Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the end of production for the Dawn, the most sold drophead model in the brand’s history.
First unveiled in 2015, the Dawn was designed to encapsulate the glamour and romance unique to super-luxury cars while catering to the desires of younger customers seeking a vehicle that aligned with modern tastes and lifestyles.
The Dawn was inspired by the drophead model ‘Silver Dawn’, which was produced from 1950 to 1954. The original Silver Dawn was made in a limited run of just 28 units, emphasizing exclusivity and rarity, embodying the spirit of ‘La Dolce Vita’ that urges one to savor every moment and live fully in the present. Through the new drophead model Dawn, Rolls-Royce intended to carry on this spirit with timeless design language, modern craftsmanship, and a dynamism that is both relaxed and intense.
The design of the Dawn tantalizingly merges comfort and elegance. Its simple and pure forms draw inspiration from 1950s and 1960s fashion, with flowing body lines cradling passengers like the collar of a coat, creating a cozy, personal, and sophisticated space. Remarkably, 80% of the Dawn’s panels, including the hood, were made anew. Additionally, unlike typical 2+2 convertible models, the Dawn was designed to accommodate all passengers comfortably in a true 4-seater configuration, balancing comfort and practicality.
Beneath its simple design lies a tapestry of complex and precise engineering challenges. A prime example is the soft top, engineered to open and close with no noise whatsoever. The Rolls-Royce engineering team termed this perfect mechanism ‘silent ballet’. The Dawn achieved the status of the quietest convertible in the world through a unique combination of materials such as fabric, cashmere, and high-performance acoustic composites. When the roof is closed, the Dawn exhibits noise cancellation performance equivalent to the V12 engine coupe model, the Wraith.
Following rigorous testing over several months, Rolls-Royce engineers perfected the Dawn, providing an optimal convertible driving experience alongside world-class aerodynamic comfort. They also noted the growing preference among customers for driving themselves, equipping the Dawn with a robust 563-horsepower 6.6L twin-turbo V12 engine for dynamic performance. The chassis was designed to combine responsiveness, immersion, and a supernatural smoothness, delivering the brand’s signature ‘magic carpet ride’ quality.
In 2017, the brand expanded the lineup with the ‘Dawn Black Badge’, offering even more powerful performance and bold styling. The Dawn Black Badge showcased the engineering and design prowess of both the brand and the Dawn itself. With an entirely new exhaust system, it expressed a deep baritone tone, increased engine power by 30 horsepower, and enhanced torque to 840Nm. Furthermore, it solidified its place in the brand’s history by embodying the rebellious spirit of the Black Badge, along with the romance and allure resonating in the city’s nightlife.
Torsten Müller Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “The Rolls-Royce Dawn exemplifies the aesthetic of modern living, reminiscent of the spirit of ‘La Dolce Vita’ that embraces the beauty and richness of life in every detail. This beautiful car honors the brand’s founding ideals and heritage while perfectly embodying modern luxury.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr