TwistedSifter

Officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, the Rolls-Royce 200EX (pensive) is a beautiful piece of machinery. Dubbed EX for experimental, the actual model will go into production in 2010 complete with a fancy one-word name like previous Rolls-Royce’s. With a sleek and stunning exterior and lavish interior, let’s take this fine piece of engineering for a visual test-drive.

Brief Overview
- Based off the latest BMW 7 series platform it will be powered by a 500 hp V12 engine
- Unlike the aluminum-bodied Phantom, the 200EX is built from steel, which has a higher tensile strength and can therefore be made thinner
- The 200 EX features a grand set of suicide doors which open to an angle of 83 degrees, the 200EX has the widest rear access in the car industry ~ Big bottoms rejoice!

Finer Details
- Interior: The 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain
- Sunroof: Covering two-thirds of the roof area, the panoramic sun roof floods the interior with light
- Wheels: Equipped with self-righting wheel centers, the Rolls-Royce monogram remains in a constant upright position (good branding!)

Ultra-Fine Details
To justify their price, luxury brands must provide those additional benefits you never realize you needed. See exhibits A and B below:

EXHIBIT A: Behold, the auto-adjusting purse rack!

EXHIBIT B: We present, the Limited edition Rolls-Royce umbrella for those unexpected showers

Holy crap look at all those V’s!

A modern interpretation of art deco style is expressed in the opaque milk-white dials, the green glass of the clock and the chrome detailing throughout the 200EX interior. Digital time display? Please.

The Spirit of Ecstasy is the name of the mascot on Rolls-Royce cars. It is in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched behind and above her. Billowing cloth runs from her arms to her back, resembling wings.

The ignition is key-less, obviously.

Controls are positioned for ease of use - there are no banks of switches, so the broad open curve of the wooden fascia runs across the width of the interior.

Without picnic tables there is chaos.

Ta-Daow!

Sources
- http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/200EX/#
- http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/officially-official-rolls-royce-200ex/
- http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/rolls-royce-200-ex-2009-02-20
- http://www.notcot.com/archives/2009/05/rolls_royce_200.php