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Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II
Black chrome accentuates the exterior
In keeping with the Black Badge name, each exterior component is finished in beautiful, hand-polished black chrome.
Rolls-Royce’s performance series, “Black Badge.” The “Black Badge Ghost Series II” debuted in conjunction with the announcement of the Ghost Series II, an improved version of the second-generation Ghost. It features a modest yet impactful exterior design. The lower grille features exclusive styling, a first for the Black Badge Ghost.
The new lower brake air intake features two vertical dark chrome strips that run across the functional air ducts, surrounded by a technical black chrome frame, which emphasises the robust presence of the Pantheon grille.
The iconic Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, Pantheon Grille, and Badge of Honor on the side sections continue to feature a black chrome finish. A special chrome electrolyte has been introduced into the chrome plating process, which involves immersing the stainless steel base material, resulting in a more beautiful finish.
Each dark-finished component is meticulously hand-polished to achieve a mirror-like black finish, and for the first time on Black Badge Ghost, even the door handles feature a black finish.
The car is fitted with newly designed 22-inch 7-spoke forged alloy wheels with a partially polished finish. The wheels are designed to resemble the mechanical V12 engine, reducing the visual mass and thinning the spokes, giving the impression of the disc brakes located deep within.
A Rolls-Royce for Owner-Drivers
The Black Badge Ghost Series II boasts a more powerful power unit than the Ghost Series II and a specially tuned chassis, making it even more appealing as a driver’s car.
The 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine has a maximum output of 29 PS and a maximum torque of 50 Nm, which is higher than the Ghost Series II. As with all Black Badge models, pressing the “Low” button on the shift lever increases gear change speed by 50% when the throttle is depressed to 90%, and the exhaust system volume is increased, making it a special performance model.
To fully utilize the increased power, the car is equipped with a dedicated “Black Badge Planar Suspension System.” As with Ghost Series II, a unique upper wishbone damper unit is incorporated into the upper part of the front suspension assembly. This works in conjunction with continuously variable electronically controlled shock absorbers and a self-leveling air strut assembly to provide Rolls-Royce’s unique “Magic Carpet Ride” in any driving environment.
“The brake bite point has been raised and pedal travel reduced, a change that was made in response to requests from Black Badge customers. Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said of the Black Badge Ghost Series II:
“To be a true House of Luxury, we strive to meet the demands of our customers and the Black Badge range represents the most daring and confident driving experience in the Rolls model range.”
“Black Badge Ghost responds to customer demand for uncompromising, powerful engine performance and chassis agility from the driver’s seat. In addition to the powerful engine performance, Black Badge Ghost Series II features more powerful, technical design treatments and an updated interior. We believe this car will appeal to owner-drivers more than ever before.”
Dark and technical interior
In contrast to the luxurious interior of the Ghost Series II, the Black Badge Ghost Series II uses technical materials such as carbon fiber to give it a sporty and cool look, befitting a driver’s car.
Like the exterior, the interior also adopts a dark, technical expression. The newly designed clock cabinet houses an analogue clock and an illuminated “Spirit of Ecstasy” statue, and opts for a black chrome finish rather than the usual mirror finish. The clock cabinet is located alongside the central information display, which integrates the latest “SPIRIT” operating system.
A technical carbon finish runs from the lower glass fascia through to the entire interior. Rolls-Royce artisans devised an intricate yet subtle diamond-shaped weave of carbon and metal fibre on a base of black Bolivar wood. Resin-coated carbon and a woven leaf pattern made from contrasting metal-coated yarn are hand-laid alongside the diamond pattern to create a three-dimensional effect.
When the immersive seating and center console are combined, the waterfall section separating the rear reclining seats from the champagne cooler can also feature the Infinity symbol, a motif characteristic of the Black Badge family. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, the Infinity symbol is applied between the third and fourth layers of the six-layer colored lacquer, giving the symbol the appearance of being raised.
Precisely placed perforations
The seats can also be fitted with “placed perforations” featuring unique artwork, such as a photograph depicting the changing cloud formations and shadows above the Rolls-Royce headquarters.
“Placed Perforation” is also available, which creates unique artwork by creating small holes in the seat leather. Placed perforation creates a sense of depth by varying the size of the holes, allowing for the creation of intricate, three-dimensional graphics.
The pattern, pictured, is inspired by the changing cloud formations and shadows above the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood and is made up of up to 107,000 0.8mm and 1.2mm perforations.
To achieve the dark metal interior, an advanced technology called physical vapor deposition was used to strengthen the dashboard and rear cabin speaker grilles and vents, ensuring they will not discolor or deteriorate over time, even with repeated use, extreme temperatures, or exposure to light.
