2008 Geneva Motor Show: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

• Competes with: Bentley Brooklands
• Looks like: A two-door for NBA superstars and British aristocrats
• Drivetrain: 453-hp, 6.75-liter V-12 
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

Rolls-Royce introduced its latest Phantom Drophead Coupe — aka convertible— to rave reviews from the automotive elite last year. The big, brutish, brush-steel-finished coach led to big sales for Rolls-Royce. So what does the British carmaker do to follow it up? Meet the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.

This is the “sporty” version of the Phantom. The company promises this is “the most driver-oriented model in the Phantom line.” It’s shorter, has a stiffer body and still has a huge V-12 engine with 531 pounds-feet of torque under the bonnet.

Full specs haven't been released yet, but highlights include rear-opening doors, which the company says strengthen the body. A picnic boot around back flips down so you don’t get your trousers soiled when picnicking. And topping off the ultra-luxurious cabin is a headliner pinpointed with dozens of LEDs to create a star-filled night sky. We’re not sure if that feature is standard or optional. We also don’t know how much the Coupe will cost, but expect it to hover around $400,000. Until you can find that much under the sofa cushions, check out the photos below.

2007 Detroit Auto Show: Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe

Don’t let the name fool you, this is the all-new Rolls-Royce convertible that will have the movers and shakers of Rodeo Drive and Palm Beach rushing to their local exotic dealership to place their orders. The gorgeous ragtop — yep, it has a canvas top, the world’s largest — will go into production this summer with a 6.75-liter V-12 engine capable of 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The price for such beauty and exclusivity? If you have to ask, it’s too much. Actually, the estimated price of $350,000 - $400,000 does seem a bit much, even for this piece of automotive art. We expect Rolls-Royce to sell every one they make.

We’ll see more of the Drophead Coupe at next week’s Detroit auto show but for now, check out more photos below.