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Rolls-Royce 'baby' RR4 (2008): first official pictures

Wed, 28 May 2008

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

28 May 2008 09:07

Rolls-Royce has issued two design sketches of the new RR4 – the long-awaited 'baby' Rolls. As you might expect from Rolls-Royce, these things are relative: the RR4 will be longer than a long-wheelbase BMW 7-series and is expected to cost £175,000.

Until now, information on the baby Rolls has been scant, but we can finally add some concrete detail to the story. The official announcement from Goodwood confirms:

• RR4 codename
• Launch in 2010
• Smaller than a Phantom
• 'Powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce'
• Priced 'around £175,000'


Rolls-Royce RR4: the design

The teaser images released by Rolls-Royce reveal a caricature of a smaller limo; it retains the imperious, upright grille and long bonnet template set by the Phantom, but adds a slammed glasshouse and – whisper it – a whiff of Chrysler 300C about the C-pillar.

There's no denying the impact the car will have, though. From these heavily stylised designer doodles, it looks fresh and more contemporary than the regal Phantom. We just hope the production car retains this flavour.

The design chief speaks

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.'

Click 'Next' to read more about the Rolls-Royce RR4


By Tim Pollard