Rolls-Royce unveils space-themed Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’

Rolls-Royce has created a Black Badge Cullinan “Blue Shadow” inspired by the Kármán line, which is the invisible boundary 100km above the Earth’s surface where outer space is said to begin.

This special edition of the luxury British SUV is painted in a shimmering Stardust Blue exterior colour that captures the deep blue of the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere. 

A satin-tinted grille surround and aero bumper inserts are inspired by the finish of the thermal tiles used to shield homebound space shuttles from the intense heat of atmospheric re-entry.

Drawing further from the materials used in spacecraft, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament is 3D-printed titanium finished with blue-tinted lacquer. The Black Badge infinity logo and Blue Shadow Private Collection name are engraved on the Spirit of Ecstasy base and infilled with Charles Blue. Completing the exterior makeover are subtly darkened wheels.

Inside, the fascia and door panels mimic the transition from blue sky to the darkness of space with a six-layer colour treatment with a 3D effect. A bespoke clock features light blue anodised details and Blue Shadow engraving.

The starlight headliner features the marque’s typical fibreoptic “stars” and an embroidered Moon. The seats have a perforated artwork inspired by the view of Earth from space, with a pattern that gives the impression of swirling clouds.

The picnic tables in the rear are finished in piano black with a glass sparkle to evoke the view into the darkness of space.

The Blue Shadow is mechanically unchanged from the regular Cullinan, and is powered by the same 6.75l twin-turbo V12 engine with outputs of 441kW and 900Nm, with drive going to all four wheels.

It is limited to 62 examples worldwide, representing the 62 miles (100km) from Earth to the Kármán line. Rolls-Royce has not revealed the price.