Drophead Coupe´ Exterior View

Brushed Steel Bonnet

Inspired by the ‘bare metal’ theme pioneered in the 100EX experimental car, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s beautiful brushed steel bonnet is a unique and spectacular feature. It’s also the largest panel made from anti-corrosion steel in the car industry.

With a perfectly applied brushed finish, the soft sheen of the bonnet accentuates the Drophead Coupé’s rakish lines, creating an unbroken flow of shimmering steel that runs from the streamlined radiator grille, around the A-frame windscreen surround and along the waistline that encircles the passenger compartment and tonneau cover.

Putting this natural steel into production was a major technical challenge, and it took us six-months to perfect our finishing techniques and treatment processes. Only through such exacting development have we ensured that the unpainted metal is durable enough to withstand the elements. We’ve also conquered the age-old problem of steel and aluminium reacting against one another and causing corrosion.

Sleek and rakish, yet instantly recognisable, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s new face embodies its modern, dynamic spirit while retaining the confidence and grandeur that has characterised
Rolls-Royce for more than a century.

Smaller and reclined at a more streamlined angle than that of the Phantom, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s grille is made entirely from stainless steel: the central element of which is polished, while the outer shell is brushed to match that of the bonnet, windscreen surround and other exterior brightwork.

The new grille design also conceals an ingenious hinged mount, which allows the base of the grille to move in the event of a low speed impact, absorbing parking knocks that would otherwise result in damage.

Another striking feature of the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s face are its headlights. Incorporating LED technology, these slim line sidelights add drama and expression to the Drophead Coupé’s face.

Wheels

There are two wheel and tyre options on the Phantom Drophead Coupé: the standard 19.7in diameter PAX™ wheel, which is fitted with Michelin’s PAX™ run-flat performance tyres (the world’s first application of the PAX™ system as standard); and the larger 21in wheel, which runs on Goodyear’s Extended Mobility Technology (EMT) run-flat performance tyres. In the unfortunate event of a puncture, either system has the capability to be driven for at least 100 miles at speeds up to 55mph, and negates the need for a spare wheel or compressor.

Both types of wheel are available in two finishes; silver with body-colour or chrome centres, or completely chrome plated. Centre caps featuring ingenious self-centering RR logos, which remain upright at all times, are standard feature of either wheel design.

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.

Suspension

With its aluminium spaceframe chassis  250mm shorter than the Phantom, and with a lower centre of gravity, the Phantom Drophead Coupé builds on Rolls-Royce’s modern tradition of combining a supple ride and sporting handling.

Using Rolls-Royce’s custom-developed double wishbone front suspension and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, together with air springs and continuous electronic damping control, the Phantom Drophead Coupé maintains a level stance when laden with passengers and luggage, while detail changes to the spring rates and damper settings, together with new anti-roll bars mean the Drophead Coupé unites the apparently conflicting demands of exceptional ride comfort with agility, precision and dynamism.

There is also a driver-selectable ride-height adjustment, which raises the Drophead Coupé by 25mm, for additional ramp clearance or when driving on poorly surfaced roads. Once it exceeds 60km/h the suspension returns to normal level automatically.

Teak Deck

Each deck requires a matched set of up to 30 separate pieces of teak to be cut from the same tree. Only by doing this can we avoid any variation in grain patterns. Once cut each of these 3.5mm thick teak strips are joined together by our craftspeople at Goodwood to form one piece. This section is then bonded to the deck substrate (frame) for increased strength and stability.

Once securely bonded - in an overnight process - grooves are precisely machined into the teak surface before black caulking - the same as used by yacht builders - is applied to the grooves and left to cure for 72 hours.

Picnic Boot

Unique in a car of this kind, the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s picnic boot is so much more than simply a place to stow your luggage.

By dividing the boot lid into an upper and lower section, our designers have created a wonderfully informal and versatile feature. Lifting the upper section and letting down the lower allows you to gain access to the capacious luggage area, or should the opportunity arise, use the space to host the ultimate picnic for friends and family. With a load capacity of 150kgs, the lower section also makes an ideal platform on which to view all manner of sporting events.

Thanks to exceptional packaging and engineering, the soft-top doesn’t intrude into the luggage compartment, even when lowered, leaving ample space for up to 3 golf bags, suitcases or the fruits of a successful shopping mission.