Skip advert
Advertisement

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Arrow revealed as V12 coupe finale

The limited-run Wraith Black Arrow is the last ever V12-powered Rolls-Royce coupe

As Rolls-Royce gears up for customer deliveries of its all-electric Spectre, the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow marks the end of the line for its combustion-powered coupes. Launched a decade since Wraith production began, the new model features numerous bespoke elements to reference the 357mph Rolls-Royce ‘Thunderbolt’ land speed record car of 1938. Just twelve examples will be produced.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Thunderbolt was also powered by a V12 (albeit a Rolls-Royce 'R' Series aero engine), and the new model pays homage to its design both inside and out. With the Thunderbolt’s polished aluminium body making it near-impossible to tell when it passed timing equipment, driver George Eyston painted a black arrow down its sides, incorporating a yellow circle that could be seen even at high speed.

> Rolls-Royce Spectre revealed: 569bhp electric coupe

In reference to this, the Wraith Black Arrow is finished in a striking gradient paint finish, blending Celebration Silver and Black Diamond with a ‘glass-infused paint over layer’ to achieve a motion blur effect – this technique took 18 months to develop. In contrast to this, the lower air intakes, wheels and V-struts behind the radiator grille are finished in Bright Yellow, with its carbonfibre Spirit of Ecstasy also incorporating a yellow ring.

The black and yellow theme continues inside, with the front seats trimmed in bold yellow leather, contrasting with the black leather in the rear – also new for the Black Arrow is distressed ‘Club Leather’, designed to emphasise the material’s natural texture. Between the front seats is an illuminated, polished aluminium Thunderbolt model, encapsulated behind glass in the centre console.

Alongside the engraved aluminium dashboard design, Rolls-Royce developed unique, tactile open-pore wood inserts for the interior door and rear seat panels, designed to mimic the surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats. The dash is also home to a bespoke clock face featuring references to the Thunderbolt's technical interior, with the sill plates also unique to the model.

Of course, a Wraith wouldn’t be complete with Rolls Royce’s Starlight headliner, with the Black Arrow featuring a record-breaking 2117 light points arranged by hand to replicate the sky as it would have appeared over the Salt Flats on 16 September 1938.

Under the bonnet, its 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 remains untouched from the ordinary Black Badge, producing the same 624bhp and 642lb ft of torque. Being the final V12 Rolls-Royce coupe, though, it does come with a bespoke plaque mounted on the engine cover.

Just twelve examples will be delivered to customers around the globe later this year, with each one already spoken for.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Modena MA-01 is Maserati-flavoured respite from endless Porsche 911 restomods
Modena MA-01 Maserati Shamal restomod
News

Modena MA-01 is Maserati-flavoured respite from endless Porsche 911 restomods

Modena Automobili’s take on the Maserati Biturbo/Shamal is a rare restomod that doesn’t use a knackered 964 as its basis
11 Feb 2025
BMW M4 2025 review – a brash, bruising and exciting Porsche 911 rival
BMW M4 – front
In-depth reviews

BMW M4 2025 review – a brash, bruising and exciting Porsche 911 rival

The updated BMW M4 Competition xDrive packs a 523bhp punch and a broad spread of abilities, but does it thrill like a true M car?
4 Feb 2025
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series review – the definitive AMG hot rod
Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series front
Reviews

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series review – the definitive AMG hot rod

The 6.2-litre, 500bhp CLK63 Black Series is one of the most thrilling cars ever to wear a Mercedes badge, and represents AMG at its purest
30 Jan 2025
BMW 1M Coupe (2011 - 2012) review: the skunkworks M car
BMW 1M Coupe
Reviews

BMW 1M Coupe (2011 - 2012) review: the skunkworks M car

The BMW 1M Coupe is the compact gem that ushered in M’s turbocharged era
9 Jan 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025
New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025