Jay Leno's 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre - Jay Leno's Garage
Summary
TLDRIn this engaging video script, automotive enthusiast Jay Leno is joined by Sir Jackie Stewart to discuss the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the brand's first all-electric vehicle. Leno shares his unique perspective as an owner, highlighting the car's comfort, quietness, and build quality, which surpasses even other high-end automobiles. He also emphasizes the car's performance, noting its 577 horsepower and 664 ft-lb of torque, and the smooth, powerful driving experience it provides. The conversation touches on the car's design, maintenance, and the bespoke features that make each Rolls-Royce a one-of-a-kind luxury item. The script also provides insights into the Rolls-Royce brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the evolution of its clientele, which now includes a younger demographic. The discussion concludes with Leno expressing his excitement about owning the Spectre and the joy it brings to his driving experience.
Takeaways
- 🚗 The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is the first all-electric vehicle from Rolls-Royce, offering a new driving experience focused on comfort and quietness.
- 🌟 Sir Jackie Stewart and Jay Leno discuss the car's performance, emphasizing that while it's not as fast as a Tesla, it's smoother and quieter, possibly the quietest automobile ever produced.
- 🔍 The Spectre's build quality is highlighted, with attention to detail in wiring and craftsmanship that ensures longevity, as evidenced by Leno's still-functioning 40-year-old Bentley Turbo R.
- 🛠️ Maintenance for the Spectre is minimal, with no major service needed until 2026, reflecting the shift to electric vehicles with fewer moving parts.
- 🎨 The car's design is a blend of classic Rolls-Royce aesthetics and modern aerodynamics, achieving a 0.25 drag coefficient, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever.
- 👥 The Spectre is a true four-seater, with ample space and comfort for all passengers, positioning it as a spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupe.
- 🧵 The interior features the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, with the same person overseeing all stitching and woodwork in the car, ensuring consistency and quality.
- 🌌 A standout feature is the Starlight Headliner with over 1,400 fiber optic lights, offering a unique and subtle luxury touch, with the option to customize the constellation to match the buyer's birth date.
- 🔋 The Spectre has a range of 260 miles, and with regenerative braking, it can potentially increase the range, as Leno experienced gaining miles while driving.
- 🔊 The audio system in the Spectre is bespoke, offering an immersive listening experience that places the listener in the center of the orchestra or band.
- 🔑 Rolls-Royce emphasizes a personalized experience, with the car being more than just a vehicle but a reflection of the owner's success and personal taste.
Q & A
Who is the guest featured in this episode of Jay Leno's Garage?
-The guest featured in this episode is Sir Jackie Stewart, a renowned former Formula 1 racing driver.
What type of car is being reviewed in this episode?
-The car being reviewed is the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, which is the first all-electric vehicle from Rolls-Royce.
Why did Jay Leno choose to buy the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
-Jay Leno chose to buy the Rolls-Royce Spectre primarily for its comfort, describing it as the 'F1 of comfortable automobiles.' It's also noted for being very quiet and having a smooth ride.
What is special about the build quality of Rolls-Royce cars according to Jay Leno?
-Jay Leno appreciates the build quality of Rolls-Royce cars, mentioning the meticulous wiring loom and the use of conduits and cadmium-plated washers, which reflects a high standard of craftsmanship.
What is the significance of the Rolls-Royce Spectre's aerodynamic coefficient drag?
-The Rolls-Royce Spectre has an aerodynamic coefficient drag of 0.25, which is among the most aerodynamic for a car of its size and makes it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.
What is the maintenance requirement for the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
-The maintenance requirement for the Spectre is minimal. Jay Leno mentions that the only scheduled maintenance in 2026 is to change the brake fluid.
What is the seating capacity of the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
-The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a true four-seater, offering comfort and space for four passengers.
What is the weight of the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
-The Rolls-Royce Spectre weighs almost 6,500 lbs, with a significant amount of that weight attributed to insulation to keep out sound.
What is the color scheme Jay Leno chose for his Rolls-Royce Spectre?
