It was only so long ago that Rolls-Royce decided to bring out its first "green" car. The 102EX Phantom is likely the most luxurious electric car on the planet. I mean, who else can contend with a Roller? Let's be real, folks. This is likely as good as it's gonna get.
Even if you're interested though, you can't buy one. Wompwomp. That's right, Rolls-Royce is only using the vehicle as a research tool so they can gather data on their international customer tour that will be going on through 2011.
So, with that said, if you can't afford one or won't be doing this customer tour gig, we suggest you read the review since that's as good as its going to get.
**To hear all about plush carpeting and luxury at its finest, while doing its best to be "green," click "Read Article"
The Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom concept is a full-electric luxury liner. Why would a high-end company like Rolls want to mess around with an electric car? Because CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös insists that the company realizes that V12s in sedans weighing as much as Ford Expeditions isn't going to cut it forever--and even Rolls-Royce needs to look to the future and develop a plan for sustainable growth. Rolls owners have rejected diesels outright, thus the electric 102EX.
The 102EX starts with your garden-variety Phantom, rips out the V12 and adds the largest battery pack ever fitted into a passenger car with 96 lithium pouch cells. It takes up the same space underhood as the V12 and weighs 1,410 pounds. Plus there are two really powerful rear-mounted electric motors. The powertrain produces the equivalent of 390 hp (195 hp per electric motor) and 590 lb-ft of torque. Compared with the regular Phantom's 6.7-liter V12, the power here is down 63 hp, but torque is up 59 lb-ft...
[Source: AutoWeek]
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