6:18 pm, February 20, 2009
Click image for a gallery of pictures
CAR Dealer spotted it during testing this week – now Rolls-Royce has decided to take the covers off!
Here for the first time are official images of the new baby Rolls-Royce. The 200EX is set to challenge the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes S-Class, in the £175k super-limo sector.
The V12-engined 200EX limo is an intriguing blend of traditional Rolls-Royce and modern, flowing, contemporary detailing.
Unmistakably imposing, the long bonnet includes plenty of straight lines, with the famous Spirit of Ecstasy grille sitting proudly up front.
There are also LED headlights on the 200EX, as seen on the Audi R8 V10.
Further back, the shallow windowline and long, flowing lines show a sportier side not seen on Rolls-Royce in decades. At the rear, there’s a tapered tail that is sporty and dynamic.
Most striking feature is the rear-hinged back doors, a luxurious touch also seen on the Sir Alan Sugar Rolls-Royce Phantom. Opening 83 degrees, they reveal an interior that, again, is a blend of retro and modern.
Hi-tech gadgetry is smartly integrated into a dashboard that’s finished in leather and wood. The steering wheel is elegant and very ‘Rolls-Royce’, while the instruments include the Phantom’s ‘Power Remaining’ dial.
The model is actually based on the long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series. This means it could possibly be the first-ever DIESEL Rolls-Royce!
‘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,’ said CEO 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.’
Check out our gallery for full uncovered images of the new baby Rolls-Royce!
