Rolls-Royce has released images of the all-electric Spectre fresh from its completion of an extensive Arctic testing program.
Derived from the all-electric 102EX concept that previewed a “bold electric future” for the luxury marque in 2011, the Spectre will be Roll-Royce’s first ever all-electric production model when first customer deliveries are completed in late 2023. In September last year, the luxury marque began its most comprehensive test program to date with the pre-production Spectre, one that would incorporate 2.5 million kilometres and simulate 400 years of ‘everyday’ use.
Arctic testing of the Rolls-Royce Spectre
Said program has now concluded with the Spectre, dubbed the ‘spiritual successor’ to RR’s Phantom Coupé, regularly subjected to between – 26C and – 40C temperatures across various proving grounds at Arjeplog’s famous testing facility in Sweden, just 55 km south of the Arctic Circle. In what Rolls-Royce termed the “first lessons in a finishing school,” the program concentrated on noise, vibration and harshness cornerstones while testing the durability of hardware componentry, door rubbers, bushing compounds, fastening materials, and the bodyshell’s bonding agents as well. In short, that’s 700 kg of sound deadening being put through the ringer.
Arctic testing of the Rolls-Royce Spectre
With the completion of the Arctic Circle testing, 25 per cent of RR’s comprehensive testing program is now complete.
Read more: Rolls-Royce introduces Spirit of Ecstasy for the EV age
“Our task is to teach each component and system how to think, behave and communicate like a Rolls-Royce, which sees much of the engineering pivot from workshops into the digital space,” Rolls-Royce director of engineering Mihiar Ayoubi explains. “Here in Arjeplog we have built a significant foundation on which we will create a true Rolls-Royce. This is a big step forward for our brand, but also for electrification – even though Spectre is in its infancy, I can confirm that the technology is able to contain the Rolls-Royce experience.”
Streamlined Spirit of Ecstasy
The program also marks the first test of Rolls-Royce’s new aluminium spaceframe ‘Architecture of Luxury,’ which makes its debut on the Electric Super Coupé. Alongside the flexibility required to incorporate an EV drivetrain, the architecture was designed exclusively to “carry the scale required to create the presence of an authentic Rolls-Royce.” Hence the use of those enormous 23-inch wheels, the first examples of this size fitted to an RR since 1926, and the newly-revised, more aerodynamic Spirit of Ecstasy.
