Bonnet jewellery gets smaller for future Rolls-Royce EVs.

One of the world’s most recognisable bonnet ornaments has shrunk.

For 111 years (yes, that’s cricket Nelson), Rolls-Royce vehicles have featuredthe Spirit of Ecstasy. A female figurine distinguishing these, most British luxury cars from their rivals.

For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has been a status symbol and mark of distinction. But when it first appeared, the notion of automotive aerodynamics could not benefit from wind tunnel awareness of computer-aided design.

Rolls-Royce has reshaped its bonnet ornament in a world where aerodynamic drag has become an important issue. Mercedes-Benz realised that a three-pointed star created too much drag some time ago. Not to mention the issue of pedestrian crash safety being compromised by an encircled star in the middle of the bonnet.

Although Mercedes-Benz flattened its three-pointed star from a 3D structure to a 2D badge in 2008, Rolls Royce is keen to retain the Spirit of Ecstasy badge. In addition to a remote control feature, which folds the bonnet ornament away, reducing the issue of aerodynamic drag at speed, engineers at Rolls-Royce have redesigned it to have a smaller profile when owners decide to drive their carswith the Spirit of Ecstasy visible.

The new bonnet ornament is smaller, with a crouched stance. Beyond its reduced surface area, the figure’s robes (often confused with wings), have been reprofiled into a smoother, more aerodynamic shape.

When will followers of the Rolls-Royce brand, see the slimmer Spirit of Ecstasy? The company’s internal combustion vehicles won’t be using it, soon. But it will become standard fitment on all future electric-powertrain Rolls-Royces, the first of which should enter the market in 2023.

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