Rolls-Royce 200EX

Rolls-Royce is set to reveal the 200EX concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The design study is a preview of a new car, codenamed RR4, first seen in sketch form in May last year. Smaller than the Phantom but larger than a 7 Series, the 200EX measures 5399mm in length, 1948mm wide, 1550mm tall and rides on a 3295mm-long wheelbase.

The exterior design - said to be "alluring, inviting, approachable," according to Rolls-Royce chief designer, Ian Cameron - is dominated by large surfaces, while sculpted horizontal lines add definition. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low roof create a dynamic profile. The high shoulder line and flanks draw in to the tapered rear, narrowing as they flow from the rear fenders to the taillamps.

Access to the contemporary interior, by designer Alan Sheppard, is granted via rear-hinged coach doors as on the larger Phantom. It is finished in natural grain crème-colored leather, with cornsilk carpets and a cashmere blend headliner. Wood veneer features prominently on the IP, center console and doors. In the rear, the position of the 'lounge seat' behind the C-pillars emphasizes the intimate ambience.

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Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Drophead Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show on Sunday 7 January. A number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental concept shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004, have been engineered into the new Phantom Drophead Coupe. Two of the most visually striking of these are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar and the teak decking for the rear hood cover. This teak decking is treated with a carefully blended mix of oils to preserve a natural finish and a long lasting lustre.

Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coupe's looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the '60s.

Luggage is housed within a 'picnic boot', a split tail compartment that opens in two parts. The lower tailgate provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered. Careful engineering of the folding soft-top roof means that it stows in a relatively small space resulting in a luggage compartment that remains unaffected regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The list price will be US$407,000.

Source: cardesignnews

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

Rolls-Royce has confirmed its new Phantom Coupé will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show next month. Heralded as the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line, the coupé is nearly identical to the 101EX concept car unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show and incorporates classic Rolls-Royce design cues.

"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," said Rolls-Royce Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, "For the Coupé design we gave the quintessential Rolls-Royce design a dynamic twist. This adds a sense of drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars. The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé takes it one step further."

The Phantom Coupé features an optional brushed steel hood and A-pillar (like the 101EX concept), which incorporates triangular quarterlight windows to increase outward visibility. Rear-hinged coach doors facilitate access to the rear 'lounge' seats and give the car a distinctive aesthetic, while the headliner is adorned with tiny LEDs to give the impression of a star-filled sky above.

Related Article:
Rolls-Royce 101EX concept - Geneva 2006
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Rolls-Royce RR4

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. The RR4 will be smaller than the Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

"Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design," said Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, "The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."

The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.

Further design and engineering details will be announced during the course of 2009.

source: cardesignnews