Rolls-Royce Dawn
Rolls-Royce Dawn
You don’t have to be a Rolls-Royce aficionado to draw comparisons of the Rolls-Royce Dawn to the Wraith. A small difference would be, of course, the Dawn lacks a solid metal roof that is standard with the Wraith. The two, however, both offer the formidable Rolls-Royce grill, wide side-body panels and the details found only in a hand made automobile. Rolls-Royce calls the Dawn “Strikingly Seductive” We think you’ll find that to be an accurate description.
The Dawn is not some sleek, low profile convertible. It is instead, a breed of car that stands comfortable in the breezes. It’s distinctive front end is contrasted with a demure rear deck. You don’t squeeze into the four passenger Dawn, but rather let it embrace you with its full leather seats. This is a car of substance and one that wears the RR logo well. There is no question you will get looks when cruising in your Rolls-Royce Dawn. Just know they are looks of admiration of your success and good taste.
A Rolls with Muscle
While the Rolls-Royce Dawn won’t be confused as a muscle car, it certainly has the strength to deliver a thrilling ride. It’s 6.6 litre, twin turbo, V-12 engine produces an impressive 563 horsepower that will take you from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. With the top down, that feels like a ride aboard a throttled cigar boat. Just significantly smoother. For those who enjoy sharing such details (and don’t we all?) the Dawn has a top speed of 155 mph. It does so with it’s 21-inch Continental ContiSportContact5 tires planted firmly on the road and with nary a vibration to be felt through its substantial 122.5-inch frame. This is a car that responds whether you need the speed, or simply have a desire to enjoy it.
This is a vehicle that shifts like butter, with a ZF eight-speed transmission that actually uses GPS gathered data to help better anticipate shifts. There’s no neck snapping to be felt by driver nor passengers. It may be another story for those witnessing your ride from a standing position.
Rolls-Royce Quality Amenities
Of course Rolls-Royce hasn’t built its brand on speed, but in finely crafted vehicles with world-class amenities. That tradition continues in the Dawn with a rich, full leather interior accented by genuine wood trim. Its 10.3-inch LED infotainment screen is operated by what Rolls calls the “Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller”. We found that to mean easy and intuitive to operate.
Driver and front passenger seats are 8-way power adjustable and feature power adjustable lumbar support. The Rolls-Royce Dawn is too sophisticated to waste time on “toys” but it includes modern necessities like rear and side-view cameras, hands-free calling, four-zone climate control and air filtration. Oh, and did we mention there’s a retractable hood ornament to keep souvenir seekers at bay?
For a convertible, the Dawn is exceptionally quiet with the top up. This is largely due to the company’s superior engineering and insulation. A cloth top that is a sound-absorbing six layers thick also contributes the the quiet ride. We should also mention that while some convertibles have an almost Jeckyll and Hyde personality, the Dawn is equally attractive whether the automatic top is up or down.
Features That Keep You and Your Passengers Safe
From its over-sized brakes to its run-flat tires, everything about the Dawn is designed for comfort and safety. Self-leveling, adaptive headlights make nighttime driving easier. Child seat anchors keep young passenger firmly in place. Wipers anticipate the rain. Contact with the road is assisted with stability and traction control and the car features a post-collision safety system.
The Dawn is more substantial than most convertibles on the highway today, surrounding you in a protective cockpit. It is a cockpit that is spacious and comfortable. It is one even the most discriminating will appreciate.