Latest news with #CharlesRolls
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
RAY MASSEY: Vauxhall's new Mokka serves up a tasty treat
As the May bank holiday gets underway, you may be sitting down to a relaxing spring breakfast with a fresh orange juice and a cappuccino. Me? I've been enjoying a Mokka – the striking Vauxhall car which takes its name from a mocha coffee. Like the drink, this car gives you a perky lift. In fact, so attached is Vauxhall to the caffeine association that last year it created a one-off Mokka Coffee-E electric car, providing coffee on the move with a coffee bar in the boot that housed two machines and barista-quality tools. The Mokka comes in three trim levels, Design, GS and Ultimate, and in a range of engines: petrol (130 and 136hp), hybrid and a battery-powered zero-emissions 156hp Mokka Electric. I drove the 136hp GS Hybrid model, which pairs a three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. It has an electrified automatic dual-clutch six-speed gearbox. Prices start from £29,605 (which includes £700 extra for gloss metallic paint). With 18 in wheels it's a great drive and accelerates to 60mph in a decent 8.2 seconds, up to a top speed of 129mph. It also promises good fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 110g/km. There are three drive modes – eco, normal and sport – and the latter makes for the most engaging driving. My lively car was pretty well-stocked, including hill start assist, electronic climate control and a panoramic rear-view camera. But it still needs a physical key to fire up the car. My only real gripe – and it's a personal one – was the lack of in-built sat-nav on my model. It's available only on the higher spec Ultimate trim version. Otherwise you have to hook up your smartphone to services such as Google Maps or Waze. Second nature to many, I'm sure, but for me it's just too much faff. With 18 in wheels it's a great drive and accelerates to 60mph in a decent 8.2 seconds I resorted to a good old-fashioned road atlas. This may spark debate, but my preference is generational, and I know many older drivers who feel the same way. To be fair, Vauxhall is simply following a trend pursued by many car-makers on their smaller and cheaper models: your smartphone becomes your mobile 'brain' – a real computer on wheels. Overall about 70 per cent of all Vauxhall car sales have sat-nav fitted as standard. How many younger drivers of the TikTok generation have used an atlas? Not many, I suspect. But wait for the next big powercut – as suffered this week across Spain and Portugal – and then we'll see where over-reliance on digital technology gets us. Unless, of course – like me – you always keep a road atlas handy. Double celebration for Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce is in the middle of a double celebration week, with it having a special anniversary either side of today. Tomorrow is the 121st year since Henry Royce met Charles Rolls, and yesterday was the centenary of its flagship model, the iconic Phantom. John Lennon famously painted his own in psychedelic hues. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief Chris Brownridge said: 'Phantom is much more than a motor car. It is a cultural phenomenon, both reflecting and influencing the world around it.' Rolls-Royce has planned a series of events and unveilings throughout 2025.
Khaleej Times
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Auto Review: Spectre drives Rolls-Royce into the electric vehicle era
In 1900, Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles Rolls predicted an electric future for motor cars. He said, 'The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.' He envisioned it as a clean, quiet alternative to the internal combustion engine. Over a century later, Rolls-Royce rolled out its first electric vehicle (EV), the Spectre, fulfilling a vision long in the making. I was invited to drive the 5.5-metre-long, electron-powered super coupé to check its style and measure its substance. Here are some notable impressions: DESIGN & AESTHETICS The Spectre is a moving metallic monument, blending stately architecture with yacht-inspired design. It features bold geometric shapes in a sleek two-door format. The giant bonnet rises gently from the widest, now-illuminated Pantheon grille and connects to the fastback roofline, creating a regal-yet-sporty silhouette, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce yet. Both the aero-optimised grille and ornate Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, which leans into the wind, contribute to this endeavour. The grille is flanked by sleek, split-style LED headlamps upfront, while at the rear, there are vertical LED units. I also credit the engineers for those large body panels and am in awe of the wheel centres on the 23-inch alloys that stay upright even on the go. Whether in the flesh or rearview mirror, when you see the Spectre, you know it's a dignitary on the move. And when seated in