2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn review Car Auto

Given the number of new engineering car shows, seems too eloquent to call the new Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead Dawn only.

True, it is closely related to Wraith (and 180mm-longer-wheelbase Ghost saloon that spawned it), but 80% of the outer panel of the new car, and structural work underbody that has gone into substantiating the two claims of eye-catching Rolls made up for it - that it is "open-top car quietest ever made" and "the most rigid four-seater convertible available today" - talked about, complete engineering program separately. So is the driving experience.

This is a great car, almost 5.3m long, with a four-seat accommodation packages together with the Wraith. There is no cabin space has been lost despite the fact that there are very large, six-layer roof conversions in large compartment behind the cab. It intrudes not into the boot room, though not disastrous. There is reasonable space for the holiday luggage, though maybe not for all four occupants.

Entry is through a front-opening door 'coach', hinged in the middle of the car, the layout is the product manager Dawn Jonathan Shears, who was on hand for the launch of the car near Cape Town, South Africa, to help with the task of maintaining the stiffness roofed car. With conventional doors, it will be necessary to further increase the size and most of the chassis structure around the firewall. As it was, the additional amplifier (that is, with heavy folding roof and operating mechanism, made of curb weight of 200kg Dawn enough to 2560kg) maintain a weight distribution very similar to that of the Wraith.

The 6.6-liter twin turbo V12 unchanged from Wraith, barring some of its tuning throttle drive-by-wire. Still offering 563bhp at 5250rpm, while peak torque of 575lb ft is developed at 1500rpm and drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox is important to set-and-forget his column selector lever.

The main functions of the car are controlled via a large screen and a center roll your own version of the BMW iDrive (they call Rotary Controller). Radar cruise and automatic headlight dipping standards and no fancy cover, most of the bark or fine wood veneer - available in a large selection of colors and textures - for every surface of the interior, plus a rear deck behind the cockpit.

surprising that prices start at around £ 250,000 before you add one of the many items available bespoke trim, or even go up one inch of a standard 20in wheels (with run-flat tires that allow a 100-mile journey at 50mph). Many owners, we are told, will be paid £ 300,000-plus for their cars, the first to be delivered in a few weeks.

How does it feel?:

Well, it was certainly luxurious. Our red car, with ivory upholstery, might come straight from Hollywood and is suitable for strong sunlight but not burning Cape Town. And we immediately prove that this car is a comfortable four-seater, with easy front and rear access. But you expect luxury and looks to be very well delivered in a Rolls-Royce at this price.

Stand-outs are the dynamics of the car, particularly its driving comfort. Over the road at the time alternated between smooth and abrupt rutted, Dawn showed impressive body rigidity and control. Even more wracking railroad crossings, he has the serenity and tranquility of a luxury sedan good. The Dawn deliberately made a little more relaxed in the character of the Wraith but there is no need to provide spring rates and dampers are different. Instead, the extra weight well distributed did an awesome job.

It was tender but the car suspension controls body movement is very friendly while ironing out the ripple. And there is never a tremor of the body. steering is another feature fine, though medium-soft edges efforts to take a few miles of acclimatization, as well as self-centering action is quite weak and refusal to load your tough angle.

But you soon learn to sit there, guiding with your fingertips and enjoy the surprising accuracy, which makes maneuvering a large car that is easy, even in traffic quite unruly. cars can be dragged to understeer if you arrive at the corner too too fast, but mostly it just goes where you point it - helped by the fact that Rolls-Royce has always seemed to have defined easily, cruising speed is fast enough where you immediately settled.

Of course, there is a surprising move if you request it. This car will snap near silence from 0-62mph in just under five seconds, and is limited to the usual 155mph. Better yet, a cruise in the stunning silence. There was very little wind noise from the hood raised; in fact, this car "a few decibels" quiet throughout the cruising range of the Wraith, which itself is very smooth. the Rolls-Royce made a big thing of the fact that this car recognizes no sound for the layout of its drop-top, and they are right to do so.

Should I buy one?:

If you are in the bracket, and you like a big improvement in your convertible, this Rolls-Royce Dawn should be the first choice. We had never ridden in a car of this layout is so quiet or so subtle, or so brilliant deals with the slings and arrows of the road is hard, uncompromising handling. In the case, it just sets a brand new standard.

Rolls-Royce Dawn

Location Cape Town, South Africa; Now sales; The price of £ 250,000; V12 engine, 6592cc, turbocharged, gasoline; Power 563bhp at 5250rpm; Torque of 575lb ft at 1500rpm; 8-speed automatic gearbox; Kerb weight 2560kg; Top speed of 155mph; 0-62mph 4.9sec; Economic 19.9mpg (combined); CO2 / tax bands 330g / km, 37%

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