Ghost Protocol

The 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 'Inspired by Yas Marina' reveals a new dimension to RR CARS, while paying homage to the local F1 Circuit as well

Rolls-Royce, one amongst the few blue-blooded brands, keeps up with 21st century trends of individualism by offering customers not just regular off-the-showroom vehicles but an array of customised and bespoke vehicles too. The Black Badge is one such sub-brand - that has been designed to appeal to the "elusive and defiant, the risk taker, the restless spirit, those who are willing to break the rules and laugh in the face of convention". Before the winter break, we were invited to steer the 'Inspired by Yas Marina' variant, an even more exclusive edition to this darker, more powerful alter ego of Rolls-Royce Ghost. Here's our recollection of our days of rich privilege, with a test vehicle provided by Abu Dhabi Motors.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Inspired by Yas Marina, as it is known in all its glory, is based on the Series II, which was revealed in 2014. This near 6-metre massive streak of metal is as emphatic as it gets, second only to the Phantom and the Bentley Mulsanne - thus making it the car to be seen and be seen in.
It complies with Rolls-Royce's signature styling characterised mainly by its rectangular silhouette - which is quite the contrast to rivals that build a more aerodynamic bodywork. Up front, you have the imposing and upright Parthenon grille, with the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament diving into the wind, head first. And the rest of the vehicle's body is a tapering fuselage that follows gracefully, terminated by triangulated lights at the rear. Then, there is that thing about the Ghost's illumination, which gives it a distinct identity even in the dark. Both the headlamps and rear lamps are lit by LED technology. Befitting for this large mass of elegant steel are large alloy wheels, which supposedly have the strength of 44 layers of carbon fibre laid in three axes, as is the procedure of manufacturing.
But with the Black Badge, comes its own interpretation. The Flying Lady has been rendered as a high-gloss black vamp, and the Double R badge on the prow, flanks and aft of the Ghost now have a silver-on-black finish. Chrome surfaces - such as the front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes - have been given a darker tint. Let's not forget the multiple layers of exterior paint and lacquer that are repeatedly hand polished, resulting in the deepest, darkest and most intense black. As an ode to Yas Marina, there is a feature line that stretches down the length of the vehicle with the Yas Marina Circuit grandstand motif depicted on it. I'd rather have it painted, but a sticker is almost as good.
There is more to appreciate if you scope the insides. The Ghost, like all RR vehicles, has been endowed with an interior inspired by early 20th century vehicular styling, with lavish leather surrounds - a far cry from the plastic-populated cabins we're generally used to.
The access height of the vehicle and degree to which the doors open - rear-hinged doors for the rear - make entry and exit a graceful act, unlike in a tall SUV or a low-slung sports car. And although it's not the norm to walk without footwear, I suggest you spread your bare feet over the fluffed-up wool carpets. The seats, both in the front and rear cabin, are broad and plainly styled but provide primo comfort. with some help from the multitude of power adjustments to help get your posture right.
Once you shimmy yourself into a comfortable static position, you can wrap your palms around what could possibly be the thinnest-rimmed steering wheel in the world; again, it plays out as a homage to cars of yore. The right way to steer it is not to yank it but to gently turn the wheel, like you would in a yacht. The cabin fixtures are classically-inspired too. Some examples are the elegant white dial instrument gauges chosen over the drama of overly-vivid graphics of TV-sized screens, and organ pulls for the air vent controls instead of sliders. You also have an infotainment screen that is concealed. Press a magic button and it flips over and reveals itself. Isolated from the world, thanks to double-pane glass that keeps the plebian hubbub at bay, and lavish space, you may be coerced into taking a nap when you're not with company. At the rear, a rear entertainment system keeps you engaged once you're done with any signatory duties on the retractable table.
The Black Badge variants add large expanses of aerospace-grade, aluminium-threaded, carbon fibre composite surfacing which has some layers of lacquer applied for that mirror finish - which is a fresh sight over the traditional polished wood veneer. Air vents have been expectedly darkened, not by a layer of paint, but by a physical vapour deposition process, in order to prevent discolouration.
But the highlight, if you can forgo the sunroof option, is the black starlight headliner with its 1400 LEDs - which, in accordance to the customer, can be used to reflect a constellation or a name of choice. Now that's what I call fancy!
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The first time I saw a Ghost, I was taken aback not just by its beauty while stationary, but the manner in which it silently coasts along. This silent propulsion is possible thanks to an ultra-refined twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine. The extra you pay for the Black Badge shows up in the form of larger output figures, both in terms of horsepower and torque.
Power has risen to a supercar-like 603hp - up 40 bhp - and torque by 60Nm, which brings it to a massive 840Nm. This makes it more powerful than the more-expensive flagship Phantom sedan. And judging from the relentless power and smooth fashion it is delivered in, you'd wish you had more hours in the day just to drive it. Another thing you may not imagine this behemoth capable of is getting from a standstill to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. But to be honest, the Ghost is best enjoyed when you're cruising at a comfortable 80 km/h. Whatever the speed, the application of the accelerator is effortless: you simply lean into it for an instant but smooth rush of torque. The same feel goes for the activation of brakes. In this application, the 8-speed transmission has been recalibrated and a new drive shaft has been added for better forward thrust.
Previously, in a Rolls Royce, if you'd dared take a turn in haste, you'd experience significant body roll, but with the Black Badge there is more restraint, more obedience from the chassis - thanks to a retuned suspension. It's no race car, but it was never intended to be.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The service provided by the Ghost is beyond measure. The pampering starts with the heated and cooled seats that go well with the 4-zone climate control that warm your back and bottom. And why not get a massage while you're at it? Of course, at some point, you'll have several moments of laziness to overcome even to alter the amplitude and variation of this mobile therapy. As for music therapy, an 18-channel, 16-speaker audio system can make you deaf if you crank it up to the 1,300W limit. Now, if only I could get one for the house! Series 2 Ghost has brilliant infotainment; operating screen menus is brisk and ergonomic. All buttons, knobs and switch have legible letters too - except for the temperature dial at the bottom. Navigation maps have both 2D and 3D views; and searching for destinations and points of interest are nearly as easy as Google Maps. There is plenty of space for your high-end fashion luggage, too, in the trunk!
FUN FACT
Did you know that Rolls-Royce also builds aerospace, defence, marine and nuclear machinery?
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type: 5-seater; 4-door, ultra-exclusive, high-performance sedan
Engine: Front-engine; twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12; rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Peak output: 603bhp @ 5,250rpm; 840Nm @ 1,500rpm
0 to 100km/h: sub-5.0 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 250 km/h (claimed, electronically limited)
Price: Starting at Dh1,740,000
VERDICT
Rolls-Royce is a company with unparalleled heritage, which prides itself in building ultra-luxury vehicles with cosseting cabins. like the Ghost that preserves now-vintage detailing whilst adding advanced technologies that make feel like you are swimming in money. If you have penchant for dark themes and added dynamics, you must answer the call of the Black Badge; and if you love a little local flavour, the Inspired by Yas Marina edition will do the job. The catch? You must love the colour Turchese and you'll have to redeem your hedge fund.
Pros: Visual grandeur; smooth powertrain and relentless power; cabin comfort; materials and customisations
Cons: Not as emphatic as the Phantom; not too different from the regular Ghost; hugely expensive
Author's rating: 8.5/10
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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