Rolls-Royce announces end of Dawn production

WITH the odds shortening on a fully electric Rolls-Royce Spectre convertible in the future, the British luxury marque is pulling the pin on its ‘drophead’ Dawn ICE convertible, a vehicle with roots in an earlier era.

The sunset on Dawn is imminent as production of the massive convertible has ceased, with limited stocks of the car available at Rolls-Royce (RR) dealerships. Long term prospects for the Dawn’s tin top stablemate, the Wraith fastback coupe now seem uncertain.

The imposing rag top, with four full-size seats, was RR’s best-selling convertible in the brand’s history and takes a place among ‘great’ Rolls-Royce cars.

It only arrived here in August 2020, and sells for an eye-watering $710,000 plus on-road costs for the ‘base’ model with the flasher , louder and more powerful Dawn Black Badge going for an even more eye-watering $802,000 +ORCs.

For the technically minded, the Dawn’s stats make interesting reading, starting with fuel consumption rated at 16.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 367 grams per kilometre.

Power comes from a near-silent 6.6-litre, 420kW/820Nm twin-turbo V12 petrol engine driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission.

The car rides on auto levelling air suspension utilising double wishbones up front and multi-links at the rear. It weighs in at 2560kg and features extensive luxury equipment as standard.

This includes real wood inserts inside along with real leather upholstery, a 600-watt, 18-speaker audio system and heated seats, along with a comprehensive range of advanced driver assist safety kit.

The Dawn rolls on 21-inch alloys and is capable of clocking a 5.0 second 0-100km/h sprint.

The chassis is noted for delivering the brand’s signature Magic Carpet Ride that “combines responsiveness and engagement with an almost supernatural smoothness”.

The Dawn’s proportions are not unattractive despite its Brobdingnagian size. RR says its “pure, simple form was inspired by fifties and sixties fashion, which evoked glamour by removing superfluous lines and textures, focusing instead on how it amplified the form of the wearer.”

And it undeniably has supple, flowing coachwork that doubtless “wraps around its occupants akin to raising a collar on an overcoat, affording those inside a cossetting, private and chic cabin experience.”

Rather than being simply a Wraith coupe with a soft top, the Dawn features 80 per cent specific panels including a ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

Defining the car is its intricate roof mechanism, dubbed the Silent Ballet for its precision, elegance, and noiseless operation. RR had briefly considered a convertible hardtop but opted for a fabric roof “to retain the romance of listening to raindrops on canvas”.

A blend of materials, including fabric, cashmere, and high-performance acoustic composites, made Dawn the world’s quietest convertible equalling Wraith noise levels with the roof deployed.

“(The) Dawn has come to characterise a modern expression of ‘la dolce vita’; a way of living that embraces the beauty and richness of life. Dawn truly reflects the joy of good company, the thrill of adventure and the peace of quiet reflection,” said Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Muller-Otvos.

“Indeed, this motor car is a testament to the modern art of living, recalling ‘la dolce vita’ spirit in every detail. As production of Dawn draws to a close, we can reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque’s history.

“This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque’s founding principles and heritage.”