Thread: Simplicity ~ Rolls Royce Ghost

Simplicity:
by Ian Cameron and Helmut Riedl

“Simplicity in design embraces truth and integrity. These attributes are at the heart of Ghost.”

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, people crave simplicity. It is the holy grail of design and engineering. It speaks to a deep-seated human need for things that are both natural and intuitive; that draw you to them instinctively. Yet ironically, achieving simplicity is never simple.

Single-mindedness is the root of simplicity.

When we began the Ghost project there was no confusion in the design and engineering teams’ minds about what they were going to achieve. The result is a car that creates an instant connection – you’re compelled to look more closely. We call it the power of simplicity.



From a visual standpoint Ghost expresses simplicity through the natural balance and flow of its exterior surfaces. A surging line catches your eye and you follow it, uninterrupted, to its conclusion. It appears timeless, yet at the same time thoroughly modern.

But the power of simplicity goes much deeper. There’s no doubt that Ghost is a hugely complex piece of engineering, but we don’t allow this complexity to come between the driver and the car.

We use technology to achieve simplicity, rather than add layer upon layer of complexity, we make things as effortless as possible. You just point the car in the direction you wish to go and press the accelerator – it’s as simple as that. Why should the driver need to think about shifting through eight gears? Simplicity is achieved by coupling the effortless power of the V12 engine with the smoothest automatic transmission to deliver the sensation of an infinite first gear.

Filtering which information the driver really needs at the design stage makes driving Ghost simplicity itself. There is nothing to distract you or complicate matters. You get ‘true information’ through the controls and instruments. In particular the steering is set to articulate different road conditions so you react intuitively, creating an effortless and exhilarating drive.



You’ll find rev counters are a standard feature in most cars but how useful is this information with an automatic gearbox? We believe it’s far more important to know how much power you have in reserve. Is there enough to overtake a truck safely on a steep hill? A quick glance at the Power Reserve dial lets you decide instantly.

Simplicity isn’t confined to the driver experience. Passengers are cocooned from the outside world by the simple expanses of natural leather and wood. The chassis continuously adapts so you are cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering.

The hardest question comes when your design is finished: how do you know you’ve achieved simplicity? It isn’t a science and there is no exact way to measure it. Ultimately it is intuitive – the most rewarding thing is to see it in people’s faces as they interact with your creation. No explanation is required. Simplicity attracts instinctively, it has a natural pull – just watch heads turn as a Ghost drives down the street.



Source~ Simplicity « Rolls-Royce Editions

Interesting read. Never thought of simplicity in that way...

Ghost looks like a great car. I wish they made it slightly more aggressive though.