Rolls-Royce has recently announced an upgraded Spirit of Ecstasy figurine that will be used on the brand new all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre – the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.
Rolls-Royce stated that the new Spirit of Ecstasy is a product of 830 combined hours of design modelling and wind tunnel testing, resulting in more aerodynamic shape with reduced drag coefficient, which still remains true to the original design. The new Spirit of Ecstasy stands at 82.73mm tall, compared to the 100.01mm of the original design.
The history of the Spirit of Ecstasy dates back to 1911 when Rolls-Royce first officially registered the design as intellectual property. The iconic piece depicts a woman in flowing gowns, leaning forward as if getting ready for flight, hence why the hood ornament is sometimes identified colloquially as ‘the flying lady’.
The iconic figurine has now been remodelled with a lower, slightly more dynamic stance that pays homage to the original drawings made by her creator, illustrator and sculptor Charles Sykes, in the early 20th century.
“The Spirit of Ecstasy is the most famous and desirable automotive mascot in the world. More than just a symbol, she is the embodiment of our brand, and a constant source of inspiration and pride for the marque and its clients. Like our brand, she has always moved with the times while staying true to her nature and character. In her new form she is more streamlined and graceful than ever before – the perfect emblem for the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, and for gracing the prow of our bold electric future.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
The new Spirit of Ecstasy will appear on all new Rolls-Royce models arriving after the Spectre EV, while the current model line-up will continue to use the original hood ornament design.
