And here is the most luxurious EV on the planet from Rolls Royce, the first-ever in its history of over 120 years. According to RR, the Spectre results from extensive research and developmental work. The model is subjected to a travel distance of 2.5 million kilometers, simulating 400 years of Rolls Royce use.
The on-road testing on the first ever EV started with extreme driving conditions, from the arctic circle of Sweden with temperatures as low as minus 40C and blasting heat of South African regions with temperatures up to 55C.
A New Start
As per RR, this is the start of a new chapter for the brand to become fully electric by 2030. This new model is based on RR aluminum space frame architecture, which underpins Rolls Royce’s other models like the Phantom and Cullinan SUV but is heavily modified for battery electric vehicles. Technical details are not confirmed yet, but it is believed that the chassis is developed along with parent BMW, the same DNA utilized by BMW for its full-size 7 series.
Measurements
Spectre is a 2-door 4 seater fastback coupe with typical Rolls Royce style coach doors [largest ever fitted to any production RR]. On measuring tape, the vehicle has an enormous wheelbase of 126.4 inches, it is is 214.6 inches long, 81.89 inches wide, and has a turning circle of approx. 42 feet.
Exterior
On the exterior, it is unmistakably a Rolls Royce, and it took inspiration from other Rolls Royce models like the Phantom. Split headlight tucked and concealed with super slim DRLs, similar to the design idea we have seen on the new 7 series. And then there is the aerodynamically efficient widest grill ever on any Rolls Royce in between the headlights, which is with the smoother vanes ever, and each one is backlit with 22 bright LEDs.
The famous Spirit of Ecstasy on top of the grille is also the result of 830 hours of dedicated modeling, design, and wind tunnel testing. Spectre has a coefficient of drag of 0.25, which makes it the most aerodynamic ever in the history of Rolls Royce. On the side profile, a typical RR fashion with bold styling and a sloping roofline.
According to RR, the body panels extending from A-pillar to the luggage compartment are the largest ever single body panels and get the LED taillights on the backend. The Specter is fitted with 23 inches specially crafted wheels, and these are also the largest ever wheels in the brand’s history.
Interior
As for the interior, it is again what we can expect from Rolls Royce. There are some new touches like the famous Starlight. Meanwhile, the illumination of the roof headliner we usually see in Rolls Royce is now extended to the door panels. There are 4796 individually illuminated stars on door panels.
On the passenger side and frontal portion of the dashboard, 5500 individually lit stars are crafted with the Spectre badge. This signature piece’s development took two years and 10,000 collective hours. A newly designed instrument panel with new gauges can be seen, while the infotainment system is similar to other current RR models.
Technical Details
Not many technical details are available currently as RR is refining them. However, the model reportedly will be equipped with a dual motor setup with a total power of 577hp and 900Nm of torque. A 700kg battery for which charge capacity is unknown, but we can expect it to be above 100kWh. Rolls Royce promises that model can go 520 kilometers on WLTP, the European test cycle.
The model has a curb weight of around 3 Tons [2975 kg to be exact ] and can touch 100 in 4.5 seconds. Rolls Royce has enhanced the model’s driving geometry and suspension system with active damping and roll bars, equipped with a “magic carpet ride.”
This dynamic system continuously readjusts the suspension system depending on road conditions and data from satellite navigation for the most comfortable ride. The chassis also has 30% more rigidity than any other Rolls Royce. Spectre also comes with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability at low speed with improved driving dynamics at high speed.
Expected Price
Well and all this does not come cheap. Rolls Royce didn’t share any pricing details, but we can expect the base price to be near $450,000/- and that too without any bespoke features and customization.
As almost all Rolls Royce is commissioned with some individualization and exclusivity, we can expect the model to touch or cross half a million US dollars. The first unit of Spectre will reach customers in 2023.
