The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its Cars of the Year awards.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its inaugural Cars of the Year awards, just weeks after the new convertible received global acclaim during its international launch in Cape Town, South Africa.

The world’s most uncompromised open-top motoring experience, Dawn redefines the notion of a true super-luxury Drophead and has won plaudits from some of the most highly respected international commentators.

The fourth distinctive model in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars family, Dawn is powered by an effortlessly smooth 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and features a multi-layer foldaway fabric roof that, when in place, makes Dawn the world’s quietest convertible car. Addressing the desires of a significantly younger customer base, Dawn offers striking and assertive styling, timeless refinement and is the most social car the marque has ever produced.

Robb Report is a world-renowned luxury title, and the first UK edition of the magazine launches on newsstands and online today, featuring the inaugural Cars of the Year awards.

Erin Baker, Robb Report Auto Editor and Cars of the Year judge, explained, “Our Design award acknowledges the most visually stunning cars of the past 12 months – both inside and out. And Rolls-Royce has triumphed with another piece of timeless automotive design in the form of the Dawn.”

Harry Metcalfe, Robb Report Cars of the Year judge added, “This machine is the epitome of elegance – a masterclass by Rolls-Royce design.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Dawn’s styling is sensuous yet contemporary – it represents the most glamorous expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. Dawn’s sleek and powerful design appeals to a younger group of discerning customers. To be recognised by a true arbiter of luxury like Robb Report for this new model’s aesthetic is an important accolade, and one which is truly gratifying to everyone concerned with the car’s design and development.”