Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Adds Sport Mode
Sleek, Bold and Surprisingly Youthful
While the original Spectre debuted in 2022, the Black Badge version brings a daring edge. Its commanding presence remains with a long silhouette, wide stance, and a fastback rear. But with this edition, Rolls-Royce appears to target a younger, sportier demographic—those who prefer to be behind the wheel rather than chauffeured.
Our test vehicle came dressed in a striking Salamanca Blue exterior, paired with a Mandarin Orange interior. While vibrant colors are typical for sports cars, they're rarely seen in the Rolls-Royce world—unless, of course, it's a Black Badge model. Custom features included contrast stitching, navy blue 'RR' headrest monograms, a thick blue steering wheel, and polished steel accents.
The most luxurious touch? A $33,000 illuminated package featuring the brand's Shooting Star Headliner and the first-ever Starlight Doors, elevating the night driving experience to something celestial.
Infinity Mode Unlocks Full Power
The Black Badge Spectre introduces Infinity Mode, which acts like a traditional sport mode. By activating it through a button on the steering wheel, the driver unlocks the car's full 659 horsepower, an increase of 82 horsepower over the base Spectre. While the driving feel doesn't shift drastically, the throttle becomes sharper and the instrument cluster takes on a more aggressive visual tone.
Spirited Mode Launches a New Experience
Even more surprising is the addition of Launch Control, known here as Spirited Mode. To activate it, the driver presses the brake and floors the accelerator. The car shudders in anticipation, providing a thrilling moment before launch. Upon releasing the brake, all 792 lb-ft of torque explodes onto the pavement, sending the 3-ton coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Executing this move not once, but twice during our drive, we were amazed. Not only at the performance—but at what it signifies: a Rolls-Royce that performs like a sleeper sports car, while still delivering uncompromising luxury.
For the Few Who Can Afford It
The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is a bespoke creation, available only by special order. Our test model carried a staggering price tag of $566,100 USD. But for clients seeking elegance, individuality, and now—unexpected performance—it represents a new frontier for the marque.
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Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Car review: The 2025 Ghost Series II Black Badge is a mobile fortress of solitude
For those who've made it — or are on their way — few cars reflect success like a Rolls-Royce. While the marque offers special editions for every kind of buyer, it's the dark-themed Black Badge variant that appeals to those seeking a more dynamic experience. We had the rare opportunity to pilot the 2025 Ghost Series II Black Badge and found there's no shortage of talking points. Allow us to elaborate. DESIGN & AESTHETICS Rolls-Royce cars have never been subtle — their sheer size commands presence, filling both the lane and your field of vision. The new Series II stretches over 5.5 metres, keeping with that tradition. Previously built on BMW's CLAR platform (shared with the 7 Series), the Ghost now rides on Rolls-Royce's bespoke Architecture of Luxury platform, also used by its larger siblings. Upfront, the iconic Pantheon grille is now backlit with 20 LEDs, flanked by almost-rectangular headlamps that mark the beginning of its long bonnet. The profile remains elegant, tapering to the rear where slimmer taillights with vertical elements now reside. Despite its size, the Ghost feels refined in its design. With smoother surfaces, a visual fluidity has been endowed to these hard metal elements. The Black Badge Ghost reveals Rolls-Royce's darker, more assertive side — it's Venom to Spider-Man. It debuts a unique lower grille and redesigned air intakes. Signature black chrome darkens the Spirit of Ecstasy, grille, badges, and door handles, and it sits on Black Badge –specific 22-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that dramatically expose the disc brakes and bold yellow callipers. But the interior is even more of a spectacle, with every inch a masterclass in personalised luxury, where even the smallest details are thoughtfully considered. Entry and exit at the rear are handled even more gracefully than the front, thanks to wide-opening, rear-hinged coach doors. Press a discreet button and a full-size umbrella emerges. Press another and the doors close on their own — an electronic chaperone. The cabin feels extraordinarily spacious. The rear is designed primarily for two, but an optional three-seat arrangement is available, along with rear privacy glass to keep out prying eyes. Our test example featured striking yellow-and-black leather upholstery, enhanced by up to 107,000 laser-checked perforations forming cloud-inspired, eye-catching 3D patterns. Below, a deep-pile lambswool carpet invites your feet to sink in, while above, the signature Shooting Star Headliner dazzles with hundreds of tiny LEDs. In the driver's space, you get a view of the classic structured dashboard, and everything you touch is authentic. That signature black-stained metal is also found on the organ stops, air vents, and door pulls. Start-up is via a button left of the slim-rimmed steering wheel; gear selection is done through a column-mounted stalk. 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Sportier rivals do exist, the optional extras can be pricey, and you'll flinch every time someone parks too close. But for those who can afford it, it's their mobile fortress of solitude. SPECS: Body type — 5-seater; 4-door premium full-size sedan Engine — Front-engine; twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12; all-wheel drive Transmission — 10-speed automatic Peak output — 600 PS @ 5,250rpm — 900 Nm @ 1,700 rpm 0 to 100kmph — sub-5 seconds (estimated) Top speed — 250kmph (electronically limited; claimed) Price — Starting at Dh1,350,000 EDITOR'S RATING: 8/10 stars
Web Release
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- Web Release
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Adds Sport Mode
Rolls-Royce may have just created its first true sports car. During the prestigious Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills on June 15, the luxury marque offered an exclusive opportunity to test drive the Black Badge Spectre—a bold evolution of its all-electric model that includes two surprising features: Sport Mode and Launch Control. Sleek, Bold and Surprisingly Youthful While the original Spectre debuted in 2022, the Black Badge version brings a daring edge. Its commanding presence remains with a long silhouette, wide stance, and a fastback rear. But with this edition, Rolls-Royce appears to target a younger, sportier demographic—those who prefer to be behind the wheel rather than chauffeured. Our test vehicle came dressed in a striking Salamanca Blue exterior, paired with a Mandarin Orange interior. While vibrant colors are typical for sports cars, they're rarely seen in the Rolls-Royce world—unless, of course, it's a Black Badge model. Custom features included contrast stitching, navy blue 'RR' headrest monograms, a thick blue steering wheel, and polished steel accents. The most luxurious touch? A $33,000 illuminated package featuring the brand's Shooting Star Headliner and the first-ever Starlight Doors, elevating the night driving experience to something celestial. Infinity Mode Unlocks Full Power The Black Badge Spectre introduces Infinity Mode, which acts like a traditional sport mode. By activating it through a button on the steering wheel, the driver unlocks the car's full 659 horsepower, an increase of 82 horsepower over the base Spectre. While the driving feel doesn't shift drastically, the throttle becomes sharper and the instrument cluster takes on a more aggressive visual tone. Spirited Mode Launches a New Experience Even more surprising is the addition of Launch Control, known here as Spirited Mode. To activate it, the driver presses the brake and floors the accelerator. The car shudders in anticipation, providing a thrilling moment before launch. Upon releasing the brake, all 792 lb-ft of torque explodes onto the pavement, sending the 3-ton coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Executing this move not once, but twice during our drive, we were amazed. Not only at the performance—but at what it signifies: a Rolls-Royce that performs like a sleeper sports car, while still delivering uncompromising luxury. For the Few Who Can Afford It The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is a bespoke creation, available only by special order. Our test model carried a staggering price tag of $566,100 USD. But for clients seeking elegance, individuality, and now—unexpected performance—it represents a new frontier for the marque.
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