On the 16th, Rolls-Royce unveiled the ‘Spectre,’ its first-ever fully electric model, making its debut in South Korea as the first in the Asia-Pacific region. This unveiling event was held ahead of the car’s launch in the latter half of the year, with deliveries to customers starting sequentially from the fourth quarter.
For the Spectre’s launch event in Korea, a specially customized bespoke model named ‘Crescendo’ was exhibited. The vehicle, finished in a striking Chartreuse and Black Diamond Aero two-tone inspired by the exquisite hues of French liqueur, offers both boldness and a dynamic sense of design. The interior features a combination of Grace White and Chartreuse colors complemented by Peony Pink seat piping and stitching points, achieving a stunning harmony between the inside and outside.
The interior features a ‘Starlight Door’ engraved with 4,796 stars inside the coach door and an ‘Illuminated Fascia’ made up of 5,584 stars and the Spectre nameplate, creating a stunning atmosphere reminiscent of the night sky.
Irene Nikkein, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia-Pacific, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are pleased to present the Spectre, the model with the greatest expectations in Rolls-Royce history, first in South Korea. The Spectre embodies a bold electrified future envisioned by Rolls-Royce, combining the essence of true engineering with modern design, delivering a super luxury experience that is fundamentally natural to the brand.”
Moreover, she added, “Korea is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world and one of the most important markets for Rolls-Royce, recording the highest number of pre-orders for the Spectre in the Asia-Pacific region. This has captured the needs and imaginations of both existing customers and new clients experiencing Rolls-Royce for the first time.”
Consultations and orders for the Rolls-Royce Spectre can be made at official Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showrooms nationwide, starting at 622 million won (including VAT).
In addition, South Korea is one of the most dynamically growing markets in the world, with domestic Rolls-Royce sales increasing by approximately 45% over the past three years. Rolls-Royce plans to strengthen its exclusive brand experience, focusing on the younger demographic leading the domestic luxury market with distinct tastes and personalities, as well as the increasing demand for bespoke customizations.
The Spectre, a super-luxury fully electric coupe, symbolizes Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation and marks the beginning of a new era.
With its grand yet fluid design, the Spectre features the most advanced bespoke options and heightened performance. A staggering 25,000 performance-related features of the Spectre have been meticulously tuned to provide the most ‘Rolls-Royce-like’ experience even in the electrification era.
The design of the Spectre draws inspiration from various worlds, transcending automobile aesthetics to include haute couture fashion, boat designs, bespoke tailoring, and contemporary art. The front end, reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, is equipped with the widest grill ever and separate headlights, emphasizing the extensive size and imposing width nearing two meters.
Furthermore, the Pantheon grille is designed at a flatter angle for smoother airflow at the front, with a design process involving 830 hours and wind tunnel testing, leading to the installation of the Spirit of Ecstasy statue. This has enabled the Spectre to achieve the lowest drag coefficient in Rolls-Royce history at 0.25Cd.
The lower side features a ‘waft line’ inspired by modern yacht designs, finishing off with soft lines and light surface finishes instead of complex details or embellishments. The most dramatic aspect of the exterior design is the ‘fastback’, creating an elegant side silhouette with a roofline that gracefully descends from the top to the rear. Notably, the Spectre is the first production two-door coupe model to feature 23-inch wheels, further highlighting its grand presence.
The interior space offers the most technologically advanced bespoke options ever featured in a Rolls-Royce. The first digital bespoke instrument panel seamlessly integrates digital functionality with the interior decor, allowing customers to select one of ten colors designed to harmonize closely with the interior leather hues. Portions of the newly crafted front seat upholstery are also customizable in the desired color, inspired by bespoke tailoring from British ateliers.
This interior features a completely new digital luxury architecture. Named ‘SPIRIT,’ this digital function manages vehicle features and connects perfectly with the Rolls-Royce ‘Whispers’ app, facilitating remote interactions and providing real-time information curated by brand luxury experts.
The Spectre underwent the most arduous development process in Rolls-Royce’s 120-year history. It has accumulated over 2.5 million kilometers of simulation data equivalent to more than 400 years. It has endured extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 degrees through rigorous hot and cold testing and has been exposed to diverse driving environments across the Arctic’s snow and deserts, mountainous regions, and major cities around the world.
The Spectre is built on a ‘Luxury Architecture’ made entirely of aluminum. With precisely extruded aluminum sections and an integrated battery structure, the Spectre’s rigidity has been improved by 30% compared to previous Rolls-Royce models. The nearly 700 kg battery serves as sound insulation material.
Furthermore, the Spectre features innovative ‘decentralized AI’ technology allowing over 1,000 vehicle functions to exchange information flexibly, along with a ‘planar suspension’ that responds accurately to the driver’s situation and road conditions, elevating the signature Rolls-Royce ‘magic carpet ride’ experience.
The electric drive system in the Spectre delivers explosive thrust and power synonymous with Rolls-Royce, providing immediate torque. It offers a WLTP range of approximately 520 km, with a powertrain that boasts a maximum output of 430 kW and peak torque of 91.8 kg.m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (development stage figures, final technical specifications will be unveiled in July).
Jin Lee (daedusj@autodiary.kr)