Tuesday 2nd March 2004

Drop Top Roller

It's just an experiment say the boys at Goodwood

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Rolls-Royce has unveiled an experimental car - the 100EX - at the Geneva motor show today. This special model has been designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rolls-Royce, which falls on May 4th this year. It will appear at various events throughout 2004 to help mark the centenary.

Based on a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, the 100EX is an open-top, four-seat, two-door drophead and is the first experimental motor car to be produced by Rolls-Royce since the launch of the all-new Phantom in January 2003.

Bleached teak decking is used on the exterior and interior of the 100EX, notably on the tonneau cover, in the boot and in place of carpeting in the passenger cabin. "The overall impression is intended to be of an elegant motor yacht at speed ", said Marek Djordjevic, Chief Stylist, Exterior Design.

The rear of the car tapers into a boat-tail style and features the 'countryman' boot, split to give a separate lower tailgate which, when down, provides a completely flat surface, ideal for picnics or as an elevated platform with its inlaid fibre matting.

A tailored soft top made from a new advanced material, featuring fine metallic threads, protects passengers from the elements. Inside, the hood is lined with the familiar cashmere/wool blend fabric seen in the Phantom.

Suspension and steering geometry are shared with the new Phantom: double wishbone front and multi-link rear axles, with air springs, and rack and pinion steering though it is shorter by 165 mm (6.5 in) and 71 mm (3 in) lower. The 100EX sits upon 21-inch wheels finished in Meteor Silver. Power is supplied by a 9-litre V16, 64-valve naturally aspirated engine!

Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and CEO, Tony Gott, said, "It is always exciting to unveil something new at a motor show, but particularly something as fresh and innovative as the 100EX. In wanting to mark this very special year we decided that there would be no better way than to revive the EX motor cars philosophy and produce something unique to show around the world ."

Rolls claim that there are no plans to produce the car as a "series model ".

Throughout 2004 there is a full calendar of events in place to mark the centenary of Rolls-Royce, and the 100EX will appear at many of these as part of the year long celebrations.

[ian d]

very "stylishhhh", particularly with the "suicide doors". a throw back to the derby bentley "silent sports cars" RR built in the 30s.
must make some space in the garage. i wish!

[FourWheelDrift]

"Power is supplied by a 9-litre V16, 64-valve naturally aspirated engine!"

:dribble:


I actually like it, much better than the Azure.

[CraigAlsop]

So what's the point of suicide doors?
I find it easier to get in & out of conventional doors, cos you want your upper body to end up further back than your legs. With suicide doors, you're always banging your bum against the door - if the door's not fully open, forget it!

[planetdave]

If you can afford the space to open the doors (so thats a 'yes' in this case) then it makes sense to have suicide doors 'cos your passenger will be wearing a skirt/dress and thus may maintain dignity by using the 'bum in first' method.

But a 9L engine?

Have they gone completely mad?

[dinkel]

"Bleached teak decking is used on the exterior and interior of the 100EX, notably on the tonneau cover, in the boot and in place of carpeting in the passenger cabin. "The overall impression is intended to be of an elegant motor yacht at speed ", said Marek Djordjevic, Chief Stylist, Exterior Design."

Awesome. Riva-style . . . and yes: very bling.

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=63&t=84733
How PHers think about open cars.

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=84819

Another V16.

>> Edited by dinkel on Tuesday 2nd March 13:28

[v8thunder]

Very nice, yes. Again, why a 9-litre engine. Why not something that runs on LPG (not just for economy, but also for luxurious smoothness), and I hope they don't lapse into the Jaguar syndrome of releasing a load of enticing concepts then not building them. Rolls-Royce would traditionally build a one-off for a customer. If others liked it, they could have one too.

There will be a 'new' Corniche, I'm sure, and I'd love it if it looked anything like this. Wonder how long it'll be before Bentley chop the roof off the Conti GT?

[planetdave]

v8thunder said:

Wonder how long it'll be before Bentley chop the roof off the Conti GT?

It's on its way.

[size13]

planetdave said:

v8thunder said: Wonder how long it'll be before Bentley chop the roof off the Conti GT? It's on its way.

And a four door version

[V12BRY]

What a glorious extravagance!! Absolutely love the whole ostentatiousness about it. And I do love the use of different materials in it's build. Teak decking.....MARVELLOUS!

[billb]

bling!!!

[dick dastardly]

billb said:

bling!!!

"Coming soon to a Rap video near you!"



(very nice though)

[williamp]

I've seen pictures of a Bentley Continental convertable (isnt this the Azure??) with a Rolls Royce front Grill and headlights from the Silver Serpah.

very unusual...

[Waveboy14]

Azure-Bentley
Corniche-RR

Don't like the look of front suicide doors though. Why not gold floors?

[dick dastardly]

Pic from the BBC:



It's really starting to grow on me

[smele]

I bet it would be virtually impossible to get out of the back seat of that car when the roof is up.

But then I suppose it's just leggy ho's that sit in the back anyway.

[murcielago]

I reckon it's quite nice

[unlicensed]

nice car btw


>> Edited by unlicensed on Tuesday 2nd March 20:38

[groomi]

Really stylish cruiser, definately one for the wishlist :itsgettingtoolongagainmustsavemoremoneyandstartbuyingsomeofthesecars:

Reminds me of another gorgeous concept Jag did with the X300, chopped the top off, painted it green and stuck a Daimler badge on it. Totally transformed the character of the car and they should have made it!

Mind you, the Jag never had a 9L V16

[rico]

Yeaaahhhhh!!!!

I love cars that just give a big FK YOU to the lentil drinking tree-huggers... 9 litres? bring it on baby!!! It will have a mpg similar to a 747... its what Rolls Royce and Bentley are all about... sheer extravagence and i fing love it!

[Badapple]

After seeing this on top gear, I am in love.
They have to make this car, so much better than the corniche & azure