Rolls-Royce Droptail may be world’s most expensive new car

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Droptail roadster, limited to four examples – each believed to be the most expensive new car ever produced.

The Droptail is said to be the first two-seat vehicle ever produced by Rolls-Royce. Four examples will be produced, each built to the buyer's tastes – the first of which is shown here, called ‘La Rose Noire’ (black rose).

Rolls-Royce does not list prices for its 'coach-built' one- or few-off limited editions.

However UK publication Autocar "understands" each example is more expensive than the circa-$40 million Boat Tail one-off introduced in 2021, which was – until now – the world's most expensive new car.

The Droptail is claimed to draw inspiration from early Rolls-Royce models – including the 1912 Silver Ghost 'Sluggard' and the 1925 Silver Ghost 'Piccadilly'.

There's a new-style Rolls-Royce grille up front – 3D printed and using 202 hand-polished steel ingots finished in a unique coating – flanked by LED headlights.

The 'La Rose Noire' wears pomegranate-coloured paint, said to have been inspired by the Black Baccara rose, and offset by dark finishes on the exterior detailing.

Rather than a conventional fabric roof, the Droptail uses a solid, removable carbon-fibre hard-top roof which features an electrochromic glass section that can change opacity with the press of a button.

The cabin is highlighted by an intricate parquetry design made up of 1603 triangular pieces of Black Sycamore veneer, claimed to have been arranged to mimic fallen rose petals. Made by hand by a single Rolls-Royce craftsperson, the piece took nine months to complete.

Rolls-Royce has used an aluminium chassis incorporating carbon-fibre. The vehicle is powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 481kW and 840Nm.

Rolls-Royce says it plans to showcase the remaining three Droptail models – which are yet to be named – at a later date.