-Jay Leno chose a black on black color scheme for his Rolls-Royce Spectre, specifically the diamond black color which he finds appealing.
What is the Rolls-Royce Spectre's electric powertrain like?
-The Rolls-Royce Spectre has a powertrain that offers 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience without sudden jolts.
What is the driving range of the Rolls-Royce Spectre on a single charge?
-The Rolls-Royce Spectre has an EPA estimated range of 266 miles on a single charge, although this can vary based on driving conditions and habits.
Outlines
🌟 Welcoming Automotive Royalty and the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
The video begins with the host welcoming Sir Jackie Stewart, a legend in the automotive world, to his garage. They discuss the significance of the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the company's first all-electric car. The host shares his unique perspective as a car owner, emphasizing his shift from buying cars based on performance to prioritizing comfort, which he describes as the 'F1 of comfortable automobiles.' The conversation highlights the car's quietness, build quality, and the host's appreciation for its electric nature, which contributes to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
🛠️ A Mechanic's Appreciation for Craftsmanship and the Spectre's Design
The host reflects on his experience as a mechanic and his admiration for the craftsmanship in Rolls-Royce vehicles. He shares an anecdote about his first Bentley Turbo R and the impressive build quality he discovered while repairing it. The discussion shifts to the Spectre's design, including its aerodynamics, the new Spirit of Ecstasy, and the choice of color. The host's choice of a classic black on black color scheme is influenced by his desire for a timeless look, and the conversation touches on the Spectre's low maintenance requirements due to its electric powertrain.
🚗 The Spectre as a Four-Seater and Its Place in Rolls-Royce History
The host and his guest discuss the Spectre's status as a true four-seater, distinguishing it from other models that may appear similar. They explore the car's size and mass, noting its spiritual connection to the Phantom Coupe. The conversation delves into the host's background with Rolls-Royce, his career, and the evolution of car preferences over time. The host expresses his preference for two-door coupes and the importance of the Spectre's design in evoking nostalgia for classic cars.
🏭 The Heritage and Craftsmanship Behind Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
The discussion focuses on the heritage and craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce, from the host's personal experiences working with the company to the brand's commitment to quality and bespoke services. The host's guest shares his story as a refugee turned successful businessman in the automotive industry. They talk about the importance of authenticity in Rolls-Royce vehicles and the brand's focus on creating cars of increasing value for their clients.
🏡 A Visit to the Rolls-Royce Factory and the Bespoke Experience
The host describes his visit to the Rolls-Royce factory, emphasizing the attention to detail and the traditional craftsmanship that goes into each car. He discusses the brand's approach to quality and the heritage of its workers, many of whom come from multi-generational families of craftsmen. The conversation also touches on the modern aspects of the factory, including the slow-moving assembly line and the focus on bespoke content, such as the Starlight Headliners and custom exterior finishes.
🎶 The Luxurious Interior and Bespoke Audio System of the Spectre
The host and his guest explore the luxurious interior of the Spectre, discussing the car's features such as the tactile buttons, the comfort of the seats with massage functions, and the bespoke audio system. They highlight the car's quietness and the effortlessness of the driving experience. The host expresses his appreciation for the car's authenticity and the attention to detail, such as the metal vents and the craftsmanship of the leather and woodwork.
🚘 The Spectre's Performance, Regenerative Braking, and Electric Propulsion
The conversation shifts to the Spectre's performance, emphasizing its electric powertrain that delivers 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The host shares his experience with the car's regenerative braking system, which allows him to drive with a conservative approach and extend the car's range. They discuss the car's official EPA estimated range and the host's personal experience driving the Spectre, noting that it can be a fun game to maximize efficiency.
🌈 Rolls-Royce Demographics and the Popularity of Unique Colors
The host and his guest discuss the changing demographics of Rolls-Royce owners, noting that the average age has decreased to 42. They talk about the brand's appeal to a wide range of clients, from younger successful individuals to traditional collectors. The conversation includes a discussion on the popularity of unique and bright colors for Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as the brand's Black Badge series, which offers a darker, more aggressive look and performance tuning.
