Rolls-Royce is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and exclusivity. The British automaker has been crafting some of the most exquisite and bespoke vehicles in the world for over a century, catering to the needs and desires of its discerning and wealthy clientele. But even among the Rolls-Royce models, there are some that stand out as truly exceptional and unique. These are the creations of the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild division, which revives the tradition of custom-made bodies for chassis and engines.
The latest and most ambitious project from the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild division is the Droptail, a family of four one-off roadsters that combine classic and modern design elements. Each Droptail has its own distinctive character and theme, reflecting the personality and preferences of its owner. The first of these is the 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, a stunning masterpiece inspired by the Black Baccara rose, a rare and exquisite flower that appears almost black in the shade but reveals a deep burgundy hue in the sunlight.
The La Rose Noire Droptail is more than just a car. It is a love story, a tribute to the romance and passion between a husband and wife, heads of a prominent international family. The car is the result of a four-year collaboration between Rolls-Royce, and the unnamed female client, who wanted a car that reflected her love for France and the Black Baccara rose. The car is also a testament to the artistry and skill of Rolls-Royce and its Coachbuild division, which have created a masterpiece of design, engineering, craftsmanship, and personalization.
A Dark, Daring, and Dramatic Design
The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is based on the Rolls-Royce Wraith platform but features a completely new bodywork that transforms it into a two-seater roadster with a removable carbon fiber roof. The luxury car measures 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) in length, 2 meters (6.6 feet) in width, and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in height, making it about the size of a Ford F-150. The luxury car is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 engine that delivers an impressive 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the standard Rolls-Royce Phantom's specifications.
The most striking feature of the La Rose Noire Droptail is its color scheme, which mimics the Black Baccara rose. The exterior is painted in a bespoke shade of black with red metallic flakes, creating a subtle sparkle that changes with the light. The interior is upholstered in burgundy leather with black accents, creating a contrast that evokes the petals of the rose. The car also features rose motifs throughout, such as on the grille, the door handles, the dashboard, and the headrests.
The La Rose Noire Droptail also boasts some unique features that set it apart from other Rolls-Royces. The car has a kinked Pantheon grille, which creates a temple brow overhang that gives the car a more aggressive look. The roof has electrochromic glass, which can be controlled by a remote or by voice command, allowing the driver to enjoy open-air motoring at the touch of a button. The roof can be stored in a compartment behind the seats when not in use.
The rear of the car is where the Droptail name comes from. The car has a raised tail section that houses a champagne chest and two crystal flutes. The chest can be accessed by opening the tailgate, which also reveals a picnic hamper and a parasol. The chest is lined with burgundy leather and features an engraved plaque with the name of the car and the client's initials. The chest also contains a bespoke watch made by Bovet 1822, a Swiss luxury watchmaker that has partnered with Rolls-Royce for this project.
A Timepiece to Match
The watch that comes with the La Rose Noire Droptail is not just any watch. It is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept timepiece, one of the most complex and expensive watches ever made. The watch is designed to match the car's color scheme and rose motif and can be worn on the wrist or mounted on the dashboard as a clock. The watch has two faces, one showing the local time and one showing the time in Paris, France.
The watch also has a tourbillon mechanism, which counteracts the effects of gravity on the movement and improves accuracy. The watch is made of 18-karat white gold and has 472 components, making it a masterpiece of horology. The watch is also one of a kind, as only one will ever be made for the owner of the La Rose Noire Droptail.
A Soundtrack for Every Occasion
The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail also has an impressive sound system that enhances the driving experience. The car has 18 speakers with 1,300 watts of power, delivering crystal-clear sound quality. The speakers are covered with bespoke speaker grilles that feature rose patterns made of stainless steel and aluminum. The speaker grilles are illuminated by LED lights that change color according to the mood of the driver or the music being played.
The car also comes with a curated playlist of songs that reflect the theme of the car and the client's preferences. The playlist includes songs from French artists such as Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Daft Punk, and Christine and the Queens. The playlist also features songs from other genres, such as jazz, classical, rock, pop, and electronic. The playlist can be accessed via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto or voice command using the Rolls-Royce Digital Assistant.
A Price Tag to Match
The La Rose Noire Droptail is not a car for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. The luxury car is estimated to cost around $25 million, making it one of the most expensive new cars ever sold. The car is also one of the most exclusive, as only one will ever be made. The car is expected to be delivered to its owner in 2024 after undergoing rigorous testing and quality checks.
The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is a testament to the artistry and skill of Rolls-Royce and its Coachbuild division. The car is a masterpiece of design, engineering, craftsmanship, and personalization, creating a unique and unforgettable expression of luxury and style. The car is also a tribute to the Black Baccara rose, a rare and beautiful flower that inspired a rare and beautiful car. As Rolls-Royce says, "La Rose Noire Droptail is glamour distilled."
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