Rolls-Royce Ghost news - Rolls-Royce Ghost: deceptively quick - 2009

Rolls-Royce has just handed us a wax-sealed, gold-plated envelope containing a bunch of numbers on the upcoming Ghost - the new ‘baby Rolls' previewed by the 200EX concept (pictured) - and here's the big news: it's bloody quick.

How does 4.7 seconds to 60mph grab you? Yes, four-point-seven. That's faster than a BMW M3, as quick as an Audi RS6. That's phenomenally fast.

All that fastness comes courtesy of an all-new 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 producing 563bhp, and 575lb ft from just 1,500rpm.

Don't worry, though - just because it's quick, this isn't some hardcore, track-focussed Rolls.

"First and foremost, the Ghost is a Rolls-Royce," says director of engineering Helmut Riedl. "This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures, it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver."

To that end, the Ghost rides on air suspension with multi-link front and rear axles. Rolls-Royce promises that it'll be quieter than a mute dormouse in a library, with engine, exhaust and tyre noise dialled down to near-imperceptible levels.

The Ghost goes on sale in the UK towards the end of this year, with prices starting at £165,000.