Rolls-Royce will unveil its latest ultra-luxury vehicle — the Drophead Coupe — at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The two-door convertible is inspired by the 100EX concept car at was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in 2004. The car’s official name — the Phantom Drophead Coupe — is a bit of a surprise instead of the expected Corniche name. Apparently, Rolls has other plans for the Corniche name, including rumors that the company’s coming entry model will wear the historic Corniche badge.

Many of the unique features of the concept car can be seen on the production version, including the LED headlights, the stainless steel hood section, and the suicide doors (coach doors in Rolls-Royce speak). The five-layer soft-top is the largest of any modern day convertible. While a folding hardtop was considered, it was quickly dismissed, which allows for a classically styled trunk. The trunk features an unusual tailgate design with one section opening down and one section opening up.

Inside, the Drophead Coupe is true luxury, with plenty of soft leather, shiny chrome, teak panels and sisal mats. Rolls-Royce’s chief designer Ian Cameron looked to the 1930s America’s Cup J-class yachts for inspiration.

The Drophead Coupe is powered by the same turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 engine used in the Phantom sedan. While horsepower numbers aren’t the focus of a Rolls-Royce, the engine develops 453-hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Rolls-Royce is only expected to build 100 Drophead Coupes per year and will be priced around $350,000. The car goes on sale in the U.S. in mid 2007.

More photos after the jump.

## Source: Rolls-Royce ##

Posted in: Rolls-Royce, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles
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