Rolls-Royce plans to conduct up to 15,000 opening and closing cycles of the Nightingale Project's trunk before delivering the two-seater electric convertible to its first buyers, expected in 2028. This compartment, called the Piano Boot, features a bi-parted lid that opens sideways using a balance hinge, an innovation for the British brand.
The automaker explains that this rigorous testing aims to ensure the mechanism operates without failure over several generations. Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce, emphasized that every aspect of the vehicle is being perfected at an exceptional level, including the sound generated by the trunk closing after completing the 15,000 cycles.
This procedure is part of a global program encompassing 350 weeks of engineering. This number represents the consolidated effort of teams and prototypes, not the total duration of the program. The vehicles will be subjected to extreme conditions, driving along Mediterranean coast roads, crossing the Arctic Circle, and navigating the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, in addition to operating at altitudes of up to 2,750 meters and enduring large thermal variations.
The brand itself highlights that consumers have clearly shown a desire to use the car for global travel, not just keep it parked in the garage.
Before being released to the public, the project, which has been under development for almost three years, has accumulated over 1,430 hours dedicated to aerodynamic work, both in digital simulations and wind tunnel tests. On a private track, the prototypes will reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, while engineers evaluate various factors, such as wind noise inside the cabin.
The convertible canvas also undergoes specific evaluations. It is equipped with an acoustic lining composed of cashmere, fabric, and high-performance composite materials and will be tested ten times to analyze its material, closing system, and performance in temperatures that can reach 80°C.
Additionally, Rolls-Royce created an exclusive electric wind deflector for the Nightingale. This component was designed to prevent high-pressure air from entering the cabin when the top is open and to aid in heat retention in cold environments; it will be tested at different speeds.
Launched in April, the Nightingale introduces the Coachbuild Collection, a line of limited production models aimed at selected clients. With a length of 5.76 meters, similar to the Phantom sedan, the convertible accommodates only two people. It uses the Architecture of Luxury aluminum platform and will be handcrafted at the Goodwood factory in England. Its design is a tribute to the experimental prototypes 16EX and 17EX, dating back to 1928.
The model's name pays tribute to Le Rossignol, which means 'nightingale' in French. This was the property Henry Royce built for his designers near his winter residence in the French Riviera, serving as a testing ground across Europe. For this reason, the testing program begins in the south of the continent.
The one hundred available units have already been sold. Although Rolls-Royce has not disclosed the price, international press estimates point to price ranges between approximately R$ 24.4 million (US$ 4.7 million) and R$ 49.2 million (US$ 9.5 million), based on the exchange rate of September 25th.