The Rolls Royce All Electric Spectre shares its foundation with the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform, which is also the bedrock for the current Phantom model
After tantalizing the automotive world with teasers over a year ago and subjecting it to rigorous tests covering several million kilometers, Rolls-Royce has finally unveiled its inaugural all-electric vehicle—the Spectre. This two-door electric coupe emerges as a spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupe, marking the initial stride in the carmaker’s ambitious journey towards achieving an all-electric brand status by 2030.
Built upon the ‘Architecture of Luxury,’ the same platform that forms the foundation for the current Phantom model, the Spectre introduces Rolls-Royce’s new Spirit digital software platform. Anticipated deliveries are slated to commence from the fourth quarter of 2023. The Spectre signifies not only a technological leap but a definitive statement as Rolls-Royce paves the way for a future of electric luxury.
Rolls Royce All Electric Spectre: design
The Spectre proudly embraces the iconic Rolls-Royce silhouette—a lengthy bonnet, sleek profile, and a fastback tail. While it nods to the brand’s existing models in its design, Rolls-Royce emphasizes that the primary inspiration comes from modern yacht concepts. With a commanding presence, the Spectre measures an impressive 5.45 meters in length and over 2 meters in width, surpassing even the four-door Mercedes EQS in size.
Up front, the Spectre dons the widest grille ever fitted on a Rolls-Royce. Engineered for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, it features 22 LEDs for gentle illumination during the night. The Spirit of Ecstasy, adorned atop the grille, has undergone aero-tuning. Unlike the conventional Rolls-Royce with a flat and upright nose, the Spectre’s bonnet gracefully descends to the grille, contributing to a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.25—the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce to date, according to the company.
The split-headlamp design pays homage to the Phantom Coupe, featuring ultra-slim LED DRLs positioned high and a main headlamp cluster below, appearing initially darkened but concealing jewel-like darkened chromium housings upon closer inspection. In profile, the Spectre showcases three distinctive lines—a gently sloping roofline, a prominent shoulder line, and the ‘waft line’ at the base, drawing inspiration directly from yacht aesthetics.
Moving to the rear, the fastback tail, combined with the seamless glasshouse, enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The expansive fastback roof panel, extending from the A-pillar to the luggage compartment, stands as the largest single-body panel ever integrated into a Rolls-Royce. Its vertical tail-lamps boast jewel-like detailing, presented in a neutral color to allow customization according to individual preferences. Riding on aero-optimized 23-inch wheels—the largest ever fitted to a two-door Rolls-Royce coupe—the Spectre sets new standards in both elegance and performance.
Rolls Royce All Electric Spectre: interior
Just like its exterior, the interior of the Spectre stays true to the distinctive Rolls-Royce design language, closely resembling the current Ghost model. However, it introduces noteworthy enhancements, such as the extension of the starlight liner beyond the roof to now include the door pads. Alternatively, the doors can be personalized with elegant wood paneling.
A standout feature in the Spectre’s interior is the illuminated dashboard panel on the passenger side, adorned with the ‘Spectre’ nameplate and surrounded by a mesmerizing cluster of over 5,500 star-like illuminations. The seating, particularly the rear seats, showcases a novel integration with the interior body panels. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the interior boasts exquisite stitching, embroidery, and intricate piping, offering an array of customization options in true Rolls-Royce fashion.
The highlight of the Spectre’s interior is undoubtedly Rolls-Royce’s innovative software platform—the ‘Spirit.’ Departing from the BMW-derived infotainment software used in previous models, Spirit represents a cutting-edge digital interface equipped with connected car technology, overseeing all aspects of the vehicle’s functions. Rolls-Royce extends bespoke services through the Spirit software, allowing even the color of the dials to be tailored to complement the interior ambiance. The Spectre’s interior is not just a space; it’s a personalized sanctuary where luxury meets technology seamlessly.
Rolls Royce All Electric Spectre : powertrain and platform
The Spectre draws its foundation from Rolls-Royce’s all-aluminium spaceframe architecture, known as the Architecture of Luxury. Although shared with existing models like the Phantom, Cullinan, and Ghost, this platform was intentionally designed for electrification from its inception in 2003. Notably, the Spectre boasts a remarkable 30 percent increase in stiffness compared to its predecessors, incorporating advanced features like active suspension and four-wheel steering.
Despite its full unveiling, the Spectre remains in the final stages of testing, leading to pending finalization of output figures. Preliminary data from Rolls-Royce indicates an impressive driving range of 520km on the WLTP cycle. The electric powertrain, generating 585hp and 900Nm, distributes power to all four wheels, enabling the Spectre to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 4.5 seconds—an extraordinary feat for a vehicle weighing nearly three tonnes.
It’s crucial to note that these figures are subject to potential adjustments as testing concludes in the second quarter of 2023. Official confirmation of the numbers will precede the Spectre’s global market launch in the fourth quarter of 2023. While global bookings are already open, deliveries are poised to commence immediately after the launch. Positioned between the Cullinan and Phantom, the Spectre is expected to offer a unique blend of performance and luxury within its pricing tier.
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