Black Badge Cullinan Blue Shadow Takes Rolls-Royce's SUV To The Edge Of Space

May. 31, 2023 7:00 AM ET by Anthony Capretto Special Editions / 2 Comments

Inspired by the 62-mile high Karman Line space barrier, this could be one of the coolest Rolls-Royce special editions ever.

Limited edition inspired by the Karman Line - which separates Earth's atmosphere from space
Only 62 examples; already sold out
Starlight Headliner features an embroidered moon and bespoke blue-and-white constellations
3D printed Spirit of Ecstacy in Titanium with a blue lacquer on top

Rolls-Royce has unveiled a highly limited run of Cullinans that are out of this world, or at least close to it. The Black Badge Cullinan 'Blue Shadow' Private Collection is inspired by the Karman Line: the invisible line 62 miles above the Earth's surface used to denote where Earth ends and space begins. Inside and out, the models will be inspired by space and earth through artwork, exclusive new paint, and even a one-of-a-kind Starlight Headliner that truly takes starlight to the next level.

Only 62 examples will be made, and unsurprisingly every one of them has already been spoken for. Black Badge models blend bespoke design with a darkened style and performance to back it up. The Karman Line represents the point where Earth's blue fades to black silently, invoking a profound sense of awe and inspiration that Rolls-Royce will channel into each vehicle.

Starting on the exterior, the model wears a one-of-a-kind shade called Stardust Blue which attempts to capture the dark blue color of the upper atmosphere. Space travel is a common motif throughout the model, with design elements like a finish inspired by the one found on the Space Shuttle on the grille and bumper inserts and a 3D printed Spirit of Ecstacy in Titanium with a blue lacquer on top. The Black Badge infinity logo and 'Blue Shadow' Private Collection name are inscribed on the figurine's base in Charles Blue, and finally, the wheels have now been darkened with a translucent lacquer.

The inside is where the real magic happens, though. The fascia and door panels are the first things you notice, wearing a paint job that tries to recreate the blue-black transition found at the Karman Line. Using six layers of paint and finished in a clear coat incorporating blue and clear glass particles, the items now have a three-dimensional effect that draws your eyes until you look up.

The company's Starlight Headliner is so good, it's hard to believe it can be improved, but Rolls Royce has found a way. An intricate embroidery composed of 250,000 stitches creates a gorgeous image of the moon surrounded by stars in impressive detail. 799 of the stars are white and 384 are blue, each one hand placed in a process that takes two days. It's a view fit for Major Tom, though we also think he'll get a kick out of the seats.

The bespoke leather seats now feature a pattern inspired by the view of Earth from space, utilizing two different tiny perforations that are meant to conjure up images of the world's landmasses and oceans covered in swirling clouds. Each seat is made up of 75,000 perforations each individually placed on all four chairs along with the picnic table backs as well.

The tables are finished in piano black veneer with a glass sparkle finish and an ingrained polished aluminum text that reads, "The Blue Shadow occurs at the outer extremes of our world, affording an extraordinary perspective, and the ability to touch the stars."

Finally, just receiving the vehicle itself wouldn't be enough, so the company has created a Bespoke line of accessories for them as well, including a car cover that features the seat pattern, unique luggage that mimics the vehicle's colorway, and even a 1:8 scale replica model that comes complete with fully functioning lighting and doors.

There's no mentioning how much the special edition vehicles cost, but the fact they're all already spoken for before the press release went out means if you have to ask, you couldn't afford it anyway.

Either way, this is far classier than recent design efforts from Mercedes-Maybach.