THE ALTER EGO OF A GHOST
Rolls-Royce has taken inspiration from ‘restless spirits’ like Charles Rolls, Sir Malcolm Campbell and Muhammed Ali to create a new expression of the marque: glamorous, daring, and distinctive. The Black Badge models are the alter ego of Rolls-Royce, its darker side. In place of sparkling silver comes a deep, rich black for the Spirit of Ecstasy and the iconic Double R badge. Other chrome surfaces, such as the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes, also feature a high-gloss dark finish. Reflecting the mood – and cutting unsprung weight – are new, lightweight, composite carbon fibre wheels with aircraft-grade bonded aluminium hubs. Inside, surfaces are covered with aluminium-threaded carbon fibre, a new super-luxury material in place of traditional veneers. Air vents on the dash and in the rear are darkened using Physical Vapour Deposition, to ensure they last as long and look as good as their chrome counterparts. The upholstery in black leather is complemented by Tailored Purple trim, while the black starlight headlining enhances the nocturnal mood.
A MAGIC CARPET RIDE
Ghost Black Badge is created for high achievers in a hurry, and they’ll find the 6.6 litre V12 engine delivers effortless, exhilarating power. Subtle engineering modifications raise power by 40hp to 603hp, while torque is also given a significant 60Nm increase to 840Nm. Brakes are uprated for more positive pedal feel, while Intuitive Throttle Response and upgrades to the 8-speed transmission achieve a transformation in character, holding gears for longer and downshifting more eagerly.
The Ghost Black Badge still provides a magic carpet ride, as a Rolls-Royce should, but a harder-edged side to its character is just a flexed throttle foot away. Owners of powerful sports cars may be startled into a double-take; this is a Ghost with a touch more driver focus, and proof that you don’t need glitter, glitz or sparkle to take centre stage.