Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the bespoke tribute model Black Badge Race ‘Black Arrow’ collection to commemorate the discontinuation of the Race.
The Black Arrow, limited to just 12 units worldwide, is the most powerful model in Rolls-Royce’s history and commemorates the discontinuation of the Race, which has brought significant transformation to the brand since its first launch in 2013. As a bold transition towards a pure electric brand, it represents the last V12 engine coupe model made by Rolls-Royce, based on the Black Badge Race, showcasing the brand’s powerful driving performance and audacious expression.
Elements inspired by the legendary model ‘Thunderbolt’ can be seen throughout the interior and exterior of the Black Arrow. The Thunderbolt made headlines in 1938 by setting the world record for the highest speed in a car while using the Rolls-Royce V12 ‘R’ Series aircraft engine, racing across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The name ‘Black Arrow’ derives from the large black arrow that was engraved on the side of Thunderbolt for quick identification during the record run.
The exterior of the Black Arrow features a gradient finish with two tones: Black Diamond and Celebration Silver. The Black Diamond paint incorporates a crystal paint overlay containing glass, creating an intense ‘motion blur effect’ that gives a sense of speed. The unique texture seen in the vehicle’s painting is inspired by the surface of the salt-covered Bonneville Lake. Developing and testing this special exterior color took 18 months, and the polishing process alone took over 12 hours.
Additionally, the black arrow symbol of the Thunderbolt features a yellow circle as a highlight color. Bright yellow was applied to the bumper inserts and bespoke wheel pin stripes, creating a striking contrast with the exterior, while the V strut located between the radiator grille and the engine was painted in bright yellow for the first time. The same color was also used for the base of the statue of the goddess of joy, the ring details, and the engraving of the collection name.
The interior space has also been decorated with new materials specially crafted for this collection. The armrest, seat upholstery, center tunnel, door details, and lower dashboard panel are all finished in a deeper black color and glossed club leather to provide a striking contrast with Rolls-Royce’s natural grain black leather. Bright yellow was used for the seat accents to emphasize a bold charm, and arrow motif embroidery reminiscent of Thunderbolt was intricately stitched into the sides of the headrests.
The fascia of the Black Arrow is equipped with a piece of art specially created by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective to celebrate the last V12 coupe from Rolls-Royce. On a single black-coated aluminum sheet, the current-generation V12 engine mounted in the Race is meticulously depicted, taking two months to develop the artwork. Additionally, the front console displays a speedform of Thunderbolt’s final design to commemorate the historical record set by Thunderbolt.
The inside of the coach doors is adorned with open-pore black wood. A multilayered inlay decoration of 320 laser-cut pieces mimics the irregularly cracked surface of the Bonneville Salt Flat. The bespoke Starlight Headliner, a signature of Rolls-Royce, features a remarkable 2,117 fiber optic ‘stars’ delicately etched in, recreating the night sky on the day Thunderbolt set its immortal record.
The bezel of the center fascia clock was also inspired by Thunderbolt’s interior. The black clock hands were designed to resemble the Thunderbolt’s side arrows, while the clock’s bezel is inscribed with the record speed of 357.497 miles per hour set by Thunderbolt.
The engine cover bears a bespoke plaque featuring a bright yellow V12 monogram with the phrase ‘Final Coupe Collection’ to signify the value of the last coupe V12 engine, further enhancing the uniqueness of the bespoke model.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “The Black Badge Race Black Arrow, inspired by the V12 engine Thunderbolt of the 1930s, symbolizes the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce’s achievements while also marking the end of an era. To embody the great spirit of the Race in this collection, we harnessed the full bespoke capabilities Rolls-Royce possesses, perfectly aligning with the finale of the groundbreaking car that was the Race.”
All 12 units of the unveiled Black Badge Race Black Arrow collection have already been allocated to customers.
Lee Sang-jin, daedusj@autodiary.kr