Stealth aircraft inspiration aside, the Rolls-Royce ‘Nighthawk’ is here to be noticed

By Andrew Hard January 30, 2015

How do you make one the most extravagant specimens of British luxury more American? Rolls Royce, with its limited ‘Nighthawk’ edition of the Phantom Drophead Coupé, looks to answer that very question.

No, there isn’t an LS3 or HEMI in the engine compartment, and you won’t find American flag livery draped throughout the cabin. The Nighthawk was created exclusively for North American customers though, and the alterations are noteworthy.

Rolls-Royce says that the bespoke model, of which only nine will be built, is “inspired by stealth technology in modern aerospace development.” As such, the Nighthawk wears Diamond Black Metallic paint with a Matt Diamond Black hood. The lines are sleek and smooth, and there’s even radar-absorbent material surrounding the windshield.

Furthering its clandestine design, the Phantom is accented with carbon fiber throughout the Hotspur Red and Black interior. The naked weave is prominently featured on the dash, highlighted with brilliant red textiles throughout.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Nighthawk

Rolls-Royce Phantom Nighthawk

Rolls-Royce Phantom Nighthawk

Clearly, this isn’t your average Rolls-Royce Phantom, if there is such a thing. The cabin looks more like a tuner car than an opulent luxury mobile, and we’re not sure what that says about the automaker’s opinion of Americans.

According to Rolls-Royce, the normal Phantom is “inspired by the J-class racing yachts of 1930s” with the result being a car that “epitomizes romantic, performance motoring.”

Is that ethos present here? We’re not so sure, but perhaps that’s the point.

Under the hood, the 6.75-liter V12 from the standard Drophead produces 454 horsepower and 541 pound-feet of torque. That’s good for a sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a combover-ruffling top speed of 150 mph.

How much will the Nighthawk cost? The automaker didn’t say, but the regular Phantom Drophead Coupé runs an exorbitant $464,600. As the saying goes, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.

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