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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents three
Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection cars at the 81st Geneva
International Motor Show from 3-13 March 2011. Each of these
highly-bespoke Phantom models features a suite of design details,
developed in celebration of 100 years of the world’s most famous hood
figurine. “The Spirit of Ecstasy
continues to inspire employees of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, from designers
and skilled production line staff, to the craftspeople working within
our wood and leather shops,” commented Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO,
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “These models reflect their passion and
commitment, presenting collectors with cars that are unrivalled in both
their levels of luxury and attention to detail.”
The Phantom family models are presented
in a unique Wildflower finish, a rich blend of red and brown with a fine
sparkle. It is one of four exclusive Collection Car colours, that are
complemented by a choice of sumptuous leather and interior contrast
schemes with solid silver inlays delicately inset into veneers.
Collection Cars also feature very
special Spirit of Ecstasy figurines. Cast in solid silver and bathed in
a halo of white light, they stand on a base complete with black-gold
plated bezel bearing the inscription Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary –
2011. The design is finished with a set of six hallmarks, two of
which have been designed specifically for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Twin coachlines incorporate delicate
hand-painted Spirit of Ecstasy insignia and the models carry a new badge
developed to establish the collection’s place in Rolls-Royce history.
Located beneath the Spirit of Ecstasy, on the trunk lid as well as on
the front wings, this reverses conventional design, with white enamel
‘RR’ detail set on a black chrome background.
Inside the cars fine detailing abounds.
Satin spun instrument dials, centered with polished interlinked ‘RR’
monograms, are further enriched with polished chaplets and black
numerals. Clocks are backlit, presenting an inner ring of silver
incorporating the centenary inscription while the centre console lid
opens to reveal a discreet solid Britannia Silver commemorative plaque.
102EX – Phantom Experimental
Electric
On 1 and 2 March, the Rolls-Royce stand
will also debut 102EX, a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom that
will serve as a test bed to gather a bank of owner research in 2011.
This will be crucial in informing future decisions on alternative
drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
102EX will undertake a global test
programme that takes in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
Through test drives, owners will be given the opportunity to experience
an alternative drive-train technology and to feedback their experiences,
thoughts and concerns directly to Rolls-Royce.
There are no plans to develop a
production variant, but Geneva will start a dialogue with existing
owners and stakeholders, posing as well as answering questions of its
audience. Comments will be collated through the web portal
www.electricluxury.com that
will also chart the car’s progress on tour throughout the year.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Completing the stand, Rolls-Royce will
present two Ghost models. Launched in 2009, Ghost has received universal
plaudits for its impressive driving characteristics, luxurious interior
and unsurpassed ride comfort. Its success helped boost sales for the
company to record levels in2010.
In total Rolls-Royce sold 2,711 cars
last year, a 171 per cent increase on the 2009 total of 1,002 cars. It
was more than double the previous record of 1,212 cars set in 2008. |
