- Refined, effortless 6.75-litre V12 engine
- Supremely comfortable, cosseting ride
- Outstanding interior materials and craftsmanship
- Quiet, well-insulated cabins
- Accurate steering
- Wind noise at highway speeds
- Weight blunts agility
- Some body roll when cornering
- High running, servicing and depreciation costs
Review: Rolls-Royce 2D68.I Phantom Drophead Coupe (2007-12)
Overview
Released in September 2007, the Rolls-Royce 2D68 Series I (2D68.I) Phantom Drophead Coupe was a four-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Goodwood, England, the rear-wheel drive 2D68 Phantom Drophead Coupe was powered by a 6.75-litre petrol V12 engine that was mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
V12 engine
The 6.75-litre V12 engine featured direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), fully variable valve-lift control and variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Although peak torque was 720 Nm at 3500 rpm, 560 Nm was available from 1000 rpm.
Body and dimensions
Like the 3C68 Phantom Coupe on which it was based, the Phantom Drophead Coupe had an aluminium space frame chassis and rear-hinged doors. Compared to its Phantom Coupe, the Phantom Drophead Coupe was the same length (at 5609 mm) and width (1987 mm), but was 17 mm lower (1581 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged at 3320 mm. Furthermore, the Drophead Coupe’s five-layer fabric-roof could be opened or closed in 25 seconds at the touch of a button.
Suspension
The Phantom Drophead Coupe had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, both featuring self-levelling air springs and electronic damper control.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Drophead Coupe | 6.75-litre petrol V12 | 6sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 2D68.I Phantom Drophead Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control with corner braking control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features
Standard Phantom Drophead Coupe features included 20-inch alloy wheels, a 15 speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, four-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, satellite navigation, TV tuner, car phone, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, front and rear cameras, front and rear parking sensors, front bi-xenon headlights with washers, fog lights, cooled glovebox, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse, powered park brake, power adjustable steering column, memory settings (front seats, mirrors, steering column), 12 volt power outlets, tinted windows, a trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.
Related links
- Brochure: Rolls-Royce 2D68 Phantom Drophead Coupe (January 2006)
- Brochure: Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupe and Phantom Drophead Coupe (April 2010)
- Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Rolls-Royce 2D68 Phantom Drophead Coupe
Review: Rolls-Royce 2D68.II Phantom Drophead Coupe (2012-16)
Overview
Released in August 2012, the 2D68 Series II (2D68.II) Phantom Coupe introduced an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Phantom’s aluminium spaceframe was reinforced with the addition of brace bars which also enabled the introduction of an optional dynamic package.
Visually, the 2D68.II Phantom Drophead Coupe could be identified by its re-styled bumpers, single-piece grille surround, rectangular light apertures that framed full-LED light clusters and new front wing R-R badges. The new headlights also featured direction and adaptive functions.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom Drophead Coupe | 6.75-litre petrol V12 | 8sp auto | 338 kW at 5350 rpm | 720 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Features
Inside, the 2D68.II Phantom Drophead Coupe featured a new 8.8-inch centre display (previously 6.5-inches), new chrome controllers within the centre console and rear centre arm rest. Furthermore, the lower glove box contained AV connectors and a six-DVD changer, while the centre recess will also housed a 12 volt power socket and USB and auxiliary inputs. The satellite navigation system was also updated with 3D maps, guided tours, points of interest and composite route planning.
The 2D68.II Phantom Drophead Coupe was also fitted with five cameras – two in the front bumper, two on the underside of each door mirror and one in the boot lid – which could combine-16 a ‘fish eye’ view at blind junctions, ground images with obstacle recognition and reverse parking guidelines.
Related links
- Rolls-Royce Press Club: Phantom Series II – Press Kit (March 2013)
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
- Wikipedia.org: Rolls-Royce 2D68 Phantom Drophead Coupe
