Rolls-Royce Has Something Very Dark Planned For Goodwood

It's nearly one of the year's most anticipated events. While it might not be the biggest deal for American automotive enthusiasts, European gearheads will soon be flocking to the UK to experience the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This year, it's going to be a thrilling event with five F1 teams taking part, a 1,000-horsepower Nissan pickup tackling the hill, and the reveal of the BMW M3 Touring alongside a full complement of BMW M greats as part of that brand's 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Rolls-Royce is getting in on the action as well, but whereas some manufacturers will be attention-seeking with vivid colors or special liveries, Rolls is going classic and understated by celebrating its Black Badge sub-brand with a contemporary collection of its full Black Badge portfolio.

"Each year many clients, friends of the brand and media come together for the Festival of Speed. With its location, just a stone's throw away from The Home of Rolls-Royce on the Goodwood Estate, the Festival of Speed is a very important event for the brand," says Boris Weletzky, Regional Director or Rolls-Royce's UK, Europe, Russia, and Central Asian operations. "This year, our full Black Badge portfolio will be displayed at the event on the Laundry Green. I am delighted to showcase such highly Bespoke cars in vivacious colors and luxurious hues, testament to the creativity of our artisans, designers and engineers."

The ultra-luxury brand launched the Black badge moniker in 2016, catering to a more exclusive clientele with a bespoke-style product that stands out without being overly ostentatious. All Black Badge models get unique blacked-out styling elements like the Spirit of Ecstasy, wheels, and badging, but also get more power, torque, and handling prowess. According to the brand, 27% of Rolls-Royce vehicles sold are now Black Badge derivatives. To celebrate, five unique Black Badge creations will be displayed.

The Black Badge Ghost, Rolls' most technologically advanced Black Badge car yet, will wear a Galileo Blue and Black exterior offset by red brake calipers and wheels with a single Galileo Blue pinstripe. It also boasts a bespoke leather interior in Galileo Blue with matching seat piping for added extravagance.

A second Black Badge Ghost will be displayed in the VIP area in a much more vivid Lime Green paint to contrast with its carbon fiber Spirit of Ecstasy.

Joining the Ghost twins, a Black Badge Cullinan will be present with a unique combination of Dark Olive paint heavily contrasted by a Mandarin (orange) coachline, or pinstripe to us plebs, and matching brake calipers. A set of 22-inch Black Badge alloy wheels and a milled carbon fiber SOE make the larger-than-life SUV stand out even more.

Completing the display will be a Black Badge Dawn and Wraith combination. The convertible Dawn will feature two-tone paintwork in Jasmine and Black, with a matching steering wheel treatment, and 21-inch Black Badge wheels, while the Wraith will, in Rolls' own words, "present an intoxicating manifestation of the world's most powerful Rolls-Royce." To this end, it'll feature Tucana Purple paintwork with the upper and central sections of the coachwork decked out in black. A Mandarin pinstripe alludes to the Mandarin and Black interior.

Don't think Rolls is just going to sit back and look pretty on display, however. The brand has also indicated it will be heading up the hill climb with a Black Badge Ghost during the 'First Glance' showcase and will join in the Michelin Supercar Run with a Black badge Wraith as well.