Bentley, which was previously a Rolls-Royce division but was acquired by BMW rival Volkswagen, is targeting record highs for 2004,
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| Rolls-Royce's new two-door, four-seat car is said to be a slightly smaller version of the 100 EX concept car that debuted at the Geneva auto show earlier this year. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
So what should Rolls-Royce do to compete? According to a Reuters report the automaker will unveil a convertible model based on the Phantom in 2007. The new two-door, four-seat car, destined to be built alongside the Phantom at the company's new Goodwood, England facility, is said to be a slightly smaller version of the 100EX
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| "Convertible motor cars have always played a central part in the 100-year history of Rolls-Royce," stated Roll-Royce's sales and marketing director, Howard Mosher. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
The new model will feature Rolls-Royce's 453 horsepower 6.75-liter V12, with 531 lb-ft of torque, mated to the brand's 6-speed automatic transmission. Weight will be kept to a minimum, due to the use of a similar aluminum space-frame chassis technology employed by the Phantom.
"Convertible motor cars have always played a central part in the 100-year history of Rolls-Royce, and I am delighted that we can take this tradition forward with a cutting-edge, 21st Century design," stated Roll-Royce's sales and marketing director, Howard Mosher.