Rolls Royce Coupe

Lid lifted on Rolls' new drop-top stunner

Roll on the summer... there's a brand new luxury convertible ready for the road!

Auto Express Car Reviews

Teak trim covers cloth hood. Top is fully electric and folds in 20 seconds

By Matt Davis

08th January 2007

These exclusive pictures reveal the final production version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé ahead of its official unveiling at this week's Detroit Motor Show.


	. The roof is stowed in a special storage area below the rear deck, and this means there are 315 litres of space kept free for luggage

Auto Express was granted early access to the car that looks set to be the ultimate in opulent style for 2007. Seen here making its first appearance for our cameras in a special studio photoshoot in Wimbledon, London, it's clear that the Drophead Coupé is set to be a huge hit.

Finished in a stunning Metropolitan Blue with matching folding hood, it's hard to imagine a drop-top with more presence. Buyers have the choice of nine new exterior colours and seven hood shades created for this model. The brushed metal bonnet is also an option for those who really want to stand out.

While the 100EX show car of 2004 - the concept which spawned the Drophead Coupé - was only 102mm shorter than the Phantom, the production model is a full 235mm less. That's because the concept's 9.0-litre V16 engine hasn't made it to the showroom, replaced instead by the Phantom's existing 453bhp 6.75-litre V12.

The Drophead's acceleration from 0-60mph is claimed to be 5.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 149mph. A five-layer cloth hood with cashmere lining is used, and it's a real work of art. Opening or closing it takes 20 seconds, and it's fully electric. The roof is stowed in a special storage area below the rear deck, and this means there are 315 litres of space kept free for luggage. One of the Rolls' most striking features is the pair of long rear-hinged coach doors which ensure that the Drophead Coupé is truly unique. They make it easier to get in and out, while also increasing crash strength. Deliveries of the new model begin in late June, and nearly 400 advance orders have already been taken. The price is likely to be around the £300,000 mark.