It must be something we absolutely need and want, since it's being introduced on the new Rolls-Royce Wraith.
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115737-highRes_jpg_677x1000_q100_zps3390a8f6.jpg
I want to punch this guy, but he tries to explain the advantage of driving the Nurburgring in a Roller:
Essentially, a computer looks at the upcoming terrain via GPS, then looks at speed and other engine parameters, compares your current and long-term driving style, and figures out what gear to switch the 8 speed ZF transmission to as you enter the terrain.
The Wraith’s V-12 makes 624 hp getting it to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. 590 pound-feet of torque is said to all be available from just 1500 rpm.
From certain angles, it looks a lot more like a Bentley Continental SC than a Rolls.
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115739-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zps21ecbf33.jpg
It's a departure for Rolls, emphasizing driving the car rather than riding in it. However, it's not exactly a stripped-down interior. Premium leather and wood,
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115728-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zpse55da204.jpg
although the wood is something different for Rolls as well. Rather than the traditional polished veneers, they've used Canadel Panelling with an open pore wood finish, which allows you to feel the grain of the wood
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115730-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zpsaee457b9.jpg
Even the rear seats (which you need to crawl into with the front seatbacks tilted forward) look pretty luxurious
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115732-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zps38b63af0.jpg
Many of the Phantom's upmarket features are included, such as the "Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky."
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115735-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zpscb0b36fa.jpg
and of course, coach doors (suicide doors to us commoners)
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/P90115734-highRes_jpg_900x900_q100_zpsb087ae49.jpg
I think their promo video is a complete fail.
I guess the Wraith is for waxy men who aren't attracted to rich, beautiful women. Or maybe for vampires, I wasn't sure.
Link to the Winding Road review, press release, photo gallery and multiple videos: http://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/review-rolls-royce-wraith/
Enjoy!