Rolls-Royce, the epitome of luxury and automotive excellence, has broken new ground by unveiling its revolutionary Rolls-Royce Spectre model. As the world's first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, Spectre represents a monumental shift in the automotive industry and a bold step toward an all-electric future. In staying true to its heritage, Rolls-Royce has ensured that Spectre remains a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second without compromising on the brand's core values of interior space, comfort, performance, and ride quality.
The roots of Spectre's electric legacy can be traced back to the visionary words of Charles Stewart Rolls, one of the pioneering figures in the early days of motoring. In a magazine article written in 1900, Rolls prophetically declared the potential of electric cars: "The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged." Over a century later, Rolls-Royce fulfilled this vision by introducing its first-ever electric car.
The journey towards Rolls-Royce Spectre began in September 2021 when Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that it had initiated testing of its first-ever fully electric model. This rigorous testing program spanned more than 2.5 million kilometers, simulating over 400 years of normal use in various terrains and temperatures. A year later, in October 2022, Spectre made its grand debut, a testament to Rolls-Royce's unwavering commitment to realizing audacious promises and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.
Rolls-Royce Spectre not only marks a significant milestone in Rolls-Royce's history but also showcases the maturation of battery-electric technology. It proves that electric powertrains can seamlessly integrate with the pinnacle of automotive luxury, performance, and opulence. It also represents a paradigm shift for the brand as it commits to an all-electric future. By the end of 2030, every Rolls-Royce model will be fully electric, marking a transformative era in the world of super-luxury motoring.
As the world's first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, Spectre pioneers a new class of motor cars. Its all-electric powertrain enhances the renowned Rolls-Royce experience, offering instant torque, silent running, and a seamlessly smooth ride. The car's revolutionary "Decentralized Intelligence" system enables efficient and direct information exchange between thousands of individual vehicle functions, elevating the legendary Rolls-Royce "magic carpet ride" to new heights. Spectre's contemporary yet timeless design language ushers the brand into a new electric age while showcasing the unparalleled bespoke capabilities that Rolls-Royce is renowned for.
Spectre's philosophy and positioning revolve around its role as a groundbreaking ultra-luxury electric super coupé. It builds upon the legacy of the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, embodying elegance and performance in a visually striking two-door fastback design. Inside, the intimate cabin provides a canvas for bespoke personalization, complemented by unique illuminated fascia and the first-ever Starlight Doors in a production of Rolls-Royce. Spectre's clients, although unique individuals, share a passion for fine craftsmanship, minimalist design, and values such as sustainability, authenticity, and longevity. The car becomes an extension of their personalities and accomplishments, reflecting their individuality.
The engineering behind Rolls-Royce Spectre is a testament to Rolls-Royce's pursuit of excellence. Spectre represents the evolution of the Rolls-Royce architectural platform, known as the "Architecture of Luxury." This all-aluminum spaceframe, which underpins other Rolls-Royce models such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, was designed from the ground up with the foresight to accommodate an electric powertrain. Its infinitely scalable and modifiable structure allows optimal customization for each product.
With Spectre, Rolls-Royce engineers pushed the boundaries of the architecture, achieving unprecedented stiffness and refinement. Integrating the battery into the structure and sophisticated extruded aluminum sections resulted in a 30% stiffer spaceframe compared to previous Rolls-Royce models. This innovative design also allowed for a low seating position, creating a truly immersive and cocooning passenger cabin.
Spectre's all-electric drivetrain is a testament to Rolls-Royce's commitment to an uncompromised electric future. Equipped with two Separately Excited Synchronous Motors (SSMs), Spectre delivers impressive performance equivalent to an internal combustion engine of 430kW (584 hp) with 900Nm of torque. The acceleration is exhilarating, with a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds).
The battery powering Rolls-Royce Spectre is a 102kWh lithium-ion battery, carefully crafted using cobalt and lithium from strictly controlled sources. The battery cells are produced using 100% green electricity, aligning with Rolls-Royce's commitment to sustainability. Extensive testing in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C ensures optimal performance and durability, while the onboard thermal management system maintains the battery's operating temperature.