The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a luxury convertible automobile that was first introduced in 2015 and produced until 2023. It belongs to the eighth generation of Rolls-Royce's Ghost series, which also includes the Phantom, Wraith, and Ghost.
Design and Features
The Dawn features a sleek and curvaceous body style, with a long bonnet, short overhangs, and a sloping roofline that gives it an elongated appearance. The car has a length of 5,615 mm (221 inches), a width of 1,902 mm (75 inches), and a height of 1,523 mm (60 inches). It rides on a steel chassis with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm (122 inches) and features all-independent suspension.
The interior is designed to evoke the opulence of Rolls-Royce's past creations. The dashboard, doors, and floorpan are upholstered in premium leather, while the instrument cluster is dominated by a single analog clock from Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre. Other notable features include an 8.8-inch infotainment display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 15 speakers.
Engine and Performance
The Dawn is powered by a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 563 horsepower (420 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 833 N·m (615 lb-ft) of torque from as low as 1,700 rpm. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities via a pair of paddles on the steering wheel. The drivetrain features all-wheel drive, which provides stability and traction in a variety of conditions.
Safety Features
The Dawn features a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and emergency brake assist (EBA). It also has six airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Other notable safety features include adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system.
Dimensions and Capacity
The Dawn has a seating capacity for four occupants, depending on the configuration of the rear seats. It has a boot capacity of 308 liters (10.9 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and up to 406 liters (14.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down.
Colors and Trims
The Dawn is available in a wide range of colors, including standard metallic paints and bespoke color options. Customers can also select from various interior trims, including wood veneers like Black Walnut and open-pore walnut, as well as polished aluminum trim.
Limited Editions
Throughout its production run, the Rolls-Royce Dawn has been offered in several limited-edition models, each with unique styling cues and features. These include the Dawn Black Badge (2016), the Dawn Convertible (2020), and the Black Badge Special Edition (2022).
Production and Discontinuation
The Rolls-Royce Dawn was first introduced at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and began production in Goodwood, England, later that year. It continued to be produced until 2023, when it was discontinued as part of a broader product overhaul by the company.
