Rolls-Royce launched the Specter electric coupé in October 2022, but the chic brand has been continuing its development since then. The final step in the testing process was to send the car to South Africa for hot weather evaluations.
Temperatures during summer in South Africa can reach 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). Additionally, there are a variety of routes with a mix of surfaces. Assessments include tuning the anti-roll stabilization system as heat can affect the hardness of rubber components. Likewise, the company adjusts cabin sealing materials as different climates change their performance.
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The Specter has covered nearly 1.243 million miles (2 million kilometers) of testing. Over this distance, Rolls-Royce used the principle of marginal gains to develop the car. The strategy is to make small changes over time that cumulatively lead to big developments.
Rolls-Royce says Specter testing is around 80% complete. The final phase is what the company calls the lifestyle analysis. It’s about using the EV as a buyer would, including driving in the world’s megacities.
Preliminary specs are all that’s available for the Spectre. Rolls-Royce estimates the coupe has 577 horsepower (430 kilowatts) and 664 pound-feet (900 Newton-meters) of torque. The coupe should be able to hit 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 4.4 seconds. The expected range is 260 miles (418 kilometers).
To maximize occupant comfort, the Specter relies on the Planar suspension system. The technician can decouple the anti-roll bars so that each wheel acts independently. Rolls-Royce claims this setup provides a smoother driving experience.
Specter deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of 2023. Rolls-Royce is accepting orders but is not publicly disclosing the price of the EV. Even if you don’t plan to buy one, the online configurator is already available to customize the electric coupe.
For more Spectre discussions, check out this episode of ride on cars:
