I feel like Star Wars is taking over. Everything. And I know this will annoy millions of Star Wars nerds the planet over; but I’m getting pretty sick of it. From a BB-8 painted plane to a Nissan Rogue One Stormtrooper, it’s all a bit too much.
So, I’m here to tell you that the title of this news piece is strictly click bate.
Miranda Lightstone goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Rolls-Royce Goes to the Dark Side
Cheers to the Dark Side
Ha! Fooled you!
Blissfully, Rolls-Royce has launched a Black Badge series of their Ghost and Wraith vehicles that has absolutely nothing to do with Star Wars, but everything to do with walking on the darker side with decidedly shadowy paint jobs and aesthetic bits and bobs.
Oh, and did I mention the Spirit of Ecstasy has even been blacked out? Yup, you read that correctly. It was a huge source of contention within the sacred halls of Derby, UK, as the designers battled it out with the execs over such a massive change for the lovely hood ornament lady. Over the years she’s been seen in varying shades of chrome and silver and gold, even crystal, but never such a drastic colour change. This is a big deal for the Rolls diehards, but it works.
The Wraith and Ghost Black Badge vehicles have been tastefully “blacked out” in just the right way, leaving the desired amount of darkened chrome and finishing to appeal to the customer Rolls-Royce knows will be in line to purchase one. Gorgeous 21” carbon fibre composite wheels complete the Black Badge Ghost’s side profile, with a design based on Italian supercars from the 1960s – and are of course equipped with self-righting centre caps so the Rolls-Royce monogram remains upright even when driving.
Inside, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge can be as bespoke as a suit, with a myriad of tailored leathers to choose from. Two-tone options include cream and black, or even a deep Tailored Purple and black. The result is truly stunning, and something to behold. Sitting in the Ghost Black Edition was nothing short of sumptuous. And, of course, the optional Bespoke Starlight Headliner adds an elegant and slightly romantic touch to the whole thing.
Rolls also added an interesting touch to the cabin. You’ll find the infinity symbol thrown around the interior here and there, in tasteful locations that catch your eye in just the right way. Why? Well, back in the early 20th Century, if you were to insure a motorized vehicle/boat/plane it was insured based on how much power it had and have fast it could go. There was a cap for both. And if something was more powerful or faster than that given number, then it was limitless, and had to be insured as such, with that symbol added to the insurance papers for clarity on the infinity of the machine’s status. This idea of pushing past the limits, being limitless, is brought back in the Ghost Black Badge with this small symbol.
Don’t think this behemoth (because, let’s be honest it is a bit of a land yacht) is meant to lurk in the shadows only. No, no, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is equipped with a 6.6L twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 603 horsepower. This is the fastest Ghost Rolls-Royce has ever produced.
Rolls-Royce spent a great deal of time exploring the “colour” black, and also working with various artists to determine just how far they could take this design element and what it would signify on their vehicles.
The result is not at all sinister or foreboding as one might expect a blacked out vehicle to be. Instead, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is sensual, stunning and really draws you into its dark depths in all the right ways. Of course, should you wish to stay in those shadowy, sinful depths you’ll need to dish out a rather sinister base price of $380,000 USD.