Jaws dropped and eyes widened as the new Ghost model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was unveiled at the Euro Motors showroom in Sitra.

The modern, elegant and engineering masterpiece is attracting a huge amount of interest in the kingdom despite its recession-busting price tag of BD130,000.

Zayed R Alzayani, managing director of Euro Motors, said: "The initial response to the Ghost has been overwhelming.

"We are confident that its introduction to the Bahrain market will underline Euro Motors' impressive development."

While less formal than the Phantom family of cars, the Ghost is engineered to be more driver-focused and powerful than any Rolls-Royce before it.

A new 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model, promises to deliver a feeling of endless, surging power to the driver.

Company officials explained that the car comes with the 'waft ability' which gives the driver 'the feeling of riding a magic carpet'.

Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the driving experience from the spacious design to the intuitive layout and advanced systems and technologies.

The Rolls-Royce design team sought inspiration in architecture and yachts when seeking to create a modern interpretation of Rolls-Royce's values which is apparent in the Ghost's exterior design.

In keeping with its fluid design, Ghost is built around a steel 'monocoque' body, with no separation of chassis and body. The advantage of this construction is a reduction on exterior dimensions while preserving interior space.

Peter Schoppmann, Rolls-Royce regional director for the Middle East, said: "Since we first announced that work had begun on a new model series in 2006, anticipation has been building for the launch of this car. The feedback so far shows that the Ghost has surpassed all expectations.

"It is attracting new buyers to the Rolls-Royce brand who appreciate its fusion of timeless elegance, new technology and contemporary style."

The first Ghosts will be handed over to customers throughout the region by the end of December.

Mr Schoppmann also revealed that early next year, a new Rolls Royce showroom will be opened, adjacent to Euro Motors and spanning a total area of around 450sqm.

Rolls-Royce has 83 dealers around the world and nine showrooms in the Middle East region in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Lahore, Manama, Muscat and Riyadh. For more details contact Euro Motors on 17750750.

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost was exhibited at Jewellery Arabia last week.

"Jewellery Arabia was the perfect setting to showcase the new Ghost," said Mr Schoppmann.