The Hindu Business Line : A show stealer

Rolls-Royce's new 101EX concept is described as a 21st century interpretation of the classic Grand Touring Coupe, mixing the romance and flamboyance of yesterday with the technology of today.

ROLLS-ROYCE'S new 101EX concept

Every time Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils a new product, which is not very often, it becomes a big event for the global automobile industry. And so it was when the company unveiled a brand new design concept — the 101EX — at the Geneva Motor Show this month.

A new design concept is now even more significant, because it only the second such after the UK-based luxury car-maker was taken over by the BMW group and set up its new manufacturing facility at Goodwood in Sussex, UK.

Clearly, the 101EX was a show stealer at the Geneva Expo and as has been the tradition with Rolls-Royce, the new concept car has been completely, painstakingly put together by hand. The Rolls-Royce's Chief Designer, Mr Ian Cameron, describes the new 101EX concept as a 21st century interpretation of the classic Grand Touring Coupe, mixing the romance and flamboyance of yesterday with the technology of today.

True to that image, the 101EX's interiors and dashboard have been meticulously handcrafted in richly polished wood and the finest leather. The car features elegant coach doors that offer walk-in access to the rear seat and a handcrafted and hand-painted body, even as technology in the form mood lighting for the interiors with a roof that is lined with LEDs, an aluminium space frame chassis, a 6.75-litre, 453 bhp direct injection V12 engine, and six-speed automatic transmission, and the automatic doors have all been married together to infuse the concept with enough modernity to appeal to the business tycoons of today.

The new Rolls-Royce 101EX will unfortunately not make it to the company's production line any time soon. But given the progression that this elegant new concept represents compared to the 100EX — the experimental car that was showcased two years ago and which was built to celebrate the centenary of Rolls-Royce — there is a strong likelihood of the 101EX making it to the company's famous, new plant at Goodwood.