Rolls-Royce calls the Dawn their “most social car ever,” by virtue of the fact that it’s a convertible. It’s true, too — compared to the sealed-off, rolling fortresses that are most super-luxury sedans, the Dawn’s airy accessibility makes you want to jump over the door onto its bouncy leather seat and cruise down Sunset looking for a party. And it is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. The rear seats are amazingly comfortable and roomy for a convertible, easily accommodating two adults; the wood trim is expansive and richly colored; the roof-retraction mechanism is a work of engineering genius, retracting in near silence so as not to disturb the serenity of your motoring experience. And yes, it’s got a social vibe — people wave to you and ask questions about the car at stoplights. The Dawn is Rolls-Royce to its core, but elevated in a special way: you and your passengers cruise in open-aired comfort and elegance and soaking in sun in a manner that just doesn’t become the relatively somber, sepulchral encasing of a regular Roller.
Engine: 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12
Horsepower: 563
Torque: 575 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
0–60: 4.9 seconds
Curb Weight: 5,643