It was in 1900 when Rolls-Royce co-founder, the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, voiced his support for electric vehicles (EVs), describing them as “perfectly noiseless and clean.” He was optimistic about their future, predicting that EVs “should become very useful” once fixed charging stations became commonplace. In what can only be viewed as a testament to his foresight, it took Rolls-Royce another 122 years to reveal its first all-electric car, the Spectre. With its silent, vibration-free propulsion, the new Spectre, with its 577-horsepower powertrain, perfectly encapsulates the brand’s relentless quest to build the world’s most comfortable, refined cars.
The Dawn of a New Era for Rolls-Royce
The Rolls-Royce Spectre, due for a global release in the fourth quarter of 2023, represents a significant leap into the electric era for the luxury automaker. The stunning interior, imposing coupe shape, and the all-aluminum Architecture of Luxury that underpins it set the stage for Rolls-Royce’s grand entry into the electric vehicle market. Boasting a starting price of $413,000 MSRP for the 2024 model, the Spectre places between the Cullinan SUV and Phantom sedan within the brand’s lineup. With no direct competitors on the horizon, it stands alone in the luxury electric coupe segment.
Exterior Exuding Elegance and Grandeur
Far from being another ground-breaking design, the exterior of the Rolls-Royce Spectre is elegant and subtly majestic. It immediately stands out as a Rolls-Royce yet distinctively diverges from the brand’s last two-door coupe, the Wraith. Inspired by modern yacht concepts, the 2024 Spectre features an iconic Pantheon grille, the widest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce, with a polished stainless steel finish. Flush-fit vanes in the grille improve aerodynamics, and 22 LEDs softly illuminate it at night.
The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, a result of 830 combined hours of design modelling and wind tunnel testing, sits proudly at the front. The efforts put into this iconic symbol have helped Rolls-Royce achieve a drag coefficient of 0.25, making the Spectre the most aerodynamic Rolls ever. Split headlights and ultra-slim daytime running lights, along with a fastback roofline and coach doors shared with the Wraith coupe, accentuate the side profile. For the wheel enthusiasts, the Spectre is the first production two-door coupe to boast 23-inch wheels in almost a century.
With Starlight Doors featuring 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’ or a backdrop of wood Canadel Paneling, the exterior of the Spectre is customizable to an incredible extent. At the rear, jewel-like taillights are set into the largest single body panel ever made for a Rolls-Royce.
The color palette for the Spectre is virtually endless. From standard shades like Black Diamond, Anthracite, Scala Red, English White, and Salamanca Blue to Commissioned Collection hues like gold-shaded Chartreuse, Twilight Purple, and Magma Red, the exterior can be as unique as the owner desires. Even the wheels, available in various 23-inch styles, can be fully customized.
The Spectre: Bigger, Bolder, and Electric
The Rolls-Royce Spectre, true to the brand’s tradition, is imposing with a length of 214.7 inches, a width of 81.9 inches, and an unladen height of 61.4 inches. A substantial wheelbase of 126.4 inches underscores its size. Its electric character does add to its weight, tipping the scales at 6,559 pounds, nearly 1,543 lbs of which is the battery.
Under its long hood, the Spectre houses silent dual electric motors producing 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive grand tourer can complete a 0-60 mph run in 4.4 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155 mph. Though these are preliminary numbers, they highlight the Spectre’s electrifying performance.
The Spectre’s introduction signals a significant engineering shift for Rolls-Royce. The brand’s Architecture of Luxury, tailored for electrification, makes the car 30% stiffer than any previous Rolls. The integration of the battery into the structure of the car, coupled with various extruded aluminum sections, contributes to this improved rigidity.
Technological Prowess meets Luxury in Spectre’s Interior
The interior of the Rolls-Royce Spectre is an extraordinary showcase of technology and luxury. From the ethereal Starlight headliner, Illuminated Fascia, and fine leathers in an array of available colors to the four seats inspired by British tailoring, the interior is a feast for the senses. The design retains the classic Rolls-Royce elements while allowing room for extensive customization.
The leather color choices, ranging from primary hues like Chartreuse, Grace White, Navy Blue, Tan, and Cashmere Grey to flamboyant colors such as Mandarin, Peony Pink, Turchese, and Phoenix Red, offer endless opportunities for personalization. The color striping on the seats adds a touch of refinement.
Second-row passengers, while not as spacious as in a Phantom, still have plush wraparound seats to enjoy. The luxurious experience extends to the Starlight Doors, with 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’ or a backdrop of Canadel Paneling, both showcasing the brand’s meticulous attention to detail.
The Spectre continues the tradition of Rolls-Royce in providing an unparalleled level of customization. The amalgamation of luxury, technology, Legroom is, of course, better in the front, but unlike many coupes, four adults should be comfortable here on longer trips.
For the driver, there are two 12.3-inch screens, one for the driver’s information and another for the infotainment system. These are both customizable and intuitive to operate. Controls for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are separate to the touchscreen, providing a tactile user experience that many will appreciate.
As is the case with many aspects of the Spectre, cargo capacity has not yet been released. However, the car’s generous dimensions should result in a large trunk that will carry more than just a couple of soft bags.
A primary focus of the Rolls-Royce Spectre’s development was to maintain the unique qualities that define the brand. From its imposing presence to its whisper-quiet electric powertrain, this is a Rolls-Royce through and through. And, given the automaker’s attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to luxury, the Spectre is a fitting representative for the brand’s journey into the electric era. The ambitious vision articulated by Charles Stewart Rolls in 1900 has come full circle with the unveiling of the Spectre, which promises a journey into an electrified future that is “perfectly noiseless and clean.”
Frequently Asked Questions About The Rolls Royce Spectre
The Rolls-Royce Spectre, the brand’s inaugural all-electric car, is set to hit the global market, including the USA, in the fourth quarter of 2023. As for the price, this epitome of luxury starts at an impressive $413,000 MSRP, positioning it between the Cullinan SUV and the Phantom sedan in the brand’s lineup. While the Spectre remains a dream for many due to its price, it is expected to redefine the standards of luxury electric vehicles.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre marks a significant engineering shift for the brand, introducing a new era of silent, vibration-free propulsion with its 577-horsepower electric powertrain. Despite its electric nature, the Spectre promises to deliver the refined driving experience synonymous with Rolls-Royce. With a performance time of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph, it also offers a surprisingly sporty performance. The company’s innovative Planar suspension system ensures a serene, flat ride, embodying the brand’s commitment to comfort and luxury.
Source
Rolls Royce: Website
