When it doesn’t exist, create it – the Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible

Truly rare occurrence

This is a truly rare occurrence:  not only is this the launch of an all-new Rolls-Royce convertible, but an occasion on the interval of less than one a decade, and also the first time that Rolls-Royce offers 2 convertible models simultaneously.

Accept nothing “nearly right” or “good enough

This is not some current-day cheap marketing speak, but rather the recorded respected clarion cry of co-founder, Sir Henry Royce, which the Rolls-Royce company still lives by to this day:  “Strive for perfection in everything you do.  Take the best that exists and make it better.  When it does not exist, design it.  Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.”

“Strive for perfection” guides the company actions, while “Take the best and make it better” is visible in the company’s top luxury car – the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, where Series II is, in true tradition of this world-renowned car maker, an indication of subtle changes made during its lifecycle.
To illustrate these points:  on all current cars the Rolls-Royce centre caps on the alloy wheels float in the wheel… so the RR logo always stays upright, even when parked.

When it doesn’t exist, create it

“When it doesn’t exist, create it” is the reason for creating the new Rolls-Royce Dawn.  Not to undermine the big Drophead Coupé, of course – that is unthinkable – but to offer a large supremely luxurious and comfortable 4-seater convertible… which is smaller and, perhaps, more usable than the huge Phantom convertible (certainly less intimidating… for driver and others on the road).

While the Bentley Continental GT convertible and cars like the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante exist (both more GT drop-tops with 2+2 seating) and Mercedes has now joined the portfolio with its S-Class cabriolet 4-seater, there simply was no smaller-size comfortable 4-seater convertible in the upper-end of the market.  The Dawn is nearly as long as the Ghost standard wheelbase, and a bit longer than an S-Class long wheelbase.

It is commonly held that the 2+2 seating layout means 2 normal/large front seats, and 2 small rear seats for occasional use (suited to younger children and some extra packing space, but not for adults).

2+2 ≠ 4 in the world of Rolls-Royce:  “Studying the open-top motor car sector, and specifically its high-value luxury niche, it became apparent to Rolls-Royce’s designers that customers were being short-changed.  The myopic focus on one specific configuration – the 2+2 setup – was, in the view of Rolls-Royce, a compromise too far.”  Hence the Rolls-Royce Dawn.  When it doesn’t exist, create it.

More Rolls-Royce models than ever – where does Dawn fit in?

This exclusive car company used to have model range of sedan (usually available in standard and longer wheelbase) and then a coupé and convertible.  In 2003 we saw the arrival of the Rolls-Royce Phantom in sedan, later joined by Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Recently we are seeing a new duality, which is now complete:  as the physically-biggest Rolls-Royce Phantom model range was supplemented in 2009 by a smaller-size range, running in parallel to the bigger cars, with the arrival of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase, while an all-new Wraith saw an archive name return, but this time in a fastback coupé style.  Now, the Rolls-Royce Dawn joins the range, as the new smaller upper-end convertible.

It is said that the Phantom is entering its final year of production, so the Dawn will keep the RR convertible flag raised.

If you have found the paint colour you like in this subtle turqouise paint colour, rather than ordering from the 40-thousand paint colours available in the Rolls-Royce palette, this is named Turchese Blue.  It is finished with the brushed aluminium bonnet and windscreen surround, white seats and reflective silver-grey roof.  You can also discuss customisation from the Bespoke service.

The engineering and craftmanship that goes into any Rolls-Royce… meticulous is one word.  Take the folding soft-top roof, for example:  Rolls-Royce says the roof had to be more quiet and smoother in its operation than what is currently available on the market, so it engineered the roof to be the quietest convertible roof in the world, and refer to it as “the silent ballet”.  More of that perfection maxim coming through.

“There is nothing more romantic than driving a convertible in the rain at night and hearing the drops pattering on the roof.  In conversation with its customers, Rolls-Royce realised that they felt the same way”.  “This ‘silent ballet’ engages the majority of one’s senses as silence and seclusion are exchanged for the sounds, light and aromas of the outside world.  As if opening an airlock, Dawn lifts the lid on the outside world and its cabin becomes a wider part of the owner’s social space.”  Oh wow.

Power reserve

There is still a power reserve meter, rather than a rev counter, which would be so unbefitting.  If sir must know, the 6.6-litre V12 does have twin-turbo assistance, with ratings of 420kW, and to ensure an exceptional unstrained driving experience, maximum 780Nm torque is available from 1500rpm.  Its unladen weight is 2560kg, and can soothe to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Electronic butlers

The latest luxury convertible needs the latest high technology, but in a Rolls-Royce it needs to be incorporated unobtrusively (like your butler overseeing the serving of your dinner guests – helpful, without interrupting).

The Rolls-Royce Dawn’s electronic butlers, if you please, include:

• Satellite Aided Transmission, which reads the road ahead and the current driving style to automatically engage the appropriate gear for the moment
• LED adaptive headlight technology will illuminate the road ahead, from dusk ‘til dawn
• A rotary controller touch-pad which allows the driver or front occupant to use writing by finger to issue instructions or scroll through the in-car system menu
• Automatic cruise control which will keep a set speed and reduce speed where needed with no driver brake input, and also allows the driver to move along smoothly in creeping city traffic (much appreciated)
• Night-time driving safety is made easier by the head-up display that uses a heat detection system to detect humans and animal heat signatures at night, and will issue an audible warning of possible danger to the driver
• The doors are hinged at the rear, making getting in and out easier (and you looking better doing so) and once seated, a simple push of a button will close it for you

Bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots

“Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date, and begins a new age of open-top, super-luxury motoring.  Dawn is a beautiful new motor car that offers the most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world.  It will be the most social of super-luxury drophead motor cars for those who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots.”

Sirs Rolls and Royce would have been proud to see their founding company statements are still being adhered to, to this day.

View more at www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com