🔋 Charging Infrastructure and the Future of Rolls-Royce Electric Vehicles
The discussion turns to the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with the host sharing his experience charging the Spectre at a vineyard. They talk about the compatibility of the Spectre with Tesla superchargers and the brand's plans for future compatibility with different charging standards. The conversation also touches on the potential for using commercial superchargers and the brand's commitment to evolving with the transition to electric vehicles.
🎉 Celebrating the Launch of the Spectre and the Future of Rolls-Royce
The host concludes the video by thanking his guests for their insights into the Spectre and Rolls-Royce as a brand. They reflect on the car's unique position as a luxury electric vehicle and the excitement surrounding its launch. The host expresses his enthusiasm for the Spectre, highlighting its comfort, quietness, and the joy of driving an electric Rolls-Royce. The conversation leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for the future of Rolls-Royce and its electric lineup.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Rolls-Royce Spectre
💡Aerodynamics
💡Electric Vehicle (EV)
💡Luxury
💡Performance
💡Regenerative Braking
💡Build Quality
💡Silent Operation
💡Customization
💡Black Badge
💡Maintenance
Highlights
Jay Leno is visited by Sir Jackie Stewart, a legend in the automotive world.
The show features the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the first all-electric vehicle from Rolls-Royce.
Jay Leno discusses his unique perspective as a car owner reviewing the Spectre, compared to automotive journalists and influencers.
The Spectre is praised for its comfort, being described as the 'F1 of comfortable automobiles'.
Jackie Stewart shares his experience with early electric vehicles dating back to 2011 and the evolution of electric Rolls-Royces.
The build quality of Rolls-Royce vehicles is highlighted, with Jay Leno sharing a story about his Bentley Turbo R.
The Spectre's quietness is emphasized, with Leno stating it's likely the quietest automobile ever produced.
Jay Leno's choice of a black-on-black color scheme for his Spectre is influenced by his desire for a classic look.
The Spectre's aerodynamics are discussed, with a drag coefficient of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever built.
Maintenance for the electric Spectre is minimal, with brake fluid change recommended only in 2026.
The Spectre is described as a true four-seater with ample space, differing from the typical coupe design.
Jay Leno's personal connection to Rolls-Royce is shared, including his time working for the company and his aspirations to own such cars.
The dealership experience with Rolls-Royce is discussed, emphasizing the high level of service and attention to detail.
The Spectre's infotainment system offers both touchscreen and button options, catering to different driver preferences.
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke audio system in the Spectre provides a unique listening experience, as if one is in the middle of the orchestra.
The Spectre's regenerative braking system is highlighted for its efficiency and the extended life of the brakes.
The Spectre's Starlight Headliner with fiber optic lights is noted for its luxurious and subtle ambiance.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the Spectre's interior are praised, with one person responsible for the entire interior stitching and woodwork.
