Rolls Royce has always been a very consistent entity in how it handled core aspects of its business. All of their models focused on being the best luxury cars globally, the company focused on achieving symbolic perfection, and the V12 reigned supreme in the engine bay. That third item has always been a central pillar for Rolls, with company execs getting hot and bothered when the subject of green technology is raised. However, it appears that the V12’s dominant reign could soon be coming to an end with the unveiling of the all-new Spectre model.
Ghostly Spectre Signals All-Electric Future For Storied British Brand
Dubbed the Spectre, it will be an elegant two-door coupe, but while Rolls Royce released a few teaser images, the company is keeping the core attributes of the car tightly to the vest. That includes the whole design of the Spectre, with the photo car being covered in very extensive wrap style camo that is adorned with big letters and hides items like the head and taillights from view. While it’s easy to assume that the Spectre is just a reimagined version of the Wraith, RR reps say that’s not the case and that the Spectre is an entirely new model. The lone item that will most likely be carried over is the platform, with the Phantom-like silhouette suggesting that it shares some chassis DNA with that model and others like the Cullinan and the Ghost.
Look for the Spectre to adopt lightweight materials in its design to help lighten the load for the electric powertrain and enhance performance. However, look for the Spectre to embark on its own path in this regard, with the whisper-quiet hardware and the strong torque from the electric motors being the defining traits that make this ghostly member of the family stand out from its ICE powered cousins.
Fascination With Electrification Goes Back Over 100 Years
While the Spectre will be the first Rolls Royce model that will bring electrification to a production model, the company has toyed with the idea in some shape or form for over 100 years. The founders of the company Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, explored Ev applications in the early years of the company’s existence, with Rolls even driving a Columbia badged EV. However, the crude battery technology and the limited serviceability prevented the firm from going all-in on the idea at the time.
“Today, 117 years later, I am proud to announce that Rolls-Royce is to begin the on-road testing programme for an extraordinary new product that will elevate the global all-electric car revolution and create the first – and finest – super-luxury product of its type,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.
This fascination will also play a role in the Spectre’s development, with Rolls Royce engineers embarking on what could be considered one of the most demanding engineering regimens that they have ever done for a model. The Spectre team will travel all over the world with the prototypes logging 2.5 million kilometers. Rolls Royce claims that this will simulate 400 years of consistent wear and tear and will be a very potent test of its long-term durability, especially regarding the electric motors and the battery packs.
Look for more Spectre information to be released over the next few months, with the model formally debuting sometime in 2022.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.