2015 Rolls Royce Wraith
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
2025 Audi SQ7
Audi…Still Bringing The V8 Power
Like every other luxury-minded European carmaker, Audi has a full portfolio of utility vehicles to choose from, including big ones like the Q7 and big fast ones like this SQ7. 2025 brings a host of updates for this still V8-powered prestige performer, and we can’t wait to check it all out.
Audi’s largest SUV, the seven-passenger Q7, launched way back in 2007; but it wasn’t until 2020, well into its second generation, that it got the proper high-performance treatment with an SQ7 version. Well, it’s time for the 2025 model year, and while the SQ7 is still rockin’ through its second gen, Audi is cranking it up when it comes to style and tech.
All Q7s get revised styling for 2025 with modernized front and rear fascias, along with updated and now customizable LED lighting. Up front, lower aero treatments are slightly reshaped, and Audi’s Singleframe grille gets new patterns that are unique for Q7 and SQ7. In back, there’s a more aggressive looking rear diffuser that better integrates some new exhaust tips. And rounding it out are some fresh color choices and five new wheel designs. In addition to the unique grille, SQ7s feature additional aero treatments throughout, quad exhaust tips, and larger brakes behind 21-inch wheels, which can be optioned up to these 22s.
Tech updates come by way of better smartphone integration into the MultiMedia Interface, with the ability to not only use more third-party apps but download them directly to the vehicle. It’s all done through Audi’s latest MMI setup which features an in-dash infotainment touchscreen, a smaller touch panel just below for climate controls and additional functions such as handwriting recognition, and, of course, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit for the driver.
There are some minor material upgrades throughout, and more uniqueness to coincide with trim levels; plus, some new available packages to further customize the space. All Q7s are outfitted for seven passengers with plenty of adult-size room in the second-row bench; the third row, it’s best left to the kids.
This thing is quick, like EV quick, taking off much faster than you’re expecting.
All of that is indeed great, but the star of this show remains what’s under the SQ7’s hood. Oh yeah, Audi still believes in V8s, and this is a great one, the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine used by Porsche and even Lamborghini in their SUVs. Here in Audi tune, it delivers 500 horsepower along with 568 lb-ft of torque. And wow this thing is quick, like EV quick, taking off much faster than you’re expecting. At Mason Dixon Dragway it hooked up easily, pounced off the line, and pulled hard the whole way down the strip. We hit 60 in a mere 3.8 seconds.
Audi keeps the Tiptronic name alive for their eight-speed automatic transmission and it slams through the first few gears quite aggressively, easing off a little in higher ones. That V8 made all the right noises throughout the quarter-mile but without being too loud. 12.4 at 111 mph was our best time.
SQ7s get a unique sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, and it almost eliminated all body roll through our handling course, helping this big utility feel more like a small sports car. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all Q7s but there is unique tuning here in the S, and we really had to push it hard to initiate any understeer. The brakes came on strong as soon as we started to press the pedal in our panic braking runs, stopping us from 60 in an impressive 94 feet. There was some nosedive, but absolutely no discernable fade.
For all its performance, the ride quality is sublime, never harsh, making for a very enjoyable drive home from the track. It also feels built like a tank, weighing more than 5,000 lbs., though that substantial structure allows for towing up to 7,700-lbs.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 15 City, 21 Highway, and 17 Combined. We averaged a good 20.1 mpg of Premium in our driving loop. As far as high-performance SUVs go, the SQ7’s starting price of $92,095 for Premium Plus trim is not unreasonable. You can upgrade to Prestige trim for $98,195.
While not exactly commonplace, high-performance SUVs have seemingly been coming at us from all sorts of brands lately, from luxury to mainstream– which is the direction of choice for Audi, bringing the premium driving experience closer to attainable levels. So, if you’re looking for high levels of luxury, combined with raucous V8 performance, in a vehicle that can still comfortably haul the family, the 2025 Audi SQ7 is eagerly waiting to deliver.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 500
- Torque: 568 lb-ft.
- EPA: 15 City | 21 Highway | 17 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.4 seconds at 111 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 94 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 20.1 MPG (Premium)