The Rolls Royce Specter has arrived, marking a pivotal moment in the luxury automotive world. This all-electric motor car represents a bold step into the future for the iconic British marque, blending Goodwood craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric technology.
The Specter isn’t just a new model; it’s a statement of intent, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation while maintaining its reputation for unparalleled luxury and sophistication.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the Rolls-Royce Specter’s unique features, from its striking fastback design to its state-of-the-art SPIRIT digital system.
We’ll explore how this electric Rolls Royce redefines luxury for the modern era, examine its driving performance, and discuss the seamless ownership experience it offers.
Whether you’re curious about the Specter’s range, its bespoke customization options, or how it stacks up against its combustion-engine predecessors, this article aims to provide a thorough insight into this groundbreaking luxury electric vehicle.
Rolls-Royce’s Electric Vision
Rolls Royce has embarked on a bold journey into the electric future, fulfilling a prophecy made by co-founder Charles Rolls over a century ago.
In 1900, Rolls foresaw electric vehicles as a clean, noiseless alternative to internal combustion engines, provided sufficient infrastructure was in place.
Today, this vision has become a reality with the introduction of the Specter, Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric motor car.
Brand Transformation
The Specter marks a significant milestone in Rolls-Royce’s history, representing more than just a new model.
It symbolizes the brand’s commitment to an all-electric future, with CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös pledging to bring a fully-electric Rolls-Royce to market within the current decade.
This transformation goes beyond a single vehicle; by the end of 2030, Rolls-Royce’s entire product portfolio will be fully electric, marking the end of internal combustion engine production for the luxury marque.
Environmental Commitment
Rolls-Royce’s shift to electric vehicles aligns with broader environmental goals set by its parent company, BMW. The luxury automaker has committed to curbing vehicle emissions significantly, with BMW aiming to halve vehicle emissions by 2030.
This commitment extends to the Specter’s production, with its battery cells manufactured using 100% green electricity and materials sourced from strictly controlled sources.
Technological Advancements
The Specter showcases Rolls-Royce’s dedication to technological innovation. It features two Separately Excited Synchronous Motors (SSMs), delivering a combined output equivalent to 430kW (584 hp) with 900Nm of torque.
The car’s 102kWh lithium-ion battery has undergone extensive testing in extreme temperatures, ensuring optimal performance in various conditions.
Moreover, the Specter is the most connected Rolls-Royce ever, with three times as many sender-receiver signals as any previous model, earning it the description of ‘Rolls Royce in ultra-high definition’.
Specter’s Unique Features
The Rolls Royce Specter stands out as a pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle market. Its unique features blend cutting-edge technology with the brand’s signature craftsmanship, setting new standards in the ultra-luxury segment.
Design Highlights
The Specter’s design draws inspiration from diverse sources, including haute couture, modernist sculpture, and contemporary art.
Its fastback silhouette, inspired by racing yachts, contributes to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created.
The iconic Pantheon grille, now the widest ever fitted to a Rolls Royce, features smooth, flush-fitting vanes illuminated by 22 LEDs, creating a subtle three-dimensional signature at night.
A redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy figurine adorns the hood, standing 83 mm tall, 17 mm shorter than its predecessor. This new iteration, perfected over 830 hours of design and wind-tunnel testing, will feature on all future Rolls Royce models.
Electric Powertrain
At the heart of the Specter lies a powerful electric drivetrain. The car boasts a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined output of 430 kW (585 PS) and 900 Nm of torque. This impressive powertrain provides an EPA-estimated range of 264 miles (425 km) and a WLTP range of 321 miles (517 km).
The Specter features a braking recuperation function, activated by a ‘B’ button on the Column Shifter. This enables single-pedal driving and enhances energy efficiency.
Intelligent Systems
The Specter is the most connected Rolls Royce ever, with three times as many sender-receiver signals as any previous model. It employs a Decentralized Intelligence architecture, processing data closer to its source for quicker responses to driver inputs and changing road conditions.
The car’s suspension, an evolution of the Planar System, combines specially developed hardware with high-speed processing capabilities to deliver Rolls Royce’s signature ‘magic carpet ride’.
With over 25,000 sub-functions and seven driver assistance systems, the Specter truly embodies the future of intelligent luxury motoring.
Rolls Royce Specter Luxury Redefined
The Rolls Royce Specter redefines luxury for the electric age, offering an unparalleled blend of opulence and innovation. The interior of this remarkable vehicle is a testament to Rolls Royce’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Interior Craftsmanship
Stepping into the Specter, one is immediately enveloped in a haven of luxury. The handcrafted interior boasts sumptuous leather upholstery, polished wood accents, and meticulously stitched surfaces.
