By Christopher Hubbard | |
| 07 March 2009 20:25:32 | |
Rolls-Royce’s baby 200EX debuts at Geneva
What you’re looking at here is an unfortunately timed car in the midst of a global recession – a brand new Rolls-Royce.
Officially, this is just a concept, or ‘experimental car’ in the official Rolls parlance, as signified by its 200EX designation.
GALLERY: Watch the Rolls-Royce 200EX in pictures
VIDEO: watch our film of Aston Martin at the Geneva show
GALLERY: Watch the Rolls-Royce 200EX in pictures
VIDEO: watch our film of Aston Martin at the Geneva show
Most affordable Rolls-Royce ever?
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Click images to enlarge |
But really it’s a very big clue to what the fourth contemporary Rolls-Royce model will look like when it reaches production in 2010. And, frankly, it’s an incredible piece of work. Quite considerably smaller than the existing Phantom four-door, it will become one of the marque’s most affordable models ever.
Just what affordable means, Rolls-Royce isn’t yet saying. But with a new V12 upfront it’ll certainly sit well above your ordinary average top spec Mercedes S-Class or long wheelbase BMW 7 Series. The latter being particularly interesting since, as MSN Cars revealed last week, the new Roller uses the BMW’s platform.
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The engine’s a modified BMW unit, too. In fact, we’re quietly speculating that the German carmaker wouldn’t have bothered offering a V12 in the 7 Series at all if it didn’t have another home for it in this ultra luxury machine. BMW has owned the Rolls-Royce name since 1998.
Anyways, back to the show car. The 200EX has been penned as “a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy,” according to Chief Designer, Ian Cameron. And in the metal? Yes, it looks like a miniaturised Phantom.
Coach doors
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It’s even got the bigger Rolls’ reverse-hinged rear “coach” doors – which Rolls-Royce says offer unparalleled backseat access. Rear legroom isn’t quite as limo like, but still ample. The interior is beautifully finished – although the curving dashboard form is a little too BMW to our uncultured eyes.
Rolling on 20-inch rims the 200EX is an imposing presence. However it is also planned as a ‘less formal’ Rolls-Royce, with more ‘bravado’. The flanks bend gently inwards – like the Phantom Drophead Coupé – the rear is tapered, and the grille is intended to reminiscent of a ‘jet intake’.
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Translation: it’s curvier than before, and the vanes are set further back within it. On either side, the narrow, letterbox like headlamps use powerful LEDs instead of conventional bulbs. The interior headlining is blended with softest cashmere, matched to the Crème Light leather seats, Cornsilk carpets, and Santos Palissander veneer.
The 200EX follows a long line of previous Rolls-Royce experimental cars – starting with the very first, 1EX, built in 1919. Unlike many concept designs, all Roll-Royce EX models are fully functioning vehicles. Turn up with a big enough cheque, and in the current climate Rolls-Royce might just let you drive it straight off the stand.
VIDEO: watch our film of Aston Martin at the Geneva show
VIDEO: watch our film of Aston Martin at the Geneva show
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Geneva Motor Show 2009 - your vote
- Which car unveiled at Geneva would you most like to see on your driveway?
- Aston Martin One-77
33% - Audi TT RS
6% - Bentley Supersports
5% - BMW 5 Series GT
4% - Ferrari 599XX
10% - Fiat 500 Cabriolet
2% - Lamborghini LP670-4SV
18% - Lexus RX450h
2% - Mazda 3 MPS
1% - New Mercedes-Benz E-Class
4% - Porsche 911 GT3
5% - Rolls-Royce 200EX
4% - Saab 93X
1% - Skoda Yeti
2% - Volkswagen Polo
3%
- Aston Martin One-77
