Rolls-Royce Dawn production ends ahead of Spectre EV launch
The Rolls-Royce Dawn was announced in 2015 and went into production shortly after
Final example of two-door convertible leaves Goodwood factory; Spectre set to arrive late 2023
The final Rolls-Royce Dawn has left the marque’s Goodwood factory, ending the convertible’s seven-year production run.
As previously reported by Autocar, order books for the 563bhp V12-powered drop-top and its coupé sibling, the Wraith, closed in March 2022.
The two models will be indirectly replaced by the new Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, leaving the Ghost, Phantom and Cullinan as the firm’s three remaining models to be powered by a combustion engine.
Spectre deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the model currently entering the final stages of development and testing.
Although it is not a direct replacement for the Dawn and Wraith – being larger than both – the EV will play the role of a coupé in Rolls-Royce’s line-up from now on, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told Autocar in 2022.
Ceasing Dawn production marks “the end of a glorious, glamorous era,” according to an official statement; there is no convertible alternative to the Dawn in Rolls-Royce’s current line-up.
Müller-Ötvös added: “In reviving the Dawn nameplate, Rolls-Royce reinvigorated something much more than a motor car – like the glamourous [Silver Dawn Drophead] it drew inspiration from, the contemporary Dawn has come to characterise a modern expression of ‘la dolce vita’; a way of living that embraces the beauty and richness of life.
“Dawn truly reflects the joy of good company, the thrill of adventure and the peace of quiet reflection. Indeed, this motor car is a testament to the modern art of living, recalling ‘la dolce vita’ spirit in every detail.
“As production of Dawn draws to a close, we can reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque’s history. This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque’s founding principles and heritage.”
Combined, the Dawn and Wraith accounted for 10% of Rolls-Royce’s record 6021 sales in 2022. The Cullinan accounted for the majority of deliveries last year, followed by the Ghost (30%) and the Phantom (10%).
Every car which left the Goodwood factory in 2022 was customised through the marque’s Bespoke programme. As a result, the average value of each unit reached a high of more than €500,000 (£430,000) per car. Some examples of the Phantom went "beyond €2 million" (£1.8m), according to Müller-Ötvös.