Given the smooth, effortless and near-silent performance of electric cars, it’s surprising that Rolls-Royce hasn’t added one to its lineup yet, but that’s about to change.

On Tuesday, the automaker unveiled the Spectre, a large, all-electric coupe that is billed as the spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupe and is due to go on sale in late 2023.

Pricing has not been released, but Rolls-Royce said the price tag will reflect the car’s positioning between the Cullinan SUV and the flagship Phantom sedan. The Cullinan starts at around $325,000 and the Phantom starts at around $465,000.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

The Specter is based on Rolls-Royce’s proprietary aluminum frame platform, which debuted in the Phantom and underpins every model in the lineup. However, the Specter’s platform is about 30% stiffer than other models, thanks to steel reinforcements and a battery that doubles as a structural element.

Rolls-Royce did not disclose battery capacity, but said it weighs about 1,543 pounds, or nearly a quarter of the Spectre’s curb weight of 6,559 pounds. The automaker also said the battery should provide an EPA-rated 260 miles when the Specter rides on 23-inch wheels.

Rolls-Royce is also tight-lipped on powertrain details, although power is expected to come from twin engines and all-wheel drive. About 577 hp are waiting for Rolls-Royce. and 664 lb-ft of torque. Rolls-Royce estimates that should be enough for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, with top speed confirmed to be limited to 155 mph.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre

A car like the Specter is more about comfort than performance, and Rolls-Royce has catered to that with what the automaker calls a Planar suspension system. This is an electronic stability control system that uses data from various sensors capable of reading the road surface, as well as information for the navigation system.

On straight roads, the system can automatically disengage the anti-roll bars, allowing each wheel to act independently. This results in a much smoother ride as there is no more vibration or swaying that can occur if only one side of the car hits a bump or bump, according to Rolls-Royce.

To approach turns identified by the navigation, the anti-roll bars are re-engaged, the dampers are stiffened, and the four-wheel steering is adjusted according to the vehicle’s speed, all to ensure that corner entry and exit are as smooth as possible. For cornering, there are more than 18 sensors used to monitor and adjust systems such as suspension, steering, braking and power delivery.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre

On the outside, the Specter has a more aerodynamically efficient shape than your typical blocky Rolls-Royce, which makes sense given its electric powertrain. Drag is a big range killer, and even the design of the Spirit of Ectasy’s traditional hood ornament has been tweaked to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The hood ornament is joined at the front by split headlights and an illuminated version of the Rolls-Royce grille.

The Specter’s bodywork is mainly made of aluminium, with some of the panels being the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce. For example, there’s a side panel that stretches from the A-pillar all the way to the taillights, measuring roughly 157.5 inches in length, or the main part of the Specter’s full length at 214.6 inches. Likewise, the column-less coach doors are the longest in Rolls-Royce history at around 59 inches long.

The interior follows familiar Rolls-Royce themes, but adds new elements such as illuminated “stars” that now extend beyond the headliner and into the doors. There’s also a new seat design with lapel-like sections that can feature accent colors. Of course, many other interior elements can also be personalized.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce is committed to electric cars and has said that by 2030 all models in its range will be electric.

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1137516_rolls-royce-spectre-ev-revealed