Currently reading: New Rolls-Royce Black Badge models revealed before the Geneva motor show

Modified versions of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Wraith are designed to appeal to younger buyers, and offer increased levels of personalisation

Rolls-Royce will offer a new range of upgrades for its Rolls-Royce Ghost and Rolls-Royce Wraith models, which it hopes will appeal to a younger generation of buyers. The cars will be on display for the first time at the Geneva motor showThe new 'Black Badge' models are described as being “truly bespoke".

Revealing the line-up, Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Otvos said: “Today, I am announcing that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will create a permanent bespoke series of motor cars for a group of young, driven, self-made people that will make a bold and edgy lifestyle statement about their lives.

“In an unprecedented collaboration with these new customers, Rolls-Royce has confidently created Black Badge, the ultimate in pure luxury style and engineering substance. Technically and aesthetically, Black Badge is the alter ego of Rolls-Royce Wraith and Ghost: darker, more assertive, more confident and powerful, and more demanding. With Black Badge we have created the most powerful presence on the luxury landscape. It is a truly transformative moment for our great brand.”

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Thr first thing that's noticeably different about the two models is the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, which is finished in black gloss. Similarly, several pieces of exterior trim, including the Rolls-Royce badges, are black, while the car’s chromed surfaces take on a darker hue. The models sit on new composite carbonfibre alloy wheels with aluminium hubs.

Unsurprisingly, both models are painted black. Rolls-Royce says it is taking the colour “to new levels of intensity” by using multiple layers of paint and hand polishing each panel. Both also feature automatic LED headlights. 

Inside, the cabins of the Black Badge cars feature carbonfibre composite trim, darkened air vents and a bespoke centre-piece clock.

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While both cars keep their original engines, power from the Ghost’s 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 has been increased by 39bhp to 595bhp, and torque is up to 620lb ft - an increase of 44lb ft. The car’s eight-speed automatic transmission also receives a more sporting set-up that allows the Ghost to hold on to lower gears for longer, and change down more readily than before.

Other changes to Ghost Black Badge models include steering and suspension set-up alterations, including new drive shafts. Rolls-Royce says the new model “continues to deliver the most luxurious ride, with just that little bit of extra driver focus.”

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The Wraith Black Badge keeps its 624bhp V12 engine, but gets an increase in torque to 642lb ft. It gets redesigned air suspension, new drive shafts and the same performance-inspired upgrades to the eight-speed auto’ box.

The brakes of both Black Badge models have also been upgraded, with larger front brake discs. 

Read our full review on the opulent coupé-shaped Rolls-Royce Wraith

Read more Geneva motor show news

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80sXS 10 March 2016

Target market?

Aimed solely at the Rich Kids of Instagram.
avantus 3 March 2016

Hey RR....

Hey RR....

It's Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney this coming weekend. I think you missed a major opportunity with the black Spirit of Ecstasy... You could have launched a rainbow coloured transvestite ecstasy on the bonnet instead.

So disappointed in you..

avantus 3 March 2016

Hey RR....

Hey RR....

It's Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney this coming weekend. I think you missed a major opportunity with the black Spirit of Ecstasy... You could have launched a rainbow coloured transvestite ecstasy on the bonnet instead.

So disappointed in you..