Base 2dr Convertible
2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, or DHC, is a two-door convertible based on the same underpinnings as the Phantom sedan, though about ten inches shorter.

It's powered by the same 6.75L, all-aluminum V12 engine as the Phantom sedan; it makes 453 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, with 75 percent of its peak torque available at just 1,000 rpm for extremely smooth, versatile power delivery. The engine achieves this through direct injection, variable valve control, and variable camshaft tuning. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that's tuned for smoothness, yet the DHC can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and on to a comfortable electronically limited top speed of 149 mph.

The DHC has several unique design features, including rear-hinged doors, which allow back-seat occupants much easier access than in other convertibles and coupes. In order to make them safe and convenient, the side doors include electric door latches that pull the door gently closed for the last 6 mm of travel. The grille, the entire hood, and trim throughout the vehicle are done in brushed steel. Its upright grille and angular front end are shared with the Phantom sedan, yet the DHC has a slightly more streamlined design in front, including compact LED headlights and slim-line side lights.

The Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy mascot automatically retracts below the car's sheet metal, protected from vandals, when the key is removed from the ignition.

The Drophead Coupe uses a folding soft top with five layers of waterproof, sound-deadening material for good isolation of noise and weather. A blonde green teak rear deck is available to conceal the convertible soft top; the deck is made of 30 separate pieces of teak from the same tree, cut in 3.5 mm thick strips and using a process similar to that used by yacht builders.

Even when the top is lowered and stowed, the trunk has space for three golf bags, according to Rolls-Royce. The trunk includes both a conventional trunklid as well as a fold-down, bottom-hinged section good for tailgating.

An air spring system and continuous electronic damping help maintain a level stance in a wide range of load conditions, while the suspension's double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup allows better agility than might be expected for a vehicle of this size and weight. It includes a driver-selectable ride adjustment to raise ground clearance by an additional inch at low speed if needed.

Run-flat tires are featured with either the standard 19.7-inch wheels or the optional 21-inch design; both allow the capability to drive for at least 100 miles at 55 miles per hour without the need for a spare tire or compressor.

Dynamic stability control is standard on the DHC, along with anti-lock brakes with dynamic brake control and cornering brake control to help reduce stopping distances in mid-corner emergency maneuvers. In addition to a full range of air bags, a pop-up roll bar automatically deploys in the event of a rollover to help protect back-seat occupants.

The DHC is sold …
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