by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen May 27, 2008 2:34 PM
Filed Under: European, Rolls Royce
It has been some time coming now and today Rolls-Royce has finally released the first official sketches of their new model, still referred to as the RR4. The new RR4 model will be smaller than the Phantom and will feature a new, and unique to Rolls-Royce, engine.
The design of the RR4 was finalized in 2007 and engineering development is in full swing, the new Rolls Royce is scheduled for a 2010 launch. Rolls-Royce's Goodwood facility is currently being prepared for the production of the new model and will see a second shift as well as a second assembly line.
Further details of the car will emerge during 2009, but these first sketches look like some stiff competition for Bentley. Rolls-Royce has already out-performed Maybach in the ultra-luxury chauffeured segment and needs a new challenge in a market where the owners are more likely to drive their own cars.
Chief designer, Ian Cameron, said, “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”
Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.
The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.
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. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”
“RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”
Further design and engineering details will be announced during the course of 2009.
It's nice to see the RR is going away from the hard lines, box body style. But having said that, the sketches remind me a lot of the bently GT. But still a good start
The side looks pretty similar to the Cadillac Sixteen... But judging by the Phantom this will probably an astonishing design too.I just hope this new engine will be strong enough to take the Flying Spur on.
First think I thought was Cadillac Sixteen also. Hopefully Rolls makes it sleeker than the Phantom, yet far enough from the Sixteen in detail to maintain its respect. And I also hope it's a different animal from the Flying Spur! Everything else is getting too similar these days, I'm honestly worried about the luxury brands maintaining their identities.
