Rolls-Royce has officially released the first production images and a long list of details on its latest model, the 2011 Ghost. Styled much like the Phantom, but slightly sportier and more modern, this more “entry-level” vehicle is still expected to cost close to $300,000.

The wait for the Ghost has been a long one, as Rolls first announced it was building a new line of vehicle at the Paris Auto Show back in 2006. Known initially as the RR4, this Ghost has been shown around the world in several prototype and concept forms (including as the 200EX) , but next week it will officially debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Powered by a 6.6-liter V12, the Ghost 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.

GALLERY: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

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It’s official, the name for the RR4 will be the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Company CEO Tom Purves made the announcement during the Rolls-Royce press conference at the Shanghai Auto Show.

“We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost,” said Purves. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model’s breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost.

Rolls-Royce displayed the Ghost in Shanghai, although, technically speaking, the model is still the concept car (or “Design Study”), which first debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Technical details on the car are still scarce but we do know it will be powered by an all-new 6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine with more than 500hp. A new 8-speed ZF transmission will also be used. The Ghost measures 212.6-inches long, 76.7-inches wide and 61-inches high. The wheelbase is listed as 129.7-inches. The platform for the car is the same used by the new BMW 7 Series. The wheels are 20-inch units with 255/45/20 tires up front an 285/40/20 tires in the rear.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost will go into production in late 2009 as a 2010 model.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost

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Rolls-Royce has just confirmed that the upcoming baby Rolls, aka the 200EX, aka the RR4, will be offered with a new and very powerful Turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine.

CEO Tom Purves made the announcement at a press conference in New York, whee the 200EX is currently being shown as a part of a world tour.

This entirely new powerplant will make in excess of 500hp and be combined with a new 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. There is no word on torque numbers but they will no-doubt exceeds the 500 mark as well, giving the new Rolls that classically effortless old-Rolls feel.

Purves also said that the engine will have significantly better fuel economy and significantly reduced emissions as compared to the 6.75-liter V12 engine found in the current range of Phantom vehicles.

“There has been a great deal of interest in this car since we first talked about producing a new model series in the autumn of 2006 and the reaction 200EX received at its unveiling at Geneva was very positive. As we move another step closer to the start of production at Goodwood, it is exciting to be able to share some of the specific technical details with customers and the media.”

He continued, “RR4 will deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience to owners, so expect peerless comfort and build quality. However, we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves.”

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce 200EX:

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