Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Photos by Charles V Tines / The Detroit News Howard Mosher, director of sales and marketing, with the Rolls-Royce experimental 100 EX.

Rolls-Royce remains true to its heritage

By Richard A. Wright / Autos Insider

Auto Show Report Rolls-Royce remains true to its heritage Model Information Get detailed reports, specifications, ownership costs, and wholesale and retail prices. Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

DETROIT - The Rolls-Royce Phantom and the experimental 100 EX at the North American International Auto Show look like what you'd expect from the storied luxury brand.

But both cars were designed after the venerable British nameplate was acquired by BMW, the German sports and luxury car maker. Has the change in ownership hurt?

"Not at all," Paul Faletti, a Rolls-Royce spokesman, said Tuesday. "In fact, being affiliated with BMW has helped."

The 100 EX was an experimental car built in 1998 after Rolls-Royce was separated from Bentley and became part of the BMW camp, while Bentley went to its new owner, Volkswagen.

A large percentage of Rolls-Royces once were owned as part of fleets by wealthy individuals or organizations, Faletti said.

"Most were driven only about 3,000 miles a year," he said. "Now, owners of the Phantom, the first production Rolls-Royce since the change in ownership, drive the hell out of it. They love to drive it."

The design team which created the current Rolls-Royce Phantom is separate from the BMW group, but buyers are aware of the affiliation and they like it.

"It gives them confidence to know the Rolls-Royce is backed by the resources of BMW," Faletti said.

An examination of the 2005 Phantom confirms that the Rolls-Royce design team is conserving the features of that legendary marque - even to the "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament, which retracts into the hood when the car is parked.

The 2006 Rolls Royce Phantom.