Rolls-Royce has reached a new milestone in testing its forthcoming Spectre electric coupe.Â
Prototype versions of the Spectre have now covered more than two million kilometres – equivalent to 1.24 million miles, and the most arduous evaluation for any Rolls-Royce in history.
By the end of the testing programme, Rolls-Royce aims to reach a total of 2.5 million kilometres (1.6 million miles).
The development process will see 25,000 separate functions evaluated and refined through the ‘Rolls-Royce Finishing School’.
Rough with the smooth
The latest round of punishment for the prototype Spectre involves extreme hot weather testing at two locations in South Africa.
Augrabies in the Northern Cape and Franschhoek in the Western Cape winelands both offer what Rolls-Royce describes as the ‘finest summer-weather driving in the world’.
Temperatures in the Northern Cape can reach a peak of 50 degrees centigrade, representing a stern test for any car. This contrasts with the -40 degrees centigrade experienced by the Spectre when cold-weather testing in Sweden.
Other areas in South Africa deliver sinuous country roads, with surface gravel and dust adding an extra challenge. Uneven roads are particularly important to Rolls-Royce engineers, who want to ensure the Spectre offers a cosseting ‘Magic Carpet’ ride quality.
‘Super luxury situations’
As a Rolls-Royce, the level of quality demanded of the Spectre is high. Engineers have ensured the bespoke Starlight Headliner remains visible in strong sunlight, and that display panels have the correct colour quality.
The speed at which the long, self-closing doors will shut has been considered, while the 17-speaker audio system is tuned for optimal sound quality – helped by a specially created playlist.
Lifestyle analysis will form the final part of the Spectre’s testing, focusing on how an electric Rolls-Royce will function in ‘super luxury situations’.
All this will be completed ahead of the first completed Spectre being delivered in winter 2023. Rolls-Royce set a new sales record in 2022, and the Spectre, which already has a substantial waiting list, is forecast to continue this successful trend.
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