When Rolls-Royce displayed the
100EX 'experimental car' at the
2004 Geneva Motor Show, it was clear that a new open-topped version of the Phantom was set for production. Now, the showroom-ready model is set to make its world debut at the
Detroit Auto Show, ahead of production starting this summer at the Goodwood factory.
The name for the new car is the Phantom Drophead Coupé, and though it's no surprise that the 100EX made it to production, that the showroom model is pretty much identical to the concept car is unexpected. Neat touches include a solid teak cover for the folded soft top and a brushed steel bonnet, complemented by the metallic windscreen surround. These features really distinguish the Drophead from the Phantom saloon, though the new convertible is also adorned with a restyled front-end, including new lights and grille.
One feature of the concept we didn't expect to pass homologation for production is the rear-opening doors, or "coach doors" according to Rolls-Royce. They look great and Rolls-Royce claims that this design aids entrance to the rear seats and that moving the mounting point of the doors to the middle of the car helps with rigidity on the A-pillar.
Rolls-Royce expects the Drophead Coupé to appeal to a different set of buyers to the Phantom and refers to the new car as a "less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design". Of course, the Phantom itself is no hulking dinosaur, featuring an advanced 6.75-litre V12, which is also utilised by the Drophead. Cruising the Côte d'Azur may be its natural habitat, but it will also cover the 0-60mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds! Further 'informal' Rolls-Royce models are in the pipeline.
You know the old 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it' maxim, but if you really do have to ask, then the Phantom Drophead Coupé costs a cool £260,000, US$407,000 or 370,000 Euros.
Shane O' Donoghue - 3 Jan 2007