Sleeker Spirit of Ecstasy created for Rolls-Royce EVs
New Rolls-Royce Spectre to be the first model to benefit from aerodynamically-honed mascotRolls-Royce has unveiled a new take on its famous Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet figurine that has been remodelled to reduce drag and boost the range of its incoming electric cars.
Claimed to be closer than ever to the original drawings made by the mascot's creator Charles Sykes, the new Spirit of Ecstasy has been downsized for the incoming 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe.
Shrunken to just 82.73mm tall, the new bonnet emblem is dwarfed by the Phantom's that stands at 100.01mm.
The figure's robes now flow behind her in a more optimum slipstream, which is a design move said to be more realistic as well as aerodynamic.
Another noticeable change is the Spirit now stands with one leg forward with her body tucked low instead of the usual feet-together, legs-straight stance.
Thanks to the new bonnet motif, plus plenty of design work, virtual engineering and countless hours in the wind tunnel, the Spectre has a drag coefficient of just 0.26Cd, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce of all time.
Despite being developed using sophisticated computer modelling, the new figure will still be produced using age-old techniques.
These involve wax moulds, with finer details only revealed by hand polishing.
Commenting on the new Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce design boss Anders Warming said: “One-hundred-and-eleven years ago today, the Spirit of Ecstasy became an official part of Rolls-Royce. Yet, she has come to represent a spiritual direction for our brand.
“Her form perfectly captures the marque – she leans forward, expressing our relentless pursuit of progress, and her dress gracefully flows in the wind, echoing the serenity of our products in motion. For Spectre and beyond, she becomes lower and more focused; braced for unprecedented speed and the exciting future her presence will define.”
Despite its new -found aerodynamic properties, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan will continue to use the old emblem.
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