When
creating the Phantom Drophead Coupé our design
team drew inspiration from the classic J-class racing
yachts of the 1930s. The fastest yachts of their time,
these pedigree vessels possessed a spectacular combination
of ability, versatility and fitness for purpose. Thanks
to the use of the finest materials in their natural state,
they were also exceptionally beautiful. It's this sense
of functionality, immediacy and exposure to the elements
our designers admired, and what they have striven to
capture in the Phantom Drophead Coupé's thrilling
lines.
Coach Doors
A unique
feature pioneered in the Phantom, the Phantom Drophead
Coupé develops Rolls-Royce’s coach door
theme, with a pair of spectacular rear-hinged doors.
While creating an unmatched sense
of drama and occasion, the unconventional nature of
the coach doors posed our engineers some serious legislative
challenges. These were overcome with the use of sophisticated
electronically controlled door latches, which work
in conjunction with a series of sensors to ensure that
the coach door cannot be opened while the car is travelling
at more than walking pace.
With four full seats, it was essential
that the coach doors afford both front and rear passengers
with unimpeded access. We have also incorporated a closing
assistance system, which can pull the door shut from
any opening angle, allowing occupants to close the door
from within the passenger cabin at the touch of a button.
There is also a soft-close mechanism that pulls the doors
closed through the final 6mm of travel,
minimising effort and noise.
Design Attributes
Honesty
and integrity were paramount in the design process, which
is why the Phantom Drophead Coupé has a soft-top,
rather than a folding metal roof so beloved by the rest
of the car industry. As Ian Cameron, Rolls-Royce's Chief
Designer, says, ‘It was very important that we
didn’t create a folding hardtop, because that is
an unclear proposition. Our customers wouldn't own a
reversible jacket, so why would they buy a convertible
that looks like a Coupé? Besides, there’s
nothing more romantic than sitting in a soft-top car
and listening to the rain pattering on the cloth hood.’
It was also important for the
styling to give a clearer hint at the Phantom Drophead
Coupé's performance, which is why the front
is more rakish and the radiator grille is a more streamlined
shape. A car to be enjoyed in a more spontaneous, less
formal way, it's fitting that the Phantom Drophead
Coupé's vibrant character is expressed in such
unmistakable style.
It was also important for the styling
to give a clearer hint at the Phantom Drophead Coupé's
performance, which is why the front is more rakish and
the radiator grille is a more streamlined shape. A car
to be enjoyed in a more spontaneous, less formal way,
it's fitting that the Phantom Drophead Coupé's
vibrant character is expressed in such unmistakable style.
Power
As you’d expect from the latest
member of the Phantom family, the heart of the Phantom
Drophead Coupé is its all-aluminium 6749cc V12 engine.
Using the most sophisticated engine technology available,
including direct petrol injection, variable valve control
and variable camshaft timing, it produces maximum power
of 453bhp at 5350rpm and
torque, 531lb ft at 3500rpm -
with peerless refinement and unmatched drivability.
Tuned to deliver Rolls-Royce’s
legendary ‘waftability’, it gives 75% of
its maximum torque at just 1000rpm,
the remaining 25% arriving in one, sustained, linear
stream as the driver squeezes the throttle.
All this pulling power is delivered
to the road through the rear wheels, via a six-speed
automatic gearbox. Controlled by a column selector, the
transmission uses shift-by-wire technology, which means
there is no mechanical linkage between the selector and
the transmission itself. With gearshift points optimised
for comfort, and pulling away in 2nd gear, the Phantom
Drophead Coupé is engineered to make silky smooth
progress. Though effortless in delivery, the Phantom
Drophead Coupé’s performance is truly spirited,
with a 0-60mph time of just 5.7sec and
an electronically governed top speed of 149mph.
Power of different kind is supplied
by the Phantom’s electrical system. With a two liquid-cooled
alternators and automatic charge management of the main
battery and dedicated starter battery (both located beneath
the boot floor for optimum weight distribution), you can
use the Phantom’s entertainment systems without fear
of draining the starter battery and compromising vehicle
reliability.
Soft-Top
In a Rolls-Royce, such informality
and flexibility come without compromise. Precisely
crafted from a highly durable cloth, the Phantom Drophead
Coupé's tailored soft-top fits to perfection
when raised. When lowered, it is automatically stowed
beneath the teak deck, to enhance the Phantom Drophead
Coupé’s sleek, flowing lines.
The soft-top is comprised of five layers,
including special sound-proofing material and a lining
of the finest cashmere. As a result, the Phantom Drophead
Coupé is not only one of the quietest and most
refined convertible cars in the world, but also the most
luxurious.
For unrivalled safety and total peace
of mind, the Phantom Drophead Coupé also features
a unique and incredibly strong A-frame windscreen structure.
Mounted directly to the car’s immensely rigid,
hand-welded aluminium spaceframe, this impressive and
beautiful structure works in conjunction with a concealed
protection system mounted behind the rear seats, which
is deployed in the unlikely event of an accident.
Together these engineering features
ensure that the Phantom Drophead Coupé offers
segment-defining levels of roll-over protection.
