The 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Makes Its Debut With More Power And A More Ominous Look.

In 2016, the Black Badge designation was introduced to the Rolls-Royce portfolio, first on the Wraith coupe, then on the Dawn convertible and Cullinan SUV, and last on the Ghost sedan. Five years later, the Black Badge trim is still proving to be a big success for Rolls-Royce, with the brand claiming that Black Badge cars account for 27% of all vehicles sold globally.

With that in mind, the new and significantly enhanced Ghost is the next vehicle to receive the more ominous treatment. The 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge builds on the popularity of the Black Badge.

Badge versions before it had greater power, better aesthetics, and improved handling, as we discovered firsthand during a short drive down the shore.

The Ghost Black Badge is powered by the same 6.8-litre twin-turbocharged V12 as the standard model. However, the engine now produces 592 horsepower (435 kilowatts) and 664 pound-feet (900 newton-meters), which is a 29-horsepower and 37-pound-feet increase over the standard Ghost. It’s mated to a revised ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with a “Low” setting — Rolls’ version of Sport – that applies power up to 50% faster and is only available on Black Badge vehicles.

The power boost was instantly obvious; low-end torque was more abundant, and it’s now available at 1,900 RPM. The improved exhaust gave the engine a somewhat more aggressive sound, and there was a perceptible change in low-end power applications.

In addition, the Ghost Black Badge had a more dynamic feel about it. The suspension was adjusted to assist reduce body roll, and the steering was beefed up to help with responsiveness. The Ghost Black Badge demonstrated more calmness and agility than its non-Black Badge basic brethren when we tossed the four-door around an empty parking lot near the shore.