The spacious cabin provides an unparalleled sanctuary for its occupants, with every element carefully designed to create an atmosphere of refined comfort.
The rear seat exemplifies Rolls Royce’s dedication to pushing boundaries. Its continuous design wraps around passengers, cocooning them in supple leather.
The use of open-pore veneer adds texture to the interior, balancing the clean, refined, and digitized surfaces within the cabin.
Bespoke Options
Rolls Royce’s Bespoke program allows clients to create a truly unique Specter. With access to 44,000 colors or the option to develop a signature hue, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
The marque’s expert designers and craftspeople work closely with clients to bring their visions to life, matching exterior colors with complementary materials and coordinating interiors with entirely new color palettes.
The iconic Starlight Headliner continues to captivate in the Specter. Up to 1,600 fiber-optic stars can be arranged to depict any constellation or bespoke graphic pattern, shining in any desired color.
Comfort Innovations
The Specter introduces several comfort innovations that elevate the luxury experience. The Illuminated Fascia mesmerizes with over 5,500 stars depicting the Spirit of Ecstasy’s ‘wing’, creating a vibrant display against a Piano Black background. This feature adjusts to the interior lighting and comes to life when the doors are opened from the outside.
Safety is paramount in the Specter, with an array of advanced features including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. These cutting-edge technologies ensure a secure journey for all occupants.
Rolls Royce Specter Driving the Specter
Performance Metrics
The Rolls Royce Specter delivers an impressive driving experience, combining luxury with electric performance. Its dual-motor electric powertrain produces a combined output of 430kW (584 hp) with 900Nm of torque.
This translates to remarkable acceleration, with the Specter achieving 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds). The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The Rolls Royce Specter range is designed to meet and exceed client expectations. It offers a WLTP range of 530km (329 miles), while the EPA-estimated range is 264 miles (425 km). This range comfortably accommodates the average annual mileage of 5,100km driven by Rolls-Royce owners.
Charging Experience
Charging the Specter is designed to be effortless and efficient. Using a 195 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10-80% in just 34 minutes. For a quick boost, about nine minutes of charging provides sufficient power for 100km of driving.
The Specter supports both AC and DC charging. It can charge at up to 22kW using AC power, ideal for overnight charging. For DC charging, it has a maximum capacity of 195kW.
The charging port, located on the right rear side of the vehicle, uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS connector for DC charging.
Owner Testimonials
While specific owner testimonials are not provided in the given information, the Specter has been designed to meet the lifestyle needs of Rolls Royce clients.
These clients typically have an average of more than seven cars in their garage, allowing them to choose the most suitable vehicle for any occasion.
The Specter’s range and performance characteristics have been tailored to exceed the requirements of this discerning clientele, ensuring it fits seamlessly into their luxury lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Rolls Royce Specter stands as a groundbreaking achievement in luxury electric vehicles.
Its blend of cutting-edge technology, unparalleled craftsmanship, and eco-friendly design has a significant impact on the ultra-luxury automotive market.
The Specter not only meets the high standards expected of a Rolls Royce but also paves the way for a sustainable future in high-end motoring.
As we look ahead, the Specter represents more than just a new model; it’s a bold statement about the future of luxury transportation. Its successful launch marks the beginning of Rolls Royce’s journey to fully electrify its lineup by 2030.
This transition not only aligns with global environmental goals but also ensures that the brand continues to offer the pinnacle of automotive luxury to its discerning clientele for generations to come.
FAQs
What is the maximum charging speed of the Rolls Royce Specter?
The Rolls Royce Specter can charge at a maximum rate of 195kW using a DC fast charger, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 34 minutes. However, most owners are expected to charge their vehicles at home.
What size is the battery in the Rolls Royce Specter, and what are its characteristics?
The Specter is equipped with a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery, the same as the BMW i7, which contributes significantly to the vehicle’s weight, adding 700kg to its total 2.9 tons. The integration of the battery into the vehicle’s structure has resulted in a 30% increase in stiffness compared to previous models from Rolls Royce.
How long does it typically take to fully charge the Rolls Royce Specter at home?
Charging the Rolls Royce Specter at home from 0% to 100% typically takes around 16 hours, although it is uncommon for electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge from empty to full.
What is the top speed of the Rolls Royce Specter?
The Rolls Royce Specter can reach a top speed of 250 km/h, which is approximately 155 mph.