Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Camaraderie and joyous moments were experienced in Nashville, Tennessee’s capital city, dubbed Music City, during the Rolls-Royce Owners Club (RROC) annual gathering to support the brand’s quintessential motoring lifestyle. The networking and car show activities transpired into new ideologies with business friends as the celebration unified brand enthusiasts, owners of the current lineup, and classic Rolls-Royce collectors.
Surrounded by the historic Ryman Auditorium, legendary music venues, and the acclaimed Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the fleet of Rolls-Royce Spectres—all-electric, high-tech virtuosos—left onlookers enamored with their eminence as we drove through the busy and festive streets. I was paired with an exquisite Spectre finished in a dazzling Morganite color scheme with contrasting Gunmetal Aero Two-Tone and 23″ Wing Spoke polished rims tucked in 255/40 R23 Pirelli P ZERO tires.
The uber-athletic, bespoke heir to the EV luxury throne is beyond beautiful, with compelling capabilities to highlight a 21st-century brand of artistry. To drive these multiple points home, Martin Fritsches, President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, was in town to give loyal patrons deeper context into the British automaker’s electric future. My respect for Rolls-Royce stems from the bold testament that all ICE (internal combustion engine) models will become electric by 2030, starting with Spectre.
A Spectre is defined as a ghost, phantom, or apparition. It moves in silence and is free from reality. It’s the perfect label for a powerful EV.
When the invite to the RROC came in, I was elated to see that Nashville had been chosen as this year’s location. There are enumerable activities to engage in with friends or business colleagues, such as listening to live music, visiting the Johnny Cash Museum which celebrates the singer’s life, partaking in a Pedal Pontoon Boat Cruise, jumping aboard an evening trolley tour of Nashville with photo stops, catching an NFL game or concert at the Titans stadium, or visiting the Parthenon art gallery in Centennial Park. The replica of the ancient Greek architecture features a collection of 63 portraits by 19th and 20th-century artists from America. Philanthropist James M. Cowan donated each piece.
To honor the British chariot’s symbolism and innate characteristics, Rolls-Royce ascertained that the selected media in town were comforted inside the vehicle as well as during our overnight accommodations. Thus, make sure to choose the 1 Hotel Nashville to lay your head to rest when visiting Music City. Bedroom pillows are as soft as the lambswool foot mats in the Spectre. The 5-star property commingles enchanting vibes, opulent amenities, and organic, gourmet foods to tap into your senses. The message is simple: luxury is not derived from extravagance; it’s descended from the abundance of beauty surrounding us.
Named after actress Eleanor Velasco Thornton, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy is the most recognizable vehicle ornament in the world. She breathlessly leans forward in motion, ready to take flight.
Your top choices for fine dining will be the 1 Kitchen at the 1 Hotel Nashville, The Thompsons Kitchen for French inspirations, or the famous Twelve Thirty Club, owned by pop star Justin Timberlake. The name is derived from the supper clubs of the 19th century that stayed open until 12:30 a.m. They were considered private restaurants and pubs and attracted multi-faceted patrons looking for lively music and diverse entertainment. We feasted in the Sycamore Room to the melodic vibe of live performances with the company of Rolls-Royce owners, dealers, the president, and Rolls-Royce PR, including Gerry Spahn and Tori Coppinger. What a magical evening!
Yet, the most glorious entertainment from the weekend in TN was piloting the Spectre around town en route to the RROC meetup. The driving roads outside Nashville created elegant smoothness from the intriguing EV. The organization’s current goal is to celebrate the DNA of the past with the innovation and electrification of the future. RROC now comprises over 5,000 members worldwide, featuring all eras of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars, which I witnessed at its classic car show. Owners’ passion and reverence for the storied automakers was seen and felt instantaneously as I approached the scene. Younger clients in particular are raising their hands, so interest is there as Spectre spearheads the marque’s moment of truth. Representing greener principles, connoisseurs of authentic lifestyles can now enjoy their British collections with a sustainable conscience.
“The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” — The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, Co-Founder, Rolls-Royce
Spectre has become the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet, putting the century-long journey into perspective. The two-door coupé has a range of roughly 266 miles for 0-60 mph movement in just 4.4 seconds. The vehicle’s all-electric drivetrain instills the Spectre with the power of Yatchs and acceleration of speed boats. The opulent EV packs a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery and two motors for output of 577-horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Trust me, there is nothing like the feeling of electric torque when accelerating. Before the day concluded, we made a charging stop at Willowbrook Commons to top off the vehicle’s energy levels 10-80% in 34 minutes at the DC fast charger.
Stylistically, the immaculate conception is highlighted by an illuminating Pantheon grille, British-inspired tailoring, luxuriant wheels, and stimulating interior shades such as the Grace White, Ardent Red, and Peony Pink combination in my ride. The bespoke cabin is hand-stitched and implemented with beautiful veneers, flawless leathers, precious metals, and omnipresent luminosity in the form of Starlight doors and a Starlight headliner. The elongated, ultra-elite coupe features almost five feet of laser-welded 100% aluminum and pillarless power opening and closing coach doors for a seamless silhouette. Additionally, Rolls-Royce reinvigorated the iconic door umbrellas with stunning hues and renowned Rolls-Royce insignia details.
The vanes of the Pantheon grille are now smoother in section and have a flusher fit, designed to help guide the air to deliver Rolls-Royce’s most aerodynamic vehicle.
Executives say Spectre will take precedence as the best-driving Rolls-Royce in the company, and I have to agree. Incredible driving sensations stemmed from the Rolls-Royce Independent Air Suspension, Rolls-Royce All-Wheel Drive, and Rolls-Royce All-Wheel Steering. Whether you are gliding through Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, profiling in Portugal, or turning heads in front of Honkey Tonks in Nashville, the Spectre is that special vehicle of choice for unsurpassed encounters. My awe-inspiring EV was enhanced with custom options equaling $578,775.
Rolls-Royce’s reputation is exceeded by no other in the ultra-elite, electrified luxury segment. As they say in Goodwood, England, to acknowledge a Rolls-Royce breezing by, “It’s the business!”
