Rolls-Royce has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the Spectre. Set to launch in 2023, the Spectre symbolizes Rolls-Royce’s bold innovative spirit and showcases the brand’s commitment to electrification.
The design of the Spectre draws inspiration from various realms beyond automotive, including haute couture fashion, yacht design, bespoke tailoring, and modern art. Among these influences, it particularly highlights the modern yacht concept with its clear design, precise lines, intelligent surface reflections, and an emotional silhouette that tapers toward the rear.
The vehicle’s front end, reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, features the widest grille in history and intersecting separate headlights that emphasize the Spectre’s grand size and its impressive width of two meters. Additionally, the Pantheon grille has been designed at a gentler angle for smoother front-end airflow, and it includes the Spirit of Ecstasy statue, which underwent 830 hours of design work and wind tunnel testing, achieving the lowest drag coefficient in Rolls-Royce history at 0.25Cd.
The lower section of the side features the ‘Waft Line,’ inspired by yacht design, which replaces complex detailing or ornamentation with smooth lines and light surface finishes. The chassis surface, which sparkles like glass, conveys a dynamic sense by simply reflecting the road beneath, similar to how a racing yacht’s hull reflects water when cutting through it.
Among the most dramatic aspects of the exterior design is the ‘fastback’. The sleek roofline flowing from the roof to the rear completes the elegant side silhouette, while the taillights mounted on the largest single panel in Rolls-Royce history, extending from the A-pillar to the trunk, emphasize the unique tapering shape that narrows toward the back. Additionally, the Spectre becomes the first production 2-door coupe model to feature 23-inch wheels, achieving perfect harmony with the body size.
The interior space offers the most advanced bespoke options available. The ‘Starlight Door,’ engraved with 4,796 stars on the inside of the coach door, along with the ‘Illuminated Fascia’ featuring 5,500 stars and the Spectre nameplate, creates an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a mystical night sky.
Moreover, the dial color of the center fascia clock can be ordered to match the interior colors of the vehicle, and parts of the front seat, inspired by British bespoke tailoring, can also be customized in a desired color.
The interior will also incorporate an entirely new digital luxury architecture. Named ‘Spirit’, this digital feature not only manages vehicle functionalities but also integrates seamlessly with Rolls-Royce’s ‘Whispers’ app, enabling customers to interact with the car remotely and providing real-time information curated by luxury experts from the brand.
The Spectre is built on a ‘Luxury Architecture’ made entirely from aluminum. Through a combination of finely extruded aluminum sections and an integrated battery structure, the rigidity of the Spectre has been improved by 30% compared to previous Rolls-Royce vehicles. The flexibility of the Luxury Architecture also allows for the optimal floor height, making space for wiring and air conditioning ducts between the battery and the floor, as well as ensuring a low seating position and comfortable interior space. The nearly 700kg battery also serves as soundproofing material.
Additionally, the Spectre is equipped with the best connected performance ever offered by the brand, utilizing innovative ‘decentralized AI’ technology which allows over 1,000 vehicle functions to share information seamlessly, enhancing digital experience and the unique driving comfort that defines Rolls-Royce. The digital design process has undergone a testing program of 2.5 million kilometers, conducted by Rolls-Royce’s skilled engineers at cutting-edge performance testing grounds and real roads worldwide.
Moreover, the Spectre features the ‘Planeering Suspension’ which delivers a ride quality reminiscent of riding on a ‘magic carpet’. This suspension harmonizes various systems through the latest software, high-speed processing capabilities, and new hardware, accurately responding to the driver’s situation and road conditions.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “The Spectre encapsulates all the values that Rolls-Royce stands for and sets the direction for the brand.” He added, “It will elevate the customer experience of an all-electric vehicle to a higher dimension and open a new chapter for Rolls-Royce customers and the luxury industry.”
Meanwhile, the development of the Spectre is currently in its final stages, with specifications such as output, acceleration, and driving range continuously improving. According to preliminary data, the all-electric driving range of the Spectre is approximately 520km based on WLTP standards, with a powertrain output of 430kW and a torque of 91.8kg.m. The time to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.5 seconds (estimated for the current development stage).
Orders for the vehicle are available immediately, with first customer deliveries expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2023. Pricing is anticipated to be set between that of the Cullinan and the Phantom.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr