THE MOST BADASS CARS AT THE 2016 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
Rolls-Royce Wraith Ghost Black Badge
How do you make a Rolls-Royce more badass? Dip the staid, time-honored badge in some dark paint for a murdered-out look no one knew they wanted.
In the coming year, Rolls-Royce will introduce the “Black Badge” package for its Wraith coupe and Ghost sedan; the V-12 in the Ghost also gets slightly more power to back up the cosmetic upgrade.
Rolls-Royce describes the series as a kind of alter-ego for the company, with Black Badge versions of its cars offering a bit more attitude than we’ve seen previously. Black Badge variants get bespoke noir-themed exterior and interior trim treatment, and subtle adjustments to both powertrain and chassis for a little performance substance to go with the styling.
The first models to get the badge are the Wraith coupe, tested here, and also the Ghost saloon, albeit in short-wheelbase form only. Rolls-Royce doesn’t plan to create a Black Badge variant of the larger Ghost, nor the Phantom replacement due in 2018, saying it will only apply the badge to models that can wear it most appropriately. It’s yet to officially confirm whether there’ll be a Black Badge version of the upcoming ‘Cullinan’ SUV.