Some love it, some hate it, but everyone has to admit that the Rolls Royce Phantom is one impressive car in every way. As if that weren't enough, at Detroit Rolls Royce dropped another bomb on us in the form of the pre-production Phantom Drophead Coupe, complete with brushed aluminum hood, teak boot-lid and power suicide doors. But parent company BMW isn't about to rest on its million-dollar-baby's laurels, so it's on to the next project: a smaller sedan positioned downmarket.
We brought you news of the new model in September; now reports suggest that the upcoming "baby Rolls" will actually get its own distinct platform, rather than being based on a modified BMW 7-Series platform or a shortened Phantom. The jury's still out on what engine will motivate the new luxury sedan – options include the Phantom's V12, an existing engine from the BMW range or an all-new powerplant. We can expect some components to come from the corporate parts bin, but not anywhere near the extent that Volkswagen underpins the Bentley Continental range.
Priced between $250k and $300k, the new model will be produced at the company's Goodwood facility in the UK alongside the Phantom range, effectively doubling factory output. Insiders anticipate a 2010 launch, after which we can start looking for the baby Rolls in hip-hop videos and in front of upscale hotels.
[Source: Automotive News via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pete @ Jan 16th 2007 8:27AM
I am so sad to see that BMW seen intent on spoiling the name Rolls Royce by making a small version of what is a great car
DC_1 @ Jan 16th 2007 11:51AM
They need to make a smaller one!!! They should have done this years ago.
jgp @ Jan 16th 2007 3:11PM
#1: Rolls needs something to compete with the Continental Flying Spur. If they don't make a baby Rolls, they can kiss the most profitable part of the ultra-luxury segment goodbye. I think you're forgetting that BMW is a business.
BOB @ Jan 16th 2007 4:39PM
NUMBER ONE: The present car is the traditional larger model, the Phantom, which never sold in appreciable numbers, and very seldom to owners who drive themselves -- I see this car with drivers under 40 (pretty much all look like Saudis or rappers here in LA)
I think the strategy was to make the mark (and the marque) by establishing the biggest, most ostentatios vehicle on the road, then re-introduce the "normal" model. Or it just could be that the future of the model shared with Bentley (and still produced by them) was uncertain: if Bentley had dropped that body, Rolls might still be using it.
Rolls was a great NAME, not a great car, once progress passed them by. The extremely imposing Phantom seems to be an amazing car -- I will let you know after I win the Lottery big and rent one.
cdoke @ Jan 16th 2007 9:35PM
"and very seldom to owners who drive themselves"
Incorrect, at leat in recent history. When I went to look at the Phontom about oh...8 months ago, I had a rather lengthy discussion with the gentleman who sells Jaguar, Astom Martin and Rolls-Royce for that dealership- a delightful Englishman. Only 10% of Rolls-Royce owners are cheauffered in their Rolls-Royces.
Now I admit that I don't know if that includes individuals that hire out a cheauffer for special occasions.
Andy @ Jan 16th 2007 11:59PM
I hate to sound like a jerk, but a Baby Rolls is still going to be a Rolls: overpriced and ugly.