Rolls Royce has still not concluded testing on the Spectre, which means specifications stated here could be subject to change.
First teased over a year ago and then having tested for several million kilometres, Rolls Royce has now finally taken the wraps off its first all-electric vehicle – the Spectre. This two-door electric coupe is a spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupe and is the first step towards the carmaker’s target of becoming an all-electric brand by 2030.
- Based on ‘Architecture of Luxury’ that also underpins the current Phantom
- Debuts Rolls Royce’s new Spirit digital software platform
- Customer deliveries to begin from fourth quarter of 2023
Rolls Royce Spectre: design
The Spectre has a very familiar Rolls Royce shape – long bonnet, clean profile and a fastback tail. And while the design can be understood to be inspired by the brand’s existing models, Rolls Royce claims it has drawn biggest inspiration from modern yacht concepts.
Up front, the Spectre wears the widest ever grille fitted to a Rolls Royce that’s smoother in section and has a flusher fit for better aerodynamic efficiency. It is even softly illuminated with 22 LEDs at night. The Spirit of Ecstasy, too, has been aero-tuned, all of which combined gives the Spectre a drag co-efficient of 0.25 cd, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls Royce ever, says the company.
The split headlamp design, meanwhile, harks back to the Phantom Coupe. The ultra-slim LED DRLs are high-mounted with the main headlamp cluster positioned below, which, appear darkened at first glance, but hide jewellery box-like darkened chromium housings for the headlights. In profile, the Spectre is characterized by two distinct lines, the lower of which is called the ‘waft line’ and is directly inspired from yachts. Rolls Royce says it’s a visual representation of the ‘magic carpet ride’ that lights the surface as well reflects the road passing beneath it, much like the hull of a racing yacht.
At the rear, the fastback tail combined with the seamless glasshouse helps with the aerodynamic efficiency. The fastback roof panel which extends from the A-pillar to the luggage compartment is, in fact, the largest single body panel fitted on a Rolls Royce. The vertical tail lamps have jewel-like detailing and are finished in a neutral colour for customers to spec them as they want. The two-door coupe rides on aero-optimised 23-inch wheels.
Rolls Royce Spectre: interior
Much like the exterior, the interior of the Spectre also does not stray far away from existing Rolls Royce models, and in fact, looks very similar to the current Ghost. What’s new is that the starlight liner, which was so far only offered on the roof, is now also incorporated into the door pads. The doors can, otherwise, also be specced with wood panelling.
What’s also unique on the Spectre is that the dashboard panel on the passenger side is illuminated with the ‘Spectre’ nameplate surrounded by a cluster of over 5,500 star-like illuminations. These are also invisible when the car is not in operation. The seats have also been redesigned – the fronts are inspired by British tailoring and the rear ones are beautifully integrated with the interior body panels.
The biggest talking point about the Spectre’s interior, however, is Rolls Royce’s new digital software platform that has been dubbed the ‘Spirit’. It is essentially the new digital interface with connected car technology that controls all functions of the car. Rolls Royce is also offering bespoke services with the ‘Spirit’ software where even the colour of the dials can be made to compliment the interior colour.
The interior is also graced by exquisite stitching, embroidery, and intricate piping, and as is the case with all Rolls Royce cars, the Spectre offers customers with infinite customization options.
Rolls Royce Spectre: powertrain and performance
Interestingly, even though the company has revealed the car in full, the Spectre is still in its final phase of testing, which is why the final output figures have not been finalized yet. Rolls Royce says that preliminary data suggests that the Spectre will have a driving range of 520km on the WLTP cycle. The electric powertrain produces 585hp and 900Nm which can propel the spectre from naught to 100kph in 4.5 seconds.
However, these figures could be subject to change till the time testing is concluded by the second quarter of 2023. The figures will be officially confirmed before the model’s global market launch in the fourth quarter of 2023. Rolls Royce has, however, opened bookings for the Spectre globally and deliveries will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. Rolls Royce says the Spectre will be positioned between the Cullinan and Phantom in terms of pricing.
Also See:
Rolls Royce Spectre image gallery