2008 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. Diamond Black With Creme Lt. on 2040-cars

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Rolls-Royce developing new convertible

Rolls-Royce is not a company that makes a lot of different vehicles, but of the ones it does, it tends to offer several versions. That's how we end up with sedan, long-wheelbase, coupe and (in the former's case) convertible versions of the Phantom and Ghost. And now Goodwood has confirmed development of another model.
Although details in the press release below are few and far between, it does promise to "deliver effortless, open-top touring... with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience." CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös added: "We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership."
What that tells us is that the new model - set to reach showrooms "by mid-2016" - will be a convertible that's exciting to drive and more youthful than the Phantom Drophead Coupe. In other words, and in all likelihood, we're looking at the convertible version of the Ghost-based Wraith fastback (like the one we recently spotted undergoing testing, pictured above). Expect it, then, to carry the same 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12, but with the added rush of wind in your hair.

BMW shuffles chairs in its design department

BMW Group has made some changes to its design team since August 1, and has shuffled top personnel to different positions at BMW Design, Mini Design and Rolls-Royce.
The BMW Design team led by Karim Habib (middle, right) gains a new head of Exterior Design in Domagoj Dukec (right), who has worked for the exterior design team since 2010 and shaped the Concept Active Tourer.
Oliver Heilmer (left), who has worked for BMW's interior design unit since 2000 and designed the 5 Series interior, replaces Marc Girard as head of Interior Design BMW Automobiles. Marc Girard goes to manage BMW's subsidiary design group, BMW DesignworksUSA.

Autoblog Minute: Rolls-Royce launches Dawn with global digital event

Rolls-Royce unveils its newest vehicle in grand modern fashion. Autoblog's Eddie Sabatini reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute, with an interview with head of communications for Rolls-Royce, Gerry Spahn. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Rolls-Royce unveils its newest vehicle in grand modern fashion. I'm Eddie Sabaitni and this is your Autoblog Minute. Dawn is the name of Rolls-Royce's new convertible. The name, Dawn reaches back into the company's heritage, all the way back to the 1950s post war Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. While the naming convention looks to the past there's nothing old fashioned about the way Rolls Royce revealed the Dawn to the public. The four seater was [00:00:30] revealed with a multi-platform global digital event. The British automaker first teased Dawn using twitter and instagram, with the grand reveal coming via a live web feed. For more on this unique launch Autoblog spoke with the Head of Communications for Rolls-Royce, Gerry Spahn: [00:01:00] [Gerry Spahn Interview] The large-scale digital event certainly was a modern statement for the classic automaker. [00:01:30] Let us know what you think about Rolls-Royce's digital efforts. For Autoblog, I'm Eddie Sabatini. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. Rolls-Royce Convertible Luxury Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video rolls-royce dawn