But it is going to happen eventually.
Speaking with an insider source, CarBuzz learned that a Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge variant is already in development. This person, who wished to remain anonymous, says they have already put some development miles on a prototype. The news shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos already confirmed before the Spectre was revealed that upcoming electric models would receive Black Badge variants.
We know a Black Badge Spectre is coming, but when it will arrive is still very much in flux. Rolls-Royce has a deep waiting list, meaning it will take a while before the company can fulfill orders for the standard Spectre. “Why rush out another version when what we already have is in such high demand?” a Rolls-Royce spokesperson told CarBuzz.
Basically, until the orders slow on the standard Spectre, Rolls won't even consider the Black Badge treatment a priority.
It will be interesting to see how Rolls-Royce translates the Black Badge treatment for an electric vehicle. The Spectre currently uses a 255-horsepower electric motor at the front and a 483-hp electric motor at the back. Together they combine to produce 584 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. Black Badge models typically receive a power bump, so we imagine the Spectre will get over 600 hp, likely from new-generation electric motors.
Don't expect Rimac Nevera levels of acceleration and performance, though. The 0-60 time may drop a bit from the current 4.4-second rating, but Rolls-Royce isn't in the business of building sports cars. Rolls-Royce isn't even in the car business, according to its CEO.
As for the range, we don't expect any improvements from the 260-mile rating, which is fine because most Rolls-Royce owners only need to charge once a month.
Visually, the Spectre Black Badge will replace most of the exterior chrome with darker accents such as black or shadow chrome. The wheels will also be replaced with a new style, though it's unlikely that the Black Badge will go any bigger than 23 inches. Just because the accents will be darker doesn't mean there won't be plenty of colors available. Rolls-Royce previously developed Neon Nights Editions based on the Black Badge, so we know the Spectre will be available in some fun hues.
As the company rushes to fulfill orders for Spectre, the Black Badge model is pretty far on the back burner. It may arrive in 2025 as a 2026 model year, but even that prediction could be a stretch.
Keyword: Black Badge Spectre Not A Priority For Rolls-Royce