German Car Zone

Can't wait to see the Arnage replacement, going to be something when we can compare the 2 cars.

M

Rolls-Royce coyly calls this the 200EX, saying it's merely a concept that shows the design direction for an as yet unnamed smaller, less expensive sedan designed to sell alongside the stately Phantom. But the production version of this car, code-named RR4, will look virtually identical.

The RR4 will feature the third evolution of Rolls-Royce's now familiar headlight graphic, first seen on the BMW-designed Phantom, and a variation on the laid-back grille treatment that debuted on the Phantom coupe and convertible. With a 'faster' backlight and C-pillar, and convex bodyside, it's a much more rakish looking sedan than the Phantom, though at 212.6in long and 61in tall, it's still an imposing car.

Despite rumors the RR4 would be heavily based on the new BMW 7-series, Rolls-Royce says the car has a unique unibody "which is not shared with any other vehicle". The RR4's proportions, cowl height, and door apertures are totally different to those of the new 7-series; if the two cars share any metal, it's buried very deep in the structure. The body will be built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, then shipped to the purpose-built Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, England, for painting, trimming, and final assembly. BMW has added a mezzanine floor to the plant for the trim and wood shops, to create extra room for the RR4 line.

BMW says 80 percent of RR4's components are unique to Rolls-Royce. Under the hood will be an all-new direct injection V-12 engine, unique to Rolls-Royce and made exclusively for Rolls-Royce by BMW. It's said to have twin-turbos, enabling it to deliver 550hp and relatively good gas mileage. The RR4 may also get the forthcoming ZF eight speed automatic transmission, which is said to deliver a six percent improvement in fuel economy compared with a six speed auto.

The RR4 will feature the Phantom's signature rear hinged rear doors. The interior design also features some Phantom-style elements, but the dash treatment is much more car-like, and less like a piece of furniture. The RR4 will also have more overtly high technology features and equipment than the deliberately restrained Phantom. The car will be equipped with the latest version of BMW's iDrive, though the new thin-film screen will still be able to be hidden away behind a veneer panel, and the excellent head-up display system which debuted in the new 7-series will be standard equipment.

The RR4 will sticker for $250,000 to $280,000. Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves says the car will appeal to buyers who find the Phantom simply too big, including some existing Phantom owners, and those who want a sportier Rolls-Royce. Overall, though, he expects RR4 to boost total Rolls-Royce sales to about 2500 vehicles a year.

The battle for buyers in the super-luxury segment will heat up later this year when arch-rival Bentley reveals its all-new Arnage replacement, a car that will have RR4 squarely in its sights.

The new Bentley, which will be unveiled in the third quarter of this year, will be a roomier and more expensive car than the Arnage. Overall length is expected to remain the same -- 212.6 in. -- which is right on RR4, though the wheelbase is likely to be stretched from the current 122.7in to something closer to the 129.7 in. of the RR4. While the RR4 will be V-12 powered, the Bentley will be powered by the latest version of the legendary 50-year-old L410 V-8. In the Bentley Brooklands coupe this engine delivers 530hp.

Bentley last year sold just over 700 Arnages, and it's safe to assume it plans to sell more of the new car each year. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce wants to sell 1200 or so RR4s a year. Are there that many rich folks still out there?


Rolls-Royce 200EX - Concept Cars - Motor Trend


I love it.....

M

hmm looks like the phantom thrown in a dryer..and shrinked..
I thought it would be something very diffrent..

But said that i love the phantom so i love this..
the front is great..interior could have been more diffrent than phantom..
THE REAR IS AMAZING 10/10 for the rear

Simply awesome! I like it more than Phantom, regardless of their age. It's dimensions & angels are just perfect!

I'm amazed how all the Rolls-Royce cars look same & have identical profile, however, all have a distinct personality!

Wow ... A Rolls I may actually own someday.
I like it!

PRESS RELEASE


ROLLS-ROYCE TO UNVEIL 200EX AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW


Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its latest experimental car, called 200EX, at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2009.

200EX is a design study for a contemporary four-door saloon and shows the direction for RR4, a new model series from Rolls-Royce due for production in 2010.

PHILOSOPHY

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 - 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. 200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas", explains Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering.

100EX was the first experimental car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW Group ownership in 2003. Revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering. Just two years later, 101EX was presented, which explored modern coupé design. Both of these cars inspired production models that not only closely resemble their EX progenitors but have also redefined luxury motoring in the modern age.

Following on from this success, the same group of designers and engineers has created 200EX, itself pointing the way to RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010. The brief for 200EX? To create a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance, unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design.

DESIGN
"Alluring, inviting, approachable - this car captivates with each encounter" - Chief Designer, Ian Cameron

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. "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 Cameron. "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 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 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 Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The 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 complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within 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.

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

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 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.

"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."

200EX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

* 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


Official: Rolls-Royce 200EX


M

With the Phantom Coupe we gave it an extra kick as it was aimed at the driver with this car aswell we have also gave it something to offer a little modernity to the Rolls-Royce and gave a few turns round the ring to whone the chassis to give it a little character.

Our marketing suggests that potential owners of this car will actually drive it themselves forgoing the need for a chauffeur so we gave the driver something to look forward to when he steps into his garage in the morning .
Will I take the Porsche or will I take the Roller?

Three of us!

Nicely designed interior. RR understood less is more. There are 2 things I don't like, the center hub of the steering wheel is out of proportion, and the clock is offset to the right of the dashboard.






The exterior is more dynamic looking than the Phantom, but nothing really exciting.

Ahh...now this is great. It has that very british understated luxury look.