Rolls-Royce has used the 2016 Geneva Motor Show to launch its new range of Black Badge cars for the Wraith and Ghost models. The two models from a raft of assertive upgrades, with more power and dark metal detailing in place of dazzling chrome. Rolls says the Black Badge Series is geared towards “the risk takers and disruptors who break the rules and laugh in the face of convention.”
The super luxury automobiles include a number of custom visual elements that will make a Black Badge Rolls stand out from the rest. The Spirit of Ecstasy figuring on the front of the bonnet now has a high-gloss black look, matching the new silver-on-black Double R badge on the front. A lot of chrome elements found front grille surround, boot lid finisher, and exhaust pipes have all darkened.
The cars also get a new composite carbon fiber – 22 layers folded back in the outer edge of the wheel – and alloy wheels, which took four years to develop.
Rolls-Royce says the black paint is the deepest, darkest black “ever seen on a production car surface.”
The interior has a new aluminum-threaded carbon fiber which is covered with six coats of lacquer, cured for 72 hours, and hand-polished. The interior color choices are blue (Wraith) and purple (Ghost).
Extra work was done under the hood also. The 6.6-litre V12 in each car benefits from a bit of extra shove. The Ghost is upped to 603 hp and 620lb ft, while the Wraith now has 623 hp and 642lb ft. Both cars also have sharper eight-speed automatic gearboxes, which operate through more responsive throttle pedals, while the Wraith gets an overhauled air suspension system, one which apparently provides both driver focus and a “magic carpet ride.”
[Photos: Bimmertoday]