Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
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 colors, 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.
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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.
