Rolls-Royce Dawn is exquisitely topless (pictures)

The Dawn's top can go up and down in 22 seconds at speeds up to 32 mph.

The Dawn convertible looks similar to its fixed-head Wraith cousin, but in fact has 80 percent different bodywork.

The Dawn's high-waisted bodysides lend it a solid, stately appearance.

The Dawn is expected to be priced from the low-$300,000 range, but a typically accoutered example is likely to go out of the factory gates carrying a price tag of around $400,000.

The Dawn's dashboard is an imposing mass of leather, wood and metal.

Rolls says the sheet metal contours emanating from its famed Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament are modeled after a jet's vapor trails.

This is the view that the paparazzi's drones will see when you lay into the Dawn's 6.6-liter V-12 engine.

The Dawn's stunning veneer-covered hard tonneau is reminiscent of an old wooden speedboat.

Soft tops are easier to design packaging for than folding hard tops, which helps preserve body proportions and space for passengers and luggage alike.

The Dawn will run to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

20-inch, 10-spoke wheels add gravitas to the Dawn's already imposing presence.

Roof on, the Dawn looks to have some imposing rear blind spots thanks to the thick-pillared top.

The Dawn's hood seems to be a mile long -- fitting for such a stately motorcar.

The Dawn's nose features LED eagle-head daytime running lamps.

The Dawn's LED headlamps feature technology that literally blocks the light from oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling other motorists. Unfortunately, it's unlikely the tech will be available in the US due to legislative issues.

The Dawn's 10.25-inch infotainment screen can be discreetly hidden beneath a massive wood veneer when not in use.

Only ultra-luxury cars like the Dawn could pull off bold leather dyes like this stunning Mandarin orange and avoid looking tawdry.

Note the generous legroom behind the front seats.

Rolls officials say a pair of six-footers will have no trouble getting comfortable in the Dawn's rear seats, something that can't be said for its rivals.

There's more wood veneer outside of the passenger compartment when the top is down than inside the cabins of most luxury cars.

If you're not fond of the wood variety or the on-the-bias orientation of this Dawn's veneer, Rolls will undoubtedly be happy to tailor its tree fillets to your whims.

Even a sophisticated digital clock display would be too gauche for a Rolls-Royce motorcar.

The Dawn's infotainment system's Spirit of Ecstasy controller will be very familiar to BMW owners.

The Dawn features pop-up pyrotechnic hoops in the unlikely event of a rollover accident.

This piece of wood trim is evocatively dubbed the "waterfall."

Rear-seat passengers get their own full-length center console with individual climate control.

Like the Wraith coupe, the Dawn employs unique rear-hinged doors for dramatic entrances.

Rolls-Royce will dye, stitch and pipe the Dawn's seat leather according to the buyer's preferences.

Stainless-steel sill plates underscore the Dawn's place of origin and hand-built nature.