2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Review (continued)
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Driving Impressions

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that we test drove was black with the stainless-steel hood, stainless-steel windshield surround, and teak decking on the convertible top cover, with a gorgeous Moccasin leather interior and door panels and dark wood interior trim. Push the large key into its place on the left of the dash, press the engine start button, select D, press the electronic parking brake switch on the dash to release, and you're off.

The way the Phantom Drophead Coupe accelerates its considerable mass, almost 5800 pounds, is nothing short of miraculous. The big V12 is tuned to give 75 percent of peak power, or 340 horsepower, at just above idle speed, 1000 rpm, and all 531 foot-pounds of torque at a mere 3500 rpm, so you never have to push into the upper rpm ranges to get truly rewarding performance. Rolls-Royce claims a 0-60 mph time of well under six seconds flat, which, at this weight, is remarkable. Upshifts are quick, and downshifts are a bit on the lazy side, but the power never wanes.

Braking is equally awesome, sporting extremely large and powerful discs, almost 15 inches in diameter up front, with ABS. In Tuscany, anything can happen with scooters, pedestrians, and drivers gawking at a $400,000 Rolls instead of paying attention, so we were happy to have the monster brakes along for the ride. We would appreciate them just as much in the Hamptons or in Beverly Hills.

Do not think of this big Rolls as an elephant on roller skates, because it is quite the opposite. Remember, BMW is running the company now, and they are famous for performance and handling. Through the air suspension and the stiff body and chassis, there is a tremendous amount of isolation from noise, vibration, and shake, but the steering is relatively lively and communicative, and the car changes direction with serious authority and accuracy on those big tires. With the cashmere-lined, five-layer convertible top up, the Drophead Coupe becomes an island of serenity in a noisy world.