Transcripts
three two one action well another
episode of Jay lon's garage today we're
being visited by Automotive royalty I no
I'm not talking about the rolls Royals
I'm talking about Sir Jackie Stewart is
sitting in today Jackie thanks for
coming by oh my pleasure excuse me I
thought I was to be keeping quiet no no
no that's all right no that's very nice
very happy to be here isn't that Isn't
that cool Jackie Stewart stop by the
garage but anyway let's get on with this
the car will featuring today the 2024
Rolls-Royce Spectre this is the first
all electric Rolls-Royce I have seen
probably 25 or 30 reviews of this car
online all good uh all mostly done by
Automotive journalists or influencer
YouTubers I think I'm the first owner of
one of these to do a review so maybe I
have a little different perspective you
know every time I bought a car it was
based on performance how did it handle
how fast was it when I got the Tesla
plaid I bought it because it was the
fastest accelerating vehicle you could
get at the time the fact that you're
saving the planet it's an electric and
that's all nice but I bought it
primarily for performance this is the
first time I've ever bought an
automobile based on comfort and this is
sort of the F1 of comfortable
automobiles it's fast enough it's not as
fast as a Tesla certainly smoother
certainly quiet I I would Heen to say
this is probably the quietest automobile
any company has ever produced you know I
first drove an electric RS voice back in
201 when they had a few experimental
cars running around and they had one in
California they called me and I drove it
at the time Tesla had yet to really
break through so really were no so they
IDE electric rolls what that what's that
50 50 years away 60 years away well no
hly just just a decade because uh
Rolls-Royce takes their time they're not
the kind of company that jumps into
something they wait to see how it's
accepted you know the fun thing I like
about these automobiles is the build
quality you just don't get this build
quality in most automobiles even most
high-end automobiles I don't ever think
we built to this standard you know I
bought my first Bentley Turbo R which
when I bought it back in 89 it was
basically a rollsroyce with a turbo and
I'm still driving it and about 6 month
mons ago my electric seat broke so I
said let me take it apart and see if I
could fix it and as I took it apart I
was amazed at the wiring loom how nicely
everything you know a lot of times
especially Italian guards you take a
seat out it looks like the Spaghetti
Factory it just wires all over the place
everything was in conduits everything
had a a screw with a cadum plated washer
locking it I mean it was such a pleasure
to take apart and fix and replace
because the Bentley's have a sort of a
lifetime battery in the seat but I've
been driving mine for 40 years so the
battery went out so you I had to replace
the battery not the motor and you have
to kind of open the case up and solder
it in and all that kind of stuff but
just the build quality of that was so
impressive and I'm still driving after
40 years so it it made me buy this one
because people may be surprised why
would I buy a Rolls horse I like single
Focus automobiles like with performance
cars it's performance but with luxury
cars it's luxury and this being electric
makes it just about the quietest
automobile you could you could possibly
imagine this is the definition of Road
hugging weight this thing's almost 6,500
lbs and a lot of that is insulation to
keep out the sound and you'll find out
when we driving just how quiet it is uh
let me bring a gentleman in who helped
me kind of spec this car Jerry SP Jerry
come on and you're our Rolls-Royce
representative hey Jay how you doing to
see pleasure to be here good to see you
you know it's interesting when I got
this I'd seen all different color
because I used to work for Rolls-Royce I
worked for Rolls-Royce when I worked for
the company in
6970 as a student they didn't transport
Cars the cars would come into Port
Elizabeth on a ship they would unload
them and they would be driven to
Philadelphia New York West Palm Beach
whatever and our dealership was in
Boston so IID go down and I would pick
up the cars and drive them up up the
coast and when the customer would say
why is this have 230 miles oh those are
road test miles not at the factory those
are make sure they you know but it's
just a 19-year-old kid in fact I'll tell
you Kind of a Funny
Story we had a lot of customers who like
to buy cars for cash in a bag okay so
one guy here's how long it was the most
expensive rollsroyce you could buy in
6970 was
$29,900 so this guy with taxes he bought
a corish one of the first cornes it was
$35,000 so I us to go down take it off
the boat clean it up a little bit
deliver to this guy get the $35,000 in
cash take a cab back to portal lith get
another rolls Ro and drive it up so
that's what I did so when I picked up
the second rolls Ro I was a young
comedian starting my career you know I
said boy I I want to go to one of the
clubs in New York see if I could do a
