Welcome To The Dark Side

Darth Vader finally makes an official comeback to screens with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story this week. To celebrate, we do a rundown of all the black objects (plus one not-so-black one) you'd need to live life as the dark lord of the galaxy. Also, instead of wearing a helmet, get a hold of the EcoSport Black Edition, which is basically Vader's helmet on wheels. Evil has never been this cool.

 

The shoes of doom – All Star Converse High Tops

These limited edition Converses aren't all that useful for trundling around the deck of an imperial battle cruiser, but they look fly and are comfortable for long driving trips. Heel and toe won't work out as well, but who cares? It's black.

 

 

Carrying your extra red & extra evil lightsaber – Surge II by The North Face

Perfect for carrying several changes of clothes for trips, the Surge II comes from a premium line of backpacks by premium luggage manufacturer The North Face. Suitable for climbing as well, and storming rebel bunkers on remote planets on the edge of the galaxy. Side pocket = lightsaber holster.

 

 

Who knew colours could have fragrances - Black by Scuderia Ferrari 

Limited edition fragrance by Scuderia Ferrari is part of a huge catalogue of official merchandise sold by Ferrari. Unlike their keyrings and mousepads, fragrances by Ferrari are actually quite good - if you like the distinctive smell of Italian leather, pizza and other stereotypical Italian things.

 

 

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The smoke machine – Buick Regal GNX Turbo

The Buick Regal GNX was a black edition car before the world knew what a black edition car was. When it was launched to a thoroughly shocked car buying crowd in 1987, the GNX was a masterpiece in American design and engineering. Moreover, it was only offered in black, giving the futuristic, highly advanced American coupe a distinctive, sinister presence, not unlike the image of Darth Vader. Fun fact: it outperformed the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 930 in quarter mile and acceleration times.

 

 

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The off-roading pickup truck – Toyota Hilux Black

Tracking down and tackling pesky rebels who hide out in rocky terrain at remote corners of remote planets requires a vehicle of immense off-road capability and utmost composure in the harshest of conditions - you can't do better than the ever-reliable Hilux. It's been adopted by the army of darkness in reality as well - terror group ISIS back on Earth prefers the Hilux as an agile tactical vehicle, but if you gloss over that, the Hilux is still very capable.

 

 

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Speedster on two wheels – Honda Fireblade Black Edition

The obvious link to Star Wars would be the name - Fireblade isn't all that far off from Lightsaber in our overly imaginative minds. This manic Honda superbike is built on a stellar motorsport pedigree and is one of the fastest two-wheelers on the planet. The sinister Black Edition is still somewhat silver, but that's forgivable. 

 

 

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For cruising the night in leather – Harley Davidson Night Rod

Imagine a land speeder as used by the Imperial army, only instead of hovering above the ground, there are two fat wheels keeping it stable - you have the Harley Night Rod, the special edition of the highly acclaimed V-Rod cruiser. It's the epitome of cool on two wheels, and with the Night Rod, it's not just about looks and style - the cruiser also happens to be a highly capable street weapon with a soulful, stirring soundtrack.

 

 

For light snacks in-between dest-roying worlds - Darth Vader cookie jar

It's a cookie jar that talks in Vader's distinctive breathless voice. Cookie Monster is quaking in his boots. 

 

 

The flight jacket by DR-W

Flight jacket for when you're in the mood for a spin in the TIE Advanced X1 fighter. Goes well with the Nissan GTR Black Edition a.k.a the TIE on four wheels. Pair with black skinny jeans for the ultimate hipster Vader look. 

 

 

To tell the time when operating the Death Star's lasers – Porsche Design 1919 Eternity 

Designed to be reminiscent of classic minimalist timepieces from the 20's, Porsche Design's 1919 Eternity has two variations worthy of a Vader inspired ensemble - go for the all-black edition, obviously. Helps if you have a Porsche too.

 

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The daily runabout that isn't the EcoSport Black Edition – Nissan Leaf

Because apparently leaves can be black as well? Oh well. This Zero Emission electric is economical and practical in the city, but inter-planetary travel requires careful planning unless you like running out of charge halfway there. Not the most imposing of starships to engage the enemy with, but at least you won't be hurting the environment.

 

 

 

 

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The track day precision tool – Nissan GTR Black Edition

Does the Empire even have sanctioned track days for the Imperial army? No worries, as fake Darth Vader you can fake force choke anyone who gets in your way of setting a blistering fast lap around Endor's equivalent to the Nurburgring. Just run over the Ewoks that wander onto your path. They're annoying anyway.

 

 

 

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The hardcore Mercedes you've always wanted in extra black – C63 AMG Black

The Mercedes AMG Black Series are a special breed of monsters: hardcore, track focused machines that look and sound as brutal as they are to drive. The last gen C63 was a hooligan, burning through tyres faster than you could replace them and generally making anyone driving or riding shotgun wet their pants out of sheer terror. As a mode of transport for a dark lord, then, it's absolutely perfect. 

 

 

 

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And finally, the Black Edition SLS AMG that is actually quite yellow.