ROLLS-ROYCE Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to commemorate the end of production of one of the most transformative cars in the brand’s history. This bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 units worldwide, is also the last V12 coupe Rolls-Royce will produce as it embarks on its bold new electric era.
Wraith: A Cultural Icon
Launched in 2013, Wraith is one of the most important and influential models ever designed and built at Goodwood. More focused on performance than its predecessors, Phantom and Ghost, Wraith fundamentally altered the perception of Rolls-Royce and attracted new groups of younger customers to the brand for the first time. Its broader cultural significance is underscored by countless references to Wraith in music, film, art and fashion.
The V12 Connection
Wraith’s dramatic fastback silhouette signaled the car’s dynamic intent, which was further amplified in 2016 with the introduction of the Black Badge Wraith: a potent, subversive and even more powerful expression of this transformative car, offering some of the highest levels of performance ever achieved by a V12-powered Rolls-Royce. However, in considering how best to mark the end of the Wraith era, Goodwood’s designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce’s long and legendary legacy. In 1938, Captain George Eyston - whose bold and courageous efforts encapsulate the spirit of Black Badge - set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph (575.335 km/h) with Thunderbolt, a seven-ton, eight-wheeled leviathan equipped with two Rolls-Royce V12 “R” Series aero engines. The outbreak of World War II the following year put an end to Eyston’s efforts; all subsequent records have been set with different engine types and configurations, enshrining Thunderbolt in perpetuity as the fastest V12-powered automobile ever built.
Inspired by Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Against the glare of the bright white surface, and under the scorching desert sun, reflections off the car’s polished aluminum bodywork made it nearly impossible to tell precisely when the timing equipment passed. Eyston’s simple but ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow on the sides of the car, incorporating a yellow center circle motif that could be clearly seen even at high speed. This is what gives today’s Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection both its name and its unique historical context.
Contrast Palette
Contrast to the degraded paint is provided by the bright yellow bumper inserts and the fine lines of the Bespoke wheels, subtly reminiscent of the yellow circle within the black Thunderbolt arrow. In another Rolls-Royce first, the Black Arrow V-struts behind the radiator grille and in front of the engine are also finished in bright yellow, subtly drawing attention to the V12 engine.