Do we really need satellite-aided transmissions?

[Doc1647545523]

I have to admit it, I was puzzled when I read that phrase.

 

What does it conjure up in your mind?

[Doc1647545523]

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!

Edited March 11, 2013 by Doc

[stangsn95gt]

I bet I could guess correctly, lol

[Draco-REX]

I'm pretty sure I know what you're referring to.

 

For the application I'm thinking of, sure.

[Mallard]

Do we need them? No. Does your Bentley? Yes.

[2highpsi]

I couldn't resist, had to google.

 

Interesting.....

 

People have a lot more faith in software than I do.

[Mallard]

I couldn't resist, had to google.

 

Interesting.....

 

People have a lot more faith in software than I do.

It's actually been talked about for quite some time, and it's probably not far off before more mainstream vehicles have GPS integrated into more and more features.

[2highpsi]

 

It's a departure for Rolls, emphasizing driving the car rather than riding in it. !

 

This is what struck me also. Seemed strange.

[Draco-REX]

A 2 door rolls... Why?

[Not Brian]

I've had gps tell me to drive straight into somebody's lawn and through their house before. Bentley, which gear would be preferable for doing that?

 

 

Also, that starry night ceiling is tacky.

[10phone2]

I've had gps tell me to drive straight into somebody's lawn and through their house before. Bentley, which gear would be preferable for doing that?

 

 

Also, that starry night ceiling is tacky.

 

If I want a starry night then I would buy a convertible.

[Doc1647545523]

I've had gps tell me to drive straight into somebody's lawn and through their house before. Bentley, which gear would be preferable for doing that?

 

 

Also, that starry night ceiling is tacky.

 

 

Keep in mind, this is a Rolls-Royce. Bentley and Rolls are different cars built in different places with different corporate owners.

 

Bentley is owned by VW and is build in Crewe.

 

Rolls is owned by BMW and is built in Goodwood.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if Bentley, BMW, Mercedes and other high lines adopt the technology in the next few years, as Mallard said above.