Electromobility Alters Everything
When a legendary luxury brand embarks on a transformation towards true electric cars, it’s a momentous occasion. Rolls-Royce, the epitome of automotive excellence, has taken a significant stride into this electric future with the unveiling of the “SPECTRE,” their first-ever all-electric super-luxury car. This historic moment marks its debut in the Thai market.
Rewind to the year 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars set its course towards a future defined by electrification. They pledged to develop electric vehicle technology and committed to manufacturing fully electric cars by 2030. The visionary Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of the Rolls-Royce brand and an automotive pioneer, once stated in an interview that “electric cars are free from pollutants and noise, and they are likely to become popular when electric charging stations become widespread.” Today, “SPECTRE” stands as a testament to that vision, showcasing its full potential.
SPECTRE: The Pure Rolls-Royce Experience
SPECTRE embodies the pure essence of Rolls-Royce, powered by electricity, with a philosophy of ‘A Rolls-Royce first, and an electric car second.’ It retains all the hallmarks of opulence, spacious interiors, sumptuous comfort, and complete customizability through exquisite craftsmanship and engineering. Its proportions are reminiscent of a fastback, two-door luxury car, a true successor to the iconic Phantom Coupé, with an interior ready for bespoke customization, illuminated fascia, and a first for Rolls-Royce – Starlight Doors.
The Rolls-Royce 3.0 Engineering
In the Goodwood era, Rolls-Royce 1.0 began with the introduction of the Phantom, known for its bespoke architecture. Rolls-Royce 2.0 continued the legacy with the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform that underpinned the Ghost and Cullinan models. Now, with the all-electric SPECTRE, this marks the beginning of Rolls-Royce 3.0, incorporating Decentralized Intelligence into its design philosophy.
Luxurious Aluminum Architecture
SPECTRE, the fourth-generation Rolls-Royce to use the ‘Architecture of Luxury,’ is tailor-made for electrification. It increases the spaceframe’s rigidity by 30% compared to previous Rolls-Royce models. The battery is situated under the vehicle floor, ensuring a flat and light interior while serving as an effective sound barrier weighing 700 kilograms.
Pure Electric Propulsion
Rolls-Royce’s introduction of SPECTRE demonstrates their unwavering confidence in electric cars as the path to the future, surpassing hybrid technology. It is powered by two SSM (Separately Excited Synchronous Motors) delivering 190 kW (365 Nm) at the front and 360 kW (710 Nm) at the rear, equating to approximately 584 hp and 900 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a maximum range of up to 530 kilometers (WLTP standards). Charging from 10-80% takes a mere 34 minutes through 195 kW DC charging, and a quick 9-minute charge can offer a 100-kilometer drive. Rolls-Royce’s official dealerships are ready to assist with home charging installations.
The Battery
The lithium-ion battery in SPECTRE boasts a 102 kWh capacity and is manufactured from responsibly sourced cobalt and lithium. The cells inside the battery are produced using 100% renewable energy, extensively tested in extreme temperatures from -40 to over 50 degrees Celsius to ensure optimal performance under all conditions, controlled through computer systems.
Braking Recuperation System: The Rolls-Royce Spectre features a braking recuperation system that operates when the driver presses the ‘B’ symbol on the control stalk. In “Brake Mode,” the car automatically decelerates when the driver lifts off the accelerator, harnessing more energy for extended driving without requiring heavy use of the brake pedal. This enables a single-pedal driving experience, and if the driver selects “low recuperation,” the deceleration during lifting off the accelerator is less noticeable, giving a driving feel reminiscent of traditional Rolls-Royce cars powered by internal combustion engines.
Planar Suspension System: The Spectre’s suspension system utilizes the Planar Suspension System, a technology that has been continuously refined since its debut in the Ghost model. This advanced system involves various components working together to create a “magic carpet ride” experience, providing smooth and comfortable driving on straight roads while allowing each wheel to move independently for agility and handling when taking turns. The system also utilizes sensors to measure various factors like steering angle, braking, power delivery, and suspension operation, ensuring optimal performance, road grip, and ride comfort.
Spirit – Digital Architecture: Spirit (SPIRIT) is a digital architecture that enhances the owner’s connection with the car. It allows for remote control and customization of various vehicle functions through the Whispers app, providing a more personalized driving experience.
Effortless Doors: The Rolls-Royce Spectre features electronically controlled coach doors that are 1.5 meters long, the largest in the brand’s history. These doors are connected by laser beams and can be opened or closed electronically. They also have a special feature where they automatically close when the driver applies the brakes.
Design: The Spectre draws inspiration from the world of luxury yachts and sports cars. The front grille is the largest ever installed in a Rolls-Royce, made of stainless steel and polished to a smooth, reflective finish. The headlamps are designed to provide a 3D-like view at night, while the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce’s iconic hood ornament, has been meticulously redesigned to be slightly lower and more aerodynamic. The car’s drag coefficient is as low as 0.25cd, making the Spectre the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce in history.
Headlights: The distinctive headlights, a hallmark of Rolls-Royce design, have been retained and are a tribute to the design of the older sibling, the Phantom Coupe. They are seamlessly integrated with the bodywork, evoking the sharp lines and precision of a classic sports car while leading the eye to the fastback-style rear inspired by classic automotive and yacht design.
Incorporating these advanced features, the Rolls-Royce Spectre offers a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience while maintaining the brand’s legacy of effortless and elegant travel.
New Taillights: Another standout feature is the new taillights, designed to seamlessly blend with the car’s body color options. These taillights are devoid of any visible coloration, harmonizing with the selected exterior palette. The rear of the vehicle is adorned with massive 23-inch wheels, a first for Rolls-Royce, enhancing the overall aesthetics and creating a captivating visual.
Interior: The Spectre’s interior is brimming with technology and unique bespoke features, including the first-ever Starlight Doors installation in a Rolls-Royce production. These doors feature softly illuminated, star-studded designs with over 4,796 stars. The cabin also offers the option of Canadel panelling, meticulously handcrafted from exquisite wood. The Illuminated Fascia on the passenger side is a true work of art, with the word ‘SPECTRE’ intricately carved, surrounded by over 5,000 radiant stars. The front seats can be customized to match the surroundings or contrast for a tailored British aesthetic. Rolls-Royce offers limitless opportunities for Bespoke detailing to fulfill each customer’s unique vision.
Digital Engineering: Rolls-Royce’s engineers define the Spectre as “Rolls-Royce in an ultra-high definition.” This achievement is made possible by the rapid processing of data through a “Decentralized Intelligence” system, where information is independently processed, reducing the risk of errors compared to centralized computing systems in other cars.
The Spectre embodies Rolls-Royce’s timeless spirit while pioneering the future, following the philosophy of being “A Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second.” For more information, visit Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok or their official social media channels at 02-670-6060 Facebook: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok /LINE Official: Rolls-Royce Bangkok
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