In 2013, Rolls-Royce modified the Ghost platform in order to build the Wraith, its first coupe-style grand tourer in many years. Two years later the Brits decided it was time to offer a new convertible as well, so they chopped the roof off the Wraith and renamed it the Dawn. Come 2018 and Rolls-Royce apparently realized that it could use a two-seater. And, instead of building one, it created a new feature that turns the Dawn into a car for just two people. Meet the Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling, a new model that makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The company says that the Aero Cowling was born from "the recognition by Rolls-Royce’s designers that some clients may wish for enhanced flexibility in terms of style and practicality." It's not a brand-new model, but more of an upgrade that encloses the rear seat area with a tonneau and turns the Dawn into a two-seat without sacrificing the option of being able to haul three passengers when needed. So why the big fuss with the Geneva unveiling? Well, in pure Rolls-Royce fashion, the said tonneau is far from ordinary. Find out more below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling.

What makes the Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling special

One quick glance at the car is enough to notice that it's a regular Dawn with an additional cover for the rear seats. But the cover itself is yet another work of art by Rolls-Royce. Crafted by hand, it includes two cowls that rise from the leading edge of the tonneau that covers the roof and settle into place behind the front seat headrests. The form of the cowls was precisely sculpted to funnel the air, so they look and act like a pair of flying buttresses. Not only that, but they work well with the Dawn's design. It turns it into an authentic roadster!

But wait, there's more. The cowls are actually very practical, as they include leather-lined storage compartments. Granted, they don't look too spacious, but it comes in handy to have some room right behind the seat headrest. The cover itself is made of carbon-fiber and aluminum, so it's both light and strong. The lids of the cowls are wrapped in leather that matches the interior of the car, so it doesn't look out of place.

The presentation model also comes with a fancy exterior finished in Cassiopeia Silver and rides on 21-inch, polished alloy wheels. The interior is swathed in Casden Tan leather with Selby Grey piping and stitching and black trim.

The carbon-fiber on the central console of the Aero Cowling is exposed, and its weave is book-matched to a contemporary chevron graphic. The dashboard features an intricate dark technical fiber veneer, while the floor is covered with woven leather mats. Of course, the car can be specified with any exterior and interior features available, but the Aero Cowling looks gorgeous enough in this combo. No word on pricing for the tonneau, but expect it to add at least $10,000 to the Dawn's already expensive sticker of almost $350,000.

References

Rolls Royce Dawn

Read our full review on the 2016 Rolls Royce Dawn.

Read more Rolls Royce news.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.