Rolls-Royce unveils 200EX at Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled its latest experimental car, the Rolls-Royce 200EX, at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The splendid styling and the spectacular design of the Rolls Royce 200EX is pulling the crowds in at the Geneva Motor Show.

Photo: Rolls Royce 200EX photo gallery

Rolls-Royce is known to roll out experiment models, since 1919 when its first car the Rolls Royce 1EX was launched. EX cars are known for their modern engineering styles and the unique designing of the exteriors and the interiors. “Modern automotive engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application. 200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas,” explains Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering.

The Rolls-Royce 200EX has been created by the same group of designers and engineers who created the Rolls Royce 100EX in 2003 and the Rolls Royce 101EX in 2006. The next in the line, one should expect is RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010.

Chief Designer, Ian Cameron has said that the Rolls-Royce 200EX is alluring, inviting, approachable, and captivates with each encounter. “200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” he said.

The proud designer went on to explain, ““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 200EX an air of informal presence — powerful but unobtrusive.”

The high geometrical precisions and the large uninterrupted surfaces form an elegant exterior. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The rear-hinged coach doors open through 83 degrees and offer the widest rear access in the car amongst any car produced till date.

With a pair of LED headlamps at the front and the exterior finished in Darkest Tungsten, with silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar, adds to the stunning looks of the car. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Substantial doors and a high shoulder line make the interior confortable and luxurious. Violin key switches,
eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation form the other details of the interior.The dashboard has been kept clear and big and spacious.

“As with any Rolls-Royce, detail is crucial,” says Alan Sheppard, the interior designer. “We want the lasting impression for owners to be that their car was made just for them by someone skilled and caring.”

The spacious interior of the Rolls Royce 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The wood veneer used is Santos Palissander which totally complements the black-rimmed steering wheel. “200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” says Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal, agile design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”

ROLLS-ROYCE 200EX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

No. of doors/seats: 4/5

Vehicle length: 5399mm

Vehicle width 1948mm

Vehicle height: 1550mm

Wheelbase: 3295mm

Engine: new V12

Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear