2009 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept

GOODWOOD, England — Rolls-Royce has officially announced it will unveil a near-production-ready concept sedan at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show next month. Called the 200EX — a name that recalls some of the British carmaker's early "experimental" prototypes — the luxuriously equipped four-door previews a new entry-level Rolls-Royce that will go on sale later this year.

Known until now by its internal working code RR4, the new Rolls-Royce is expected to be priced to compete against upmarket sedans such as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Holding firm to the strategy taken with its 100EX and 101EX concept cars — both of which have reached the showroom with little change, as the Phantom Drophead and Phantom Drophead Coupe, respectively — the 200EX is said to closely resemble the definitive production version of the RR4.

"There will be some very minor difference, but what you see in Geneva is for all intents and purposes what we'll be bringing to Frankfurt later in the year," says Rolls-Royce's newly installed CEO Tom Purves, referring to plans to show its new model at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

As yet, there's no word on what model name the 200EX will receive. However, Rolls-Royce says it plans to resurrect a name from its past lineup. Among those rumored to be under consideration are Shadow, Wraith, Seraph and Spirit.

Rolls-Royce designers have adopted a far less formal look for the 200EX than any previous model sporting the illustrious Spirit of Ecstasy. The exterior features many of Rolls' traditional design cues and boasts classical unadorned surfacing, but each element has been reinterpreted to give the new car a cleaner and more modern appearance than the imposing Phantom.

Among the more flamboyant styling flourishes is a prominent grille, thin LED headlamps, a stainless steel hood, large chromed door handles, rear-hinged doors at the rear, a wide C-pillar and an angled trunk. The wheels are 20 inches in diameter, wrapped with 255/45 profile front and 285/40 profile rear tires.

Describing the appearance, Purves called it a "modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values. We expect the more informal design to broaden the appeal of the brand."

These first official photographs don't provide any real comparisons in scale, but the 200EX is much smaller overall than the Phantom; its length, width and height are put at 212.5 inches, 82.9 inches and 61.0 inches respectively, making it 3.5 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 2.8 inches higher than the Continental Flying Spur.

The new concept car's cockpit upholds Roll-Royce's long-held reputation for class-leading opulence, luxury and comfort with a sizable leather-trimmed cabin that offers seating for up to five adults. An upright dashboard boasts distinctive Art Deco overtures similar to those found in the Phantom. It is adorned with a combination of classical wood and chrome, offset with etched glass and piano lacquer trims.

The 200EX rides on a modified version of parent company BMW's latest large-car platform as found beneath the new 7 Series, featuring unique wheelbase and track measurements. Rolls-Royce is holding back on revealing further specifications until closer to its production sibling's launch later this year. The only information released so far confirms that the upmarket sedan will be powered by a "new-generation V12 engine."

Details remain scarce, but insiders at Rolls-Royce headquarters point toward a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter direct-injection gasoline unit developing close to 500 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It will drive the rear wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission developed in conjunction with German transmission specialist ZF.

The production version of the 200EX will be assembled at the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, England — the same site responsible for the Phantom. A recent refurbishment has resulted in the addition of a new assembly line and an expansion in operations to handle an expected increase in volumes from today's 1,000 cars up to around 4,000 by 2012.

Inside Line says: Smaller but not small. More affordable but no less flash. The 200EX is a new kind of Rolls-Royce. But with the economy in tatters, this car could find it tough going in the short term. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent