In April 2021, Rolls-Royce concluded sales of the Wraith and Dawn coupe and convertible in the US due to certain regulations, with no immediate replacement planned. After almost a year, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has confirmed that order books for the luxury two-doors are now closed in all markets. Both cars are scheduled to continue production until at least 2023 to fulfill the remaining orders, and the Wraith coupe will be indirectly replaced by the Spectre all-electric grand tourer.
The Wraith and Dawn will be a huge loss to the luxury car world, as they are the last gas-powered two-doors that Rolls will ever produce. However, it also makes sense that the British marque would want to axe its two-door models, as they are based on a 14 year-old platform that was first introduced in the 2008 BMW 7-Series. The current 7-Series is underpinned by a way more contemporary architecture, and the 2023 redesign is expected to utilize an even newer version. As Rolls works to electrify its entire lineup in the coming decade with its own exclusive BEV architecture, getting rid of its BMW-based models is a sensible decision.
While we will continue to see a coupe in Rolls-Royce's portfolio with the 2023 Spectre EV, the chances of a new droptop to compensate the loss of the Dawn are uncertain. The Spectre isn't expected to spawn a convertible variant, at least in the near future, and the British automaker is more likely to focus on its sedans and SUVs after the EV arrives. We could see Rolls introducing a new Dawn after it electrifies the Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan, but that means it wouldn't reach the market before 2030.
If there are any one-percenters out there that wanted a Wraith or Dawn, it's too late to place an order now, though Bentley still offers its Continental GT, and there are still plenty of used versions out there. It may be the end of the road for gas-powered Rolls-Royce two-doors, but at least the British coupe will continue its legacy in the EV age.
Will you miss the Wraith and Dawn, or will the Spectre be a fitting replacement?
Images: Rolls-Royce
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