If you didn’t notice the moment you saw the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, you will when you glimpse the beautiful lines of the two-door, leather- and wood-ensconced 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe: This is something very special.
The Wraith is built to be sportier and have better handling than its sedan siblings. Enter through rear-opening coach doors and plant yourself in the finest leather. No need to strain closing the door; just push a button and it closes for you. As I observed on a recent factory tour, the men and women who create Rolls-Royce interiors are Old World artisans.
The back seat can accommodate an adult, but it’s better for children. The trunk is big and deep and has an electronic deck lid. Rear and top-view cameras provide an image of what’s behind and beside your car on the 10.25-inch screen in the center of the dash when you’re reversing, which is helpful since the severe slope of the rear window hinders visibility. The screen also displays audio, navigation, communication and system information, but it can be hidden beneath a beautiful wood veneer. An indulgent option is the starlight roof with led lights that display thousands of twinkling ‘stars’ above you. The only noise that will intrude on your inner auto sanctum comes from a 600-watt audio system.
Details such as ‘RR’ center wheel caps that keep the Rs right-side-up differentiate the Rolls from more mundane cars. To protect your Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, it automatically retracts when you shut off the engine. If you feel the need to spend more, you can get a silver, gold plated or illuminated one.
The Wraith is a driver’s Rolls-Royce, with more than enough power at all times and a suspension that provides a liquid-smooth ride. Though steering through the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel was severely over-boosted at low speeds, it seemed to tighten up with speed. A heads-up display on the windshield digitally shows your speed and the speed limit of the road you’re on, while a lane assist system gently vibrates the wheel if you veer too close to the side. According to Ephraim Schmitt, brand manager at Rolls-Royce Motorcars of St. Louis, “What makes the Wraith unique is the mix of ultra luxury with the sportiness and immense power of its engine. It can go 0-60 in only 4.4 seconds,” he says.
The navigation voice has a female British accent that politely guides you to your destination. Direction arrows on the heads-up display provide additional assist. When you get to your destination the voice says, You have arrived at your destination. But if you’re driving a Wraith, you’ve already arrived.
technicals
Price:
▶ Base $299,000 with gas guzzler tax and delivery
▶ as driven, with options, $335,000
Gas mileage:
▶ 13 city
▶ 21 highway
Drivetrain:
▶ Front engine; rear-wheel drive
▶ 6.6 litre V-12 engine
▶ 624 horsepower
▶ 8-speed automatic transmission
Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.
