Rob Good: The long-awaited Phantom Drophead Coup� has been released. This Rolls-Royce�s first such car since the Corniche of 2002 and was formally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.
It�s no surprise that the Drophead Coup� is a spectacular feat of engineering and design. Clearly a development of the current Phantom, the new two-door, four-seat convertible nevertheless uses 1300 newly-developed parts, including a number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental model shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004. Immediately noticeable are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, plus the teak decking for the rear hood cover.
It�s no surprise that the Drophead Coup� is a spectacular feat of engineering and design. Clearly a development of the current Phantom, the new two-door, four-seat convertible nevertheless uses 1300 newly-developed parts, including a number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental model shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004. Immediately noticeable are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, plus the teak decking for the rear hood cover.
Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car and add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seat, as well as to the overall aesthetics. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coup�s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the 1960s. They are also important in aiding the overall stiffness of the body, as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar.
Power is supplied by the same 6.75-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the current Phantom, giving a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.
Production of the new car will start in the summer of 2007, hand-built alongside the Phantom at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars� manufacturing plant at Goodwood.
The car is a beauty. I particularly like the color they choose in these photos. I am guessing that the new Rolls Royce will be close to $400,000 when they arrive. Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Miami are tipped to be the best markets in the US for this car.....
Now all they need is a turbo charger or two and close to 600 HP. :-)
The car is a beauty. I particularly like the color they choose in these photos. I am guessing that the new Rolls Royce will be close to $400,000 when they arrive. Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Miami are tipped to be the best markets in the US for this car.....
Now all they need is a turbo charger or two and close to 600 HP. :-)
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