The Radical Radiance of Rolls-Royce’s Powerful Black Badge Spectre
When one thinks of Rolls-Royce, in addition to gorgeous, bespoke vehicles for discerning, wealthy drivers, a factory in Goodwood, England replete with some of the world’s most talented engineers and artisans making one’s automotive dreams reality, and the long-ago creative genius of Madison Avenue with their Grey Poupon advertising campaign surrounding the Phantom that left its mark on television viewing psyches everywhere, one rarely associates the iconic luxury brand with the term ‘badass.’
To my car loving readers, my oh my, how times have changed. The international debut in Barcelona of Rolls-Royce’s Black Badge Spectre two weeks ago has proved beyond any reasonable doubt, and to quote yet another Madison Avenue advertising campaign, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” With the debut of the Black Badge Spectre, it’s clear that Rolls-Royce has defiantly and disruptively entered an all new automotive terrain with this curvaceous super coupe EV. One that is designed and implemented for drivers for whom convention is simply not part of their lexicon.
The full-size luxury electric Spectre was first launched in Napa Valley in 2023, with the first deliveries in Q3 of 2023. The 2025 Black Badge Spectre adds more power to the equation and more performance, making it the most powerful Rolls-Royce in the brand’s history, and enhancing its visual flair and stylized characteristics, all while maintaining the genesis of its lofty ancestral DNA.
The Need for Serious Speed: Two Powertrain Innovations
The Black Badge Spectre is, at 6,371 pounds, in a weight class of her own. With 584 horses, two Merlin engines, the front having 524 pound-feet and the rear boasting 664 pound-feet of torque, this forceful beauty is all about serious power of the completely badass variety.
In Black Badge Spectre Infinity Mode, the power burst orders up to 659 horsepower with the mere touch of a button located on the steering wheel. At the same time the Infinity Mode is activated, the Black Badge Spectre’s dial colors enhance, matching the alteration of the vehicle’s fervor.
The Black Badge Spectre’s second innovation is the Spirited Mode permitting incredibly intense, delightfully hair-raising acceleration. Engaged by simultaneously pressing down on the throttle and brake, the Black Badge Spectre then signals the driver in a second – by both vibration and visually – that it’s ready, quite literally, for take-off.
When the brake is released, the torque is temporarily intensified and output increases to 792 pound-feet permitting a magic carpet silent blast from zero to 60 miles per hour in a mere 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 155. All of which transpire in the silent ride for which Rolls-Royce is famous. I managed to nearly get to this top speed for a few seconds while driving at the ParcMotor Circuit about an hour outside of Barcelona. It is likely as close as I will ever get to a personal rocket launch in this lifetime, but no doubt far more comfortably and luxuriously. Driving on ParcMotors slalom course likewise reflected the same superior handling one has come to expect while driving this ultra-luxury brand.
Ultra-Luxury Electric Coupe Possessing Dramatic Design
The Black Badge is certainly the imposing alter ego of Rolls-Royce. The Black Badge Spectre comes in six sexy color shades: Arctic White, Jubilee Silver, Monteverde Gray Matte, Salmanca Blue, and Vapor Violet influenced by the 1980’s and 1990’s club culture. All six shades were at the debut; and they were all dramatic, gorgeous, and dare I say it again, utterly “badass?”
The interiors are exquisite; the interior of mine was naturally a dark peony offset by rich black that was swoon worthy. Of course, the interior viewpoint is buttressed by the Rolls-Royce starry night headliner while the armrests and door panels glimmer with miniature LED lights. Modern technology is fully integrated in this coupe while maintaining classic Rolls-Royce elegance. As with other models in the brand, Rolls-Royce offers up a nearly unlimited ability to make the Black Badge Spectre bespoke and hence uniquely your own regardless of what your artistic sensibilities are.
More great news from the engineers at Rolls-Royce, the Black Badge Spectre uses a 102kWh lithium-ion battery and its cells are produced using 100-percent green energy. Moreover, it gets 266 miles on a full charge for vehicles with standard 22-inch wheels and 251 miles for those who select optional 23-inch wheels, permitting more trip flexibility. The best part: if charging up at 195kW, you’re good to go in a mere 35-minutes and it will produce sufficient charge for 60 miles in under 10 minutes. If charging at 50kW, it will take 95 minutes. Now that’s what I call optimal time management.
For those of you now contemplating your 2025 and onward vehicular acquisitions, the Black Badge Spectre MSRP starts at $465,000. It will, without a doubt, provide drivers with nearly endless automotive pleasure. In a badass way of course. Happy driving!
Julie L. Kessler is a journalist, attorney, and the author of the award-winning memoir: “Fifty-Fifty, The Clarity of Hindsight.” Her work has appeared in several major publications around the world, including The L.A. Times, The S.F. Examiner, The Asia Times, The Jerusalem Post, The Vancouver Courier, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and The Daily Journal, among many, many others. She can be reached at Julie@VagabondLawyer.com
