Rolls-Royce has recently been undertaking significant organizational changes with the appointment of CEO Tom Purves from parent company BMW, the introduction of the new Drophead Coupe and most recently, the development of a smaller Rolls-Royce model codenamed the RR4 that has been slightly revealed in these design sketches.
Due out in late 2010, the RR4 will accompany the Phantom lineup of vehicles and will be built on a modified Rolls-Royce assembly line at Goodwood, England. Paint, wood and leather shops will be expanded for increased production, as well as a second shift will be added to the manufacturing plant.
According to Chief Designer Ian Cameron, a bigger emphasis on driving was instilled in the RR4's "more informal" design. Even with smaller dimensions and a "more organic form" that emphasizes owner's likeliness to drive the car rather than be driven, the Phantom's little brother is still expected to command at least a $350,000 price tag.
Key to the new design will be a BMW-sourced V-12 powerplant that is speculated to produce 470-plus horsepower. The engine will utilize BMW's HPi system that enables the V-12 to produce less emissions and more power on high quality fuel.
Although the revised engine will likely be shared with the upcoming fifth-generation BMW 7 Series and the vehicle derived from the Concept CS sport sedan slated for 2011, sources close to the project have indicated that the RR4's engine will be "of a unique capacity, larger than the 6.0-liter that will be fitted to the 7 Series." Currently the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupe employ a Rolls-Royce-like 6.75-liter (or as they state a 6-3/4-liter) V-12 that will most likely serve as engineering inspiration for the smaller four-door's power supply.
According to company chairman Ian Robertson, the RR4 is anticipated to greatly "expand the appeal of the brand" and further details of the new model will be revealed in the coming months nearing its release. Rolls-Royce posted a 25 percent increase in sales for 2007 with 1010 cars -- a record amount for one year.
Source: Rolls-Royce
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