Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com
It was an auspicious time in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec spending intimate moments with Rolls-Royces to witness their compelling capabilities in wintry weather on a snow track at Académie Tag Karting. Provided by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars-Quebec and its president Gad Bitton, the impeccable experience featured an awe-inspiring $604,602 Cullinan, a $499,900 Ghost Black Badge, and the all-electric Spectre with bespoke options totaling $746,033. Martin Fritsches, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas, was also onsite to offer deeper content on the brand’s electric future and loyal patrons.
Canada is always cold and the winters are long, so why not take advantage of this disposition and pay homage to the respected owners of the nearly 100 cars a year Glad sells in Quebec. The winter drive was orchestrated to instruct customers of the Ghost, Cullinan, and Spectre on proper driving techniques in frigid weather conditions. With each enhanced by winter tires, AWD, and AWD Steering, we set the British controls to Off-Road mode with DSC on and let the Rolls-Royces handle the slalom and autocross easily and confidently. You don’t expect immaculate conceptions highlighted by purifying Pantheon grilles, British-inspired tailoring, 23” luxuriant wheels, and boisterous interior shades such as Forge Yellow, Charles Blue, Armagnac, or Mandarin to be physically capable on this environmental level. Despite this, they came to play today.
With each vehicle holding its own in the feathery snow, the Specter most intrigued me since it’s an EV and new to the royal family. My reverence stems from the company’s bold testament that all ICE (internal combustion engine) models will become electric by 2030. Younger clients in particular are raising their hands so the interest is there as Spectre spearheads the marquee’s moment of truth. Representing greener ideologies, Rolls-Royce connoisseurs of the finer attributes of life can now enjoy their British collections with a sustainable conscience. Spectre has become the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet, putting the century-long journey into perspective.
“The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, Co-Founder, Rolls-Royce, 1900
Executives say Spectre will take precedence as the best-driving Rolls-Royce in the company, which I have to agree. The elongated, ultra-elite coupe features almost five ft-long laser-welded, 100% aluminum, and pillarless coach doors for a seamless silhouette. The all-electric drivetrain instills the Spectre with the power of Yatchs and allows it to jet on waves like speed boats. The opulent two-door EV packs two motors for an output of 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. In terms of acceleration, Spectre achieves 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Expect a driving range of 266 miles from the 102kWh lithium-ion battery borrowed from the BMW i7 and a 34-minute charge time from 10-80% when you pit at a DC fast charger.
Whether you are gliding through Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, jet-setting to Cascais for holiday, or turning snow into slush in Montreal during a holiday ski excursion, the Spectre is that special vehicle of choice for inimitable experiences. Roll-Royce’s eminence is surpassed by no other in the ultra-elite, luxury automotive segment. As they say in Goodwood to acknowledge a Rolls-Royce breezing by, “It’s the business!”
