01 Mar 06
Rolls-Royce has revealed a Phantom-based coupe concept called 101EX with a low, raked roof and 'coach' doors.
Chief designer Ian Cameron said: 'It is a very modern car, a 21st-century design that respectfully nods to the past but focuses indisputably on the future.'
R-R chairman and CEO Ian Robertson added: '101EX employs the same engineering philosophy as the Phantom, balancing high technology with hand craftsmanship. It illustrates the position of strength from which we operate and points the way forward for potential new models.'
The 101EX is built around the same aluminium structure as the Phantom saloon, but shortened by 240mm. Its grille is slightly less upright, to give a more streamlined side profile, and its windows are less tall. The show car is finished with 21" forged aluminium wheels, an aluminium bonnet with an aluminium windscreen surround, and dark tungsten paintwork.
Inside, it is trimmed in machined aluminium, leather, rosewood and red oak, with slimline bucket seats up front and, says Rolls, an 'exceptionally spacious rear seat [which] delivers intimate comfort for two.' It adds that 'privacy is assured by the sweeping C-pillars.' With that convenient pair of rear doors, is this the wedding car of the future? Romance is assured by cabin headlining with inlaid fibre-optic cables, giving the impression of a star-lit night sky.
Rolls-Royce is describing the 101EX as an 'experimental car' and says that 'currently there are no plans to develop a production version'. However, it does add that 'it has been hand-built to explore a potential design direction for a future coupe model', indicating some intent to take the idea further. Whether the coupe gets the green light or not, no doubt depends on the reaction this concept receives in Geneva.
