Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow: The last V12 Rolls Royce
Posted by Tejas Kokcha on Apr 25, 2023
It’s the end of an era at Rolls Royce as the marque is bidding adieu to its iconic V12. With the carmaker moving into the electric era, it is giving its old-gold V12 a proper send-off with the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow.
The "Thunderbolt" land speed record automobile from the 1930s, which was propelled by not one, but two V-12 engines, served as the inspiration for this last homage. The special gradient finish that transitions from Celebration Silver to Black Diamond with Bright Yellow accents. This unique paint job with glass infusion was one of the most difficult in Rolls Royce’s history and took 18 months to perfect.
There’s more yellow in the cabin with the front seats, steering wheel, and suicide door panels sporting the vibrant color. The dashboard features a schematic illustration of a V-12 and a stunning clock engraved with the Thunderbolt’s top speed (357.497 mph). Look up and you’ll find a star headliner designed to match the sky over Bonneville the night that record was set in 1938.
Coming to the obvious part, the car is powered by the Wraith’s V12 thumping out an impressive 624 hp and 642 ft lbs of torque. The V12s of the Black Arrow collection will have a special yellow-trimmed badge signifying they are the last of the lot.
“As the last examples of this landmark motor car get ready to leave Goodwood, we commemorate Wraith’s status as the last series V12 coupe we will ever make,” Rolls Royce CEO. Torsten Müller-Ötvös said in a statement. “Both Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow and its inspiration, the V12-powered land speed record-holding Thunderbolt of the thirties, represent the culmination of many long years of achievement, and the end of their respective eras.”
Only 12 Wraith Black Arrows will be made, each for every cylinder of the iconic powertrain, and they’re all sold out. The pricing has not been revealed.