At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Rolls-Royce unmasked the Black Badge variant of its famous Dawn convertible, succeeding the Ghost and Wraith. This, according to the British luxury car maker, is the most sophisticated when compared to the others.
“Black Badge has already distinctly amplified the characters of Ghost and Wraith motor cars, placing them into consciousness of those that seek a commanding presence in the objects they commission. Overwhelming demand from new patrons of luxury tells us the time is now right to apply this assertive, confident and powerful attitude to Dawn and open this truly transformative presence to the world.”
This powerful and dynamically focused version of the convertible, which is targeted at younger and less traditionally minded Rolls-Royce buyers, is a bit modified mechanically with a 6.6-liter twin turbocharged V12 engine that generates an extra 30bhp over the car’s already profuse 563bhp, bringing the total to 593bhp. The hallmark sense of one infinite gear is also given bolder expression with the addition of a further 20NM of torque available from 1,500rpm, bringing it to a total of 840NM. Coinciding with Black Badges, Wraith and Ghost, the transmission, steering and throttle have all been revised and massaged for a sportier feel, featuring a new exhaust paired with a brake that expands by one inch compared to the standard vehicle. In order to reduce rolling over, the suspension was made firmer, the steering rack has been quickened slightly and the gearbox engine software has been returned to boost responsiveness.
The Dawn exterior is exquisitely clothed in a deep and intense shade of black, as multiple layers of paint and lacquer have been meticulously applied and hand-polished in a process that amounts to the most exhaustive painting and polishing process ever used for a solid paint. This dark aesthetics extends to certain chrome surfaces including the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, exhaust pipes and cur inlet finisher. The interior isn’t left out as the bold and edgy exterior beautifully illuminates it. As it’s a mix of carbon fiber, high level of elegant black leather surface opposed by an orange leather trim that encircles the cabin above waist length.
The regular Dawn goes for a price of $340,000 while the Black Badge edition will be closer to the $400,000 mark. Check out the introduction video below.