Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe – Detailed Review

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Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe – Detailed Review

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a large, luxurious, sports car designed for speed and long-distance driving. Although production ended in 2016, up to now, this car model still receives high appreciation and is loved by collectors. Join Rolls-Royce World to learn some information related to this car model.

Overview of Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a large, four-seat convertible with a sporty style but still exudes the elegance and classicity typical of the Rolls-Royce car brand. Launched on January 7, 2007, based on the Phantom VII platform, but with styling derived from the 100EX concept, the was displayed in 2004 to celebrate Rolls-Royce’s 100th anniversary. Some Phantom Drophead Coupe models were also used in the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The Phantom Drophead Coupe was designed from the 100EX model in 2004. The most prominent features of the car are the hood, A-pillar made from stainless steel and the rear hood made from Teak wood. Stainless steel is machine finished to create uniformity, then undergoes hand polishing to achieve a perfect shine. At the rear, the Teak wood panels will be treated with natural paint for a long-lasting, beautiful and hard-wearing shine.

At the rear of the car is a picnic trunk, with a tail compartment that can be opened into two parts, allowing customers to easily access the 315-liter luggage compartment. The lower tailgate can be lowered to create a comfortable seating space for two adults.

The car has a classic fabric soft top but has soundproofing capabilities not inferior to modern convertibles. Rolls-Royce has used five layers of material to ensure that the cabin is always quiet and peaceful, even when the car is at high speed. Additionally, lined with premium cashmere fabric, the canopy has been specifically designed for storage in a relatively small space. In addition, Rolls-Royce’s soft-top folding technique can fold the roof and not affect the trunk space, regardless of whether the roof is raised or lowered.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a carefully crafted car that is aesthetically pleasing but also practical and usable every day. The most luxurious materials such as wood, leather, chrome and stainless steel have been used in the most suitable positions to ensure the car is always luxurious and simple. The car will bring owners a wonderful experience with engaging driving performance, high technology, luxurious interior and handcrafted by the most skilled craftsmen.

Some information about Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe:

generality
ProducerRolls-Royce Motor Cars
Year of manufacture2007 – 2016
FactoryGoodwood, UK
Body and frame
VehiclesGrand tourer (S)
Vehicle styleTwo-door convertible
DoorsCoach doors
Power transmission system
EngineV12 6,749 liters
Gear6-speed automatic and 8-speed automatic
Size
Length5,609 mm
Width1,987 mm
Height1,581 mm
The standard long3,320 mm
Unloaded weight2,620 kg

Review of Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is considered a model that opens a new chapter in the history of Rolls-Royce. While the Phantom is Rolls-Royce’s best-selling car, the Drophead model is designed to target young, dynamic and liberal customers.

1. Exterior design

Phantom Drophead Coupe has a popular Rolls-Royce design with a long hood, large wheels and a characteristic coachline running along both sides of the car. Inside, the car is designed with a liberal, open, dynamic and sporty style.

In terms of exterior appearance, this car is very similar to the 10EX model. The two-door, four-seat convertible has doors that open at the rear and is often finished in the classic two-tone color scheme of Rolls-Royce. However, compared to the 10EX model, the Phantom Drophead Coupe has a stainless steel hood instead of aluminum for easier maintenance.

The front of the car has a classic Rolls-Royce style but with the hood raised high, the grille cluster stops in the center instead of dividing in front like the 10EX model. The headlights are also taken from the 10 EX / 101EX model and have a similar design to the Phantom. Above the headlights are long, rectangular LED daytime running lights with high illumination ability.

Like other Rolls-Royce cars, on the hood of the Drophead Coupe is also the Spirit of Ecstasy symbol, capable of automatically retracts inside the hood to prevent theft.

The car door is designed with a typical reverse hinge, opening at the front, which can help passengers easily access the rear seats, as well as enhance the overall aesthetics of the car. In addition, the reverse opening door can significantly change the appearance of the Phantom Drophead Coupe, helping to remind of sports cars of the 60s of the last century. Importantly, this type of door also helps increase the rigidity of the car’s body, because the door opens backwards leaving the A-pillar uninterrupted.

Although it is a two-door convertible, the Phantom Drophead Coupe is still equipped with a 315-liter luggage compartment. The boot compartment can be opened in two parts and the tailgate when lowered can create a comfortable seating platform for two adults. Besides, the roof can be collapsed into the tonneau box and takes up a relatively small space, even when the roof is raised or lowered.

