When a car costs roughly double the current U.S. median home price, chances are good the company building the thing won’t do anything too radical. That appears the case with the next generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, set to arrive later this year. With a current base price of $452,000, this 4-passenger convertible is due a makeover befitting its stature as one of the world’s most exclusive cars.
Perhaps Rolls-Royce deemed camouflage too commonplace? Whatever the reason, our spy photographers caught a 2012 Phantom Drophead Coupe roaming the streets without any attempt at disguise. Not that there’s much chance you’d mistake this massive Rolls as anything else.
The front grille appears smaller than before, and more smoothly integrated into the gently forward sloping hood and front fascia. The headlights are also updated, along with the lower half of the front bumper. It’s not much different than the current model but, generally speaking, the new face is more modern and fresh.
Too bad the taillights didn’t get quite the same attention to detail. They’re smaller than before, which is fine with us. But the clear plastic looks a little too import-tuner scene for a car like the Phantom Drophead. Then again, considering the level of customization Rolls-Royce offers its clientele, a well-heeled customer could probably order taillights in Burberry tartan if he or she so desired.
