“The most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.”
In a seismic shift for the luxury automotive world, Rolls-Royce has ventured into uncharted territory with the debut of Spectre, its first-ever all-electric model. The unveiling of Spectre marks a departure from the revered V12 engine, a symbol of automotive craftsmanship, and signals the brand’s embrace of electric power. The audacious move challenges preconceived notions and ushers in a new era of electrified luxury.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the CEO of Rolls-Royce, describes Spectre as possessing all the qualities that have defined the Rolls-Royce legend. This remarkable vehicle, conceived from the outset as the marque’s inaugural fully electric model, seamlessly embodies the essence of Rolls-Royce while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Anders Warming, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Director of Design, played a pivotal role in crafting Spectre’s aesthetic. The iconic Pantheon grille, the widest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce, announces Spectre’s pedigree. Polished stainless-steel vanes, flush-fitting and softly illuminated with 22 LEDs, create a captivating three-dimensional signature at night. A bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy figurine featuring a lower stance and a more aerodynamic profile contributes to Spectre’s impressive drag coefficient of just 0.25cd, earning it the title of “the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.”
Inside the opulent cabin, Warming highlights Spectre’s cosseting interior that wraps around its occupants. The design seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with timeless elegance. Spectre introduces innovative features, including a version of Rolls-Royce’s iconic Starlight Headliner LED display on the door panels. The all-new front seat design incorporates “lapel” sections that can be rendered in contrasting or matching colours to the main base, drawing inspiration from British tailoring. SPIRIT, a redesigned digital architecture, establishes a closer connection between the owner and the car. Clients can extend their commission from Rolls’ Bespoke division into the digital realm, allowing for personalized choices such as selecting the colour of instrument dials to complement the car’s interior or exterior finish.
Rolls-Royce’s bold move into the electric realm is not without historical precedent. Mr Rolls was an early advocate of electric cars as far back as 1900. The arrival of Spectre, with its 577-horsepower propelled by BMW-sourced twin electric motors, symbolizes a full-circle moment for the brand. The declaration that all Rolls-Royces will be fully electric by 2031 is not just a futuristic ambition but a commitment rooted in the visionary roots of the marque.
Spectre’s power is derived from a 102.0-kWh battery, drawing inspiration from BMW’s new i7 technology. The torque-infused marvel accelerates from 0 to 60 in a swift 4.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph—all achieved with a subdued elegance that refrains from raising its voice an octave. Spectre proudly upholds the tradition of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy with an unmistakably British touch.
Müller-Ötvös emphasizes that at Rolls-Royce, perfection is more than making the best products; it is a culture, an attitude, and a guiding philosophy. The design, engineering, and craftsmanship behind Spectre are a testament to this commitment. Spectre embodies the enduring pursuit of excellence that has been a hallmark of Rolls-Royce since its inception.
The global unveiling of Spectre in Napa Valley, California, at the Four Seasons resort showcased not only its technological prowess but also its commitment to sustainable luxury. Rolls-Royce managed to push the boundaries of innovation without compromising its core values of opulence, bespoke craftsmanship, power, and presence. The price tag of $420,000 for Spectre, considering its groundbreaking features and the first year’s production already sold out, seems to underscore its perceived value in the luxury automotive realm.
Spectre represents a monumental leap for Rolls-Royce, challenging conventions and spearheading a new era of electrified luxury. The fusion of cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance reaffirms Rolls-Royce’s commitment to excellence. Spectre marks a significant chapter in the marque’s history and signals a defining moment for the future of automotive luxury.
