The first prototype of the new Rolls-Royce Specter 2023 has been spotted in a series of spy images. Just a few days before the start of the new year, the first electric from the British manufacturer began its test program. The Wraith’s refined descendant will be the premium brand’s first electric.
Until shortly before the launch of the brand’s first electric vehicle, Rolls-Royce had an ambitious product renewal strategy planned. The 2023 Rolls-Royce Specter, a large-scale, all-electric sports vehicle that will join the market in a few years, was introduced just a few months ago by the Goodwood manufacturer.
And, while we’d seen some previews of the Wraith’s successor before, these are the first spy photographs of the aircraft in action.
A development that is going place in Germany, at the headquarters in Munich, and is not a model at all, but a fully working prototype. Recent images show the forthcoming Rolls-Royce model on a transportation platform as well as accessing one of the workshops, showcasing the magnificent dimensions and highly athletic style that it will provide. Despite the concealment, there are a few notable elements.
The typical vertical multi-bar grill is present, albeit well concealed. Despite this, narrow vertical blades that operate as curtains and open and shut depending on aerodynamic circumstances are clearly apparent. There is also split front illumination, as found in BMW premium cars, with a tiny light strip at the top and the major functions at a lower level.
You can even see that the sports vehicle retains the reverse opening – known as “suicide” – of the front doors, which is typical of Rolls-Royce, as well as the vertically placed tail lights.
The inside of the forthcoming Rolls-Royce Specter 2023 will be sporty and classic, with a 2 + 2 seater arrangement, and it will be technically based on the iconic aluminum frame of the ‘Space Frame’ type. The same architecture that underpins the Cullinan and Phantom, but uniquely tailored for the Specter’s high level of electrification.
The British brand will employ the German parent company’s organ bank under the body, thus it will use the most powerful electric motors available, the same ones that will be used in the future i7 under development. The Rolls-Royce Specter will be introduced in the second half of 2023 and will be available for purchase throughout 2024.
The tests, which will commence in the coming weeks, will allow the first cold testing on the two strong electric motors, one per axle and thus with all-wheel drive, with a maximum output of between 600 and 650 horsepower. Furthermore, it will include a strong battery between the axles with a net, useable capacity of roughly 100 kWh but with a considerably higher number to enable maximum autonomy with a load far above 600 kilometers.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith will be replaced with an electric vehicle.
The CEO of Rolls-Royce, Torsten Müller-tvös, stated at the time that the camouflaged prototype presented in September is a realistic portrayal of the production car. As a result, we’re looking at a two-door car with lines and curves that suggest it may be a successor for the present Rolls-Royce Wraith. A model that places the responsibility on the years.
At this moment, Rolls-Royce has not said when the Wraith’s production would be completed. However, the company’s recent actions signal that its future is not bright. It was taken off the market in the United States. The Rolls-Royce Dawn, its convertible counterpart, has met the same fate. Is your business about to be liquidated? We must not dismiss the possibility.
The Wraith and Dawn are the only Rolls-Royce vehicles that have not been refreshed and hence continue to utilise the brand’s outdated technology. This is in stark contrast to what happens with the Cullinan, Ghost, and Phantom, which are backed by a new platform. An building that welcomes the world of electricity.
The new Specter’s design language will be a clear extension of the British company’s previous ideology. Certain aspects will now endure this new paradigm characterised by electrification at its pinnacle. Müller-tvös himself guaranteed a specialist media at the time that even the imposing grill would survive in some form, even though refrigeration is not required. The Specter’s doors will open in the other direction. The same system that the Wraith employs.
The most essential element will be in the vehicle’s intestines, rather than the outside design or the massive amount of personalization choices that will be available for the interior, given it is a 100 percent electric automobile. We’re referring to the powertrain. There are numerous unanswered questions.
It remains to be seen if Rolls-Royce will finally provide its own electric powertrain technology or, in the absence of it, will rely on BMW’s support. In this instance, the BMW iX is an excellent choice. The possibility of having a “alternative” in the range has also been left open. This is where the hydrogen fuel cell comes in. “At the moment, we believe that batteries are the best option for us.” “However, it is prudent to have an alternate remedy on hand,” added Müller-tvös.
When will it be available? The redesigned Specter is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2023.
As a result, it will be available at European dealerships in 2024. The manufacturing will take place in a site in Goodwood (United Kingdom).
The new Specter will pave the path for Rolls-Royce to become a 100% electric brand within the following decade. The year 2030 will be pivotal. The entire range should have been electrified to the greatest degree by then. Müller-tvös has said unequivocally that the firm will make a “smooth” transition from strong gasoline engines to electric powertrains.
Keyword: 2023 Rolls-Royce Specter, First Prototype Unveiled