Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Rolls Royce mascot gets aerodynami­c redesign

- MOTORING STAFF

EXACTLY 111 years after the original Spirit of Ecstasy was conceived, Rolls Royce has given its famous bonnet ornament a complete redesign.

The new Spirit of Ecstasy figurine was created to usher in the prestigiou­s British brand’s electric future in which all models are set to become battery-powered by the end of the decade.

Not only is the new emblem more aerodynami­c, but Rolls Royce says that its lower and more dynamic stance brings it much closer to the drawings made by its original creator in the early years of the 20th century.

Following 830 combined hours of design modelling and wind tunnel testing, Rolls Royce says the new mascot contribute­s to a drag coefficien­t (cd) of just 0.26 in early prototypes.

The new Spirit of Ecstasy is 17.28mm lower than before and the female figurine’s robes, often mistaken for wings, have been subtly reshaped to make them more aerodynami­c and realistic.

“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,” said Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

“Like our brand, she has always moved with the times. 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.”

 ?? ?? SPIRIT of Ecstasy figurine in her new, more streamline­d form.
SPIRIT of Ecstasy figurine in her new, more streamline­d form.

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