Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept, 2009
The Rolls-Royce 200EX is the latest experimental car from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It explores a design direction for a dynamic, modern, four-door Rolls-Royce engineered for the 21st century.
The PHILOSOPHY
The experimental models have always played a significant role in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, from the first - 1EX, built in 1919 - to the most recent - Rolls-Royce 101EX, built in 2006. Unlike a concept car, the experimental models developed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have always been fully functioning vehicles, residing in a tangible world of wood, leather and metals rather than clay and foam. EX cars offer designers and engineers the opportunity for real-world innovation and have been used to showcase new components and engineering techniques as well as exterior and interior designs. "Modern automotive engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application.
The Rolls-Royce 100EX was the first experimental car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW Group ownership in 2003. The two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering.
The DESIGN
The Rolls-Royce 200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. "Rolls-Royce 200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache.
"What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give Rolls-Royce 200EX an air of informal presence - powerful but unobtrusive."
The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while finely sculptured horizontal lines add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.
The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Rolls-Royce Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.
At the front, a pair of LED headlamps flank the latest evolution of the world's most famous grille. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional 'Parthenon' style and more like a jet intake," says Ian Cameron. The sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. It's a more dynamic form that moves on from the design first seen on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.
The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while finely sculptured horizontal lines add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.
The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Rolls-Royce Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.
At the front, a pair of LED headlamps flank the latest evolution of the world's most famous grille. "We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional 'Parthenon' style and more like a jet intake," says Ian Cameron. The sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. It's a more dynamic form that moves on from the design first seen on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.
The exterior of Rolls-Royce 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.
Within Rolls-Royce 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.
Naturally, the finest materials have been used. Elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles feature, while details include traditional violin key switches, eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation.
The dashboard has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in its design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which itself incorporates a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.
The interior of Rolls-Royce 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
* No. of doors/seats: 4/5
* Vehicle length: 5399mm
* Vehicle width 1948mm
* Vehicle height: 1550mm
* Wheelbase: 3295mm
* Engine: V12
* Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear
The interior of Rolls-Royce 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
* No. of doors/seats: 4/5
* Vehicle length: 5399mm
* Vehicle width 1948mm
* Vehicle height: 1550mm
* Wheelbase: 3295mm
* Engine: V12
* Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear
