, only a V-12 engine could suffice for a Rolls of today. This ubiquitous mill displaces 6.75 litres—that is, liters—and is induced by two turbochargres—pardon, turbochargers. In the Ghost Black Badge, its 591 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque are increases of 29 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard Ghost. That makes it more powerful than the Phantom, which spins out 563 hp and 664 lb-ft.
The engine revolves with impeccable smoothness, only emitting a scintilla of noise and vibration that evinces something is happening under that long, long hood. Any difference in output is not what's discernible, but how it's delivered. In both, torque pours out in a way that's been rightfully compared to electric motors but could just as soon emit from some sort of radioactive meteorite. It's that otherworldly.
Steering either of these cars is delectable. The diameter of the wheel in both is quite large, but the rim is hardly thicker than your thumb. This allows for an easy, casual grip, letting you sweep to and fro with effort similar to stirring molten fudge. Despite the ease, it's not as if you're disconnected from the proceedings. Although the wheel transmits little sensation and its ratio is quite slow, it's reasonably direct.
Here we arrive at a potential critique. Within a few turns, it becomes evident that neither of these cars is sporty or fun in the conventional sense. Such impulses wouldn't be tolerable. Yet in attempting to minimize roll, Black Badge brings a tune to the air suspension that's a bit brittle. It absorbs large impacts with aplomb, but the setup
, thus undoing the notion that the Ghost hovers above the surface—an unseemly reminder of earthly realities. Moreover, the Ghost Black Badge's seat cushioning felt noticeably firmer than that in the Phantom.Ah, the Phantom. In this virtuous leviathan, bothers fade away. Sink into the seat, power the door shut, and sounds from the world around disappear.