It has finally happened, Rolls-Royce has gone electric. The Spectre is here. But don’t think they’re just hopping on a trend. In 1900, the marque’s co-founder, Charles Rolls, predicted an electric future for the motor car. Having acquired an electric vehicle named The Columbia Electric Carriage, he saw it as the clean, noiseless alternative to the internal combustion engine – providing there was sufficient infrastructure to support it. 120 years later, that has happened.
As you’d expect from a carmaker with some of the most demanding customers in the world, they didn’t pop any old battery in the car. Spectre is being subjected to a journey of more than 2.5 million kilometres, simulating more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce. The reason they want to get it really right? Rolls-Royce has committed to making its entire lineup of cars fully electric by end of 2030.
Inventing the future
With Spectre, Rolls-Royce has harnessed what they call a ‘Decentralised Intelligence’ system. It essentially allows for direct exchange of information between a staggering 1,000 vehicle functions. Tradition has not been forsaken, the craftspeople at the brand have created a suite of off-the-shelf personalisation possibilities, including Starlight Doors and Illuminated Fascia, inspiring clients to realise their own bespoke vision for their vehicle.
Design
Rolls-Royce has created a new sector with the Spectre, calling it an Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé. We’re not sure many cars will be able to compete. I mean, look at it. The design team drew inspiration from worlds far beyond automotive, including haute couture, modernist sculpture, nautical design, tailoring and contemporary art.
All-Aluminum spaceframe
The extruded aluminium sections and integration of the battery into the structure of the car mean it is 30% stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. The flexibility of the architecture has also allowed engineers to place the floor halfway between the sill structures rather than on top or underneath them. A channel has been created for wiring and climate control pipework between the battery and the floor, with the battery mounted underneath, providing a perfectly smooth underfloor profile. This not only creates a low seating position and enveloping cabin but realises a secondary function for the battery – almost 700kg of sound deadening. You can hear the silence.
Power and Range
The final power, acceleration and range figures are still being refined, but early data shows that Spectre is expected to have an all-electric range of 320 miles/520 kilometres WLTP and offer 900Nm of torque from its 430kW powertrain. It is anticipated to achieve 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds). Impressive for a car almost 5.5 meters long, weighing around three tons.
When is the Spectre available?
Spectre is available for commission immediately, with first client deliveries starting in Q4 2023. In terms of pricing, it will be positioned between Cullinan and Phantom.
Learn more about the Spectre on the official site.