Perhaps it’s just the relaxed West Coast way of doing things, but we were surprised at the accessibility Rolls-Royce was giving to its new Ghost model at the LA Auto Show. Normally at auto shows the public are kept away from cars and only the media are allowed up close. Except with Rolls.

We’re not saying the media can’t get intimate with a Rolls, but rather than just walk up you usually have to ask. And once past the velvet rope (both a literal and figurative rope), the regal British automaker’s representatives won’t stop you from dropping your bargain suit bottom where only Armani has been before, but you do get a sense of unease about the situation as their fingers twitch and their faces turn to a police wince.

Then again, perhaps the folks at Rolls were a little more inviting as this is just an “entry-level” model.

The Ghost is the first entirely new model from Rolls-Royce since 2003, when the flagship Phantom debuted. Slightly smaller than that uber-luxury land-yacht the Ghost is still massive and excessively luxurious. It’s real claim to fame, however, might be its more performance-oriented engine, a 6.6-liter V12 that makes 563hp and 575 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. Using a new eight-speed automatic transmission the Ghost will be able to hit 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

The Ghost will be available with a very long list of standard an optional equipment, including rear-seat LCD screens with fold out tables and, of course, umbrellas in the doors.

Rolls-Royce is expected to follow the same product development strategy with the Ghost as with the Phantom, so expect to hear rumors of both a coupe and a convertible starting soon.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost Debut in LA

Rolls-Royce has just released the full list of specs on the upcoming Ghost model and the numbers are impressive. The most regal of automakers has always been known for powerful and luxurious cars but judging from the numbers just released by Rolls, this luxury sedan will scream down the highway like a raving banshee.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine, the Ghost will make 563hp at 5250 rpm and 575 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. Despite what will do-doubt be an immense curb weight the “entry-level” Rolls will use an 8-speed automatic transmission to hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Interestingly, Rolls-Royce says it will achieve 4.7 seconds in markets outside North America, but gives no reason why that is. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

“First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery,” said Rolls’ Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl. “This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”

Deliveries of the £165,000 ($272,000) Ghost will begin in the U.K. and Europe later this year with deliveries in North America, Asia and the rest of the world in the second quarter of 2010.

Official release after the jump:

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