The brand name may well have passed into the English language - signifying anything that is very much at the top of its game - but the new four-door super luxury saloon from Rolls-Royce is a bravura example of how to gild the lily.
The Ghost - the most powerful car Rolls-Royce has ever built - debuted in Hong Kong last month, showcasing a more informal design that still embraces refinement, new technology and contemporary style.
Priced at HK$4.3 million - rising to about HK$5 million with a host of tempting optional extras - the Ghost has already caused a surge of interest among car owners in the region.
Powered by a 6.6 litre twin-turbo charged V12 engine, with an eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox, the Ghost can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. While cruising at this speed would be frowned on by the authorities in Hong Kong, there are many attributes that make the Ghost eminently suitable for driving in the city.
'The Ghost exercises an enormous appeal,' said Colin Kelly, regional director for Rolls-Royce in Asia-Pacific.
'It has effortless power and a great contemporary style - it's not in any way stuffy. There is a great work ethic in Asia-Pacific, and especially in Hong Kong, and I think people like to reward themselves for their hard work, be it with a superb watch or a yacht, or a car like the Ghost.'