Rolls-Royce Droptail: The Pinnacle of Luxury

author: FutureCar Staff    

This may come as a surprise, but I am not the target audience for what is likely the most expensive new car in the world. I don't possess vast wealth or control over a country's water supply. Therefore, my opinion may not be the best judge of an eight-figure automobile. However, the Rolls-Royce Droptail has certainly caught my attention.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, which is expected to break its own record for the world's priciest new car. The previous record was held by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, which made its debut at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The Boat Tail's official cost was never disclosed, as it was a bespoke project with only three coachbuilt cars created according to individual customer specifications. Rumored customers included Jay-Z and Beyonce. The Boat Tail was estimated to be priced at $28 million, but the new Droptail is reported to be even more expensive.

Rolls-Royce has not yet revealed the exact cost of the Droptail, but The Drive has reached out to the company for confirmation. As more information becomes available, this story will be updated.

Similar to the Boat Tail, the Droptail is a coachbuilt design that shares little resemblance to other Rolls-Royce models. Only four Droptails will be produced, each customized to the owner's preferences. The overall design was a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the four customers.

While it is undeniably a beautiful car, the question remains: is it worth $30 million? The long hood, custom rear deck, and low-slung shoulder line pay tribute to roadsters from the 1920s. The first Droptail to be made, named "La Rose Noire," features a striking red-and-black color scheme inspired by the Black Baccara flower.

The Droptail's interior will be familiar to those who have seen modern Rolls-Royce models, but it does have unique elements. The center armrest is new, and the dashboard trim is adorned with a red and black geometric pattern reminiscent of the opening credits of Casino Royale. The same motif covers the entire rear deck of the Droptail. To add a touch of luxury, the car comes with a bespoke Audemars Piguet watch that fits into the dashboard and serves as the car's clock. The design had to undergo crash testing to ensure the watch would not become a projectile in case of an accident.

Contrary to its two-door shape, the Droptail is not based on the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre. Instead, La Rose Noire is equipped with a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 593 horsepower, surpassing the power of the Phantom by 30 horsepower. However, the torque is slightly lower at 620 lb-ft, 44 lb-ft less than the Phantom.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail is an impressive feat of craftsmanship, created almost entirely by hand and unlike anything else on the road. One could argue whether it is truly worth $30 million or more, especially when competing against the stunning vintage cars at Pebble Beach. However, in the world of the ultra-wealthy, where everyone has everything, exclusivity is highly valued. Being one of only four people in the world to own this exquisite Rolls-Royce is what makes the Droptail so valuable. At the very least, it seems more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a once beautiful Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff