Rolls-Royce recreates the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine for an all-electric future

As Rolls-Royce gets ready to launch their first all electric vehicle, Rolls-Royce Spectre, the British luxury automobile company showcases the new design for the more aerodynamic Spirit of Ecstasy. Rolls-Royce has been an emblem of luxury design and beauty since the early 1900s, its large and bold shapes followed by the most intricate handmade details and focus on luxury interiors has kept the British automobile manufacturer at the forefront of high-end luxury vehicles. For the last 111 years, the extravagance and elegance of the automobile design company has been symbolised by the Spirit of Ecstasy, the stunning hood ornament.

Over the years, with its customisations and anti-theft mechanism the Spirit of Ecstasy has become a much sought after feature for the cars. With Rolls-Royce taking a step towards an all electric future, it is only befitting that they transform the flying lady to a symbol of a new journey. The design used for the hood ornament was created by sculptor Charles Sykes whose muse was the British model Eleanor Thorton and was registered as the intellectual property of Rolls-Royce in 1911. Celebrating the 111 year history of this symbol, the design team at Rolls-Royce worked together to remain true to its predecessor’s spirit while embracing the new future. The new Spirit of Ecstasy which took over 830 combined design hours and wind tunnel testing is now more aerodynamic, bending slightly more, ready for the high speeds of the new electric vehicles.

The new Spirit of Ecstasy stands only 82.73 mm tall as compared to the previous 100.01mm tall figurine. The model bends lower with one foot in front, gazing eagerly ahead at the new speeds that await the Spectre. The new design has been digitally sculpted by a computer modeller at Rolls-Royce where the design focus was also to heighten her expressions – making it more life-like, giving her the combined look of serenity and focus.

The dress is slightly smaller to be more aerodynamic and the designers at Rolls-Royce have also paid close attention to the hair and posture giving her a more dynamic and contemporary appeal. The new figurine still stays true to its history, made by the cire-perdue method, one of the oldest casting techniques, then each piece is finished and polished by hand. As Rolls-Royce gets ready for its new future, the Spirit of Ecstasy symbolises the new era of electric luxury vehicles. Rolls-Royce has stated that this new version of the Spirit of Ecstasy will be used for all future models, except for their Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan models which will continue using the current design.