The Art of Design Issue 17 2015 | Page 104

Compromise is not a word recognised in the Rolls-Royce lexicon. Indeed the company continues to live by the clarion cry of co-founder Sir Henry Royce to “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.” The first part of this maxim – “Strive for perfection in everything you do” – guides the company’s every action particularly during the creation of a new motor car. The second – “Take the best that exists and make it better” – has been clearly evidenced in the success of both Phantom Series II and Ghost Series II as they were carefully updated in 2012 and 2014 respectively. And when Rolls-Royce judged that it was time for an authentic gentleman’s Gran Turismo to return to the world stage, it was guided by the third part of Sir Henry’s maxim: “When it does not exist, design it.” And thus, Wraith was born. Now, the final part of this maxim has guided the Rolls-Royce design and engineering teams as they have worked to initiate a new age for open-top, super-luxury motoring. In a sector exclusively populated by the biggest of automotive compromises – the 2+2 seat configuration – Rolls-Royce has chosen to “accept nothing nearly right or good enough.” And so, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn, the world’s only true modern four-seater super-luxury drophead, is born. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions Vehicle length: 17.34ft Vehicle width: 6.39ft Vehicle height (unladen): 4.93ft Wheelbase: 10.21ft Turning circle: 41.7ft Boot Volume (DIN): 244ltr - 295ltr Weight Unladen Weight (DIN): 2560kg Engine Engine / cylinders / valves: V / 12 / 48 Fuel management Direct injection Power output @ engine speed: 563bhp / 420kW / 570PS @ 5250rpm Max torque @ engine speed: 780Nm / 575lb ft @ 1500rpm Fuel type: 10:1 / Premium unleaded1 Performance Top speed: 155mph (governed) Acceleration: 0 - 100km/h 4.9sec² Fuel Consumption Urban: 13.2mpg (Imp.) Extra urban: 28.8mpg (Imp.) Combined consumption / range: 19.9mpg (Imp.) CO2 emissions: 330g/km