Geneva 09: Embargo Broken on 200EX (aka RR4) Concept

First there was an just a small official teaser of the front end on the 200EX released by Rolls-Royce. Now The Daily Telegraph has broken the embargo entirely, opening up the floodgates of information on Rolls-Royce's newest model.

Say hello to the 4th and newest model in the Rolls-Royce range, dubbed the 200EX . As expected, it's style hews close to the Phantom. It was never intended to break new styling ground. For all intents and purposes, it's mission is is to serve as a less excessive, mini-Phantom.

In comparison with the Phantom, the 200EX's design is less upright, with a more sweptback look from front to back. Viewed from the front espessially, the car is a bit sleeker and more dynamic. I like the area sunken in for the headlights; it looks as if it could accomodate a full lamp to fill the entire area.

The difference in approach fits the car's smaller size and price tag well. To be honest, I actually prefer the 200EX's look over that of the Phantom. I think Rolls-Royce's designers found the perfect balance.

Look at all that wood! I espessially like the classic R0lls-Royce style vents, very cool design feature. Notice no navigation screen? The wood panel above the vents probably opens to reveal one.

I like that it's covered, having a screen prominently displayed would seemingly be anti-thesis to the Rolls-Royce style.

I am noticing some similarities to the BMW 7-Series in this interior though. I think that fact contributes to a less special feeling then we're normally used to from Rolls-Royce. 

There is a similar orientation in the overall design, like vent placement and even that 3-spoke design steering wheel that's style deviates from the one found in the Phantom.

It's most likely however that who don't pay as close attention probably won't notice these details.

 While it's an great interior, I can't help but feel that Rolls could have done better. Maybe that'll change though once I have the chance to see more pictures.

The 200EX shares 20 percent of it's parts with the 7-Series, but you certainly would never know it; the 200EX is larger and has unique platform dimensions.

The main thing that is shared between the two vehicles is the front and rear crash absorption structures, a move that helped to cut development costs down significantly.

The 200EX comes in at 18 inches (!) shorter then the Phantom, a substantial difference in size. As far as the engine lineup, it will not be available with a V8 engine like the 7-Series.

Most likely, the standard engine will be an all-new 6.0L V12 that will share major architecture with BMW's 4.4L V8.

The 200EX Concept is an almost exact preview of the production car to be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show this year.