Another distinctive 100 EX feature is its unique set of doors. Where most convertibles use conventional doors, the EX borrows the Phantom's rear-passenger "suicide" door layout for those up front. Meeting at the car's steeply raked windscreen, they provide easy access to the car's interior and do not need to be completely opened to enter and exit. Modern technology that locks the doors as soon as the car is at speed allows them to pass safety regulations.
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| The EX borrows the Phantom's rear-passenger "suicide" door layout for those up front. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
The trunk on the other hand links back to R-R's "Countryman" style past, with a lid that opens upward while its face drops downward like a tailgate. The floor and base of both parts of the trunk are lined with wood.
The interior of the 100 EX is very similar to the Phantom, but for a few changes. One thing to note are the triangular window slivers on the doors, and the other is the liberal use of finely crafted wood. Phantoms are equipped with a great deal of gorgeous wood trim, of course, but still not to the extent and effect of the type and application used on the 100 EX. Teak is used for the console, doors, floors, and on the tonneau cover, to help create the exclusive ambiance of a Riva speedboat. Overall the 100 EX interior is truly impressive, and it is a cockpit that only Rolls-Royce could deliver.
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| Similar to the interior found in the Phantom, the 100 EX cabin is also truly impressive. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
The roof overhead is crafted of metalized fabric, which allows it to be as quiet as a hardtop car at speed when erect. Why not a retractable hardtop? With Rolls-Royce it's all about tradition, therefore the designers have stayed with the fabric base.
Currently, Rolls Royce has commented that the 100 EX is exactly what its name implies, merely an experiment. The automaker claims that it is just a project to demonstrate its engineering and styling capabilities. But being that the concept received a very positive response at its Geneva introduction, I wouldn't put it past the luxury marque to turn it into the next generation Corniche, possibly set for a 2007 or 2008 introduction.