On the figurine’s 111th Birthday, the latest interpretation was unveiled.
February 6, 1911. This date marks the official birth for what has become an iconic hood ornament in automotive history. The Rolls-RoyceSpirit of Ecstasy hood ornament isn’t just a decoration. It is a symbol of the forward-thinking elegance of this storied British brand. Or something similar. There’s now a new version that can be used for an all-electric future.
Don’t worry, Rolls-Royce purists. The Spirit of Ecstasy of today is as identifiable as the iconic figurine that graced hoods for over 100 years. The wings, actually the robes of the feminine figurine, still sway with the wind. With a shimmering finish, the stance remains firm and faces forward. However, if you look closely, you will see that the Spirit of Ecstasy has changed his posture. The figure is now crouching with one leg in front and the other bent. Rolls-Royce describes this as a “true goddess” of speed. These changes have a practical side effect: better aerodynamics. The new figure is ever so slightly shorter and should offer less resistance against the wind. This is especially important for electric vehicles. The new Spirit of Ecstasy will use this feature. Rolls-Royce’s Spectre EVO has a drag coefficient 0.26, which means that even the smallest details can be tuned for better wind resistance.
Torsten Muller-Otvos, Rolls-Royce CEO, stated that “The Spirit of Ecstasy” is the most recognizable and sought-after automotive mascot in all of the world. She is more than a symbol. She is the embodiment of our brand and a source of inspiration for clients and the marque. She has always adapted to the times, but remained true to her character and nature like our brand. She is sleeker and more graceful in her new form, which makes her the ideal emblem for Rolls-Royce’s most aerodynamic creations and for our bold electric future. Although the new figurine is making its debut now, we will not see it on a vehicle for quite some time. Rolls-Royce models that use internal combustion power will continue to have the Spirit of Ecstasy as their figurine. The new version will be available on future electric vehicles starting with the Spectre in 2023.