The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a luxury grand tourer convertible produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Introduced in 2015, the Dawn represents the brand’s entry into the market for high-end, open-top motoring. Based on the Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe, the Dawn shares its platform and powertrain but distinguishes itself with a fully retractable soft top and a focus on providing a serene and luxurious experience for all four occupants. The Dawn caters to a clientele seeking a blend of performance, opulence, and the freedom of open-air driving, solidifying Rolls-Royce’s position at the pinnacle of automotive luxury.
Rolls-Royce Dawn: A Modern Grand Tourer
The Dawn emerged as Rolls-Royce responded to a demand for a convertible offering within their lineup. While the Phantom Drophead Coupé served a similar purpose, the Dawn was designed to be a more driver-focused and contemporary alternative. It aimed to attract a younger demographic while maintaining the brand’s core values of handcrafted quality, bespoke customization, and effortless performance. The vehicle quickly became a significant model for Rolls-Royce, demonstrating the continued appeal of the luxury convertible segment.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Dawn lies a formidable 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, designated the N74B66A. This powerplant delivers 571 horsepower at 5250-6000 rpm and a substantial 604.8 lb.-ft. of torque between 1500 and 5000 rpm. The engine’s robust output translates to impressive performance figures, with the Dawn accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and achieving a maximum speed of 155.34 mph (250 km/h). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio stands at 223 hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 320.3 Nm per tonne, contributing to its effortless acceleration. The engine features direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency and power delivery. The engine displaces 6592 cm3 (402.27 cu. in.) and boasts a compression ratio of 10:1. The engine requires 11 liters (11.62 US qt / 9.68 UK qt) of engine oil.
Design & Features
The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a four-seat cabriolet with a 2+2 seating configuration. Its exterior design is characterized by flowing lines, a long hood, and a short rear deck, embodying the classic proportions of a grand tourer. The fully retractable soft top, available in a range of colors, is a key design element, transforming the car’s character from a luxurious coupe to an open-air convertible in seconds. The interior is meticulously crafted with premium materials, including fine leather, wood veneers, and polished metal accents. The Dawn offers a high level of customization, allowing owners to personalize virtually every aspect of the vehicle to their preferences.
Modern features abound, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety. The Dawn incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system), and utilizes an electric power steering system for precise and effortless handling. The suspension system employs double wishbones at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, both incorporating air suspension for a supremely smooth ride. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The vehicle rides on 8.5J x 20 inch rims in the front and 9.5J x 20 inch rims in the rear, fitted with 255/45 R20 and 285/40 R20 tires respectively.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | Dawn |
| Generation | Dawn |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 V12 (571 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 22.1 l/100 km (10.6 US mpg / 12.8 UK mpg / 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg / 28.2 UK mpg / 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.4 l/100 km (16.3 US mpg / 19.6 UK mpg / 6.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 330 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 571 Hp @ 5250-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 820 Nm @ 1500-5000 rpm (604.8 lb.-ft. @ 1500-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N74B66A |
| Engine displacement | 6592 cm3 (402.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2560 kg (5643.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 321 l (11.34 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 5285 mm (208.07 in.) |
| Width | 1947 mm (76.65 in.) |
| Height | 1502 mm (59.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3112 mm (122.52 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.7 m (41.67 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
The Rolls-Royce Dawn represents a modern interpretation of the classic luxury convertible. It successfully blends the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship and opulence with contemporary technology and performance, offering a unique and compelling proposition in the high-end automotive market. Its continued presence in the Rolls-Royce lineup underscores its importance as a symbol of refined luxury and open-air motoring.
