The BMW-owned luxury automaker said the mascot is now lower and has a more dynamic stance.
It stands 82.73mm tall, compared to the predecessor’s 100.01mm. Her robes, which flow behind her in the slipstream – often but erroneously characterised as "wings" – have been subtly reshaped to make them more aerodynamic and realistic.
The most visible change is her stance. Previously, she has stood with her feet together, legs straight and tilting at the waist. Now, she is braced for the wind, one leg forward, body tucked low, her "eyes" focused ahead.
These changes are part of the overall move to make the Spectre aerodynamic.
The earliest Spectre prototypes have a drag coefficient of 0.26, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the product’s testing this year.
In a break from the past, the new figurine was digitally sculpted by a computer modeller as opposed to being handmade.
Changes to the Spirit of Ecstasy have been made throughout her 111-year lifespan. She has been cast in various sizes and materials and, briefly, in a kneeling position.
It was registered as the intellectual property of Rolls-Royce on Feb 6, 1911.
The new version created for Spectre will appear on all future models. The current design will still be used on Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan and their Black Badge alter egos where applicable.
In conjunction with the revised iconic figurine, Rolls-Royce has announced the jury for the Spirit of Ecstasy Challenge.
The contest under the Rolls-Royce art scheme called Muse is calling for young artists to place the Spirit of Ecstasy in a different context beyond her current position on a Rolls-Royce bonnet.
For each edition of this biennial contest, a global panel of judges would pick a medium for the contestants to create their interpretation of the figurine.
For the first edition, that medium is textiles. The jury members are: Anders Warming, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Yoon Ahn, Creative Director of Ambush and Jewellery Director at Dior Men; Tim Marlow, Director and Chief Executive of the Design Museum in London; and Sumayya Vally, Principal of South African architectural practice, Counterspace.
Three finalists will get the chance to visit the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, West Sussex, where they will meet the marque’s craftsmen, before completing their creations.
The final works will be unveiled later this year before proceeding on a global tour – including to Rolls-Royce showrooms.
