Latest news with #Rolls-RoyceBlackBadgeSpectre
Man of Many
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Man of Many
10 Most Expensive New Cars on Sale in Australia
You could buy more than 50 Kia Picanto Sports for the price of a Lamborghini Revuelto, which holds the title of Australia's most expensive new car. While the Kia (the cheapest new car) shares some of the same features as the Lamborghini, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, folding side mirrors, power windows, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it's missing a 1,000 HP 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain and a few electric motors. Next to the Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari dominate the list of the most expensive new cars on sale in Australia to prove that while money can't buy happiness, it can get you behind the wheel of a V12 supercar. Most Expensive New Cars at a Glance Highlights from our list include the following options: Now you've read the highlights, let's check out the complete list. Lamborghini Revuelto | Image: Supplied / Lamborghini 1. Lamborghini Revuelto Price: from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs. The most expensive new car on sale in Australia is the Lamborghini Revuelto, priced from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs. That means, in simple terms, that it would cost you more than $1 million to get one of these in your driveway once on-road costs have been applied. That's also without options, and the general rule of thumb is that owners of these cars spend anywhere from 15-25% of the overall cost of the car on options, so don't expect to see any of these rolling around the streets of your nearest high-earning suburb for less than $1.2-1.5 million. What you get for the money, however, is the fastest car that we've ever driven. The 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 747 kW (1,001 hp) of power, launching the Revuelto from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds. However, it's not the acceleration that was the most impressive thing about the car; it was the top speed. During our drive at Sydney Motorsport Park, we saw 294km/h down the front straight! Engine : 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid : 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid Maximum power : 747 kW (1,001 hp) : 747 kW (1,001 hp) Maximum torque : 725 Nm : 725 Nm Acceleration (0-100km/h) : 2.5 seconds : 2.5 seconds Top speed: 350 km/h Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 2. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Price: from AUD$932,400 before on-road costs. The newest addition to our list of the most expensive new cars in Australia is the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre. This is the quickest, most powerful production car that Rolls-Royce has ever made, and it's the first with a 'Sport Mode,' which is not something that you would expect to find in a Rolls-Royce. The brand calls it 'Infinity Mode,' and it unlocks 485 kW (659 hp) of power, 1075 Nm of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. Motor : Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable) : Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable) Power : 485 kW / 659 PS : 485 kW / 659 PS Torque : 1,075 Nm : 1,075 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s) : 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 3. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II Price: from AUD$895,000 before on-road costs. With a twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II is the most expensive SUV on sale in Australia. Changes to the facelifted Series II model include a new Clock Cabinet, where the Spirit of Ecstasy dances in an up-lit fascia display on the dashboard, next to the analogue clock. The Series II also integrates Rolls-Royce's SPIRIT infotainment system and the marque's members-only Whispers app that lets you customise your Rolls-Royce experience in the car and when you're away from it through remote connectivity. Visual changes include the first-ever illuminated Pantheon grille and 23-inch wheels. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW : 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm : 900 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s) : ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 4. Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider Price: from AUD$886,800 before on-road costs. We flew all the way to Portugal to drive the new Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, and it didn't disappoint. The soundtrack has been hampered by strict European emissions regulations, but the engineers have done everything they can to bring the sound inside the cabin. It's hard to beat the sound of a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine that delivers 830HP and spins out to 9,500 rpm. The acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.95 seconds sounds impressive, and it is, but that's not what this car is about. It's about flying through the mountains on your way to a Chateau in the south of France. Ferrari has introduced improvements to the interior of the 12Cilindri and its notches about that of the Purosangue and 296 with a triple-screen digital cockpit that includes a 15.6-inch driver display, 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging, and finally, an 8.8-inch passenger screen if you so choose. Impressively, the retractable hard-top can be tucked away in 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 45 km/h. It also only adds 60 kg versus the coupé. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW : 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm : 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.95 s : 2.95 s Top Speed: 340 km/h Ferrari 12Cilindri | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 5. Ferrari 12Cilindri Price: from AUD$803,500 before on-road costs. Like the 12Cilindri Spider, but with a roof. The Ferrari 12Cilindri in Coupe form is slightly less expensive than the Spider variant, but it still boasts the same power and torque output, and includes the same changes on the interior with a triple-screen digital cockpit. Whether you can secure either of these highly sought-after vehicles is another question entirely. Like an Hermes handbag, you have to be on the list to buy one. