The Grand Finale: Rolls-Royce Unveils the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have unveiled the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow, a limited edition of 12 cars worldwide, marking the end of the production of one of the most transformative models in the marque’s history. As the last V12 coupé the company will ever make, this Bespoke masterpiece is a fitting tribute to the Wraith and a magnificent end to a transformative era in the world of luxury automobiles.

Launched in 2013, the Rolls-Royce Wraith has had a significant impact on the luxury car market, transforming the perception of the brand and attracting younger customer groups to Rolls-Royce for the first time. With its ‘fastback’ silhouette and powerful V12 engine, the Wraith offered an exciting, dynamic driving experience that set it apart from its predecessors, the Phantom and the Ghost.

As Rolls-Royce looked for a fitting way to celebrate the end of the Wraith era, they found inspiration in an equally significant V12 from their storied history. In 1938, Captain George Eyston set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph with Thunderbolt, a seven-tonne, eight-wheeled behemoth powered by two Rolls-Royce V12 ‘R’ Series aero engines.

Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It was the bold and brave spirit of Eyston’s endeavors that inspired the design and concept of the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow, which pays homage to the Thunderbolt’s record-breaking achievements and the end of an era for Rolls-Royce’s V12 coupés.

One of the most striking features of the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow is its exclusive Bespoke finish, featuring a full color graduation between two tones – Celebration Silver and Black Diamond. This complex surface finish required 18 months of surface testing and development before achieving a result that met Rolls-Royce’s exacting standards.

The Gradient Paint creates a motion blur effect from front to rear, with a glass-infused ‘Crystal’ paint over layer enhancing the transition between the two colors. The finish is polished for more than 12 hours, achieving a glass-like appearance and a subtle texture inspired by the crusted surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow incorporates Bright Yellow bumper inserts, Bespoke wheel pinstripes, and V-struts located behind the radiator grille. The use of Bright Yellow extends to the base of the car’s layered carbon fibre Spirit of Ecstasy, which includes a Bright Yellow ring detail and an engraving of the Collection name.

The interior of the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow is also a masterclass in craftsmanship, with a level of detail and refinement befitting the Rolls-Royce marque. The Starlight Headliner has been meticulously engineered to recreate the night sky above the Bonneville Salt Flats, while the cabin is swathed in black and yellow leather, echoing the car’s exterior color palette.

The seats, door panels, and armrests are adorned with a unique, hand-stitched pattern that mirrors the texture of the Bonneville Salt Flats’ surface. This intricate design showcases the skill and artistry of the Rolls-Royce leather team, who have perfected the technique of replicating the natural patterns found in the world around them.

The Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow is not just a celebration of design and craftsmanship; it also offers an enhanced driving experience that honors the performance of the Wraith. The car is powered by a 6.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which delivers a staggering 632 horsepower and 840 Nm of torque.

This power enables the Black Arrow to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest and most exhilarating Rolls-Royce ever produced. Complemented by a dynamic suspension and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, the Black Arrow is a fitting tribute to the high-performance capabilities of the Wraith lineage.