The most luxurious EV raises the bar

The most luxurious EV raises the bar

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A Rolls-Royce isn't just a car; it's a product of over a century of craftsmanship perfecting the nearly extinct art of classic, handcrafted automotive design. So, when Rolls-Royce announces a special edition, the word 'special' doesn't quite do it justice, and the latest model to achieve coachbuilding levels of perfection is the Spectre Black Badge.

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Badges like Dark or Black Editions often mean untamed power and aggression. Although Rolls-Royce will likely never build a stripped-down, fire-breathing sports car for the road, the identity placed on their Black Badge models adds the sense of overwhelming power while retaining the quintessential luxury RR is known for. The Spectre Black Badge is Rolls-Royce's most powerful car ever made and what I would consider to be one of the most visually striking cars I have seen, in an against-the-grain sort of way.

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As you might imagine, the aesthetic and textual design additions are plentiful, and they add to the already overwhelming number of configurations and customisations. Without delving into an abundance of the most ambitious colour names and materials, the heart behind the Black Badge is what drives it forward.

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It comes with a power increase, courtesy of the Infinity Mode, which is a staple element in Black Badge Rolls-Royces, and it is signified by an infinity symbol. In this particular Spectre, you’ll find that very symbol on the steering wheel, and it unlocks a world of torque. A total output of 485kW and 1,075Nm, to be exact. While these figures are typically reserved for track rockets, this multi-million Rand rolling battery is a heavy piece of luxury equipment and still offers a respectable 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds.

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That’s pretty quick, but Rolls-Royce and its customers have little to no desire for a sports car with a Spirit of Ecstasy ornament popping out of the bonnet, so the added punch on tap will likely not detract from its land yacht handling characteristics.

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What distinguishes a Rolls-Royce is its aesthetic, and there is an interesting story behind it. The Black Badge name is often followed by a deep black violet paintwork, which is named Vapour Violet, drawing its inspiration from the neon ambience theme found in 1980s and 90s clubs. It is a concept that is supposedly celebrated among Black Badge clients.

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So the Black Badge Spectre is set to debut in its Vapour Violet makeup with an iced black bonnet to draw in that extra sprinkle of villainy to the look. But it’s a Rolls, so exclusivity is a priority, and customers will still have access to the marque’s palette of 44,000 colours to choose from. Clients are also offered 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminium wheels in a part-polished or all-black design. A few interior additions that surround the infinity idea are added, too.

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I must say, this Spectre is utterly stunning, and it sure must be a dream to experience. A Rolls-Royce is the pinnacle of automotive luxury, and the infinity symbol embodies the concept of infinite power, which is exactly what a Rolls client seeks, and some degree of it is undoubtedly found in the Spectre Black Badge.

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