| Sneak preview | 2010 Rolls-Royce RR4 |
It is no secret that Rolls-Royce is working on a smaller entry-level car to sit alongside the Phantom. Today the first design sketches hinting at how the finished car will look were released. For the moment, the new car is known simply as RR4, but it would make sense for Rolls-Royce to resume the "Silver" naming series that ended with the Silver Seraph.
What is clear is that the RR4 will be powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce. This potentially could be a large capacity turbodiesel. As chief designer, Ian Cameron, said, "Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design…"
Is there a clue in the use of the word "efficiency" that the engine will not be a conventional petrol motor? It is a telling sign of the times that Rolls-Royce needs a smaller, less ostentatious model. As conspicuous consumption seems to be frowned upon there must be plenty of customers longing for something more subtle than the in-your-face Phantom.
The sketches themselves hint at an aggressive-looking car with a very shallow window line and steeply raked windscreen. No doubt the finished article will retain the purposeful family look. The design was reportedly signed off in 2007 and development is well underway to have the car ready for 2010. At the same time the Goodwood factory is being reorganised to accommodate the RR4 production line.
It's a possibility that Rolls-Royce will give the RR4 its public debut at the
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
John Lambert - 27 May 2008