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First Look: 2010 Rolls-Royce RR4
GOODWOOD, England — Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has released the first official design sketches of the RR4 — informally known as the "Baby Rolls" — that goes into production in 2010 and will be slotted in size and price below the flagship Phantom.
Although it will share its underpinnings with the next-generation BMW 7 Series, the RR4 will be powered by a new engine that will be unique to Rolls-Royce and won't be shared with the BMW brand, the company said. Speculation in Europe has centered on new versions of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and 6.0-liter V12. A diesel V8 is also said to be under consideration.
Rolls-Royce said the car is well into the development pipeline, and the Goodwood plant is being reconfigured with a second assembly line to accommodate production of the smaller vehicle.
Chief designer Ian Cameron said: "The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models, with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms, this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."
Judging from the rather vague sketches released by Rolls, the RR4 will draw styling inspiration from the Phantom. Spy photos of RR4 prototypes undergoing development tests suggest the car also will get rear-hinged "suicide" doors, among other modern Rolls-Royce design cues.
The small Rolls is expected to be priced from $250,000 to $280,000. Insiders anticipate that a prototype of the RR4 will be unveiled next spring at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
What this means to you: The RR4 will be only marginally smaller than the Phantom and, judging from its lofty sticker, still quite exclusive. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Although it will share its underpinnings with the next-generation BMW 7 Series, the RR4 will be powered by a new engine that will be unique to Rolls-Royce and won't be shared with the BMW brand, the company said. Speculation in Europe has centered on new versions of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and 6.0-liter V12. A diesel V8 is also said to be under consideration.
Rolls-Royce said the car is well into the development pipeline, and the Goodwood plant is being reconfigured with a second assembly line to accommodate production of the smaller vehicle.
Chief designer Ian Cameron said: "The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models, with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms, this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense."
Judging from the rather vague sketches released by Rolls, the RR4 will draw styling inspiration from the Phantom. Spy photos of RR4 prototypes undergoing development tests suggest the car also will get rear-hinged "suicide" doors, among other modern Rolls-Royce design cues.
The small Rolls is expected to be priced from $250,000 to $280,000. Insiders anticipate that a prototype of the RR4 will be unveiled next spring at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
What this means to you: The RR4 will be only marginally smaller than the Phantom and, judging from its lofty sticker, still quite exclusive. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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