set you know so I drove to New York and
I pulled up in front of the club in a
Rolls-Royce and you who's this guy with
a Rolls-Royce I said can I go on he go
yeah you're sure sure I did I put the
the 35,000 in a bag on the piano I did
my set I had little my little tape
recorder told my jokes got big laughs
I'm so excited you know I got in the car
I'm driving listen to the tape all where
the laughs were and I hit the first toll
booth and K I go where's the bag I left
the bag on the piano with the 35 Grand
in it I turn the car around it back it's
now 1:00 in the morning I walk in the
clubs maybe half a dozen people drunk
sitting there a female singer and I see
the bag on the piano I go oh I forgot my
lunch forgot my lunch thank you put then
I start counting the money I go okay
sitting on 9th Avenue in a rollsroyce
counting $35,000 in a bag at 1:30 in the
morning that's not too bright either
said let me let me just I'll assume it's
all here but I would just be getting out
of jail now if that that bag had not
been there but it's just but that's
another whole story anyway Jay thanks
for coming here we go so where do we
start oh I I told you picking a color
don't do what I did I said let me call
the designers and see what they think is
the best so I go oh J it's the Morganite
it's like a pink with a lavender Trin
okay I don't want pink with so I got
black on black same as I did with my
Turbo R and I love it this is the
diamond black which fantastic color and
Jay it hasn't turned out too badly for
you has it from from the Rolls-Royce to
a Rolls-Royce good you know it was fun
with you working on colors because we
did kind of come in thinking about what
colors you would want do you want blue
do you want you know what it might be
but I at one point in our conversation
you said look I want something classic
black and what's beautiful is that the
design of Spectre with all these broad
planes on the Bonnet on the roof and the
the long lines it looks so it's just a
hot black car it looks really beautiful
well it looks like something Bruce Wayne
would drive as you're going through
Gotham you know it's look it looks like
a Concept Coupe that they would never
built and that's why I thought it was so
fascinating the fact that it has an
arrow of
0.25 right which is pretty amazing it's
truly a modern Rolls-Royce is what I
like about it it it's absolutely I mean
it's it's definitely a new look um you
know look I want I want to start out
with one thing when you talk about the
aerodynamics you know let's not forget
that we've spent time making it look
like a Rolls-Royce but it also has to be
a modern Rolls-Royce this is the first
Rolls-Royce to sport the new the newest
iteration of the spirit of ecstasy which
is only our second and believe it or not
she was redesigned to help provide that
0.25 aerodynamic the coefficient drag
this is the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce
that's ever been built yeah it's not a
hard you know it's not a high bar but
0.25 this is among the most aerodynamic
cars in the road for a car that is 18 ft
long you know over about 5et tall seven
more than seven feet wide that's uh
that's Quite a feat well the thing being
half Scotsman like like uh Jackie
Stewart I think what's the maintenance
going to be you know and on this I get
it in
2026 they want me to bring it in the
change the brake fluid that's it yeah
there's there's virtually no maintenance
even on an internal combustion on the
existing Rose R the maintenance is
included um but it's it's not that
complicated with it being electric you
have less you know you know you're right
you're the mechanic you know there's
less parts and less things to go wrong
uh yes you are going to have to take
care of uh you know your brakes uh you
want to make sure that everything's
lubricated and and working properly but
uh really what's great about Spectre is
just to come back to what you said is it
is absolutely a Rolls-Royce it's luxury
it's quiet it's a great car to drive I
love the fact that there are no choices
there's no track mode Comfort mode you
know I just want to drive you sometimes
just want to get in and drive a big
comfortable car you know I have a lot of
what my wife calls ow my hair cars you
know you're driving ow my hair just slow
down no close the window ow my hair you
know this is this is the perfect hair c
car take you take your day fine no
problem no problem yeah have you um have
you had chance to take it out with uh
four people actually use I haven't had
four people in it yet no no but because
it is a it's a real true four-seater
right you while it you know it has that
look of a Sleek Coupe um a lot of people
are comparing it at first look like if
we're not standing next to it you might
compare it and think uh wraith but when
you see the size and the you know it's
just the the mass of Spectre you realize
this is a big c it's actually the
spiritual successor to to the Phantom
Coupe you know what interesting I bought
it because it's this twodo Coupe which
is my favorite kind of car I love the
original Cornish TW door coupe and to my
