Of dark obsessions, comfortable wheels and small, fast, self-driven cars

Carmakers have launched several fine vehicles this month, and a few of the following five have already rolled down the driveways of wealthy Hongkongers. Rolls-Royce finally launched two special-edition models, 11 months after they were unveiled at last year’s Geneva motor show. The limousines revived boardroom and master-bedroom debate in the city on the need for chauffeurs.

Rolls-Royce says its Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Ghost appeal to “a new breed of Rolls-Royce customer – today’s generation of young, self-empowered, self-confident rule-breakers” who prefer to drive their cars themselves. “In Hong Kong, as worldwide, an increasing number of our clientele are choosing to get behind the wheel of their Rolls-Royce and we are seeing increasing demand for driver-orientated models,” says Paul Harris, Asia-Pacific region director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Many local socialites might disagree, however.

Even so, Rolls-Royce seems to targeting the HK$6.4 million models at Darth Vader types seeking a “darker, more assertive, confident and demanding aesthetic”. The models’ Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament takes on a more ominous tone “to represent the owner’s dark obsession”, Rolls-Royce says. The models’ Double R badging also “inverts to become silver on black” while the chrome front grille surround, boot lid finisher, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes, are also darker. The interior features aerospace-grade aluminium-threaded carbon fibre composite surfacing – “material often seen on the surfaces of stealth aircraft”, Rolls-Royce says. Other Batcave touches include a Black Badge clock, red leather and a “moody light cast from the black starlight headliner”.

Both Black Badge cars have 6.6-litre V12 engines with upgraded mechanics, gearbox and suspension. The 5.285-metre, 624-horsepower Wraith version gets 70 Newton metres more torque at 870Nm, and hits 100km/h from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. The Ghost Black Badge is 50kg heavier at 2,490kg and produces 603hp. It also gets 40Nm more torque for 840Nm and reaches the 100km/h mark in 4.6 seconds via upgraded eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Ghost’s black interior is matched with a vampiric “vibrant purple”. You might see it at midnight, roaring at a full moon along Bride’s Pool Road.

Bentley, meanwhile, spoke up for chauffeurs at the Elements Mall presentation of the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (HK$5.45 million) this week. Billed by the marque as the most luxurious Bentley model ever, the 5.825-metre limousine was in November named the “Best Car for Being Driven In” by Top Gear magazine, thanks to a 250mm wheelbase extension and airline-style electronic leg rests that are integrated into the bases of the two rear seats.

Described by the manufacturer as “by far the most comfortable way to travel on four wheels”, the big Bentley could also justify the chauffeur’s wage as a mobile office in Hong Kong, with 4G Wi-fi and a folding table under a rear sunroof. The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase has a 6.75-litre, 505hp V8 that achieves 1,020Nm of torque, and hits 100km/h in 5.5 seconds via an eight-speed gearbox.