The new prototype sketches and spy photos of the new entry-level Rolls Royce have now been released. It is set to debut in 2010, and for now it is being referred to as “RR4″. At first it will only be sold as a sedan, but many suspect it will later be offered as a coupe and convertible.
The popular car magazine Motor Trend estimates an output of approximately 1,000 RR4s per year, which does not compare well with the Bentley Continental production (about 8000 Continentals are produced in one year). However, Rolls Royce CEO Ian Robertson comments that “it will be significantly more expensive than the Bentley.” Pricing is expected to start somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000.
Taking the basic styling model from the Phantom and the underbody from the next-generation BMW 7 Series, it will be smaller than the Phantom and have much different proportions than the new 7 Series. The car is still very impacting, but more swept back and less imposing than the Phantom. Just as usual, the wheels are half the height of the entire vehicle, which help create the grand, elevated style of all the Rolls Royce models.
Originally it was thought that RR4 would be fitted with a V8 engine as featured in the new X6. Now it is near certain the RR4 will boast BMW’s all new V12 engine, which will also be the power behind the new 7 Series. Providing more torque and only a little less hp than the V12, the V8 seems to overshadow it and make it seem puny. However, you can expect an improved version of the V12 giving more than 470 hp. Regardless, the new RR4 will pack far more punch than necessary.
It is hard to say whether the future of the RR4 will pay off or not. While it may offer more diversity in the Rolls Royce lineup, it may also steal sales away from the more expensive, flagship Phantom. Obviously those at Rolls Royce are inclined to think more positively. Of one thing we can be sure: it sure will be exciting.
