The first
time I saw the iconic Double R logo, I was in an airport transit lounge –
looking at the aircrafts on the tarmac – and I remember thinking that this
insignia on the aircraft’s side would mean that its engine design boasts of prestigious
Rolls-Royce engineering.
The Rolls-Royce Black Badge, waiting to be unveiled! |
So when I
received an invitation from Rolls-Royce to an event where a rare trio of Rolls-Royce
Black Badge motor cars will be presented for viewing at Puteri Harbour – for
the first time in the nation – I checked my calendar and did not hesitate to
accept.
This
showcase of highly exclusive super-luxury cars was part of the Stylo
Gentleman’s Weekend with activities planned at the Promenade, Marina Walk and
Puteri Harbour clubhouse.
Conceived
as a lifestyle activity to support Formula One races, the success of Stylo
International in the circuit of the region’s fashion world, has initiated a
luxury lifestyle show event in Johor’s Puteri Harbour, dubbed the Stylo
Gentlemen’s Weekend.
Quill Motorcars, Director, Anas Zawawi Khalid |
This
innovative lifestyle weekend event, held on the last weekend in October,
featured an exciting programme of activities for men’s lifestyle brands and
products from fashion, cigars, vintage automobiles to super cars and luxury
yachts.
The
organisers recognised that the infrastructure and customer demographics in the
Iskandar Malaysia region had been rapidly developing with a global landscape
and that Puteri Harbour was the ideal venue to launch their prestigious Black
Badge range of super-luxury cars.
For me, I
was just proud that the Rolls-Royce Black Badge picked Puteri Harbour, Iskandar
Puteri in Johor, to debut in Malaysia.
A
seasonal monsoon downpour did nothing to dampen my enthusiasm and when I spotted
the Double R logo boldly displayed to identify the Rolls-Royce Pavilion, I
paused on the steps of the Promenade while an “umbrella-service” came over to
escort me in.
All in
black and emblazoned with the Double R logo, the large umbrellas sheltered me
across the uncovered path to the entrance where I was welcomed and served a
tall goblet of refreshing double-layered sparkling juice topped with crushed
ice.
Our first peek at the Wraith Black Badge as it was unveiled |
As I
sipped this refreshing drink, my eyes were, however, riveted to the
centre-piece in the Pavilion, the (obvious!) outlines of the Black Badge, stealthily
cloaked in a dark sheath, waiting to be unveiled.
It was a
cosy and elegant setting that smacked of sophistication and the arrival of the
VIPs just confirmed what I had expected.
Among the
dignitaries who escorted in Guest-Of-Honour, Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Idris
Iskandar Ismail Abdul Rahman ibni Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, the Tunku Temenggong
Johor, were Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia Pacific, Regional General Manager,
David Kim, and Quill Motorcars, Director, Anas Zawawi Khalid.
Tunku Temenggong Johor [5th from Left] with VIP guests at the unveiling of the Wraith Black Badge at Puteri Harbour |
Also
present were executives from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur, the sole
authorized dealership for Malaysia, the brand’s Asia Pacific regional office
and Malaysian industry, and special guests like Datuk Jimmy Choo.
“We are
confident of a positive response to Black Badge as Malaysia offers good driving
conditions and a growing customer base of successful people who are young and
dynamic,” said Anas Zawawi Khalid.
“The
development of Johor’s luxury hot-spots such as Puteri Harbour and the Iskandar
region, along with interest from potential customers, contributed to our
decision to launch this exclusive range of cars here for the first time in
Malaysia,” he added.
The Ghost Black Badge in Black |
The
Rolls-Royce Black Badge is a truly Bespoke response to the desires of more assertive,
confident and demanding aesthetic of a new generation of younger customers, who
are self-made people who wished to make a bold and edgy lifestyle statement
about their lives.
In a much
anticipated moment, all eyes were on the dark outlines as the drape was dramatically
drawn back (electronically!) to reveal the embodiment of the Rolls-Royce’s
brand, its Parthenon Grille topped with the Double R logo and the iconic Spirit
of Ecstasy, before the entire Wraith Black Badge was unveiled!
And the
Ensign Red car before us, just reminded us that Black Badge cars need not be Black!
The
Guest-of-Honour and VIPs were then invited to have a closer look at the Wraith Black
Badge, fastback coupe – the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built – powered by
6.6 Litre V12 twin turbo engines with interiors designed with advanced aerospace
luxury materials.
The embodiment of the Rolls-Royce brand: its Parthenon Grille topped with the Double R logo and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy |
Throughout
the Gentlemen’s Weekend, visitors at Puteri Harbour had the pleasure of a
close-up experience with the Wraith Black Badge in Ensign Red, the Wraith Black
Badge in Dark Indigo and the Ghost Black Badge in Black.
Rolls-Royce
super-luxury motor cars are commissioned by customers in almost 50 countries
around the world.
Its
flagship, the eighth generation Phantom has been consistently confirmed by the
media as “the best car in the world.”
The company
also produces, Wraith, Ghost and Dawn, as well as a new pinnacle SUV called
Cullinan, due for its Malaysia launch in the near future.
The
inaugural Gentlemen’s Weekend at Puteri Harbour was proudly presented by Rolls-Royce
Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur, UEM Sunrise Berhad and Stylo International in
partnership with Malaysia Fashion Week and Maritime International Showcase
Malaysia.
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