Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire: The Ultimate Expression of Luxury and Exclusivity

Rolls-Royce, the world-renowned British luxury automaker, has revealed its latest masterpiece: the 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. This stunning two-seater roadster is the first of four unique commissions under the Droptail name, which represents the pinnacle of coachbuilding and personalization. The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is inspired by the high-speed sailing yachts of the 1930s and features a sleek and elegant design that combines steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The luxury car is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 engine that delivers 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful Rolls-Royces ever made.

A Coachbuilt Masterpiece

The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail was unveiled at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, during the Monterey Car Week in California. The car is the result of a close collaboration between Rolls-Royce and a pair of discerning clients who share a passion for roses, especially the rare and exquisite Black Baccara variety. The car's name, La Rose Noire, pays homage to this dark and mysterious flower, which also influences the exterior and interior colors and details.

The Droptail is more than just a car; it is a personal expression of the client's tastes and preferences. According to Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, "The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is a testament to the extraordinary skills and capabilities of our Bespoke Collective. It showcases our ability to create truly unique and spectacular automobiles that reflect our clients' individual desires and passions. The Droptail is a celebration of coachbuilding, craftsmanship, and luxury."

The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is the third coachbuilt automobile from Rolls-Royce in the modern era, following the Sweptail in 2017 and the Boat Tail in 2023. Unlike the previous efforts, based on existing models such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Rolls-Royce Dawn, the Droptail is built on a bespoke monocoque architecture consisting of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The car is also shorter than a Rolls-Royce Ghost by 10 inches, giving it a more compact and agile appearance.

A Stunning Design

The exterior of the car is painted in a deep black hue with subtle red highlights that reflect the light at different angles. The brightwork, including the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, has a unique dark finish that complements the body color. The front grille features angled uprights for the first time in Rolls-Royce history, creating a dynamic and aggressive look. The lower air intake is adorned with 202 individual rectangular projections that form a three-dimensional mesh effect.

The Droptail has a retractable soft-top roof that can be lowered or raised in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. The roof is made of black canvas with red stitching that matches the exterior color scheme. When the roof is down, the car reveals its stunning silhouette that resembles a sailing yacht's hull. The rear decklid features a curved spoiler that enhances aerodynamics and aesthetics. The rear lights are shaped like rose petals and emit a soft red glow at night.

The interior of the car is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistry. The dashboard houses a custom-designed Audemars Piguet watch that the owner can remove and wear. The watch features a black sycamore wood dial that matches the wood trim on the doors and center console. The wood trim consists of 1603 pieces of black sycamore veneer arranged to create a pattern resembling rose petals scattered in the wind. The seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching and piping, while the floor mats are made of black lambswool.

The car also boasts a special champagne storage compartment that keeps the bottles at the optimal temperature. The champagne is sourced from the clients' own vineyard in France, which produces a limited-edition cuvée named after the Black Baccara rose. The compartment also contains two crystal flutes that are engraved with the Droptail logo.

A Rare and Precious Creation

The price of the Droptail is not disclosed, but it is estimated to be over $30 million, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. Only four examples will be built, each with its own distinctive features and details. The remaining three commissions are expected to be revealed in the near future.

The Droptail is not just a car; it is an art form that elevates Rolls-Royce to new heights of excellence and exclusivity. It is a rare and precious creation that will surely become a collector's item and a legend in automotive history.