Rolls-Royce has unveiled a remarkable four-seater vehicle, the Spectre, which has been an enduring vision for the company over the course of a century. As far back as 1900, Charles Rolls, one of the eventual co-founders, recognized the numerous advantages of electric propulsion compared to internal combustion engines, including the absence of smoke, odors, noise, and engine vibrations. He believed that electric cars would become exceptionally useful once a network of charging stations was established. In the ensuing decades, Rolls-Royce’s internal combustion engines have consistently strived to emulate the refinement, effortless power, and quiet elegance of electric vehicles.
This journey brings us to a series of intriguing paradoxes. Rolls-Royce, in its pursuit of delivering an electric-like experience, encapsulated in the notion of “waftability,” has arrived at a juncture where the real electric experience feels oddly familiar, akin to reuniting with an old friend who has received a new lease on life with a bionic heart.
The elimination of an internal combustion engine naturally results in the absence of engine noise, addressing the challenge of containing ambient cabin noise, a domain where Rolls-Royce has consistently emphasized the importance of silence as a hallmark of luxury. Director of Engineering Mihiar Ayoubi explained that the substantial 1,549-pound battery pack serves as an effective sound-deadening “mass damper.”
Remarkably, the battery pack contributes to a 30% increase in torsional rigidity, fortifying Rolls-Royce’s already-sturdy aluminum space frame. This structural foundation’s enhanced rigidity enables a myriad of creative and visually stunning design elements. Notably, the Spectre is a four-seat pillarless coupe, featuring rear-hinged “coach” doors, distinguishing it as the vehicle with the widest doors in the company’s history.
Despite its technological transformation, the Spectre retains distinct Rolls-Royce design cues. The retractable Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament has been redesigned for improved aerodynamics, and the illuminated, temple-style grille showcases variable-pitch shutters, offering the widest grille aperture in the company’s history. Illuminated at night, the grille exudes an opulent glow, akin to the ancient Parthenon hosting an extravagant banquet.
The Spectre is a grandiose creation, nearly 18 feet in length, 7 feet in width, with a 126.4-inch wheelbase and a weight of 6,371 pounds, all supported by 23-inch wheels. The design directive sought to create a statement that was both “historic” and “super emotional,” according to Director of Design Anders Warming. Upon closer inspection, the vehicle elicits emotions of awe, followed by a fleeting apprehension that it might topple over.
Marrying the colossal proportions of the now-retired Phantom Coupé with the alluring fastback configuration reminiscent of the bygone Wraith, the Spectre successfully embodies a dual persona, simultaneously colossal and sensual, in a manner akin to “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.” Notable design choices include the sharply defined fender lines flanking the grille, reminiscent of the vertical bows found in ultramodern yacht design. Buyers can opt for a single-color or a two-tone scheme, with the dorsal section (hood, roof, fastback) painted in a contrasting color. The single-color appearance is the preferred choice, with an intriguing question: Is eggplant too conspicuous?
Incidentally, the door’s leading edges feature a blunt, pointed profile. When opened from the outside, with electrical assistance, the leading edge traces a wide arc, which might momentarily unsettle even those in Louboutins.
While the transition to electrification complements the brand, it was not without its challenges, such as the “not-a-drop-of Champagne” test, which epitomizes the seamless and linear acceleration expected from all Rolls-Royce vehicles. This level of refinement ensures that owners should never spill a drop, not referring to just any flutes, but the delicate coupe glasses. Allowing the car to deliver full torque from a standstill would potentially pose a risk. Thanks to progressive algorithms within the motor control programming, the Spectre offers a notably smooth initial acceleration, clocking in at 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The same principle applies to deceleration, with the vehicle relying primarily on hydraulic circuits as the default mode to prevent any abruptness caused by regenerative braking. A small “B” button on the gearshift wand allows drivers to engage a gentle and luxurious form of regenerative braking for those who prefer more regen and a one-pedal response.
The Spectre operates on an architecture designed to accommodate various powertrains, future-proofing it for electrification. It features front- and rear-mounted motors, collectively generating up to 584 horsepower and 644 lb-ft of torque, thereby delivering all-wheel drive capability. Nestled between the floor and the undercarriage is a 102-kWh battery pack, offering an EPA-rated range of up to 260 miles.
This brings us to the comparison with the Tesla Model S Plaid, an inevitable point of contention among electric vehicle enthusiasts. Tesla proponents argue that the Model S Plaid outperforms the Spectre in several aspects, including performance, range, efficiency, and technology, all at a fraction of the price. In response, it is important to emphasize that Rolls-Royce customers typically possess multiple vehicles, including Teslas, and have staff to manage their charging needs. Range anxiety is not a concern for Rolls-Royce owners, who tend to average 3,200 miles of annual driving.
Consequently, the Spectre enjoys some unique advantages. Its active air suspension, complemented by electromechanical anti-roll bars, excels in providing road isolation and chassis control, an impressive feat given the large 23-inch wheels. Nevertheless, a 48-volt active suspension system, as seen in the Ferrari Purosangue, would further enhance the Spectre’s authority, catering to the discerning British preference for this quality.
One might anticipate a magnificent frunk under the grand hood; however, this space is occupied by complex hardware concealed within inscrutable black enclosures. In contrast to Tesla, Rolls-Royce clients do not embark on cross-country journeys carrying all their belongings.
In conclusion, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is an automotive masterpiece that embodies a seamless transition to electric propulsion while preserving the brand’s timeless design cues and dedication to delivering an unparalleled luxury experience. Its imposing presence, meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to detail reaffirm Rolls-Royce’s status as a paragon of automotive excellence.
