Rolls-Royce Black Badge: The Ghost & Wraith move to the ‘Dark Side’

[nggallery id=2292 template=customlinks]

The Rolls-Royce Black Badge has been introduced at the Geneva Motor Show as a darker side to the Ghost and Wraith with more power and dark trim.

Rolls-Royce cars were always cars to be driven in, rather than to drive, but under BMW’s stewardship of the iconic British brand there has been more emphasis on driving fun, especially for the Ghost and Wraith.

Now Rolls Royce are taking that a step further with the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Series, which sees the Ghost and Wraith getting a ‘Dark’ makeover and some fettling of the oily bits to create a new range of cars that are somewhat akin to Bentley’s Speed models.

RR has taken the ‘Black’ bit of the new badge to heart and removed pretty much all that glitters, replacing it with dark detailing, and even the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet has gone gloss black.

A special Black Badge paint job offers the blackest of black shades with extra layers of lacquer, but buyers will be able to option pretty much what they, and their pockets, can cope with.

Inside, the Ghost and Wraith get a rather in your face look, with some very bright leathers contrasting against the overwhelmingly dark detailing, with the traditional wood replaced by aluminium threaded carbon composite.

RR hasn’t settled just for a cosmetic makeover for the new Black Badge cars, as the Ghost gets an extra 40bhp from its 6.6 litre V12, bringing it to 603bhp, and the Wraith – which already has 623bhp – gets an extra 52lb/ft of the twisty stuff.

Torsten Müller-Ötvö, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

Today, I am announcing that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will create a permanent Bespoke series of motor cars for a group of young, driven, self-made people that will make a bold and edgy lifestyle statement about their lives.

‘Black Badge’ is the alter ego of Rolls-Royce Wraith and Ghost; darker, more assertive, more confident and powerful, and more demanding. With Black Badge we have created the most powerful presence on the luxury landscape. It is a truly transformative moment for our great brand.

Rolls Royce is getting down with the (very rich) kids.