generation two door coups were the
coolest when I talk to car dealers now
young people 40 and under they love
four-doors you know the four-door
charger with the big uh with the big
Hellcat motor in it right why get a
foror well it's easier get people well
that is true you get people you know or
even an SUV I like single persevere if
I'm gonna station wagon for that Coupe
for going out to dinner Sports cigor I
don't want one that does all of those
things I don't get cars like the
Lamborghini Urus or those kind of I just
I'd rather have proper Lamborghini or
and then get a station you know yeah and
there's something very romantic about
the line you have the coupe you've got
the Fastback here on Spectre you can see
there's a lot of romantic history in the
design of Spectre it's it's a very large
car it's a spiritual successor to the
Phantom Coupe but it has that beautiful
long line fast back and it really does I
remember when we were configuring your
car you you mentioned it it brought you
back particularly when you put it in
Black it brought you back to memories of
some beautiful cars whether they're in
the 30s and 50s well you know another
reason I bought this was I used to work
for Rolls-Royce and I was the lot boy
put on license plates doing all that
kind of stuff and I remember talking
David plastow was the president in those
days and I remember thinking I was
working with a bunch of guys they were
older than me and they did car detailing
and we would go to a rich guy's house
and detail his four or five cars rolls
Mercedes whatever I was like 19 I said
would it be great to be the guy that
owns the cars and they go what that's
never going to happen I go well I
couldn't wait what do you think you're
gon to I mean they couldn't even dream
about being successful and I thought
really I I mean it it just really I mean
they just ragged on me for weeks about
that yeah you think somay he's going to
I go why is that so impossible it's
America you know anything could happen
you know and that's why well you know
that owning a Rolls-Royce is for you is
something personal it's something you
wanted and what we find from a lot of
our other owners is that it's it's part
of something they wanted in their life
and there's no one reason you do it but
it is to celebrate success we have a lot
of people just starting off that are
very successful they they've they've hit
that achievement in their life they want
to celebrate it and you know
commissioning their Rolls-Royce is one
way of celebrating that see I wanted
black because I didn't want to look like
look at me I I me like when I tell I
have the hood I have the emblem down and
just kind of sneak in you know I don't
want I I I like it really for what it is
and the way it drives and what it
represents which is fun and I bought
this from Paul rusnik rusnik uh he's
probably well he's one of the oldest
dealers one of the earliest Porsche
dealers I bought my career at GT from
him right uh you know and when I you
know it's a real dealership cuz when I
got that car two mechanics come over
with the car in a flatbed showed me how
to service it how to do all these kind
of things would you're not going to get
at a Ferrari dealership or a lot of
these other ones you know and I thought
I was so impressed and I bought my Turbo
are there and I had his Service as for
the last 40 years and that's why I
bought this one and then Paul is still
around Paul is I don't think he Minds me
saying how old he is Paul you going to
be what 91 well I'm I am on my way to be
91 yeah I just celebrated my 90th we
went to his 90th birthday party yeah
thank you for coming to my 90th see him
going under that limbo bar it's just
unbelievable no it's it's a wonderful
all car car dealerships to be like you
because it it's just such a pleasure to
do it and you know the nice thing about
when you buy one of these you really
don't have the quality control problems
you don't get there's a little rattle in
the door we'll bring it in next week I
mean it it really goes through
inspection I mean yeah there're I know
there's stupid expensive I know that but
it it's to me when you love cars as much
as I do this is sort of the Pinnacle I
don't know where you go from here if you
want to rationalize you go well it's
half the price of McClaren honey we're
saving money it's half the price of the
other car another Reon that story I just
told about the guys picking on me for uh
thinking I could be successful one day
Paul's story is pretty interesting too
now you guys are refugees from what
country well I was born in
Czechoslovakia well I came uh as a
14-year-old yes right right so I mean
you absolutely nothing you you built
your business absolutely yeah yes and I
said you knew Max Hoffman yes I did now
Max Hoffman is the man who gave us the
Gullwing Mercedes uh the Porsche
Speedster the BMW 507 he was an American
car dealer who just loved European cars
and at the time nobody had heard of any
of those any of those Automobiles and
mercedesbenz did not want to build build
the Gullwing because they didn't think
anybody would buy it and Max said I'll