When a Dream becomes a reality....


As Rolls-Royce's strategy is moving in the right direction it is almost time to
welcome in 2006 the first model of the upcoming expansion of the marque .The production version of the 100 EX concept car will be identified as the new "Corniche" As a continuation of the tradition and heritage of Rolls-Royce motor cars.

As undecided as where to unveil the new car - top two at the list Geneva Motor show in 2006 and the 2006 Cannes film festival . Geneva's favourite because of the swiss location and central hub for wealthy proposed customers, And of course the Cannes demographic and of course location .
Other favourites include the Paris motor show - closer to the 2007 on sale date.

What you see is what you get ...

The production version of the 100 EX is virtually identical except for some key and minor detail updates.
The Corniche is based on a shortened version of the Aluminium Space frame of the Phantom This reduces the wheelbase and overall dimensions of the car.
To smooth the air flow a heavily raked " greek temple grille " features a new faired in design that helps with the cars aerodynamics.

The Phantom will donate it's V12 but be developed for super smooth refinement and cruising speed. This is not a Performance car.

Due to major requirements such as Crash safety and areodynamics key areas such as the front end and rear of the car had to be upgraded to offer all these requirements to meet with safety legislation.
For example larger front lights (the LED's stay true to the concept) and a painted bonnet.

The "suicidal" front doors stay unique and have been approved for production When everyone was sweating over whether this would happen and the car will lose a "unique" feature or have to resort to fit conventional doors to the production car.

The $5 million Motor Car

The 100 EX although not for sale ( Many, individuals have tried to buy it)
You are not allowed to touch it or drive it or if you get to drive it , not very far if you do you get a drive ,a BMW M5 shadow car and three BMW X5 with security personel are always on hand.

The 100 EX has it's own entourage. A team of pepole prepare the car for viewings, wipe clean and polish the bodywork , an engineer is always on hand to make sure nothing happens mechanically or if anybody attemps to exploit the V16 engine.

And of course when on special location the car has 24/7 security.


The Rebirth of Cool

BMW are exceptionally pleased with the reception that Rolls-Royce has receceived under BMW ownership. The Phantom is particular viewed as a " Cool car" compare this reception to the older models such as the Seraph or Spirit they were more likely to appeal to the super rich and demographically older . Rolls-Royce were seen as ostentatious.

BMW know that the production car of the 100EX will be greatly admired by old and young alike. Especially with the advent of the Phantom as the itcar of the entertainment industry and it's infusion in popular culture especially music videos and with entertainment icons much admired by younger enthusiasts.

To tap into this area of acceptance the Corniche will also be comissioned as a 1:18 scale diecast model to satisfy interest from younger enthusiasts.


If anything BMW are not looking forward to is seeing the car on "Pimp my ride" or seeing it's beautiful bodywork diplayed in brightwork or equipped with 22 spinning diamond encrusted wheels . Which given it's status and identity will probably be one day inevitable .


BMW now have three years worth of orders of mainly Phantom customers looking for a " Weekend" or "Night on the Town" car. Not only the entertainment industry , but traditionalists have now been seduced by it's beauty.
BMW are also making sure that first year production cars do not go to speculators , They want these cars to go to customers who can enjoy and share the reality of what happens when a dream comes true.