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W hile electric cars may seem like a modern phenomenon, the foundations data back to the 19th century. In 1900, Rolls-Royce co-founder, Charles Rolls, prophesised an electric future for the motor car. Having acquired an electric vehicle named The Columbia Electric Carriage, he foresaw its suitability as a clean, noiseless alternative to the internal combustion engine – pro- viding there was sufficient infrastructure to support it. More than 120 years later, the time has come for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to fulfil the prophecy of its founding father. AProphecy Fulfilled. APromise Kept. Charles Rolls’ prophecy could not have been fulfilled without a more recent promise, when Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Öt- vös, made a public commitment to electrification by announcing that he would bring a fully-electric Rolls-Royce to market within the current decade. And in September 2021, the marque confirmed that it had commenced testing of Spectre, the first Rolls-Royce to be conceived and engineered from the very beginning as an electric car. Spectre is not only an historic moment for Rolls-Royce, but also an historic moment for electrification – with Spectre, the marque has confirmed that the technology has reached a standard that can contain the Rolls-Royce experience. The Future Begins Committing to an all-electric powertrain will only enhance the Rolls-Royce experience – instant torque, silent running and the sense of one imperceptible gear have defined the characteristics of an extraordinary canon of products dating back to the very first Rolls-Royce, the 1904 10 H.P. With Spectre, Rolls-Royce has harnessed a revolutionary ‘De- centralised Intelligence’ system that allows for the free and direct exchange of information between more than 1,000 vehicle func- tions, further elevating the marque’s celebrated quality of ride. Its designers have captured a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic that significantly progresses the brand’s iconography as it embarks on its electric age. Its craftspeople have created a suite of contempo- rary prêt-à-porter personalisation possibilities, including Starlight Doors and Illuminated Fascia, inspiring clients to realise their own Bespoke visions. Entirely Original Design In unveiling Spectre, Rolls-Royce set a new precedent in the creation of an entirely original class of motor car: the Ultra-Lux- ury Electric Super Coupé. This designation refers to Spectre’s indulgent proportions, specified in response to a commitment that there is no greater luxury than that of space. The marque’s designers are deeply rooted in the context occupied by their motor cars. Therefore, their inspiration is drawn from worlds far beyond automotive, including haute couture, modernist sculpture, nautical design, tailoring and contemporary art. In con- ceiving the principal sketches for Spectre, the marque’s creatives ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE: The Marque’s First Fully Electric Motor Car 264 | Simply Abu Dhabi