
The Wraith is a luxury coupe produced by the British ultra-luxury automaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In production from 2013 to 2023, the Wraith is best described as the most powerful and driver-focused Rolls-Royce of its era, a "grand tourer" coupe that combined the brand's signature opulence with a more dynamic driving character. It is not a model from a mainstream brand but represents the pinnacle of bespoke automotive luxury.
The Wraith's defining characteristic is its powertrain. It was equipped with a massive 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, generating 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to the rear wheels through a unique satellite-aided transmission. This system used GPS data to anticipate the road ahead, pre-selecting the optimal gear for corners or inclines, making for incredibly smooth and effortless acceleration. The Wraith's performance was formidable for its size, achieving 0-60 mph in about 4.4 seconds.
Inside, the Wraith was a testament to Rolls-Royce's craftsmanship. It featured hand-stitched leather, open-pore wood veneers, and the iconic Starlight Headliner, which uses hundreds of fiber-optic lights to mimic a starry sky. As a two-door coupe with rear-hinged "coach doors," it prioritized front-seat comfort but offered occasional seating in the rear. While it shared its core platform with the Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan, the Wraith's sleeker, fastback-style roof gave it a distinct and dramatic presence. Its discontinuation in 2023 means it is now only available on the pre-owned market.
| Feature | Specification | Context / Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 | One of the largest production V12 engines available during its time. |
| Horsepower | 624 hp | Significantly more than a Bentley Continental GT V8 (542 hp). |
| Torque | 605 lb-ft | Massive low-end power for effortless acceleration. |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4 seconds | Remarkably quick for a car weighing over 5,300 lbs. |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Satellite-Aided | A Rolls-Royce exclusive feature for predictive gear shifts. |
| Door Style | Coach Doors (Rear-Hinged) | A signature Rolls-Royce design element for easier entry/exit. |
| Production Years | 2013 - 2023 | A single, well-defined production generation. |

Think of the most luxurious car you can imagine, then add more power and a swoopy roofline. That's the Wraith. It's a , which means it's all about absolute comfort and custom, hand-built details. But unlike their bigger sedans, the Wraith is a coupe designed to feel a bit more sporty for the person driving. It's not a race car, but it has a monstrous V12 that makes passing on the highway feel like you're on a cloud. You mostly see these on the pre-owned market now.

From a technical standpoint, the Wraith is a fascinating exercise. It's built on the same platform as the Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan but with a shorter wheelbase and a fastback body style. The key innovation was its satellite-linked transmission, which used GPS data to read the road and pre-select gears. This, combined with its air suspension and immense V12 torque, created a uniquely serene yet potent driving experience. It was a masterclass in isolating occupants from harshness without sacrificing performance.

If you're asking what it's like to own one, it's a statement. It's not just a car; it's a rolling piece of art. Every surface you touch is leather, wood, or coldrolled steel. The doors open backwards, and the ceiling can be optioned with tiny lights to look like a starry night. It's incredibly quiet and smooth. You're paying for that feeling of being completely separate from the outside world, wrapped in silence and craftsmanship that most other cars can't even approach.

For anyone shopping in that ultra-luxury tier, the Wraith stood out as the coupe choice. It competed directly with the Continental GT but offered a different philosophy. Where the Bentley is more overtly sporty, the Wraith prioritized "waftability"—that magic-carpet sensation of gliding down the road. It was the car for the Rolls-Royce customer who wanted to take the wheel themselves on a grand tour. Since it's no longer in production, finding a well-maintained used model is now the only way to acquire one.


