Holding onto its iconic Rolls Royce shape despite a leaner, smaller overall size, the exterior of the RR4, meanwhile, clearly features rear-opening suicide doors. The bulky C-pillar that had previously seemed to be a solid piece now appears to be merely camouflage covering a small window. Previously spied models had large strips of cladding hiding the door handles to mask the rear-opening orientation. The substitution of bright alloy wheels for the former black ones and a glossier appearance give a closer look at what the final car will look like on the streets as well. Finally the hood, which had been covered in its own layer of camouflage, is now revealed as a simple, smooth surface with nothing in the way of character lines or power bulges.
Former Rolls-Royce CEO Ian Robertson has previously mentioned the carmaker would add a second shift to its Goodwood, UK, plant to build the new car and that up to 800 units per year would be built. Last year, the company sold 805 cars world-wide, so the new model would effectively double its sales.
RR4 will share much in common with parent company BMW’s long-wheelbase 7-series and will be roughly the same size as the German limo. However, the platform and engine for the car would be unique to Rolls-Royce. Most of the shared parts will include various electronic components but the car will have the attributes and behavior of a Rolls-Royce.
The heavy camouflage hides most of the details about the car’s styling but we do get a good sense of the its proportions on the road. As expected it will feature a long hood and short rear decklid like its big brother – the Phantom saloon. The rendering give us a glimpse at a possible design for the new baby Rolls and shows that designers will likely stick with the chiseled looks of the Phantom as well.
RR4 is tipped to enter production late next year and final pricing should fall between $250,000 and $300,000.
Reader Comments
Fri Apr 25 2008 11:54 AM
Gus says
Entry-Level? Ok, sure...
Fri Apr 25 2008 1:16 PM
Roy says
Since Bentleys are no longer the entry-level Rolls, I guess this makes sense.
Fri Apr 25 2008 3:17 PM
MyWheelsOnWalls.com says
I'm with Gus, entry level? If your in the market for a 250K car then one at 400K is still within your budget. That demographic of customer is completely different and spends money in a totally different manner.
RR is not just competing against other luxury brands of cars, they are up against aircraft, realestate, boats, and much more.
An entry level car would be around 80-90K which would be a totally different demographic and customer base. For example: when VW launched the Phaeton then spent a small fortune training dealers what that customer would expect from that price of a car. In this case (if the car truly was entry level) it would be in reverse. For the first time in an RR sales persons career they would have to fill out a credit app. for the customer as they would most likely want to lease the vehicle.
I can picture the training class now,
Trainer: After you ask their income you will need to know if they rent or pay a mortage.
RR Sales Person: You mean the customer does not own their own island yet?
I dont see how this car can work. You buy a Rolls to show off how wealthy you are not "I could'nt afford the other car so I picked this little thing up on the cheap."
Has anyone not noticed that rumors of a budget Bugatti have died and rumors of an even more expensive one are rampant. Thats because that demograhic wants to be even more exclusive.
Fact: 50% of RR customers own an S-class Mercedes. This would be their budget car not an entry level RR.
Sat Apr 26 2008 8:24 AM
Alan says
I think this is more to do with the fact that Bentley has a cheaper Flying Spur and a more expensive Arnarge, so why not a similar set up for RR?
Sat Apr 26 2008 8:52 AM
Rob says
Guys, it means entry-level FOR Rolls Royce. This new model will be their cheapest car and most common if the 800 unit production numbers are correct.
Sun Apr 27 2008 9:05 AM
Wizards Lore says
but its basically the same size as the Phantom just with smaller wheels....personally i think its a useless excercise...
They would make more money out of making a version of the phantom that is stretched (and i mean stretched not like the elongated version that they currently have), but one that will be purchased as a tru stretch limo
Thu Aug 28 2008 5:33 PM
NoNameDenton says
Rob is correct, it is an entry level Rolls, still will not be easily affordable by most people.
Thu Aug 28 2008 11:48 PM
CK says
Rearview mirrors like a truck^^
Fri Aug 29 2008 12:24 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
NND- Your post is exactly the point I'm making. You buy a Rolls to be seen in what is the best luxo barge in the world!!! I would look at the owner of these baby RR's the same way I look at Boxster/Caymen owners "ahhh poor sod, cant afford the real one!"
Fri Aug 29 2008 12:26 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
CK- I just read your post! There not mirrors they are handles to pick it up with and place in your pocket when you park the thing, since it is a baby Rolls Royce!
Fri Aug 29 2008 1:59 AM
Tony says
At least it'll be easier to park. Probably also makes it easier for trained drivers to escape ambushes with maneuverability on narrow roads. I hope they get the details right -- I don't quite like the large Rolls' front and rear lamps.
Fri Aug 29 2008 9:25 AM
big L says
It is a BeeEMVAy, of course it looks like this. Not much in the photos but it'll be a knock out in the metal.
Fri Aug 29 2008 5:03 PM
NoNameDenton says
mywheelsonwalls.com Do not knock the Cayman, it is an excellent car and in some ways better then the 911 flagship
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