Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The second-newest Rolls Royce, the Phantom Drophead Coupe, nevertheless sticks with tradition. For one, it uses rear-hinged suicide doors, and a 6.75 liter V12 to move its near 3-ton bulk around that harkens back to a time when fuel economy and emissions weren’t issues. The teak rear deck symbolizes the kind of old-world craftsmanship that isn’t found anywhere else in today’s automotive landscape.

The aluminum engine is good for lots of power, and features a Bugatti Veyron-like Power Reserve percentage dial. No all-wheel drive gadgetry here either, as power gets to the ground the old-fashioned way: through the rear wheels, and thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission. With 75 percent of its 531 lb-ft of torque available at 1,000 rpm --- that’s 398 lb-ft! -- it’s a good thing the convertible is fitted with electronic traction control.

Other technologies like direct injection, variable valve and camshaft timing mean this is a thoroughly modern engine, and the same one you’d find in the Phantom sedan. The numbers are 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm, returning 5.7-second 0-60 mph sprints and an artificial top speed of 149 mph.

The engine gets its own battery to ensure it always fires up, while the on-board electronics and lights are powered by another one. Likewise, there are dual alternators, and both batteries are mounted under the trunk floor for better weight balance.

All that weight sits on an air suspension that can be raised at the touch of a button by an inch, but returns to its normal ride height past about 37 mph.

Another unique feature -- apart from the brushed aluminum hood -- is the split trunk-lid Rolls Royce calls a picnic boot. It allows the vertical lid to which the license plate mounts to swing down, much like a pick-up truck’s tailgate, while the horizontal lid is conventionally hinged.