Elite Traveler Fall 2023

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Rolls-Royce Spectre

It hath arrived: Spectre, Rolls-Royce’s electric super coupe and successor to its Phantom coupe, extends 260 miles of range and 584 hp. To replace the beloved V12’s, the coachbuilders co-developed motors and battery with parent company BMW AG, but as is tradition, spent several months more re fi ning it to Rolls-Royce standards. The result is a 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. A nearly 18-ft-long, all-aluminum body contains a new interior space. The shifted back bulkhead and low seating experience are a result of the relocated fl oor. Located halfway between the sills (rather than directly on top or below them), the fl oor creates an aerodynamic channel for the battery and an uninterrupted under fl oor. Considering the coupe weighs in at 6,371 lbs (nearly 1,000 lbs more than any Range Rover), every aerodynamic advantage helps. Designed to reduce drag, the widest grille ever placed in a Rolls-Royce belongs to Spectre. Unlike other EVs, there’s no front trunk, but four-wheel steering makes the car surprisingly nimble. Conveniently, when the driver depresses the brake, an electric motor closes the fi ve-ft-long doors. Rolls-Royce introduced lane assist and adaptive cruise control and opted for digital instruments behind the wheel for the fi rst time — albeit ones that parrot the brand’s analog version (bespoke ready by color). Rest assured, the door umbrellas remain, as does the thick lambswool carpeting and starlight headliner. In fact, 4,796 LED pins delightfully extend the twinkling to the doors of the car. Rolls-Royce Spectre from $420,000, rolls-roycemotorcars.com

NEED TO KNOW Spectre will be the fi rst Rolls-Royce coupe equipped with 23-inch wheels in 97years