one, you are compelled to act with dignity — at least until the next car cuts you off. Open the large rear-hinged doors, and you access the finest automotive real estate in the business. Step on the brake and the door closes automatically. Inside, you're surrounded by exquisite materials and peculiar details — some traditional, others imaginative. The grand steering wheel feels analogue, like that of a yacht, but in its background is a fully digital gauge with clean monochromatic graphics. The driver's seat, with its dual-tone upholstery, is supremely comfortable, but taller drivers may want more thigh support. Centrally situated is the BMW-sourced, 12.3-inch infotainment cluster. It's a last-gen unit, but it's a good size, avoiding tech hub vulgarity. In its proximity are earthy textured open-pore wood trims and genuine metal organ pulls for the A/C, along with keyboard-like station presets that add to the tactile luxury. Below, the fluffy lambswool mats beg you to run your fingers through them, like Maximus does over wheat in the Gladiator movie. But what's truly astonishing is the Starlight roofliner (with shooting star effects), which now extends to the doors — made possible with 4,796 softly illuminated 'stars.' The power-retractable front seats fold quickly, but getting into the rear is labourious. Once inside, you're treated like a 'friend of the family.' The Spectre also offers a high degree of customisation. They'll do anything to make it your own — pun intended. POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE Below deck, it features not a traditional V12, but a 102.0-kWh lithium-ion battery. It powers a dual-motor setup that delivers a commendable combined output of 584 PS. To get moving, you pull a quaint stalk behind the steering wheel, and as it accelerates, you realise this is the quietest ride ever. The absence of the internal combustion engine brings cabin noise to a near-magical zero. The magic carpet ride is also exemplified here. The Spectre's planar suspension smooths out vibrations, making it possible to sign cheques if necessary! Furthermore, the lack of B-pillars negates annoying blind spots, and the soothing turn signal chime makes driving more pleasurable. Sure, you can blur the scenery with that massive 900 Nm of torque, but if you've already made your money, why rush? In fact, the Spectre, like all Rolls-Royce vehicles, is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Also, with a shorter, stiffer chassis, it can handle speedy intersection loops and lane changes with reasonable agility, though it doesn't deserve that kind of racehorse whipping. As heavy as it may be, the strong brakes work hard to shed speed predictably. You can also engage Brake Mode, increasing regenerative braking for single-pedal driving. At 75 per cent charge, it indicated 346km, implying a 460km total range, which is close to the 530km claim. Wealthy owners would charter a helicopter for any destination farther, I suppose. Charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent takes just 34 minutes using a 195 kW DC charger, but the unspoken promise of wireless induction charging hasn't materialised. FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY Yes, it's a coupé, but with a deep, long boot — enough for a suitcase or two. There's no frunk, though, unlike most EVs. Inside, it features two central console cubbies with USB-C ports, along with Bluetooth for connectivity. Also note, Rolls-Royce's Bespoke audio system delivers impressive decibels and fidelity through the metallic speaker covers. For safety, the Spectre comes with features like Active Lane Centring, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. There's also a pop-out umbrella in the door, in case the weather ever turns grey. VERDICT Rolls-Royce enters the EV era with the spectacular Spectre. As one of the most admired marques, it is more than just a car — it's an endorsement of financial prowess and an opportunity for communion with social elites. The Spectre is a suave machine, with its grand size, yacht-inspired architecture, exquisitely fashioned cabin, and mesmerising gimmicks. While it can kick up some dust, it excels at a leisurely pace, enhanced by its silent cabin. Like it or hate it, EV characteristics enhance the coveted Rolls-Royce experience. Pros and cons GOOD - Stately styling; silent and soft ride; power on tap; customisation options; no rivals BAD - Some may miss the V12; front seats need more thigh support; last-gen infotainment; no wireless charging for the vehicle SPECIFICATIONS Body type - 2+2-seater; two-door premium ultra-luxury full-size coupe Engine - 102 kWh battery; dual electric motor; all-wheel drive Transmission -1-speed automatic Peak output - 584 PS (system total); 258 PS (front motor) + 489 PS (rear motor) - 900 Nm (system total); 365 Nm (front motor) + 710 Nm (rear motor) 0 to 100kmph - 4.5 seconds (claimed) Top speed -250kmph (drag limited; claimed) Price - Starting at Dh2,100,000 Stars: 8.5/10 KT Luxe
