The information comes from Rolls Royce CEO Tom Purves, who told Automotive News that the RR4’s development is on track despite the global economic crisis and that it should reach showrooms in the first quarter of next year.
Purves went on to explain that the RR4 will be targeted at younger buyers and will be "more like a well cut sports jacket than a tuxedo [the Phantom]". As for pricing, he said that the car would be sold for slightly less than the Phantom but revealed that custom versions could overlap it.
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. According to Purves, the engine will be a V12 unit not seen before on any BMW-group product and up to 80% of its components will be unique.
Holding onto its iconic Rolls Royce shape, despite a leaner and smaller overall size, the new model will feature a pair of rear-opening suicide doors. This new interior shot shows an almost completed dash and reveals that the RR4’s interior will be significantly different to the one in the Phantom.
No name has been announced for the RR4 but some sources have speculated that the company will revive its historic ‘Silver Ghost’ nameplate. The concept version set for Geneva next month will likely be called the EX200 – Rolls Royce uses the EX designation to denote experimental concept models – and will look very similar to the production version destined to make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Reader Comments
Fri Apr 25 2008 2:54 PM
Gus says
Entry-Level? Ok, sure...
Fri Apr 25 2008 4:16 PM
Roy says
Since Bentleys are no longer the entry-level Rolls, I guess this makes sense.
Fri Apr 25 2008 6:17 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 11:24 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 11:52 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 12:05 PM
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 8:33 PM
NoNameDenton says
Rob is correct, it is an entry level Rolls, still will not be easily affordable by most people.
Fri Aug 29 2008 2:48 AM
CK says
Rearview mirrors like a truck^^
Fri Aug 29 2008 3:24 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 3:26 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 4:59 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 12:25 PM
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 8:03 PM
NoNameDenton says
mywheelsonwalls.com Do not knock the Cayman, it is an excellent car and in some ways better then the 911 flagship
Thu Jan 29 2009 8:24 PM
Roy says
So I guess this might be the "driver's Rolls-Royce" or the one that the nanny can drive the kids around in during the day... I'm finding it hard to believe that there's a market between the top of the line 7 series and the bottom of the line Roller for this car. Certainly, this is the wrong time to be bringing it to market, unless they can persuade Hollywood that it's an environmentally sensitive Roller.
Thu Jan 29 2009 9:27 PM
NoNameDenton says
Roy, that is why they want to do an electric version
Fri Jan 30 2009 1:47 AM
jakes247 says
hey all, im new to this site even though ive been reading stuff on here for at least 2 years now.
i'm from south africa, i realy love reading and finding out information and transformation about cars, even thou i dont have my own 1 lol,
back to the article, i believe there is a market for this car, if its more driver orientated then the rr, but i think rolls should have created this car in a coupe version or a cabriolet version if they looking for entry level model,
coz the RR is rolls royce's flagship and identity model,this will dilute the image of the big brother,
Sat Feb 7 2009 12:37 PM
yuehancao(john) says
mabey it's a speacial edition,RR is ROLLS-ROYCE,RR4 is ROLLS-ROYCE 4,MABEY?
Mon Feb 9 2009 7:32 PM
NoNameDenton says
Rolls needed to broaden its range so it can compete better with VW own Bentley
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