Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the launch of the Black Badge Spectre, marking the most powerful vehicle in the brand’s history.
Designed to reflect the preferences of a select clientele seeking boldness and audacity, the new model represents an amplified alter ego of the marque.
The Black Badge Spectre delivers a formidable 485 kW (659 hp) of power and a landmark 1075 Nm of torque. Two new powertrain features, Infinity Mode and Spirited Mode, provide drivers with enhanced performance capabilities. Infinity Mode, activated via a steering wheel button, unleashes the full power output with an immediate throttle response. Spirited Mode, inspired by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine used in historical aircraft, enables a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.1 seconds through a dual-pedal engagement technique.
Engineering for the Black Badge Spectre was informed by anonymised driving data from Black Badge clients, allowing Rolls-Royce engineers to tailor the vehicle’s dynamics to real-world usage. This data revealed that clients typically utilise maximum power in short bursts rather than extended periods, shaping the vehicle’s responsive character.
Dr Bernhard Dressler, Director of Engineering at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, noted, “The development of Black Badge Spectre began with a deep understanding of the Black Badge character, overlaid with client feedback. Our engineering response was validated by a clandestine fleet of early models provided to select clients, whose positive reception affirmed our approach.”
Visually, the Black Badge Spectre introduces the Vapour Violet finish, inspired by the neon hues of 1980s and 1990s club culture. A contrasting Iced Black bonnet and new 23-inch forged aluminium wheels enhance the vehicle’s commanding presence. Clients can select from a palette of 44,000 colours or commission bespoke hues.
Inside, the cabin features the Illuminated Fascia with over 5,500 individual “stars” and the Black Badge Infinity symbol, a reference to the model’s enduring power. The Technical Fibre interior uses a diamond-shaped weave of carbon and metal thread, offering a three-dimensional texture, while illuminated treadplates are available in ten colours to complement the interior palette.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, described the vehicle as “one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made,” highlighting its appeal to clients who “fearlessly reject convention.”
The Black Badge Spectre continues the success of the Spectre line, which became Rolls-Royce’s second most-requested model globally in 2024 and the best-selling model in Europe. Owners of the standard Spectre have demonstrated extensive usage, with one Dubai client covering over 8,000 miles in a year and a Slovakian owner commuting nearly 250 miles regularly.
With an electric range of up to 329 miles (530 km) and an average power consumption of 23.8-22.2 kWh/100 km, the Black Badge Spectre combines sustainability with high performance.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufactures all its vehicles at the Goodwood facility in West Sussex, which serves as both global headquarters and the marque’s Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence. Since its establishment in 2003, Rolls-Royce’s operations at Goodwood have contributed over £4 billion to the UK economy.
