Rolls-Royce Droptail is the most expensive new car ever (2023)

30 million euros. Sorry, 29 and a quarter million – but who cares about a few thousand euros more or less? This is the new Rolls-Royce Droptail and it is the most expensive new car ever made. According to Bloomberg the owners will each pay an amount of 31.8 million dollars. And when it rains, billionaires get wet like paupers on the streets.

The Droptail succeeds the Sweptail from 2017 and the Boat Tail from 2021. Rolls creates these special editions for and with ‘big brand customers’. There will be four copies for four customers – and of course they won’t reveal who the customers are (only that they are “major collectors, art patrons and business leaders”).

Rolls explains that the Droptail was inspired by American coachbuilders from the early twentieth century, and by cars such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ‘Sluggard’ from 1912, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Brewster New York Roadster from 1930 and the Rolls-Royce Silver. Ghost Piccadilly from 1925. You may not be familiar with them, but you have to admit that they are strange names.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail is not a retro model

Rolls insists that this Droptail is far from a retro model, so there are modern touches such as – brace yourself – a slight kink above the Pantheon grille. This is the first time that the Rolls grille does not point straight up. Quite something for such a conservative brand. If you look closely, you’ll even notice an integrated spoiler on the back of this Rolls-Royce Droptail. Shouldn’t get anything crazy.

There is a lot of carbon fiber present, and not just in the visible parts. Rolls-Royce says a new platform has been designed for the Droptail, and the end result is an aluminium, steel and fiber monocoque. We’re guessing it’s a heavily rebuilt version of the Phantom Luxury Design platform.

Mini Ford?

And it may be the road, but we also have to talk about the roof. Rolls-Royce will probably not thank us for this comparison, but in our opinion it is quite similar to that of the Mini Coupé. And while we’re at it, don’t those taillights look a little like those on a Ford Mustang Mach-E? Or even a Mustang?

Totally stupid

A removable carbon fiber hardtop can transform the car into a ‘stunning and stunning coupe’ with looks similar to to be uprooted hotrod, with a sculpted windshield and narrow side windows. You can’t keep a removable hardtop in the car, so you have to be sure of good weather when you leave. You also have to park clearly when you go somewhere – not so easy.

For the price of the world’s most expensive new car, you’d expect there to be something like a bikini top in the back that you can stretch over the roof in an emergency. On the other hand, the owner will have enough other cars for the day and chance of rain. Or else there will be a staff car in the back with a roof in the back.

A little more power for the Rolls-Royce Droptail

Oh, and it’s worth mentioning the powertrain. Under the long hood is the classic 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, but here Rolls has added 30 hp. The brand does not mention the actual power, but if you look at the Ghost Black Badge, the power will be around 610 hp. Torque is at least 840 Nm.

The entire process from concept to final product is said to have taken four and a half years to complete, with chief designer Anders Warming telling Top Gear that the body building department “wasn’t proactive or reactive, it was overworked” when asked if it was a Rolls-Royce. or they work. clients leading these projects.

Said belongs to La Rose Noire

As you’d expect, the Rolls-Royce Droptail is pretty special inside too. Rolls has kept the interior simple and minimalist, but that says nothing about how much effort has gone into it. This droptail was named La Rose Noire (The Black Rose) because the commissioning couple wanted something inspired by the Black Baccara rose.

Two shades of red are used for the creation – ‘true love’ and ‘secret’ – and exposed carbon fiber is also used. All metal work is then finished with a dark chrome paint called Hydroshade, which looks as if it was sprayed on five minutes ago and still hasn’t dried.

Good adhesive PVC back

The interior is on wood. Just look at that swirling pattern behind the two chairs. The piece of parquet combines 1,603, 533 pieces of wood that are painted red to represent scattered rose petals. It was put together by just one mechanic at Rolls and reportedly took weeks to complete.

Another important part of the La Rose Noire Droptail interior is the clock. Or rather see? On the dashboard is a 43mm removable clock that was specially designed by Audemars Piguet for this customer and this car. Be sure to pick it up when you park, because your hardtop is probably still at home. When not being worn, it clips onto the car holder and the straps can be stored in the arm rest.