Rolls-Royce introduced its new Dawn convertible last year, and we spent about 500 miles behind the wheel getting to know every detail of this hand-crafted beauty. From the hood ornament to the hub caps, there are a lot of special touches that make Rolls-Royce different from any other car on the market. Here are some of our favorites.
By Harvey Briggs
Rolls-Royce Dawn
The Silent Ballet
As you would expect with a Rolls, the convertible is no ordinary top. It has been engineered to operates more quietly than any other on the road. Featuring a woven fabric top with a perfectly smooth surface thanks its French Seams, there is virtually no wind noise when the top is up. As for the mechanism, it was engineered from scratch to raise or lower the top silently in just about 20 seconds even when Dawn is moving at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Lambswool for your Piggies
Trust us, you simply cannot order any Rolls-Royce without getting the lambswool floor mats. Soft as a cloud and one-inch thick, you can’t help but say “ahhh” as you slip off your shoes and sink your toes in their luxuriance.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Power For Days
Under the long, elegant hood is a 12-cylinder 6.6 Liter engine that delivers more than 500 horsepower. The delivered through a satellite-aided 8-speed transmission that reads the road ahead, you’re always in the right gear for effortless passing and silky smooth cruising.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Book it
We always marvel when we slide into a Rolls-Royce to seed the craftsmanship on display. One of the most obvious areas is the book matched woods. Hand selected from a single cutting, the veneers are laid out in mirror fashion starting from the center console all the way around to the back. Finished either matte or gloss, no matter which you choose the effect is magical.
Aladin’s Ride
Whether your cruising down a city street or flying along on a rural interstate, you’ll be amazed by Dawn’s ride. The independent air suspension delivers what Rolls-Royce calls a “Magic Carpet Ride.” Once you drive it you’ll understand why. Dawn seems to float along unhurriedly no matter what speed you’re diving.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Logos That Rock
It may be a little thing, but it shows the attention to detail that goes into every car Rolls-Royce builds including Dawn. Take a look at the center of the wheels. The RR logo always stays upright. They’re designed so that the wheels spin around them. When you see a Dawn parked with all the logos perfectly aligned, it’s just another demonstration of its commitment to perfection.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Leading the way
Riding in front of every Rolls-Royce is a winged, silver lady, The Spirit of Ecstasy. Each is individually cast and polished to a gleaming shine. Her story is as interesting the cars she graces. Originally commissioned by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu as a tribute to his lover, Eleanor Thornton. Designed by English sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes, her likeness has graced nearly every Rolls-Royce since the early 1920s. To protect her from theft, the Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the car when it is shut off and locked.
It’s hard to choose a favorite feature, there are so many. Our best advice is to get behind the wheel of one and decide for yourself!
-HB
Harvey Briggs is the editor and publisher of the automotive travel site Rides & Drives and contributes regularly to Global Glam Magazine.
