Wednesday 28th June 2017

Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge announced

Hopelessly searching for "the most uncompromising expression of open-top luxury" in the world? Voila!

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With the coachbuilt Sweptail now fading from memory - perhaps thankfully, based on the majority of the comments it received - and the final Phantom long gone from the factory, Rolls-Royce has seen fit to announce its latest ultra-exclusive model.

Best get that roof up pronto

Set to be launched at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Dawn Black Badge has been conceived "in response to the differing lifestyle requirements of a younger, more dynamic patron of luxury." Following on from the Black Badge variants of the Ghost and Wraith, there are several key features which set this version of the Dawn apart.

For starters the 6.6-litre, twin-turbo V12 has been tweaked to produce an extra 30hp over the standard car, bringing the total to 600hp. The addition of a further 15lb ft of torque (now 620lb ft) results in a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, with the top speed still at a limited 155mph.

The steering rack has been quickened and re-engineered for better feedback, whilst tweaks to the transmission and throttle mapping result in "an enhanced feeling of urgency." So much so that Rolls has also developed new, larger brakes and remapped the transmission to downshift a few rpm sooner under braking when "driving in a more spirited manner."

Changes to suspension settings and components also aim to ensure flatter cornering at high speeds whilst maintaining a balance between comfort and driver focus. And finally, a new exhaust system has been developed for the Dawn Black Badge, said to emit a "menacing bass baritone, announcing its arrival with authority rather than hysteria." Because no one arriving in a 5.2-metre long, convertible Rolls-Royce would want to appear too ostentatious.

Rather subtle as Dawn specs go...

The end result of all this according to Rolls-Royce being, "a perfectly stately touring experience at low speeds and a highly engaging drive when the driver seeks to 'push on'." Sounds delightful!

Should you be unable to wait for yours, or just want an idea of exactly how those dynamic patrons of luxury having been managing to get about up until now, there is a Wraith Black Badge for sale in the classifieds for a paltry £299,950! For those committed to the drop-top cause however, the Dawn Black Badge is available to commission now; and yes, £300,000 probably wouldn't be a bad place to start guesstimating the price.

[E65Ross]

Bit late to the party on this one....Harry Metcalfe did a review on his youtube channel several weeks ago, if not a month or so! He rather liked it.

[E65Ross]

Nik Attard said:

E65Ross said:

Bit late to the party on this one....Harry Metcalfe did a review on his youtube channel several weeks ago, if not a month or so! He rather liked it.

Might want to take another look... seeing he drove a Wraith Black Badge not a Dawn Black Badge.

Easily mistaken seeing they are both Black Badges!

Nik

Ah, my apologies!!

[E65Ross]

jayemdoubleu said:

Dafuq said:

I feel bad saying this, being a Brit an all, but for me RR have lost their way.

This, to me, is errr trying too hard to be cool. Like that rapper who should have taken his millions and shuffled off to his mansion in the hills a few years back but still keeps releasing songs with tacky videos in the belief he still 'has the nuts'

It's........., crass.

To clarify, if I sold my business tomorrow and had a few mil of loose paper in the bank, this would not even reach my short list of ways to express my efforts and success on a track or road.

Coat on and taxi requested........., just don't like it.

Nope I'm with you on this. The prospect of people buying this with the consideration of sportiness is a bit vulgar. A bit like handmade calf leather loafers for playing football in.

I suggest you watch Harry's Garage on youtube on the BB version of the Wraith. Whilst it may be more "sporty" than the regular car, it doesn't try to be a sports car, it is still a very capable cruiser with comfort in mind more than anything else.