The Future, but in Tweed
Halcyon, a British outfit dedicated to preserving old-world charm while cramming in new-world technology, has unveiled its latest creation—a fully electric Rolls-Royce Corniche. If that sounds like sacrilege, do bear with me, because this isn’t just some hapless lump of batteries lobbed into a classic car. It’s an 800-volt, 500 bhp, 900 Nm symphony of silent propulsion that might just have the late Charles Rolls raising a quizzical eyebrow from beyond the grave.
At the heart of this remastered Corniche is a choice of two battery packs: 77 kWh or 94 kWh. The smaller one is good for over 320 km, while the larger one will take you beyond 400 km before requiring a rendezvous with a charging station. This, you may note, is on par with the brand-new Rolls-Royce Spectre—a car that is rather more modern in shape, but arguably no more graceful.
Effortless Progress, Electronically Enhanced
Despite the Corniche’s stately appearance, the performance figures are properly brisk. With either 400 or 500 bhp sent exclusively to the rear wheels, it moves along with a level of determination that old-school owners would probably call “uncouth” but is rather fun all the same. Halcyon has also given it an active suspension system, which, combined with three drive modes—Drive, Spirited, and Touring—ensures that even the most spirited chauffeur can tailor their experience to the occasion.
And if one were to take a peek under the metaphorical bonnet (as there’s no actual bonnet business to attend to here), one would find the fingerprints of some rather serious engineering types. Halcyon has worked with Evice Technologies, bringing in people with backgrounds at Formula 1, Rivian, and the rather loony McMurtry Automotive. So, while this might look like a classic Corniche, it is far cleverer than any Rolls-Royce of yesteryear.
Looks the Part, Feels the Part
Of course, an electric Rolls-Royce is only a good idea if it still looks and feels like a Rolls-Royce. To that end, Halcyon insists on a painstaking 1000-hour restoration process for each car. The chrome bumpers are handmade, the headlights have been subtly modernized, and inside, the mission has been to integrate modern conveniences without spoiling the traditional aesthetic. There’s cruise control, climate control, electric seats, and a stealthily hidden high-end sound system with Apple CarPlay, because even the most devoted traditionalists need to stream their Beethoven.
The Price of Progress
Now, here’s the bit that might cause a bit of sharp intake of breath: the cost. At roughly Rs 4.15 crore (or $500,000 if you insist on dealing in dollars), this is no budget conversion job. That said, it is the same price as a well-specced Spectre, and crucially, it is a Corniche—one of the most achingly elegant motor cars ever built, now brought into the 21st century without the risk of oil stains on the drive.
There is, however, a catch. You must provide a donor car, meaning you either need to already own a Corniche or go hunting for one in the classifieds. Once that hurdle is cleared, Halcyon will set about working its magic, with deliveries beginning in 2026. Just 60 of these remastered masterpieces will be made, which, in the grand scheme of things, is rather fewer than Rolls-Royce’s own electric offerings.
