The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a luxury grand tourer convertible produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Introduced in 2017, the Dawn represents the automaker’s entry into the market for high-end, open-top motoring. Based on the 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 driving experience. The Black Badge edition, detailed here, further enhances the Dawn’s aesthetic and performance characteristics, appealing to a clientele seeking a more assertive and dynamic expression of Rolls-Royce’s signature opulence.
Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge: A Study in Luxury Performance
The Dawn Black Badge is positioned as the most dynamic and visually striking iteration of the Dawn. It builds upon the standard model’s already considerable luxury with unique styling cues, a more powerful engine tune, and a generally more assertive character. The Black Badge designation, introduced across the Rolls-Royce range, signifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and aesthetics, catering to a clientele that desires exclusivity and a bolder statement.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge lies a formidable 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. This powerplant delivers 601 horsepower at 5250-6000 rpm and a substantial 840 Nm (619.55 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1650 and 4750 rpm. The engine, designated N74B66A, features direct fuel injection and a sophisticated valvetrain (DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder) to optimize performance and efficiency. The power is delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for effortless acceleration and a refined cruising experience. The Dawn Black Badge achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155.34 mph (250 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio of 4.3 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3 kg/Nm contribute to the car’s impressive performance capabilities. The engine’s 6592 cm3 (402.27 cu. in.) displacement and 10:1 compression ratio are key factors in its smooth and powerful operation.
Design & Features
The Rolls-Royce Dawn is a four-seat cabriolet with a two-door configuration. Its defining feature is its fully retractable soft top, which allows occupants to enjoy an open-air driving experience with minimal compromise to refinement. The Black Badge edition distinguishes itself through a darkened exterior aesthetic, including a bespoke Black Badge grille, darkened headlight casings, and unique wheels. The interior is equally lavish, featuring premium leather upholstery, wood veneers, and meticulously crafted details. The Dawn prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, offering a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. Modern safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and advanced driver-assistance systems, are integrated to provide a secure and confident ride. The car’s dimensions – a length of 5285 mm (208.07 in.), a width of 1947 mm (76.65 in.), and a height of 1502 mm (59.13 in.) – contribute to its imposing presence and spacious interior. Trunk space is rated at 321 liters (11.34 cu. ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | Dawn |
| Generation | Dawn |
| Type (Engine) | 6.6 V12 (601 Hp) Automatic Black Badge |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 22.9 l/100 km (10.3 US mpg, 12.3 UK mpg, 4.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg, 28 UK mpg, 9.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 337 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 601 Hp @ 5250-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 840 Nm @ 1650-4750 rpm (619.55 lb.-ft. @ 1650-4750 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.) |
| Front track | 1618 mm (63.7 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1665 mm (65.55 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.7 m (41.67 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front: 255/45 R20, Rear: 285/40 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 8.5J x 20, Rear: 9.5J x 20 |
The Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge represents the pinnacle of open-top luxury motoring, blending effortless performance with an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and exclusivity. It continues Rolls-Royce’s tradition of creating automobiles that are not merely modes of transportation, but statements of individual style and success.
