‘The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged,’ wrote a young Englishman, Charles Stewart Rolls, in 1900. With Henry Royce, Rolls would go on to form Rolls-Royce Motor Cars just six years later, changing the landscape of the motoring industry forever with their superior engineering and subsequent luxury and bespoke empire, which has become the most iconic and revered motoring manufacturer in the world.
Charles Rolls was ahead of his time, and while the marque created iconic designs like Phantom, Cullinan and Ghost, the founder’s vision was still just a dream for the brand. That is, until now, when Rolls-Royce has finally unveiled its first-ever electric car, emphatically going by the moniker ‘Spectre’. Spectre was unveiled this week in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi to a select group of clients and media, following on from the Dubai launch in April, which took place at Atlantis The Royal – the city’s newest and most extravagant new hotel.
The new super coupé design is the epitome of the marque’s globally known and revered luxury and design, fulfilling the prophecy of Charles Rolls and bringing about a new chapter for the brand – one in tune with today’s eco-focused demands. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has a vision to build only electric cards by the end of 2030, elevating the current offering and imbuing the impeccable design with sustainability.
Taking design inspiration from many sources, including contemporary luxury yacht concepts, Spectre sets the tone for a new original class of motor cars, Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé – a spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupé. A newly revamped Spirit of Ecstasy leads Spectre in its command and poise, with generous proportions, split headlight treatment, and the iconic illuminated grill.
Inside, Spectre is just the epitome of motoring excellence. The interior draws inspiration from the night sky, with an intricate show of shooting stars adorning the ceiling and an Illuminated Fascia with over 5,500 stars, a feature that took over two years to develop. For the first time on a series production Rolls-Royce, Starlight Doors can be added to the Spectre, incorporating 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’, each positioned by hand.
Spectre runs at a top speed of 250 km/h, has an electric range of 455 km and is complete with 23-inch wheels – the first production two-door coupé to be equipped with such in almost one hundred years. The battery is perfectly integrated into the floor of the car, ensuring an even smoother and softer ride.
‘I am extremely excited to be a part of the official unveiling of Spectre in Abu Dhabi, the official unveiling of the most anticipated Rolls-Royce in history,’ said César Habib, regional director of Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, on the launch in the UAE capital. ‘Spectre is a prophecy fulfilled and a spirit electrified. As Rolls-Royce embarks on a bold new chapter, confirming that by the end of 2030, the entire product portfolio will be fully electric, Spectre embodies the next generation of Rolls-Royce.’
‘It’s an honour to be a part of this milestone! Unveiling the first fully-electric ultra-luxury super coupé – Spectre – in Abu Dhabi is an incredible moment,’ added Tarek Moataz, general manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi. ‘Spectre is a masterpiece that heralds a new era for the marque, as well as the luxury industry. As Spectre is now officially unveiled in Abu Dhabi, we are extremely excited to see our discerning clientele immersing themselves in an unrivalled experience as Spectre elevates the luxury electric motor car concept to unrivalled heights.’
