.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
One of the most well-known brands in the world could be on the verge of ditching petrol power for good.
The iconic 6.7-litre V12 petrol engine has been a staple of Rolls Royce’s modern line-up, but the brand is prepared to shelve it forever if customers stop requesting it and regulations demand it.
But it’s the fully-electric set-up in the brand’s Spectre sedan that will define the future, according to Global Director of Sales and brand at Rolls-Royce Julian Jenkins.
Despite proclaiming Rolls-Royce has the best V12 in the world, Jenkins said the Spectre is a sign of things to come.
“In terms of our path to electrification we are very confident in terms of where we are,” Jenkins said.
“If you think about it, you would argue electric suits Rolls-Royce better than it does any other automotive brand. It’s effortless, it’s silent, it’s instant torque.
“Spectre has very much shown that. Our second best-selling Rolls-Royce after Cullinan.
“In terms of our goal. We have publicly stated our aspiration and direction into EV.”
Rolls-Royce will launch its second fully-electric model called the Spectre II in Australia later this year
While Jenkins said customer demand remains the key driver for its product line-up, environmental government regulations are having an increased influence.
He said Rolls-Royce will need to comply with these regulations and the brand is looking at them.
Jenkins further said there is no chance of the brand ever exploring a hybrid or plug-in hybrid adaptation of the V12, with it being considered an unacceptable compromise.
This mean electrification cannot save the iconic engine.
Rolls-Royce’s Regional Director for the Asia Pacific Irene Nikkein said it has the ability to ditch petrol power if the time comes.
“We have the technology. We have the capabilities to be 100 per cent electric,” Nikkein said.
“From a capability, production, technology and engineering perspective, we are able to.
“We must consider [emissions regulations], and Australia is not the only market that has that perspective.”
The European Union recently rolled back its 2035 internal combustion car ban for a more lenient emission reduction mandate, and the US has reversed its plans, too.
These moves will likely keep engines like Rolls-Royce’s V12 alive well into the next decade, but it looks like the brand’s ultimate switch to EV may not be far away.
