Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Rolls-Royce launches Ghost II
Models showcase Rolls-Royce’s face-lifted Ghost II during a launch event in Dongdaemun Design Plaza, in Seoul, Monday. The British luxury carmaker also kicked off a two-day exhibition, The Icon Tour, at the venue to celebrate its 110th anniversary on the same day. / Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, Rolls-Royce held the Korean launch of the hotly anticipated Ghost II series in Seoul, Monday.
“The Ghost series is the modern version of the Silver Ghost, which paved the way for Rolls-Royce to become a top luxury brand over its 110 year history,” said Lee Chul-seung, principal dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Seoul, during its launching event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says the company concentrates on the bespoke nature of Rolls-Royce, giving every one of its cars a unique individuality.
“Korea is so discerning and conservative. We see a variety of ways we can represent Rolls-Royce, with unique bespoke cars that people can make individual and private to themselves,” he said.
The Ghost II, a four-door luxury sedan, certainly has Rolls-Royce DNA, but has added a more contemporary look with LED headlights and a modern interior. A new bumper design makes it look taller and wider than its predecessor, while also having more options in bespoke by adding two kinds of veneer materials.
Behind the British brand's deep-set iconic grille sits a potent 6.6-liter, twin turbo-charged V12 engine, which can generate 563 horsepower with a maximum torque of 79.6 kilograms per meter. It can reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds for a standard wheel base and 5 seconds for an extended one. Prices start from 410 million won.
The first generation Ghost launched internationally in 2009 and was introduced to Korean customers in October last year. The company then sold 27 out of 30 Rolls-Royces domestically.
As of September this year, Rolls-Royce sales have already passed last year’s mark, yet the exact numbers are still not available, according to a company spokesperson.
Amid rival car brands introducing their versions of super cars in recent years, Michael Schneider, Asia Pacific General Manager, has distanced Rolls-Royce from the others, saying “We are not a premium luxury brand. We are true luxury brand. Everything else is a mass luxury, which we are not and don’t want to be.”
“Our competition is not necessarily in the automotive area. Our competition goes far beyond that ― pieces of art, Jewellery, yachts and even helicopters ― everything that rewards successful business people for their achievements.”
Asked upon the possibility of introducing cheaper models, he said that it has no plan to do so, since its strategic target is 200,000 Euros in net price. “We have no intention to offer a compact model of anything below that range purely for the sake of chasing volume,” he said.
The launching event took place as part of the Rolls-Royce Icon Tour, which showcases cars from its early years, displaying rarities, history and craftsmanship.
Starting in Singapore in April, the tour brought its finale to Seoul with a two-day exhibition.
During the exhibition, the company also unveiled a limited edition Pinnacle Travel Phantom for the first time in Korea.