2. Classic interior

The interior of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe has a luxurious yet classic style. Most surfaces are crafted from beautifully handcrafted wood, shiny chrome, soft cashmere fabric or cowhide grazed on Alpine pastures free of barbed wire and insects, to ensure the leather stays flawless. the best.

Behind the steering wheel is a classic meter system, including Rolls-Royce’s signature “Power Reserve” meter. However, the climate control buttons are placed a bit low on the dashboard, making operations a bit difficult.

Thanks to the suicide car system, getting in and out of the car is much easier than traditional convertible models. The doors are long and heavy, but do not need to be closed manually, because the car doors are equipped with an electric closing mechanism. Although not as spacious as the passenger compartment of the Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan version, the Drophead Coupe’s rear seats still provide plenty of space. Comfortable for two adults for many hours of outdoor travel.

The fabric roof of the Phantom Drophead Coupe has 5 layers, making the car almost unaffected by outside noise like other hardtop convertibles. Opening or closing this giant convertible takes only 25 seconds, even at highway speeds, but when lowered it is still very gentle, elegant and does not make any unpleasant sounds.

Regarding the entertainment system, the Phantom Drophead Coupe’s interface is essentially an improved version of the iDrive system used on BMWs. The car is equipped with an 8.8-inch wide screen, which can be hidden behind the dashboard and the familiar control knob can also be retracted into the center console when not in use.

Although it may seem outdated, overall BMW’s iDrive interface has proven to work well and be easy to use. However, some functions are designed  to be hidden, which can be difficult for those who are not technologically inclined.

3. Engine – Operation

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe uses a 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive system.

Rolls-Royce estimates that the Drophead will accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 238 km/h, a surprising speed for a luxury convertible of any kind. best.

In addition, the estimated fuel economy of the Phantom Drophead Coupe is 14 MPG (5.95 km/l) for combined roads, 11 MPG (4.68 km/l) for city roads and 19 MPG (8.08 km/l) for highways. speed.

4. Driving feeling

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a giant in every way. With a wide body, little room on the sides and a front end that skews away like the bow of a ship, maneuvering the car on tight streets can be difficult. However, the Phantom Drophead Coupe is equipped with a surround-view camera system that provides a left-to-right view of intersections ahead, which can assist the driver in staying safe as well as parking.

With its large size and length, the Phantom Drophead Coupe is suitable for wide roads and high-speed routes. The car is likened to a luxurious, smooth ocean liner that can go through all bad roads, rough roads, and rocky roads without making any engine noise or unpleasant sounds.

In addition, the special structure of the hood gives it a particularly sturdy and solid feeling. Large convertibles are prone to bending and creaking in the roof, but the Phantom Drophead Coupe is very sturdy and feels extremely luxurious.

5. Safety features

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is equipped with leading safety features, such as:

  • Anti-lock braking system
  • Control traction and vehicle stability
  • Vehicle rollover protection system
  • Active front head restraints
  • Front knee airbags, front side airbags
  • Rolls-Royce emergency telecommunication system

In addition, the car is also equipped with standard front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system to help support parking when participating in traffic.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe stands out

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a super luxury convertible for 4 passengers and is popular with customers. In its first year of introduction (2007), 253 Drophead Coupes were delivered around the world, including some particularly outstanding examples, such as:

1. The first Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe in the US

The first Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe in the US market was auctioned at the charity Winter Wine festival (roughly translated: Naples Winter Wine Festival) for 2 million USD in 2007. In 2 Of these million dollars, 1.6 million will go to the Naples Children and Education Foundation.

The car was purchased by a local real estate investor and developer. At that time, this Rolls-Royce was considered the most expensive car ever sold in America.

2. Rolls-Royce Pininfarina Hyperion

In 2007, Pininfarina (a car design company based in Italy) was commissioned to build a special edition Phantom Drophead Coupe called Rolls-Royce Hyperion for collector Roland Hall. This is a 2-seat roadster first introduced in 2008 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

In 2012, the car was sold by Mr. Roland Hall for 4 million pounds (equivalent to 7.48 million US dollars at that time). However, as of now, Hyperion is 13 years old and is looking for a new owner. Although it has decreased by more than 50% compared to its original value, Hyperion is still in a “stagnant” state.

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