Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has opened a new showroom at The Pearl Qatar in Doha.
The luxury automotive manufacturer celebrated the occasion on the unique, man-made island, located offshore the Arabian Peninsula, with a prestigious event that attracted prominent members of the Qatari business community.
The event was marked by the unveiling of the new Ghost, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce model range, which was making its debut in Qatar.
“Having seen the development of The Pearl Qatar over recent months I am convinced that it is the ideal environment to house the pinnacle of luxury in the automotive market,” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Tom Purves said on the occasion.
“Our presence on this exclusive venue reinforces the strategic importance of Qatar and the Middle East region to the future growth of Rolls-Royce,” he said.
Rolls-Royce regional director for the Middle East, Peter Schoppmann, commented that: “This place has an effortless glamour, which truly reflects the atmosphere of our cars.”
Alfardan Automobiles and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha president Omar Alfardan said: “The opening of our new showroom on one of the most luxurious islands in the world demonstrates our commitment to consistently investing in the Rolls-Royce brand. Our unique facility on the Pearl Qatar sets us apart and will cement our iconic status in Qatar’s automotive market.”
He added: “We are extremely optimistic about the success of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars new model, the Ghost, in Qatar. The launch of the Ghost will further strengthen our position as Qatar’s leading luxury automotive dealer.”
The Ghost, the most powerful car the super luxury brand has ever produced, combines elegance, new technology and contemporary style to deliver an engaging driving experience like no other.
“Far before the Ghost’s global launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we have received tremendous interest in the car, with customers attracted to its’ lines and contemporary feel which perfectly capture the sense of endeavour that is unique to Rolls-Royce,” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha general manager Naim Majdalani said.
The Ghost is quite unlike any other car in the super luxury segment, was how Schoppmann described the new car.
“The sales of Rolls-Royce cars in the Middle East grew 50% in 2008 compared to 2007 and 100% compared to 2006, with a strong demand being maintained in 2009,” he said while adding that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha is among the top 10 selling dealers of the brand worldwide.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars corporate communications manager (Europe and Middle East) Frank Tiemann revealed that the Middle East region accounted for 24% of the sales up to the third quarter of 2009 and every car delivered was bespoke.
“By the end of this year, we are expecting 1,500 intended purchases for the Ghost, with 85% of them going to buy a Rolls-Royce for the first time,” he said.
Powered by a new 6.6 litre V12, unique to the marque, delivering 563 bhp and 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, the Ghost rides on an intelligent air suspension system offering peerless ride and dynamics.
Power is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox, which imparts a feeling of endless, surging power. The Ghost is built around a steel monocoque body, with no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction in exterior dimensions while preserving interior space.
Consequently, while Ghost is over 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable. The body has been engineered with a double front bulkhead to help insulate the interior from engine noise.
It is constructed from steel sections and then wrapped in steel panels, which are brazed by hand. This allows a near-seamless join, which is then sanded by hand until it is perfect.
The Ghost also has a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on virtually any surface. These include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, including Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control.
Side-impact beams in the front and rear doors combine with progressive rear crumple zones to absorb impacts. The Advanced Crash and Safety Management system takes measurements 2,000 times per second from sensors located around the vehicle.
The system uses this information – in conjunction with the engine and chassis management systems – to judge which safety features to deploy in which areas in the event of an accident.
If necessary, ACSM will activate – among other things – seatbelt pre-tensioners and all encompassing airbags surrounding the cabin, creating a safe zone for all occupants.
“The starting price for the Ghost is QR1mn,” Majdalani added. |
