Black Badge Ghost Series II: Rolls-Royce’s Boldest Statement Yet

The Black Badge Ghost Series II represents the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce's bold innovation, merging cutting-edge performance with uncompromising luxury. As the most powerful and agile expression of the marque’s rebellious spirit, this latest iteration offers a daring vision for discerning clients who seek both unmatched craftsmanship and exhilarating performance
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Aaron Kelly

Motoring Editor at The Executive Magazine

The Black Badge Ghost Series II marks the latest evolution of Rolls-Royce’s most powerful and driver-focused creation. This motor car represents the ultimate expression of the brand’s disruptive alter ego, catering to the world’s most ambitious and bold luxury consumers. With meticulous attention to both performance and design, the Black Badge Ghost Series II offers a unique canvas for those seeking to personalise their vehicle with bespoke craftsmanship.

Striking Exterior Design

The exterior of the Black Badge Ghost Series II is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s commitment to both innovation and subtle grandeur. The design features the most significant styling updates seen in the Black Badge Ghost range, particularly in the lower grille area. This marks the first time the Ghost has received such a distinctive styling treatment. The grille incorporates two dark chrome strips that run along functional air ducts, framed by black chrome elements that exude technical precision. These design elements emphasise the verticality and strength of the Pantheon Grille, hinting at the potent V12 engine housed beneath.

The hallmark black chrome treatment, synonymous with Black Badge models, continues in this latest iteration. Iconic Rolls-Royce symbols, such as the Spirit of Ecstasy and the Badge of Honour, are given a darker, more enigmatic finish. For the first time, the door handles have also been treated with a black finish, creating a seamless noir effect that resonates with the brand’s most discerning clientele.

A Bold Wheel Design

Perhaps the most attention-grabbing feature of the Black Badge Ghost Series II’s exterior is the striking 22-inch part-polished, seven-spoke forged wheelset. This design, which draws inspiration from the technical complexity of the vehicle’s V12 engine and advanced chassis system, offers a window into the car’s immense power and dynamic capabilities. The slender geometry of the spokes allows for an unobstructed view of the high-performance disc brakes, subtly signalling the vehicle’s potential to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

A Refined Interior

Within the Black Badge Ghost Series II, the interior design adheres to Rolls-Royce’s unwavering commitment to luxury and refinement. The technical surfaces that define Black Badge models are discreetly integrated, offering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. A key highlight is the new Clock Cabinet, which features a black chrome analogue timepiece alongside an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. This striking combination reflects Rolls-Royce’s mastery of both traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

The Central Information Display has also been updated to incorporate Rolls-Royce’s advanced SPIRIT operating system, ensuring the latest in technological convenience is readily accessible to the driver.

Innovative Carbon Fibre Craftsmanship

The Black Badge Ghost Series II introduces an intricate new treatment of carbon fibre, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s innovative approach to materials. The interior features a technical carbon finish, with a diamond-shaped weave created from carbon and metallic fibres layered over a black Bolivar wood base. This three-dimensional effect is achieved through a painstaking process that includes hand-laying resin-coated carbon leaves and metallic threads. The final result is a visually striking surface that rewards close examination with its depth and complexity.

Clients who opt for the Immersive Seating option can further enhance their experience with the bespoke Black Badge family motif. Rendered in aerospace-grade aluminium, the infinity symbol is seamlessly integrated into the technical carbon finish, appearing to float within the lacquered surface. This detail exemplifies Rolls-Royce’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with artisanal craftsmanship.

Bespoke Materials and Craftsmanship

The Black Badge Ghost Series II offers clients an extensive array of bespoke materials, including the dramatic Duality Twill textile. This innovative rayon fabric, made from bamboo, was inspired by the bamboo groves near Sir Henry Royce’s former residence on the Côte d’Azur. The material can be embroidered with an intricate ‘Duality’ graphic, symbolising the marque’s iconic double-R motif. Each interior crafted from Duality Twill can involve up to 11 miles of thread and 2.2 million stitches, delivering a truly custom-tailored finish for the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients.

For those seeking an even more personalised touch, the Black Badge Ghost Series II offers Placed Perforation, a contemporary technique that allows for the creation of unique artworks through detailed perforations in the leather seats. This craftsmanship mimics the effect of shifting clouds, resulting in a sophisticated yet artistic visual experience.

Engineering Excellence

At the heart of the Black Badge Ghost Series II lies the marque’s formidable V12 engine, delivering 29PS more power and 50NM more torque than its predecessor. Rolls-Royce has carefully engineered the Black Badge Ghost Series II to offer an unparalleled driving experience, balancing raw power with effortless control. The Low button on the gear selection stalk unlocks the full suite of performance technologies, including a 50% increase in gearshift speeds when the throttle is engaged to 90%.

In keeping with Rolls-Royce’s dedication to delivering a smooth, ‘magic carpet ride’, the Black Badge Ghost Series II is equipped with the Black Badge Planar Suspension system. This advanced chassis technology ensures that even with its immense power, the motor car remains a refined and controlled driving experience. The braking system has also been enhanced to meet the demands of clients seeking a more potent expression of the Black Badge driving ethos.

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