To mark the company's 100th anniversary Rolls Royce unveiled the 100EX concept car at the
2004 Geneva Motor Show. The car is intended to be the focus of attention during various birthday celebration events through the year and is the first new Rolls Royce unveiled since the Phantom last year. A convertible version of the Phantom is expected shortly so the 100EX probably represents a fair reflection of many of the new model's features.
The 100EX is an open top, four-seat convertible based on an aluminium spaceframe with two "suicide" doors. It shares the Phantom's suspension and steering geometry but is fractionally shorter and lower. The concept is powered by a 9.0-litre V16 engine which, whilst possible to construct from the BMW parts bin, is more likely to be replaced by the current Phantom's drivetrain.
The design of the 100EX is an evolution of that of the Phantom with a reworked, smoother grille and a new light treatment. The rear of the car tails off in a boat-like style and the hood stows very neatly and compactly thanks to a cleverly designed retraction mechanism. The boot lid is split and this enables it to be folded outwards to form a platform for sitting on, ideal for picnics, or watching one's horses run at Ascot...
Classically elegant and luxurious the 100EX is a real show piece of Rolls Royce's engineering abilities and ideologies. There are no plans to produce the 100EX as a production model in its current guise.
Dave Jenkins - 9 Mar 2004
