2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is the more daring drop-top version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. This convertible sports the Rolls-Royce nametag and amenities to match, making it unlike any other convertible on the market. The exterior features a mirror finish that is available in almost any color and hue one can imagine, as well as a large variety of interior color schemes. The hood can match the color of the vehicle, be painted a contrasting color, or for a unique look, it's available in brushed stainless steel. Open the back-hinged door and you open up a world of the finest leather and wood, all handcrafted just for your particular vehicle. The convertible top is available in an array of colors to match or contrast the vehicle's color, and an optional teak wood or chrome deck is available behind the rear window area. Since its debut in 2008, there have been no major changes or updates made. As with all Rolls-Royce vehicles, bespoke customization is available, allowing the customer to have the vehicle built to his or her specifications with any and every option available.

Powering the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a 453-hp V12 engine with 531 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This beast of an engine has the capability of launching this almost 6,300-pound vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Its governed top speed is 150 mph. To go with all this power is a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and a manual shift option. Of course, there is a price to pay in fuel economy with all this power. EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Phantom Drophead Coupe is 11 mpg city/18 highway. The prestigious owners of these unique convertibles will probably worry more about the sun on their face and wind in their hair than the gas mileage, however.

A ride in the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is more like cruising on a yacht on a windy day than being in an oversize vehicle on the road. It is equipped with 4-corner auto-leveling with a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. In addition to the firm suspension are front and rear anti-roll bars. The air-loaded front springs and gas-pressured rear springs and shocks, as well as automatic ride control, contribute to the vehicle's smooth, comfortable ride. The Phantom Drophead Coupe reads the road and adapts to any road conditions it encounters, making the ride smooth no matter how rough the road is. It comes standard with 21-inch silver aluminum wheels and all-season run-flat 255/50/21 front tires and 285/45/21 rear tires.

The handcrafted interior of the Phantom Drophead Coupe is one of a kind, the woodwork alone requiring 18 days to finish. Open the back-hinged door and you will find the luxurious leather interior and hand-tooled woodwork only Rolls-Royce can provide. New for 2012 is an 8.8-inch widescreen display as well as an iDrive controller, which gives you fingertip access to the upgraded satellite navigation system with a 3D display, as well as your choice of 8 other frequently used features.

Safety in the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is as important as elegance and luxury. Four-wheel ABS and driveline traction control, as well as vented 4-wheel disc brakes, provide stopping power for these large vehicles with safety and ease. It is also equipped with front, rear- and top-view cameras for safe backing and parking. The vehicle is also equipped with driver and passenger airbags, side impact airbags and curtain overhead airbags front and rear.

Owners of the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe refer to it as one of the best vehicles they have ever owned. They describe it as a luxurious and overall outstanding vehicle. Most owners do, however, warn of the overly high repair and maintenance costs that go along with owning any Rolls-Royce.