When the Rolls-Royce Spectre was first revealed in 2023, the event was held in the glorious Napa Valley. Credit to the planners because that patch of paradise just north of San Francisco was an esteemed choice. Plenty of rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, and an abundance of fine wine: What more would you need to launch a Rolls-Royce? But the location was also symbolic. Napa Valley was the spot where New World wines first rose to prominence and were at last viewed as ‘on par’ with the Old World fine wines of Europe. Napa’s enviable terroir represents the changing of the guard, an era of transition, a place for progress.
Enter onto the scene, the fabled British marque’s most recent incantation, Black Badge Specter, which didn’t have a major launch event on the scale of the original Specter. However, having spent an afternoon driving one, I have a suggestion. Pitched as the alter ego of the original Spectre, the Black Badge variant would be at home on the dusty orange surface of the red planet, set to the tune of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, Mars, the Bringer of War.
If the original Specter is a 10, the purpose of Black Badge is to nudge things up a notch to 11. Think new exterior finishes, heightened interior detailing, and marginally improved performance figures that technically make Black Badge Spectre the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
Black Badge is not for everyone. Those seeking that classic, refined luxury that Rolls-Royce has forged its reputation on over the years would perhaps be better served by one of their standard models, although it feels sacrilege to describe any Rolls-Royce as standard.
But for those looking for something a little bolder, with a bit more grit and a devil-may-care attitude, the Black Badge Spectre is the way to go.
[See also: Driving the Fourth-Generation Bentley Continental GT Speed]
The Black Badge Factor
Rolls-Royce Black Badge variants can be defined by two characteristics. An increase in performance, and bolder more dramatic looks.
When Black Badge Spectre was in development, the British Marque contacted a number of Black Badge clients and asked them if Rolls-Royce engineers could take a look at their driving data. The aim was to analyse the driving behaviour of a Black Badge driver over hundreds of thousands of collective miles. When the results came in, they discovered that Black Badge drivers regularly exerted the maximum power from their vehicles, but usually only for small bursts, as opposed to extended periods. This intel allowed drive terrain specialists to tweak Black Badge Spectre and optimise the ride and feel for the typical Black Badge owner.
Focusing on performance, Black Badge Spectre arrives with two additions, both of which have never been seen in a Rolls-Royce before. The first is Infinity Mode, which is activated with a push of the infinity symbol on the steering wheel, ups the power to the full 659 hp and makes the throttle a little more responsive, tightening up the drive a little. This performance boost takes its inspiration from the Supermarine Spitfire, which contained a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and also featured a burst of extra power when required at the push of a button.
The second performance innovation is Spirited Mode, or as the rest of the world calls it, Launch Control. And that’s no dig at Rolls-Royce, far from it. I love the way Rolls-Royce takes common features, puts its own spin on things, and arrives at something completely unique. In some sense, that is the whole point of Black Badge Spectre. To activate Spirited Mode, when stationary, the driver depresses both the brake and accelerator at the same time. The Black Badge Spectre then begins to hum and vibrate a little, and when the break is fully lifted it shoots off in a straight line, traveling from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, aided by boosted levels of torque that hit around 1075 Nm.
The Look
While the boost in performance is a significant part of the Black Badge offering, for many Black Badge drivers, it’s the increased levels of customisation that seal the deal.
Black Badge Spectre was first revealed in the all-new Vapour Violet finish, a colourway that takes its inspiration from the neon-infused club culture of the 80s and 90s. Not exactly a cultural moment that immediately exudes Rolls-Royce, but then that is the entire point of Black Badge.
Owners can also choose the new painted Iced Black hood, allowing a contrast two-tone effect when combined with any of Rolls-Royce’s 44,000 color options. Or if you just can’t find your shade, why not develop a bespoke hue that’s completely exclusive to you.
The wheels are also elevated arriving in a brand new 23 inch five-spoke forged aluminum design, finished in either part polished or all black.
However, perhaps the most defining Black Badge feature is that all the classic Rolls-Royce brightwork is features a signature dark finish. So the iconic Pantheon Grille, Spirit of Ecstasy and double ‘R’ badge all come in black.
Top Secret
An exclusive group of valued Rolls-Royce clients received a Spectre Black Badge, long before it was initially launched.
Zero to Infinity
A press of the infinity mode button on the steering wheel provides the maximum power and tightens up the throttle responsiveness.
Unriveld Power
Black Badge Spectre is officially the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history producing both 659 hp and 1075Nm of torque.
At Home in the Club
The all-new Vapour Violet color is inspired by the neon emblazoned club scene of the '80s and '90s.
The Interior
Not to be outdone by Black Badge Spectre’s ravishing exterior, the interior is also pulling its weight. Suitably daring, the Illuminated Fascia includes the infinity symbol, which is now synonymous with Black Badge iterations.
The inside also includes a complex Technical Fiber surface finish. A diamond-shaped weave, comprised of both carbon and fine metal thread, that is laid on top of a black wooden base. This is all done by hand. The feature is then cured, sandblasted and sealed with six layers of lacquer to create an unmatched finish.
There is even a level of customization when it comes to the buttons. Instrument dials can be altered between five colors: Vivid Grellow, Neon Nights, Cyan Fire, Ultraviolet and Synth Wave, creating a level of homology between the car’s physical and digital personality.
The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre starts at $400,000
