Rolls-Royce 100EX

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The Rolls-Royce 100 EX (EX stands for experimental model) has:

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

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.

[edit] Rolls-Royce 101 EX

In 2006 the 101 EX, a Grand Touring coupé prototype based on the 100EX, was presented at the Geneva International Auto Show. The 101EX shares its aluminium space frame chassis technology with the Phantom, albeit in a shortened version. The car is 9.5 inches shorter than the Phantom sedan, with a lower roofline and shallower glass area. Power comes from the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 engine.