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2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé: Simply The Business
As they say in England, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is “The Business.” And after evaluating the massive convertible recently in San Diego, I can certainly attest to that statement. Unleash the soft top is 25 seconds in front of any emphatic crowd and you will cause a mob scene as we did while showcasing the Rolls-Royce to celebrity entertainer Nick Cannon in front of the posh Ivey Hotel.
 Based on the concept 100EX -- designed to celebrate 100 years of Rolls-Royce’s existence -- the stately Drophead can be had for $412,000 to only 100 providential connoisseurs of British heritage. Rolls-Royce will continue to build more as long as customers place an order. Yet, the rest have to sign up for the two year waiting list. And believe me, the price tag to exclusivity means nothing to the eclectic and wealthy group of current Rolls-Royce owners. This is a prestigious class who normally have six to seven other vehicles, three homes, yachts, and access to private jets. One evens owns a nuclear power plant! Rolls-Royce, you could say, is in a class of its own. Their least expensive vehicle is $340K. And their market share in $300K and above ultra-luxury vehicle segment stands at 57%. Go figure!
The Drophead, a classic British entitlement, inherits its DNA from the Phantom sedan. While ten inches shorter, the 5,776 pound Drophead utilizes the same 6.75-liter V12 engine as its brethren. With 453-horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, controlled via a six-speed ZF automatic shift-by-wire transmission, the vehicle is able to achieve 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 149 mph. To propel its massive weight with aplomb, 75% of the Drophead’s power is available at 1000 rpm. So quick starts from red lights are not an issue. Also, don’t look for an rpm readout on the dash. Rolls-Royces don’t have tachometers. They use “Power Reserve” gauges.
 To date, there are three Dropheads in the country, painted English White, Diamond Black, and Ensign Red. We tested the $435K Ensign Red vehicle with the optional brushed stainless steel bonnet (hood) and windshield surround, rear teakwood decking, and Créme Light leather interior. In total there are nine exterior colors, nine leather interiors, six cloth tops, and six wood veneers to choose from. And though the Drophead is manifested from the Phantom, every exterior component is unique and molded specifically for the convertible. “Designing without compromise meant that, to a certain extent, we had to start again,” stated Rolls-Royce Chief Designer Ian Cameron. “Simply removing the Phantom’s roof could have made a great convertible but it wouldn’t have made a perfect one. With the Phantom Drophead Coupé we had the chance to think about the very nature of convertible motoring and, in particular, what it means to Rolls-Royce.” Here, you now have a vehicle with romantic lines -- not angular as in the Phantom. The coach doors (suicide) self close by the touch of a button, the aluminum spaceframe is hand welded, and all of its wood is crafted by the same gentleman from one piece of bark. Both the standard 20” Michelins and the optional 21” Goodyears are runflat, allowing more storage in the spacious boot (trunk), which can hold three sets of golf clubs. Attention to detail is showcased by the “RR” symbol on the wheels. During movement it always stays upright so the logo is never compromised. In total, each Drophead Coupé requires 360 man hours to assemble. A normal vehicle requires only 30. You know you’re special when the Rolls is parked in the garage.
 Now for the true experience. When I stepped inside the immaculate interior (similar to Phantom) all of my senses went off like an alarm. The confluence of wood gave the impression of a nautical encounter than a driving one. Both door slots hold umbrellas for rainy days. The two ten-inch woofers (one under each seat) and Lexicon audio system with Logic 7 implied that we were in a recording studio and not a convertible cabin. Chrome outlines the majority of the interior trim including the door panels, door locks and seat rails. The loudest mechanical component of the vehicle is the electric cooling fan. And yes, four full-sized adults will ride comfortably in the Drophead.
Although Rolls-Royce owners don’t require lots of technology, the Drophead comes with it. Yet, its features are simple and mostly hidden. For example, the clock rotates in exchange for the navigation system when needed. The navigation system and more is controlled by a streamlined version of parent company BMW’s iDrive. The Controller is hidden under the middle console and folds out when summoned. Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth are additional amenities. When there is no time for controllers, then switch over to the voice commands. Need some information or roadside assistance? Call into the telematics system and they will respond to any need like Geoffrey the Butler on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
 After filming the beauty for a few hours on ARtvLive.com, we headed back to regroup with Nick Cannon who may be the youngest owner of a Rolls-Royce. As he said, “The vehicle is saucy!” A tap of the button and the Spirit of Ecstasy (“Flying Lady” hood ornament) retracts to prevent pilferage. Pulling up to the Ivey made us feel real good! While pulling up to others was almost embarrassing. The Rolls even dwarfed Bentley’s Arnage and made a Lamborghini owner feel like baby powder when valet made him wait in the middle of the street until we were finally ready to take off again. What can I say, it’s The Business!
For Additional Ultra Luxury Reviews See:
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