SPECTRE OF THE FUTURE

SUBVERSIVE ELECTRIC COUPE IS THE MOST POWERFUL ROLLS YET

- MATT PRIOR

It wasn't until BMW took on Rolls-Royce that the latter deigned to share how much power its engines made. Right up to the late 1990s, it told us that its cars had "adequate" power and left it at that.

If you would like just one example of how far it has moved since then, note that it isn't only declaring that the new Black Badge variant of the Spectre electric coupé is "the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, owing to its 650bhp, but that during the launch of this car, its accelerative capabilities were demonstrated on a race track.

Nonetheless, the Black Badge is still, we're assured by CEO Chris Brownridge, "a true Rolls-Royce". It's just that a new set of customers have come to the brand lately, wanting their Rollers to be a bit more "subversive, choosing themes that are "darker or more vibrant" than is traditional.

Goodwood initially made that possible through bespoke programmes, then made Black Badge a part of its regular range.

This meaner Spectre was in the plan from the start, then, but still 25 early "clandestine" ones were made with the technical package so that some customers could test them under the radar ahead of launch and report back. Not necessary, one would think, but you can imagine it feels quite special to be asked.

"They had a car that didn't exist for six months," as Brownridge puts it.