A "small" Rolls Ghost for owner-drivers appears in 2010.
It’s been three years since the last experimental foray from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the 101EX of 2006 that subsequently appeared as a two-door coupe version of the Phantom in 2009 for $400,000. In the interim, the green movement gained strength globally; the European Union proposed strict limits on carbon dioxide; and super rich financiers were revealed as thieves and frauds. It is in this atmosphere that Rolls, owned by BMW, is introducing a mini Rolls, if such a term can be applied to what is still a V-12 powered car that is 212 inches long.
Rolls makes a distinction that unlike some fantasy concept cars, its experimental models are functioning vehicles, with real wood, leather and steel. EX cars are said to offer designers and engineers opportunities for innovation, to promote new components and engineering techniques, as well as exterior and interior designs.
Now comes the 200EX, paving the way for RR4 or Ghost, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010 that is based on the 7-series BMW. This one is designed to be driven by the owner, much like the Continental of Bentley. Rolls claims the 200EX has a “dynamic edge” to its styling. It certainly is noticeably less bulky than current models.
“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,” says Ian Cameron, chief designer. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognizable 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.”
Indeed.
Cameron said the exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, with sculptured horizontal lines that add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by large shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow to the tail-lights.
The 200EX might be smaller, but that's relative.
Up front, a pair of LED headlamps borders 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 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 Phantom Drophead Coupé.”
Rear-hinged doors are again used. Revived in 2003 on the Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality. Opening 83 degrees, the “coach doors” are said to offer the widest rear access in the car industry.
The two-tone exterior of 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 are employed.
The interior of 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain “Crème Light” leather, with “Cornsilk” carpets and a cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its striking grain.
“As with any Rolls-Royce, detail is crucial,” says interior designer Alan Sheppard. “We want the lasting impression for owners to be that their car was made just for them by someone skilled and caring.”
It looks expensive and no doubt will be when prices are calculated next year. As a guess $200,000 plus or minus, depending on how much ecstasy returns to the financial markets, and whether Rolls thinks it can commend a premium over a Bentley Continental.
“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.”
Translation: a smaller, relatively less expensive Roller.