Rolls-Royce Spectre Completes Testing

Rolls-Royce's first all-electric production model, the Spectre coupe, has completed testing ahead of its scheduled delivery launch later this year.

According to a Rolls-Royce press release, the testing program spanned over 1.5 million miles and 50,000 hours. In addition, engineers traveled around the world to expose the test vehicle to a variety of conditions.

Rolls-Royce sent a team to South Africa to test in temperatures as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit, to the Arctic Circle in extreme cold, and to France to tune suspension comfort. Finally, the tests focused on "lifestyle analysis," which aimed to replicate how customers actually use their cars.

In this more specific round of testing, engineers examined how the Spectre would perform in places where Rolls-Royce's wealthy customers congregate, such as Santa Island, China; Dubai; Napa Valley, California; and London.

At these locations, engineers studied everything from the performance of the 577-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain on the highway to the utility of the four-wheel steering system in urban settings. The exact amount of rear-axle steering was adjusted after driving through the Mayfair, Kensington, and Chelsea neighborhoods of London.

Other aspects of the lifestyle analysis included checking if phone conversations were possible in the Spectre next to a waiting helicopter, checking wifi reception next to a particular high-rise building, checking if a long garment bag for formal evening wear could be accommodated This included checking to see if a long garment bag for formal evening wear could be accommodated.

After testing the Spectre's power-assisted doors on a steep hill that replicates part of Los Angeles, engineers added gyro and G sensors to ensure that the doors would open and close properly even when parked on an incline.

Completion of the tests will pave the way for delivery of the car to customers. Pricing has not been announced, but Rolls-Royce said the pricing will reflect the Spectre's positioning between the Cullinan SUV and the Phantom flagship sedan. The Cullinan starts at about $325,000 and the Phantom at about $465,000.