Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible Debuts Ahead of Frankfurt Show
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Dawn, a four-seat luxury convertible with a 6.6-litre V12, ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.
Rolls-Royce has officially introduced the Dawn, a new four-seat convertible that expands the marque’s line-up with a focus on open-top luxury. The car was revealed in early September 2015, ahead of its first public appearance at the Frankfurt motor show later that month.
The Dawn draws on the Wraith coupé’s underpinnings but is not simply a convertible version. Rolls-Royce says more than 80 percent of the car’s panels are unique, with the aim of creating a distinct identity. The Dawn’s proportions are marked by a 2:1 wheel-to-body height ratio, a long bonnet and short front overhang, and a high, sweeping waistline. The grille sits 45 mm further back than on the Wraith, while the front bumper extends 53 mm, giving the Dawn a subtly different stance.
Inside, the Dawn offers a true four-seat layout with individual rear seats. The cabin is finished in traditional Rolls-Royce fashion, with extensive use of wood and leather. The rear deck, crafted from open-pore wood, is designed to echo classic “boat tail” Rolls-Royce dropheads, and buyers can specify the wood and pattern to match their personal taste. The interior features a four-zone climate system and a bespoke 16-speaker audio setup.
Roof mechanism and refinement
Rolls-Royce has prioritised refinement for the Dawn’s fabric roof. The electrically operated hood opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h, and the company claims the process is nearly silent. With the roof in place, Rolls-Royce says the Dawn is as quiet inside as the Wraith coupé.
Performance and technical details
Power comes from a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 563 bhp (420 kW) and 780 Nm of torque. The Dawn accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. The car features dynamic accelerator pedal mapping, which can sharpen throttle response by up to 30 percent compared to standard mapping.
| Engine | 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 |
|---|---|
| Power | 563 bhp (420 kW) |
| Torque | 780 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Roof operation | 20 seconds at up to 50 km/h |
| Seating | 2+2 configuration |
Position in the Rolls-Royce range
The Dawn joins the Ghost, Wraith and Phantom in Rolls-Royce’s line-up, targeting buyers who want open-top motoring without compromising on comfort or rear-seat space. It arrives as the company prepares to update its Phantom flagship and as speculation continues about a future SUV, which would later be confirmed as the Cullinan. For more on the evolution of the marque’s modern models, see Rolls-Royce Ghost Sets New Standard for Marque’s Modern Era.
