NEW DAWN FOR ROLLS-ROYCE

Latest four-seat cabrio shares technical credentials with Wraith coupe

Is this the open-top version of the Wraith?

Rolls-Royce doesn’t want you to think that the all-new Dawn is the open-top version of the Wraith coupe, stressing that 80% of the exterior panels in the cabrio are new.

While the Dawn — recalling a nameplate last used between 1950-54 — employs a classic soft-top, it has a front grille and bumper design with slightly different proportions from the Wraith.

Rolls-Royce says the roof of the 2.56-tonne barge can open or close in 22 seconds at speeds of no more 50kph.

Does the Dawn get the Wraith’s drivetrain?

Yes it does, as the Dawn is generally based on the Wraith (and Ghost saloon). The Dawn gets the same 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing 570hp and 780Nm.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is also shared with the Wraith and helps give the Dawn a 0-100kph time of 4.9sec.

Rolls-Royce continues that the Dawn is the quietest open-top 2+2 car to sit in under cruising.

Haven’t I heard that line before?

You may have. Just recently, Mercedes proclaimed that its all-new S-class Cabriolet is the most refined cabrio around, so only a road test of these two ultra-luxurious convertibles would settle the score.

But the Dawn and S-class Cabriolet aren’t in the same league in marketing terms. While the Merc is pitched at the Bentley Continental Convertible in the 20 million baht front, the Dawn is positioned in the 30 million baht-plus bracket sitting below the Phantom Drophead flagship cabrio.