The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2012, represents the pinnacle of luxury grand touring. Positioned as the convertible iteration of the flagship Phantom sedan, it catered to buyers seeking open-air motoring without compromising the brand’s renowned opulence and engineering excellence. This generation, produced from 2012 to 2016, continued the Phantom’s legacy of handcrafted quality and bespoke customization, appealing to a discerning clientele globally, though primarily concentrated in affluent markets like North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The Drophead Coupe distinguished itself with its elegant design, powerful V12 engine, and a focus on providing an unparalleled driving experience.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (2012 Facelift)
The 2012 facelift brought subtle yet significant enhancements to the Phantom Drophead Coupe, refining its aesthetics and further elevating its luxurious character. These updates included revised front-end styling, modernized interior trim options, and improvements to the vehicle’s technology features. While remaining true to the classic Rolls-Royce design language, the facelift aimed to appeal to a contemporary audience while preserving the model’s timeless appeal. The Drophead Coupe occupied a unique niche, competing with ultra-luxury convertibles like the Bentley Continental GTC, but consistently emphasizing a more bespoke and handcrafted experience.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Phantom Drophead Coupe lies a naturally aspirated 6.7-liter V12 engine, producing 460 horsepower at 5350 rpm and a substantial 720 Nm (531.04 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. This powerplant, designated the N73B68A, is renowned for its smooth power delivery and refined character. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless gear changes and contributing to a relaxed driving experience. Despite its considerable weight of 2630 kg (5798.16 lbs), the Drophead Coupe achieves a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 5.5 seconds and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.8 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h (149.13 mph). While fuel economy is not a primary concern for owners of this vehicle, the combined fuel consumption is rated at 14.8 l/100 km (15.9 US mpg, 19.1 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 347 g/km.
Design & Features
The Phantom Drophead Coupe is a four-seat cabriolet with a two-door configuration. Its design is characterized by long, flowing lines, a prominent grille, and a luxurious interior. The soft-top roof is fully automatic and can be raised or lowered in approximately 22 seconds. The interior is meticulously crafted with the finest materials, including premium leather, wood veneers, and polished metal accents. The emphasis is on providing a supremely comfortable and refined cabin experience. Features include power-adjustable seats with massage functions, a high-end audio system, and advanced climate control. Safety features, while not as emphasized as in more mainstream vehicles of the era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for stability and occupant protection. The car’s substantial dimensions – 5612 mm (220.94 in) in length and 1987 mm (78.23 in) in width – contribute to its imposing presence and spacious interior. Trunk space is a respectable 395 liters (13.95 cu. ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | Phantom |
| Generation | Phantom Drophead Coupe (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 6.7 V12 (460 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 22.8 l/100 km (10.3 US mpg, 12.4 UK mpg, 4.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.8 l/100 km (15.9 US mpg, 19.1 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 347 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp, 174.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 273.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 460 Hp @ 5350 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 720 Nm @ 3500 rpm (531.04 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N73B68A |
| Engine displacement | 6749 cm3 (411.85 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.6 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14 l (14.79 US qt | 12.32 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2630 kg (5798.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3050 kg (6724.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 395 l (13.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5612 mm (220.94 in.) |
| Width | 1987 mm (78.23 in.) |
| Height | 1566 mm (61.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3320 mm (130.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1686 mm (66.38 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1676 mm (65.98 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.1 m (42.98 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| 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 | 255/50 R21; 285/45 R21 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 21; 9.5J x 21 |
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (2012 facelift) remains a symbol of ultimate luxury and handcrafted excellence. Its combination of a powerful V12 engine, elegant design, and bespoke interior appointments continues to appeal to those seeking the very best in open-top motoring.
