2015 Rolls Royce Wraith

2015 Rolls Royce Wraith

Episode 3513 , Episode 3528
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MotorWeek wasn’t around in 1938 to drive the last rolls-royce wraith, but the advanced nature of that chassis; adjustable shocks, welded rather than riveted frame; made wraith cars highly distintive. now, rolls is reviving the wraith name in hopes of bringing new prospects to their brand, with a design that is one again different, and way ahead of the curve.

Even in the stratosphere of ultra-exclusive vehicles, the two-door 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith stands out as a very unique vehicle. Oh, and it’s the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. Either one of these would be a great reason for purchasing this rolling piece of prominence, but our reasoning would be the Wraith’s actual behind the wheel experience. Yes this Rolls is intended to actually be driven by the owner.

Based on the Ghost sedan, it offers extreme isolation from the outside, and less fortunate world, but where it differs is it is relatively more fun to drive, at least as far as we’re concerned, when it comes to a Rolls-Royce. 

The experience is a bit of a throwback, to a time when high-end cars were made to ride smooth, and be mechanical wonders; not the sensor-intensive, computer controlled, luxury standards of today. 

So it’s not as sporting as a Continental GT, but rolling on a wheelbase that’s more than a foot longer, stretching over 10-feet, it rides like a whole other class up of vehicle. 

The power it delivers, all 624-horsepower, and 590 lb-ft. of torque may also seem extreme. But it’s the effortless delivery that is truly remarkable. As is its very striking fastback design, which surely would look more at home on the French Riviera than around our offices in Owings Mills, Maryland.   

But whether on the move or standing still, it is quite a presence; and that’s before you swing the huge doors open to the rear. And since they open so wide, don’t worry about reaching out to close them, just summon the invisible butler with the push of a button and stay put. 

The majority of the behind the dash technology comes from BMW, but there are a few special elements such as GPS based shift logic for the 8-speed automatic transmission. And the 10-inch infotainment display can stay hidden for a more traditional look. Plus the amazingly extravagant StarLight headliner is Roll’s alone.

Even under those fiber optic stars, there’s plenty of other aspects to fall in love with in the back seat. And you might want to stay put as long as possible, not only because of the sheer luxury and amenities you’re wrapped in, but because it’s not the easiest space to climb out of. 

Climbing out of the hole at our test track took some restraint to keep from luxuriously melting the rear tires, so we were only able to achieve a 0-60 time of 6.8-seconds in less than ideal track conditions. Disappointing, since it should easily be under 5.0-seconds. 

Its great road presence doesn’t quite translate to track work, as muscling the Wraiths 5,200-plus pounds of bulk through tight turns also calls for some restraint, and if you don’t, better try a “Hail Mary” or two.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are not as out-of-whack as you’d expect, 13-City, a most respectable 21-Highway, and 15-Combined. But that still earns a Gas Guzzler tax and a very poor Energy Impact Score, burning through 22.0-barrels of oil per year with annual CO2 emissions of 9.5-tons.

Rolls thinks the U.S. will be the biggest market for the Wraith, so I guess there will be more than a few 1-percenters shelling out the close to $300,000 required. Plan on spending much more to make yours unique however, as ours had almost $100,000 in options.

So unless you plan on living in it, which one of our staffers briefly contemplated, it’s probably not the most practical of purchases. And compared to a Continental GT, it’s a much pricier one. But you do get amazing exclusivity, which is what this price bracket is all about. As this apparition will indeed be rare to catch a glimpse of, and we’re most glad we did. 

Specifications

  • Engine: 6.6 liter
  • Horsepower: 624
  • Torque: 590 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
  • EPA: 13 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway
  • Energy Impact: 22.0 barrels of oil/yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 9.5 tons/yr
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
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Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW