Rolls Royce has launched what it describes as “the quietest convertible” in the world into the New Zealand market.
The company also describes the large four-seater open-top model as the “sexiest” Rolls Royce ever built.
The Dawn becomes available here from the middle of this year, and will cost from $669,000 including GST and on-road costs.
The company has "a substantial orderbank" in the region from Japan through to Australasia, stretching through to next year.
A large number of prospective customers pre-ordered the Dawn, without knowing an exact price.
In New Zealand "a few lucky" customers will receive their new cars this year.
The Dawn is the first new Rolls Royce convertible model for eight years, and is aimed at broadening the super luxury brand’s appeal to younger affluent customers.
The Dawn is powered by a 12-cylinder engine, putting out 420kW, with maximum torque of 790Nm at 1500 rpm. It has a claimed top speed of 250kph.
The Asia Pacific regional director Paul Harris said engineers had paid great attention to the Dawn’s folding roof, which silently opens in just over 20 seconds at a cruising speed of up to 50 kph.
“Now etched into automotive parlance – the smooth and noiseless mechanism of Dawn’s roof is called the ‘Silent Ballet’”.
Rolls Royce design director Giles Taylor said the company took pride as creators of fine motor cars that also served as social spaces.
“The idea of creating a car like Dawn that can be used in comfort by only two adults on a day to day basis is anathema,” he said.
“In creating Dawn we have accepted no compromise to the comfort and luxury of four adults who want to travel together in the pinnacle of style.”