Since its launch in 2016, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge has been recognized as the boldest iteration of the luxury marque to date. Taking inspiration from no less than brand co-founder C.S. Rolls himself, the Bespoke series is aimed at those folks who dare to go against the norm, who want to be different, and who have their own distinct and bold identity.
Less than a year into its existence, the Black Badge treatment is bestowed upon the third model in the distinct Rolls-Royce range: the Dawn Black Badge. Debuting at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Dawn Black Badge is for those folks who want an open top motoring experience yet prefer something bolder and with a deeper and more intense vibe.
Finished in a deep shade of black, the top is done is an equally dark canvass while the rear deck is clad in black leather. That top, by the way, opens and closes in a “silent ballet” to let the air in at the push of a button. Just as with the exterior motif, the grille surround, trunk lid finisher, air inlet, and exhaust pipe are set in black chrome. And of course, the Spirit of Ecstasy has been transformed to a darker shade of chrome.
Like the exterior, the leather used on the luxurious interior is beyond comparison. It is set in the deepest shade of back and exudes richness like no other. It is accentuated by a strip of Mandarin that contrasts nicely with the ebony shade. And in true Rolls-Royce fashion, one of its pioneer patrons, Sir Malcolm Campbell, has his famous Infinity logo gracing the rear, embroidered in the waterfall for a truly exquisite and signature touch.
Above and beyond the aesthetics, however, Black Badge brings a host of engineering upgrades that give the Dawn and other models in the series improved driving performance. The 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 has been upgraded to produce an extra 30hp and 20Nm of torque. This breings to total output to 593hp and 840Nm.
Complementing the added grunt are quicker-ratio steering, larger (by 1 inch) brakes, and a more taut suspension. Despite this seemingly performance-oriented tweaks, Rolls-Royce promises that nothing has been lost in ride comfort and the stately experience that comes with the marque.
The Rolls-Royce Black Badge will debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
