Rolls-Royce has revealed Black Badge models of the Wraith and Ghost prior to their public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Described as the 'alter ego of Rolls-Royce Wraith and Ghost', the cars follow a darker theme with blacked out elements and mechanical upgrades to make the cars sportier.
The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine atop the grille is now finished in gloss black rather than chrome. Similarly, several pieces of exterior trim, including the Rolls-Royce badges, are black, while the car’s chromed surfaces take on a darker colour. The models sit on new composite carbonfibre alloy wheels with aluminium hubs.
Both models are coloured black. Rolls-Royce says it is taking the colour “to new levels of intensity” by using multiple layers of paint and hand polishing each panel. Both also feature automatic LED headlights. Inside, the cabin of the Black Badge cars features carbonfibre composite trim, darkened air vents, and a bespoke centre-piece clock.
Mechanically, while both cars carry forward the respective powertrains from the standard models, the power output for the Ghost’s 6.6-litre V12 has been bumped up to 595bhp and 85.71kgm – up by 39bhp and 6.1kgm. In the Wraith, the engine continues to develop 624bhp though torque has been increased to 88.76kgm. Both cars get a revised eight-speed automatic gearbox that now holds lower gear for a longer duration as well as downshifts more readily. Furthermore, both cars get a revised suspension and brakes while the Ghost also gets alterations to the steering setup along with new drive shafts.
The carmaker aims to target younger buyers with its Black Badge models with the company describing the two cars as “truly bespoke” models.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
