Rolls-Royce Rallies Spectres and Ghosts for Canadian Eclipse Drive
“It’s about as far out as we’ve ever planned an event internally, as far as I can remember” stated Gerry Spahn, head of communications for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America. As soon as internal discussion started circulating about the Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection — an exquisite limited run spec of the Ghost with eclipse themed design cues — the search began for where and when the next total solar eclipse was taking place. The answer was this past Monday, and the destination was in SHARP‘s back yard.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection
Due to the scarcity of the Ékleipsis, we didn’t have the chance to explore the new model firsthand, however in trade the drive afforded us another chance to get behind the wheel of the brand’s all-electric Spectre. Knowing we’d likely snag up in the masses of traffic returning to the Greater Toronto Area from our viewing area at Stratus Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we made no qualms about slumping into the driver’s seat of the most luxurious EV on the planet. Though we’ve covered Spectre before on SHARP, this was my first time behind the wheel of the 21st century flagship, and an experience that matched all expectations.
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
Rolls-Royce Eclipse Viewing Drive
One of our counterparts on the drive hit the nail on the head as we sat in wait of the impending solar event. Of all the EVs from legacy automakers, none feel quite quite as cohesive as an EV Rolls-Royce. It’s always “it’s a (insert brand here), but it’s an EV”, whereas with Rolls-Royce, it’s 100% a Rolls-Royce with out any tangible change. You could argue about the nominal lack of engine noise, but their cars are so whisper-quiet in the first place that even that factor is of zero consequence. From highway paces to slow crawls through the quaint towns around Niagara, to sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic heading home, never was there a sign of disconnect between the EV Spectre, and the overall Rolls-Royce ethos.
While we didn’t get the most ideal conditions for eclipse viewing, we still welcome any opportunity to experience these rare birds on our side of the border. Rumour has it there’s more to come from Rolls-Royce before the end of the year, though where that will be and what to expect will have to wait for another day.
