Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg mostly wears plain, entirely ordinary t-shirts. He claims that this allows him to direct his energy to matters of importance since his wardrobe remains simple, straightforward, and blends in with the crowd. The new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost is not the car for Facebook's founder.
Last week, Rolls-Royce teased a special Black Badge version of the Ghost sedan that would be revealed today. As promised, the covers have now come off this special sedan. Officially called the Black Badge Ghost, the car features a more powerful V12 engine, unique interior appointments, and a retuned chassis and drivetrain for more responsive performance. Black Badge, of course, is the brand's alter ego and showcases a darker, naughtier side of the traditionally conservative marque. It's for the individualist, not Zuckerberg types. Already, over 27 percent of Rolls-Royce's global commissions are for Black Badge models.
"Today, we announce a product that represents a new kind of Black Badge motor car, one that seizes on the minimalist, Post Opulent design treatment that has recast the legend of the Ghost but amplifies and subverts it with the application of black," said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Our most advanced motor car yet has been reengineered to characterize the alter ego of Rolls-Royce: assertive, dynamic, and potent."
To that end, the Black Badge Ghost has an uprated 6.75-liter V12 that now produces 591 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The V12's power reserves have been enhanced with special tuning for the transmission and throttle. In Low Mode, gearshift speeds are increased by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%.
Despite an unladen weight of nearly 5,500 pounds, the Black Badge Ghost is capable of reaching 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. Rolls-Royce has tinkered with the underpinnings for a sharper drive as well. For instance, more voluminous air springs have been used to reduce body roll.
All of these would mean very little if the Black Badge Ghost wasn't an appealing machine to look at and experience, even when it is stationary. Clients have a mighty task ahead of them in this area, though, as there are 44,000 colors to choose from. However, many Black Badge customers have chosen the signature Black, often contrasted with neon shades.
A darkened finish for the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament and the Pantheon grille, along with 21-inch composite wheels, are used. Brake calipers finished in any number of luminous colors combine perfectly with dark paintwork to create a strikingly sinister effect.
Inside, it's as opulent and excessive as one would expect from a Rolls-Royce. Multiple wood layers, a bespoke weave with a deep diamond pattern in carbon and metallic fibers, and up to six lacquer layers remind you where your money has gone. The Technical Fiber 'Waterfall' section between the rear individual seats contains the Black Badge family motif. It's a mathematical symbol representing infinity and is rendered in aerospace-grade aluminum.
The minimalist Black Badge Ghost timepiece has a chrome finish, and it's surrounded by the illuminated fascia with over 850 stars. The beautiful Starlight Headliner is another tranquil touch that you won't find in any other car, unless it's a Phantom. One could go into exhaustive detail highlighting each element of this jaw-dropping interior, but the pictures speak for themselves.
As usual, Rolls-Royce has not indicated pricing for the Black Badge Ghost. That's probably because each car will be unique and, therefore, carry a unique price tag too. But considering the regular Ghost starts at over $300,000, this is likely a $400k car.