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW : 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm : 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.9 s : 2.9 s Top Speed: 340 km/h Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 6. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II Price: from AUD$800,000 before on-road costs. The naughtier, sportier Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is dubbed the 'Black Badge.' This model adds a touch more power to the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine (+29 PS and +50 Nm) and brings surprising performance to the stately four-door limousine. When we drove this model in the south of France, the 'most agile, driver-focused and technical Black Badge Rolls-Royce ever,' impressed us with its handling and straight-line speed, particularly in 'Low' mode that quickens gearshifts by 50 % and brings a sharper brake pedal to the mix. Hilariously, there are exhaust burbles when you let off the throttle. Of course, the staple Black Badge Planar Suspension remains, so you can always waft down the road in typical Rolls-Royce fashion should you so choose. The interior also adds the Series II treatment with the SPIRIT digital interface, bespoke cabin artistry (Technical Carbon veneer or bamboo-based Duality Twill (up to 2.2 million stitches)) and Clock Cabinet with the up-lit black-chrome Spirit of Ecstasy. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW : 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) : 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.5 s : 4.5 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied 7. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs. Like the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II, but with a focus on the classic Rolls-Royce experience. It debuts the largest wheels ever offered on a Cullinan, but the ride quality is exceptional with the self-levelling air-suspension (with larger air-struts) and camera-guided 'Flagbearer' preview system that reads the road in front of you. Combine this with the effortless power of the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine and silky smooth gearbox, and you have the best luxury SUV money can buy. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW : 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW Torque : 850 Nm : 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈5.0 s : ≈5.0 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 8. Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended is a 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer version of the Ghost Series II. It extends this length in the wheelbase to increase the rear legroom for passengers, and the result is the greatest legroom of any four-seat saloon on sale, besides the Phantom Extended. You'll find everything from a Champagne cooler between the rear seats with twin modes ( 6°C for non-vintage, 11°C for vintage) to an optional Serenity Seating package that features fully reclining and lounge-style rear chairs inspired by the first-class seats in a private jet. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW : 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW Torque : 850 Nm : 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.8 s : 4.8 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Aston Martin Vanquish | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many 9. Aston Martin Vanquish Price: from AUD$737,000 plus on-road costs. One of the best cars that we've driven this year, the Aston Martin Vanquish is special. It's the most powerful production road car that Aston Martin has ever made, with a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that punches out 835PS (824HP, 614kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. That's good for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph (345 km/h), and after spending a week with the car, it exceeds expectations in every way. They're only making 1,000 of these every year, and with the full kit of new AM goodness packaged into a car that is best described as a missile, they'll have no trouble selling every single one of them. Engine : 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 : 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 835 PS / 614 kW : 835 PS / 614 kW Torque : 1,000 Nm : 1,000 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s : 3.3 s Top Speed: 345 km/h Ferrari Purosangue | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 10. Ferrari Purosangue Price: from AUD$728,000 plus on-road costs. The Ferrari 'not SUV' SUV, the Purosangue, could be the best lifted saloon on sale if it weren't an SUV. Confused? So are we, but this model is best described as a Porsche Panamera with a V12 and advanced Multimatic True Active Spool Valve dampers that make it incredibly capable in the corners. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox and is produced by a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces 725CV and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. What you might not know is that the Purosangue has a near-ideal 49:51 weight distribution, independent four-wheel steering, and ABS 'evo' that make it particularly dynamic in corners. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 725 PS / 533 kW : 725 PS / 533 kW Torque : 716 Nm : 716 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s : 3.3 s Top Speed: 310 km/h Why You Should Trust Our List The author of this list, Ben McKimm, is one of the few motoring journalists in Australia who has driven every single one of these vehicles. That's right, he's steered an Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari 12Cilindri, and Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended. To compile this list, he looked at the list price of the vehicles and ranked them from most expensive to least expensive. He capped the list at ten cars to make it as informative as possible, without bloat. He listed the engine, power, and performance figures, and wrote a description about each car with some insights that he found while driving them. It's important to note that the prices listed are before 'on-road costs' are considered. What this means is that you still have to include Stamp Duty, CTP insurance in some states, and dealer options and delivery charges. For example, the Stamp Duty costs of a vehicle like the Lamborghini Revuelto are $48,450 in NSW, but that's before options and dealer costs so expect to pay a whole lot more than that.
