New Black Badge Spectre Debuts as Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever
The Rolls-Royce Spectre became the first EV to wear the Spirit of Ecstasy, and now it’s adding a Black Badge model that makes it the most powerful car ever sold by the 121-year-old British luxury automaker.
Instead of the standard Spectre’s 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, customers will enjoy 650 hp and up to 793 lb-ft of torque by activating the Infinity mode using the “∞” button on the steering wheel. At the same time, the digital gauges become more vibrant to match the change in the car’s character.
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Meanwhile, the Spirited mode operates as a launch control feature. Drivers need to depress the brake pedal and throttle simultaneously, then release the former when a haptic and visual response signals the car is ready. With torque being fully amplified, the Black Badge Spectre accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, or three tenths of a second quicker than usual.
The chassis specialists at Rolls-Royce have made several key changes to account for the extra power including enhanced dampers, firmer steering and recalibrated roll stabilization, which results in flatter and more stable handling. A select group of customers were given access to the Black Badge Spectre before its official introduction, and their response was emphatically positive, the company said. Shocker.
According to Natural Resources Canada, maximum range is 428 km or 404 km depending on wheel size (22 or 23 inches). This is slightly down from 446 km or 407 km with the non-Black Badge model.
Darker Looks With a Retro Twist
The Black Badge Spectre makes its global debut in a new Vapour Violet paint finish inspired by the neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture. There are more than 44,000 other “prêt-à-porter” colours to choose from, not to mention the bespoke hues Rolls-Royce can create upon request. An Iced Black finish adorns the plate around the front grille, complementing many more dark accents throughout the body in typical Black Badge fashion.
Gorgeous new 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminium wheels are available, either with a part-polished or all-black finish. They’ll even come with a set of winter tires if customers ask for it.
A new illuminated grille backplate has been introduced, with colour-matched illumination for the newly developed Black Badge treadplates inside. Elsewhere, the Piano Black fascia on the dashboard comprises over 5,500 "stars" of varying proportions and intensity. The Infinity symbol can be found on it, as well as on the leather-clad section that separates the rear seats.
As for the price, if you have to ask…
