Rolls-Royce confirms new models and new engine
To call Rolls-Royce a small automaker would be an understatement as big as their cars are. Its model line-up, recently expanded to include the Drophead Coupe, consists solely of two derivatives of the Phantom. For the first time in the company's history, production in 2007 capped the 1,000 mark. So when Rolls-Royce confirms a new model, it's a big deal.
Earlier this week at the Detroit show, Rolls-Royce chief Ian Robertson confirmed that the anticipated "baby Rolls", which we saw in spy shots as recently as yesterday, is slated for unveiling in 2010. Code-named RR4, Robertson also announced that the car would receive a brand new engine, presumably because the Phantom's 450-hp V12 doesn't fit. The car is expected to be based on the BMW 7-Series, which explains why the mule seen in yesterday's spy shots was accompanied by BMW's big sedan, slotting in between the Bavarian sedan and the Phantom limo.
While he was at it, Robertson also confirmed that the fixed-roof Phantom coupe previewed by the 101EX concept would begin delivery by this coming summer.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Adams 9:33AM (1/16/2008)
I hope this doesn't end up looking like a Chrysler 300.
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James 9:51AM (1/16/2008)
The Phantom Coupe was confirmed months ago:
http://www.sybarites.org/2007/09/28/rolls-royce-phantom-coupe/
DJ 9:35AM (1/16/2008)
So in 2010 we'll have the following BMW/RR lineup:
A new 7-Seriies - $70,000 to $125,000
The new BMW CS flagship - $100,00 to $175,000
The "baby" Rolls - $200,000 to $250,000
Rolls Phantom - $300,000 to infinity and beyond
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rmc 9:41AM (1/16/2008)
Nobody knows what CS will end up as.
jamie 10:50AM (1/16/2008)
I just got back from London and HRH Queen Elizabeth said "We are not amused."
Going downscale is what killed Jaguar. Hrrummph!
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Mobius_1 11:52AM (1/16/2008)
As you said, this could be risky, but then again it helps to build a customer base of the not-as-wealthy and if they do get wealthy, who know? "A Phantom and a Drophead, please!"
Mr. Oak 12:06PM (1/16/2008)
Going downscale didn't kill Jaguar, building crappy cars did. Their entire lineup is a wee bit long in the tooth. Let's see what the XK can do.
DavidW 10:34PM (1/16/2008)
I believe this article is incorrect stating Rolls-Royce has never produced more than 1,000 cars annually in it's history. An example is I seem to remember during the Silver Shadow run annual production figures sometime exceeded 3,000 cars.
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DavidW 2:37PM (1/19/2008)
A friend of mine just confirmed my memory of the Shadow production figures reaching the anunal 3,000 mark several times and added this also happened during the Spirit/Spur era.
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