Lets face it, there isn't a car on the planet that can match this Rolls. First of all, forget what your eyes are telling you as you gaze upon these images--in the flesh and up close, the Phantom Drophead is much, much bigger than it appears in pictures. It's just under nineteen feet long, and it weighs in at a colossal 5776 pounds. The Drophead Coupé is based on the massive Phantom sedan, although it is shorter by 9.8 inches. It also weighs about 155 pounds more than the sedan, thanks to extra chassis bracing that makes up for the absent roof.
Visually, the Drophead is distinguished by the teak deck covering the convertible roof and the stainless-steel-finished hood and windshield surround. These are offered as a $17,000 option in place of a painted finish.
Your entry into this extraordinary luxury vehicle is suitably dramatic as well. Suicide doors on a series-production two-door convertible haven't been seen since the 1950s, and the Drophead's are spectacularly effective. They open with massive chromed handles that would be more at home on a commercial-grade meat locker, and they allow for the most gracious of entries and exits. The doors are enormously heavy, but that’s where their electric closing mechanism is a very welcome detail. Even better, the Rolls-Royce's doors actually close at the same speed as if you were closing them manually.
Once inside this beauty, you enter a world of exquisite detail that makes the staggering $412,000 price seem (slightly) less breathtaking. If the price tag is too steep for your budget you can also experience this masterpiece by renting it at a luxury exotic car rental near you. As you climb into this truly exotic car, you'll encounter the aluminum knob of the umbrella that resides inside the fender. And there are chrome highlights just about everywhere, even on the seat tracks. Even the surfaces that you can't see--such as the inside of the center console--are covered in the finest butter-soft leather. Just like in the sedan, there is a switch in the glove box that lowers the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot into the grille, a process that's truly amusing.
The basic cabin ergonomics are at first a bit baffling. For example, the seat controls are located in a compartment in the center armrest, which means your passenger has to move his/her arm if you want to adjust your seat. The seat-heater control is hidden down the side of the same console. And some of the other minor controls can be difficult to locate and decipher. "We wanted to reduce clutter as much as possible, to make the car feel more like a home environment," says engineering director Helmut Riedl. "In some cars, the owner wants to show off all of the features, to see all of the controls, but that's not so important for the Rolls-Royce owner." Indeed.
Now let’s take a look under the hood, the Drophead employs the Phantom sedan's 453-hp V-12 turning a six-speed automatic. To start, BMW, Rolls-Royce's parent, donated its 6.0-liter V-12. To provide the torque required of a proper Rolls and as a nod to heritage, BMW increased the engine's displacement to 6.75 liters to match that of Rolls-Royce's previous long-serving V-8.
The powerful V-12 really does suit this luxury vehicle. With 75 percent of the engine power available from only 1000 rpm, the car's throttle response is relaxed but potent. It can achieve 0 to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds, according to the factory, and the top speed is limited to 149 mph. With a shorter wheelbase than its sedan sibling, the Drophead has a bit more agility, but by no means does it provide a sporting experience.
The most impressive thing about driving the Rolls isn't the performance, though. It is the virtual absence of shaking or noise, the demise of many convertibles. This impressive sturdiness is partly due to the triangulated A-pillar, which runs right down to the floor. However the intrusive wind buffeting that affects even front-seat occupants is less than impressive. But such a flaw, if it can even be called that is less than noticeable once you experience the five-layer fabric roof up that is as silent and refined as any luxury exotic car.
This exotic car is unlike any other car on the road. As it more accurately captures the spirit of Rolls-Royce than any of that company's efforts in the last four decades. You will surely see this car spotting up everywhere true car connoisseurs can be found. Exotic car rental in Miami have already placed their names on the list to be of the first to own (and rent) this truly exotic and exceptional vehicle.
