New Model News

Fresh 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge embodies the allure of the dark side

Harvey Briggs
Nov 7, 2019, 11:28 am

Rolls-Royce has just introduced its latest Black Badge model, the Cullinan Black Badge.

Photo by Harvey Briggs

With the recent introduction of Cullinan, their first ever SUV, Rolls-Royce took their brand to new places. Now they're pushing the boundaries even further with Cullinan Black Badge, an edgier, more daring, and more powerful version made for the streets.

The smoked chrome parthenon grille comes at you like a shadow. The Spirit of Ecstasy is also darkened and unlike Wraith or Ghost now rides on a darkened mounting plate. All the rest of the traditional brightwork surrounding the windows, along the doors, on the boot, and exhaust tips have been blacked out. Cullinan Black Badge also gets model-specific black and brushed aluminum 22-inch alloy wheels.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge Cullinan Black Badge is the darker side of the brand's first SUV.Photo by Harvey Briggs

Black Badge is more than an appearance package. In addition to upping the 6.75-liter V12 engine's output by 29 horsepower to 600, Rolls-Royce has recalibrated the satellite-aided 8-speed automatic transmission which propels the three-ton SUV from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.

Press the "low" button on the traditional Rolls-Royce column mounted shift stalk and you'll notice something rarely heard in a Rolls, engine noise. Cullinan Black Badge has a new exhaust system which issues a satisfying low rumble at idle and actually snarls and burbles at speed.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge The 6.75-liter V12 engine now offers 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque.Photo by Harvey Briggs

The ride is also more dynamic with firmer spring and damper settings. The brakes, which, for the first time ever, feature painted calipers (red, of course) are also more aggressive with a raised engagement point and shorter pedal travel. Four-wheel steering also insures nimble handling for a vehicle with an almost 130-inch wheelbase.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge

Photo by Harvey Briggs

The hand-made interiors can be finished in any color you can imagine.

Inside, Cullinan Black Badge offers the Rolls-Royce signature starlight headliner – now with shooting stars! You'll also find carbon technical fiber trim panels. The infinity symbol they've placed throughout the cabin is the mark of Black Badge, honoring the legacy of Sir Malcom Campbell's record-setting, Rolls-Royce powered unlimited hydroplane,

Cullinan Black Badge is available for order now and pricing starts at $382,000.

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New SUV

New Jeep Compass Coming Soon

The Compass gets a major update for 2022.

Stellantis/Jeep

The Chicago Auto Show is happening now, which means we've already seen a few new models and concepts. Just yesterday, Jeep introduced the new 2022 Compass compact SUV. It gets a new design inside and out, updated tech, and a load of new available driver aids. The Compass' refresh comes as new models from Ford, Subaru and others could cut into Jeep's off-road dominance.

As it was in previous model years, the new Compass is powered by a 2.4-liter "Tigershark" four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It's good for up to 31 mpg on the highway in 2WD models and can deliver a max towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds in 4WD models. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard for Compass Sport and Latitude 4X2 models, while all others get a nine-speed automatic transmission that can handle the 20:1 crawl ratio setting in the Trailhawk model.

An all-new Latitude LUX trim joins the Compass lineup for 2022 as well. It features leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat, a seven-inch full-color gauge cluster, and the larger 10.1-inch screen.


2022 Jeep Compass The new Compass is more upscale than its predecessor.Stellantis/Jeep


The Compass comes with a class-leading 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, but higher trims get an even larger 10.1-inch unit. It offers standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and runs Uconnect 5, a colorful, responsive infotainment system with advanced features and tech.

Several new safety features make an appearance, but most are added-cost options. The highway assist system offers a semi-autonomous driving feature, which Jeep says will become available later. Other tech includes traffic sign recognition, standard pedestrian/cyclist automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, and a long list of more traditional advanced driver aids like blind spot monitoring and parking sensors.

The Compass lineup for 2022 includes five trims: Sport, Latitude, Latitude LUX, Limited, and Trailhawk. Pricing for the new Compass starts at $26,490, including a $1,495 destination charge. At the top of the lineup, the Trailhawk and Limited models both start at $32,890. It's expected to start arriving on dealers' lots in fall 2021.


2022 Jeep Compass New color schemes highlight the Compass' interior.Stellantis/Jeep

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In-Car Tech

Honda, Acura to offer unlimited AT&T in-car Wi-Fi, WarnerMedia RIDE app

The 2022 Acura TLX has the technology enabled.

Photo courtesy of Acura

Toyota and Lexus announced that the WarnerMedia RIDE app would be coming to their models earlier this year. Now, Honda and Acura will be offering the same.

On certain Wi-Fi enabled Honda and Acura vehicles, AT&T unlimited in-car Wi-Fi users will have access to the WarnerMedia RIDE app. The app allows users to connect multiple devices in their vehicles to browse, stream and share premium content from the WarnerMedia library while on the road.

Honda and Acura vehicle owners have been able to use their on-board modem as a hot spot for connecting up to seven devices since 2017. Models compatible for the new tech include the Acura RDX (2019-present), Acura TLX (2021), and Acura MDX (2022) across all trim levels. Honda vehicles with the tech include Accord (2018-present, Touring), Odyssey (2018-present; Touring, Elite), Insight (2019-present, Touring)., Passport (2019-present; Touring, Elite)., and Pilot (2019-present; Touring, Elite, Black Edition).

The WarnerMedia RIDE App allows passengers to access 1,000+ hours of live and on-demand entertainment. The app includes hit TV shows and movies from top brands such as Cartoon Network, CNN, HBO Max, TBS, TNT and TruTV, spanning animation, entertainment, news, sports and more.

WarnerMedia RIDE app The WarnerMedia RIDE app allows users to choose their own avatar.Photo courtesy of Acura

Users can set up profiles and personalize their user exerpience with an avatar from the WarnerMedia library. Profiles also ensure age-appropriate content with options for adults to restrict access to their profiles with an access code.

"Wireless connectivity and connected car services continue to be key features for customers and our long-standing relationship with AT&T continues to be one way we deliver exciting new content to Honda and Acura owners," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of North American Auto Strategy for American Honda. "Honda will continue working to enhance the in-car experience, including the capabilities of the AT&T network and access to top content with WarnerMedia RIDE."

"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to elevate the connected car experience for our customers. With WarnerMedia RIDE, we are delivering a connected experience that's perfect for journeys," said Joe Mosele, vice president, Mobility & Internet of Things, AT&T. "Our collaboration is keeping Honda and Acura owners connected wherever they travel with hours of news and entertainment for the whole family."

WarnerMedia RIDE is available now in the App Store and on Google Play for all U.S. unlimited data plan subscribers. WarnerMedia RIDE is included at no additional cost for existing and new unlimited subscribers.

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