2016 Geneva Motor Show: Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge unveiled
Rolls Royce has unveiled the Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show. Created by the Bespoke division of Rolls Royce, the Black Badge editions cater to a more modern generation of customers. The Black Badge editions get new design elements and material accents that set it apart from the standard variants.
The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine hasn't been altered in terms of design, posture or material. But, on both Black Badge editions it will come coated in a high-gloss black colour. Additionally, chrome surfaces like the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes will also receive a black colour treatment. Every Rolls Royce Ghost Black Badge and Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge will come equipped with carbon fibre alloys. The company says they have been developed over four years, feature 22 layers of carbon fibre in three axes which are folded at the outer edge of the rim to provide 44 layers of strength.
On every Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge commissioned, each layer of paint and lacquer will be hand polished multiple times to ensure that the end result is the darkest black colour on a production car, says the company. However, like any Rolls Royce model, customers will have the choice of specifying the colours they want for the exterior and interior leather on their Ghost Black Badge or Wraith Black Badge.
The air vents on the dash and in the rear of these models will be darkened by using a physical vapour deposition technique. This is one of the few ways to colour metal while ensuring that the parts will neither discolour nor tarnish over time.
The Ghost Black Badge retains the 6.6 litre V12 engine but it has been tuned to deliver a higher 603PS of power and 840Nm of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission has also been updated to ensure faster responses to driver inputs. The suspension and steering have also been updated, while the new drive shafts, ensure that the Ghost Black Badge continues to deliver a luxurious ride.
Even the Wraith Black Badge retains the 6.6 litre V12 engine which makes 623PS of power. However, it now produces more torque at 870Nm. Its 8-speed automatic transmission meanwhile, has been updated to handle the extra torque. It also gets a redesigned air-suspension set up and new drive shafts.
Rolls-Royce has upgraded the brakes of both Black Badge models by increasing the diameter of the front brake discs by one inch. The Wraith Black Badge is now equipped with automatic LED headlights.