The Cullinan Black Badge is defined by its exterior; the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is presented in high gloss black chrome and, for the first time, this finish extends onto its mounting plate, creating the darkest Black Badge yet. The ‘Double R’ badge on the front, flanks and aft invert to become silver-on-black, while chrome surfaces such as the front grille surround, side frame finishers, boot handle, boot trim, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes are darkened. Cullinan’s imposing proportions and confident stance are dramatised by all-new 22-inch forged alloy wheels, reserved exclusively for Black Badge Cullinan.
The interior borrows a Sir Henry Royce philosophy – “when it does not exist, design it” – with the introduction of a brand new Technical Carbon veneer. This naked-weave carbon-fibre finish has been developed to create highly accurate repeating geometrical shapes that produce a powerful three-dimensional effect. Each leaf of Technical Carbon is finished with six coats of lacquer before being left to cure for 72 hours then hand-polished to Rolls-Royce’s hallmark mirror finish. This process takes 21 days.
Key to the visceral thrill of Black Badge Cullinan is the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s all-aluminium architecture, which has been extensively reengineered for Black Badge while retaining the peerless quality of ride that has driven Rolls-Royce’s success.
When the driver presses the ‘Low’ button situated on the gear selection stalk, they unlock Black Badge Cullinan’s full suite of technologies. The 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 asserts itself through an entirely new exhaust system, announcing its arrival with a deep growl. An extra 29PS and 50Nm of torque are generated over and above the Silver Badge model, for a total of 600PS and 900Nm.
Changes to suspension components and settings add to the suite of dynamic technologies that ensure an appropriate balance between dynamism and refinement. To bolster confidence when pushing Cullinan Black Badge to its limits the braking bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased. Redesigned brake disc ventilation also allows consistency in these changes while braking at elevated temperatures.