The National
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge review: The 'best car in the world' gets better
Ever driven a Rolls-Royce on a racetrack? Let me guess – your answer is probably 'no' followed by 'why would I'? And asking why is reasonable, considering the 120-year history of the luxury motoring brand. For most of that time, these were cars to be driven by a professional chauffeur. But over the past 20 years, things have changed. Now, most owners prefer to be behind the wheel for, perhaps, the smoothest drive to be found anywhere. The brand itself calls it the 'magic carpet ride'. While the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre, the newest vehicle in its line-up, still offers the signature magic carpet ride, it is also the most powerful car that the brand has produced. A high-performance version of the all-electric Spectre released in 2023, this is a car begging to be pushed to its limits – complete with two new power-train features that allow drivers to utilise the car's full capabilities. The car produces 659hp and 1075Nm of torque, an upgrade from the Spectre's 576hp and 900Nm. The new Infinity mode allows access to the full power and throttle response, and Spirited mode enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. To accommodate those demands, Rolls-Royce has resigned the chassis, given the car a heavier steering feel and enhanced roll stabilisation – with dampers added to enhance body control. As I drive the car on a racetrack outside of Barcelona, it's immediately clear that the accomplished engineering can keep up with the brand's boasts. While this will never be confused with a car built for the track – it's far too heavy to ever feel natural to that environment – it holds its own, while never losing the road feel that the brand is known for. The main question is my mind, however, was not whether the car could live up to its performance claims. I was concerned, rather, that it would have the same neck-snapping acceleration feel of many performance EVs that boast instant torque delivery. Cars such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire can go from 0 to 100km/h in 2.07 seconds. And that kind of acceleration isn't just uncomfortable – it's apparently dangerous, with Autoevolution reporting that it could even result in mild concussions. But even in Infinity and Spirited modes – I pushed the acceleration from 0 to 165km/h on the straight – the car preserved the thrilling, joyous feel of a V12 engine. Even as I dodged traffic cones in an obstacle course at 50km/h, the car adapted, slowing to a comfortable speed the more I pushed it back and forth. Rolls-Royce has always been a brand built on feel. The primary concern has been to make the ride as serene as possible. While it is built to last – an estimated 75 per cent of the Rolls-Royce vehicles ever produced are still on the road today – this brand has also been continuously refined to keep up with the times. The brand's first two electric vehicles feel like a natural evolution rather than a significant departure, which is an impressive engineering accomplishment. Even the performance modes in the Black Badge Spectre are in line with the brand's heritage. They are inspired by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine found in the Spitfire fighter planes of Second World War, which offered modes that allowed pilots to engage extra thrust in life-and-death situations. While the loud roar of a combustion engine is so thoroughly missed in other leading luxury brands that have produced electric vehicles, the whisper-quiet Rolls-Royce is built for the EV era. That's why the brand plans to make all its fleet electric by 2030. The Rolls-Royce Spectre has passed the first test with flying colours – with some car reviewers even labelling it the best car in the world. The performance-minded Black Badge Spectre is arguably the bigger test and, even at its limits, it measures up. I suppose that makes this the new champion – and a sign that the electric future is probably brighter than some sceptics, myself included, believe it to be. Pre-orders for Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre are open now, with deliveries expected this year.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Black Badge Spectre is most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made
The new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is the most powerful model in the West Sussex car maker's history, packing up to 650bhp and 793lb ft. Its arrival also takes the Black Badge moniker into the electric age for the first time. Launched in 2016, Black Badge branding is intended to denote powerful and more individualistic versions of its most luxurious cars and is targeted at younger buyers. Arriving just over a year after the Spectre went on sale as the brand's first electric car, the Black Badge model is pitched as a more aggressive proposition than the standard EV. While the dual-motor Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre offers the same 577bhp as the standard car in normal running, a new Infinity mode unlocks a further 73bhp and quickens throttle response. This performance-enhancing feature is said to be inspired by the Rolls Royce Merlin engine that powered aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire during the Second World War. It allowed pilots to call on an extra burst of power to escape dog fights. As well as the Infinity mode (the symbol of Black Badge), Rolls-Royce has added a launch control setting called Spirited mode, which boosts torque from 660lb ft to 793lb ft and primes the car for a 0-62mph time of 4.1sec. In all, the potent new Spectre model surpasses the output of the 2016 Wraith Black Badge, which made 623bhp and 642lb ft from its twin-turbocharged V12. In sync with the extra reserves of the Black Badge Spectre, engineers have fitted new dampers to reduce the effects of the three-tonne EV squatting under acceleration and diving under braking. They also increase the roll stabilisation for flatter cornering. The car gets heavier steering too. Rolls-Royce has introduced new levels of customisation with the Black Badge Spectre. One option enables buyers to fit the illuminated grille with a backplate that lights up in one of five colours. This theme continues inside, where the treadplate can also be illuminated, this time in 10 different colourways. The cabin houses the same luxuries as the standard car, which combines an array of high-end materials with digital screens and physical buttons. The Black Badge is also available with a new colour: Vapour Violet. This is said to be inspired by the 'neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture'. The new colour can be paired with a white bonnet for a 'bold contrast'. Special new 23in fi ve-spoke alloy wheels are fitted and shod with Rolls-Royce's noise-cancelling run-flat tyres. 'Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made,' said Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge. 'Our engineers crafted an intense and uncompromising character and the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history.' The company has not disclosed pricing, but with the standard car costing from £332,055 before options, it is likely that transaction prices for the Black Badge Spectre will creep well beyond the £500,000 mark once cars are equipped to customers' specifications. ]]>
