THE most powerful Rolls-Royce ever has hit the market – with a record-breaking 650 horsepower that’s unlocked by a hidden steering wheel button.
The all-electric Black Badge Spectre super-coupe, which is on sale for a staggering £320,000, is inspired by the Spitfire fighter jet.
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During World War Two, pilots were able to press a special button to activate a burst of enhanced power in an emergency.
Drivers of the Black Badge Spectre can use a similar switch, masked on the car’s steering wheel, to unleash what’s called the “Infinity Mode”.
This activates the full 659 horsepower – 73bhp more than the standard Spectre – as well as lighting up the dashboard dials.
The car also has a second mode – the “Spirited Mode” – which “temporarily amplifies” the pulling power to 1,075Nm, compared to the Spectre’s 900Nm.
This too is inspired by World War Two fighter planes such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Mustang and Lancaster – all of which were powered by Rolls-Royce‘s Merlin Engine.
The company has said of the mode: “The driver engages this function by fully depressing the brake and throttle at the same time, waiting for a haptic and visual response signalling the car is ready, before fully releasing the brake.
“This temporarily amplifies the torque output to a landmark 1075 Nm, unleashing a surge of force and propelling the motor car from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.
“This temporarily amplifies the torque (pulling power) output to a landmark 1075 Nm, unleashing a surge of force and propelling the motor car from 0-to-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.”
“Although these function are new for a Rolls-Royce motor car, they have a historical precedent.
“In aircraft powered by the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, including the Supermarine Spitfire, pilots could obtain a burst of additional power by pushing a switch on the throttle quadrant.”
Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge has described the Black Badge Spectre as the Spectre’s “alter-ego”.
It is £50,000 more than its counterpart – and shaves a third off the acceleration time.
Inspired by the neon lights of the 80s and 90s club culture, it also comes in a Vapour Violet paint finish.
Plus, it has updated anti-roll bars and reduced body roll – giving an even more luxurious driving experience.
However, some critics have raised doubts about the surprisingly light steering – plus, at nearly five-and-a-half metres long, some drivers may feel it is too much car on certain road types.
Earlier this year, a rare 1980s Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was discovered hidden away in a barn.
The famous motor, which featured in a video by YouTuber Alex Kersten of Autoalex Cars, arrived at a Farringdon-based shop and was diagnosed with issues with its ignition system, distributor cap, and carburetor.
As reported by Supercar Blondie, Alex said: “Every electrical system seemed to have its own unique gremlin — it was like playing whack-a-mole with faults.
“Getting parts for a car like this is a scavenger hunt—some components are rarer than the car itself.”
But after multiple issues and a handful of attempts, Alex and his team were able to replace the components – including the seized engine, hydraulic suspension system, and braking system.
They also rebuilt the carburettor, adjusted the timing belt, and addressed electrical problems.
Lewis, the car’s owner who also has five or six other Rolls-Royce cars, said: “I’m honestly ecstatic.”
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