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One of the world’s most famous automotive icons is about to get a new look as it enters the electric age. The Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy – the familiar bonnet mascot that has adorned the brand’s cars for more than 111 years – will be remodelled to make it more aerodynamically efficient when the all-electric Spectre coupe is launched next year.
Originally designed by sculptor Charles Sykes and based on the form of model Eleanor Velasco Thornton, the figure has been redesigned with a lower, more dynamic stance, reducing it in size from the original 100mm down to 83mm. The figure’s robes, which flow behind in the slipstream (and often incorrectly called ‘wings’) have also been subtly reshaped.
The changes result in a figure that is closer to Syke’s original drawings. As part of the redesign, the figure has a more dynamic pose with one leg forward and the body tucked low. Rolls-Royce design bosses also updated the icon’s facial features and expression and worked with stylists at the firm’s Goodwood HQ to perfect the figure’s hair and clothes.
The Spectre will be the brand’s first all-electric car and will be based on a set of underpinnings known as the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform. This was developed three years ago and allows the brand’s cars to be designed with either a traditional internal combustion engine layout or a fully electric drivetrain. The Cullinan SUV and Phantom are already based on the platform.
According to Rolls-Royce, the the drag coefficient of the Spectre is expected to be an impressive 0.26, which is remarkably low given the size and frontal area of a typical Rolls-Royce. The Spectre will arrive in the UK towards the end of 2023 and will mark the start of the brand’s electrifying plan. Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that it plans to transform its entire range to battery power before 2030.
Sleeker, more aero-friendly mascot introduced as Rolls-Royce embraces the electric era 
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