Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Rolls-Royce 100EX Centenary Concept (2004)

Rolls-Royce 100EX

The car was produced to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the meeting of businessman Charles Rolls and engineer Frederick Henry Royce. The figures speak for themselves but to get a better idea of the size of the car the solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy is seven feet (2.1 m) from the driver. The engine outputs are not stated by the company but the motoring press estimate about 700 bhp (520 kW) and 700 ft-lbs (950 Nm) of torque are close to the actual figures. There was much talk at its unveiling about a production version but Rolls-Royce have said they will not produce it. However the car would have been very easy to put into production as all the parts work. The company would not be profitable with its current saloon the Phantom and this model would help ensure the marque's viability. This car would have replaced the now defunct Corniche (2000 - 2002) as it was is the same kind of car and aimed at the same market.

However, as of 2005, it has been confirmed that a two-door, four-seat convertible inspired by the 100EX, and codenamed RR02, will go into production in 2007. It will be slightly smaller than the 100EX. Power will come from the 6.75 litre, V12 engine, which the new model will share with the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

9.0 litre 64 valve V16 engine
6 Speed automatic transmission
Dimensions: Height 1561 mm, Width 1990 mm and Length 5669 mm

No comments: