After 16 years of Rolls-Royce ownership, BMW creates a personal luxury coupe of its own: the Rolls-Royce Wraith. The “Automobile” magazine staff had five days and four nights with a Red Velvet Sparkle 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith. Here are some of their opinions of the model.
Videographer Sandon Voelker says, “Some cars are just worth waking up early for. The Rolls-Royce Wraith certainly falls into that category. I got myself up and out of the house at 4 am. Before pulling out of my driveway, I flipped on the night vision system to see a deer munching on some flowers about 20 yards in front of me. It’s not a head up display, but it’s nice to check periodically.”
The vehicle is a passion play for deputy editor Joe DeMatio. The car is all theater for Todd Lassa. “The pinhole lights remind me of the ceiling of the Avalon movie theater in Milwaukee.”
Joe gave a freeway ride his 80-year old neighbor Claire and her boyfriend Carl. He accelerated effortlessly to about 130 mph, delighting the couple. Running his hand on the wood panel in the passenger’s door, Carl said, “You know, this car is a contradiction. It looks and feels very old-fashioned, but yet it’s actually very modern.”
This robust car is powered by 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 624 hp engine. Sandon says that the car handled the curves near Hell, Michigan, with remarkable grip. He said, “The ride was supple, controlled and effortless. The steering is precise, but not sharp. It handles a bit like a fine sport yacht on glassy water. Turn in, let it find its edge, and hold the line through the corner. Roll on the throttle and the twin-turbo V12 will surge this 5,500 pound car forth like a freight train at full steam.”
The 2014 Rolls Royce is a car with a unique ability to coddle you; to remind you that you are special.
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