Automobiles Specials Catalog RI- MA-CT August 2023

The 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre

The Rolls-Royce Spectre, the automaker’s debut in the EV market, has been a long-anticipated event. The historical interest in electric power held by founders Henry Royce and Charles Rolls, dating back before their automotive venture began in 1906.

Royce’s inaugural company, established in 1884, produced dynamos and electric crane motors and patented the bayonet-style lightbulb fitting. Rolls, after trying out an early electric motor car, the Columbia, in April 1900, described its electric drive as impeccably quiet and clean, envisioning its potential when fixed charging stations become available.

Fast forward 123 years, and although the network of fixed charging stations is still a work in progress, Rolls-Royce is finally launching its inaugural EV after exploring electric powertrains since 2011.

They chose Napa Valley in California, and Automobiles.media was there to take photos and talk to representatives from Rolls-Royce. According to their spokesperson, the reason Napa Valley was chosen was because it’s where the new world wines of California are born, those same wines that beat the “Old World” wines of Europe in the seventies, and put Napa on the map. Rolls-Royce sees the new Spectre as the start of their own New World. One

that’s electric, with all gas models being gone from the lineup by 2030.

BMW created Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 1998 after licensing the Rolls-Royce name and logo from aerospace firm Rolls-Royce Holdings, and purchasing the rights to the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and RollsRoyce grille shape trademarks from Volkswagen. The Spectre, a large four-seater super-coupe, might well be the most attractive Rolls-Royce made under BMW’s stewardship.

Sophisticated Styling The Spectre is the brand’s most aerodynamically efficient vehicle to date, boasting an impressively low 0.25 drag coefficient due to its streamlined tail, despite its considerable dimensions.

The Spectre is weighty, tipping the scales at almost 3 metric tons with a driver. Its potent 102-kWh battery and dual motors produce 430 kW (584 hp) and 900 Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Its range is listed as 329 miles based on the WLTP standard, and its efficiency stands at 2.6 to 2.8 mi/kWh. Despite its size and weight, the Spectre delivers impressive speed, but more on that later.

The design stays true to the brand’s legacy, unmistakably Rolls-Royce inside and out. The only indication of its EV nature is the absence of exhaust pipes. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös stated during a brand-hosted media drive that the Spectre was designed to be “a Rolls-Royce first, then electric second”, a sentiment echoed throughout the event. Rolls-Royce is keen not to alienate its loyal customer base, which the company says primarily consists of men in their early 40s. While this demographic might be younger than expected, they are individuals who can afford the starting price of £330,000 (including taxes) or $420,000 in the US (excluding taxes). Considering the tendency for personalized customization, it’s doubtful any vehicles will be sold at the base price.

Among other significant exterior design features are the grille – the largest ever on a Rolls – designed for reducing drag rather than cooling. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot has been subtly reshaped to be slightly more aerodynamic, a detail the company has highlighted. However, if aero gains were so crucial, one wonders why they didn’t replace the wing mirrors with cuttingedge cameras. Director of design, Anders Warming, explained that the idea was considered but discarded, as he remains unconvinced by the technology. His skepticism seems well-founded.

Luxurious Classic Cabin The interior is a showcase of artisanal leatherwork and craftsmanship. The

deep-pile carpets surpass the quality of those found in any boutique hotel. The Spectre also features the brand’s “starlight” headlining inside, now extending to the doors as well. This subtle bling and theatrical display boasts 4,800 individual light sources. Given the design possibilities LED lighting offers, one might question whether more could have been done. Perhaps rolling night skies or constellations for owners? Customizable patterns?

Rolls-Royce likes to make decisions for its drivers, however. There are no switchable driving modes beyond the one set by Rolls, for instance. There is a button for toggling regenerative braking on or off, allowing for one-pedal driving if desired. In terms of controls, there are ample buttons and dedicated knobs, so locating the wing mirror settings in the UI won’t pose a problem. It’s a blessing considering Rolls owners aren’t even expected to open their own doors – there’s a button for that too.

The proprietary Rolls audio system is sensational, delivering an audio experience unrivaled in recent years, with every frequency carefully fine-tuned. Nothing is lost, with wide soundscapes given room to bloom.

A first for Rolls-Royce, a digital instrument display has been incorporated, and it is among the most elegant versions available. Although the decision to avoid excessive screen displays, like those found in Mercedes, is appreciated, there might have been room for a third screen for the passenger, instead of a panel bearing the Spectre logo.

Driving Experience The Spectre provides the quintessential Rolls-Royce “waftability”, a term coined by the company to describe the effortlessly smooth and quiet ride their vehicles offer. Its air suspension system and 50/50 weight distribution further contribute to this refined driving experience. The steering is light but accurate, and the car hides its weight impressively well, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size and heft. The ultra-quiet ride is only disturbed by the faint whir of the electric motors and the whoosh of air passing over the vehicle’s body. The EV platform seems to have taken the famed Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to a new level.

The instant torque provided by the electric motors delivers an impressive off-the-line acceleration, despite the vehicle’s weight. There’s no perception of strain or struggle – it just surges forward with grace. However, if you’re expecting lightning-fast Tesla-style acceleration, you’d be disappointed. Rolls-Royce isn’t interested in winning any races; they are in the business of making journeys as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

The braking system incorporates the use of regenerative braking which can be engaged or disengaged, depending on the driver’s preference. When enabled, one-pedal driving is possible, which is an impressive feature for such a large vehicle.

Overall, the Spectre maintains the sense of grandeur and superiority for which Rolls-Royce is known, while fully embracing the benefits of electric propulsion. This seamless integration between traditional luxury and modern technology ensures that the Spectre not only holds its own in the expanding world of luxury EVs but sets new standards for others to follow.

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is indeed a watershed moment for the automotive industry. Its exquisite design, impressive performance, and meticulous attention to detail make it a flagship EV in the luxury car market. The decision to stay true to their heritage, offering a serene and pampered driving experience rather than chasing speed records or offering autonomous driving, has paid off. It’s not just an electric Rolls-Royce, it’s a Rolls-Royce that happens to be electric. Despite some minor flaws, the Spectre is a remarkable achievement, setting the bar incredibly high for luxury EVs and keeping the century-old brand relevant in the age of electric vehicles.

Rolls-Royce vehicles are available at Herb Chambers Rolls-Royce of New England in Wayland, Massachusetts. Or online at herbchambersrollsroyceofnewengland.com

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