirr stirs the silence around, before settling into its own. A ghostly murmur is all you hear as foot meets the throttle and the Wraith moves forward with authority. Eleanor in crafted metal your guardian angel, among the several electronics — this is, after all, a thoroughly modern car, complete with satellite-aided transmission — ensure you’re not just comfortable, but as safe as can be. Under her watchful eye, if you will, the Wraith looms around the corner, headed uphill.
Effortless is too unkind a word for the 820 Nm of torque that teleport the 2.4-tonne two-door suite on wheels up the incline. The 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 makes 632 PS, too; however, with the ‘power reserve’ dial, you won’t be counting revolutions per minute, only grinning to yourself about merely tickling the beast for 45 per cent of its performance.
Should you ever feel compelled to exercise your right foot, the Wraith will oblige, and without a second thought. The eight-speed automatic is specially designed to redirect that deluge of torque to the rear wheels, and it doesn’t need a second memo to deliver the goods. Rolls claim a time of 4.6 seconds for a dash from nought to 100 km/h. It will go on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h, too. And it behaves every step of the way.
The air suspension absorbs every hideous instance of an uncouth road surface. Its weight will affect the way gravity deals with its presence moving at the velocity it is, but again the setup minimises, even instantly negates, any sense of unwanted direction. The performance is staggering. Yet it reminds you, subtly or from seeking, that it is indeed a Rolls-Royce. The feel of the wheel in your palm. The presence of a recreated night sky, complete with stars, should you happen to glance overhead — either from relief or disbelief — all point to only one reality: you’re in a Roller, it’s still from the hallowed halls of Goodwood, and it’s a bloody quick and exhilarating creation!
All of this does come at a price, though, and a hefty one at that. The sporty Rolls also sports a tag of Rs 4.7 crore, before any customisation or taxes, mind you. Let your imagination run wild, and the tag stretches right alongside. Yet, if you want to stand apart, and set out to be different with utmost elegance, grace and determination, the Wraith is for you. For all intents and purposes, it’s a two-door, four-seater luxury sports car. And the Titanic was just a boat.
Need to Know – Rolls-Royce Wraith
Price: Rs 4.69 crore (starting price, ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Engine: 6,592 cc, twin-turbo V12, direct-injection petrol
Max Power: 632 PS at 5,600 rpm
Max Torque: 820 Nm at 1,500-5,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 2,360 kg
BLACK BADGE
Want a double dose of driver appeal and attitude together with even more oomph? The Wraith Black Badge represents the highest performance ever offered in a Roller. The ‘dark side of Rolls-Royce’, the Black Badge is a big, bold step into the modern super-luxury sport scenario, armed with the most potent V12 on offer, together with seriously desirable styling. The after-death spectre on wheels with after-dark styling — complete with those piercing eyes — apt as a chariot for the powerful who seek more power.
Luxury continues uncompromised, but with a twist. A black theme includes everything from the paint to the wheels to the overall aura of pure-bred performance for this knight of the Burning Legion. The 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine puts out the same 632 PS but gets an elevated peak torque of 870 Nm between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.
Personalisation is but a choice as always. A stroke here, a thread there, and what you will to leave a mark. The asking price is Rs 5.28 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai) onwards.
