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]
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Adams @ Jan 16th 2008 9:33AM
I hope this doesn't end up looking like a Chrysler 300.
James @ Jan 16th 2008 9:51AM
The Phantom Coupe was confirmed months ago:
http://www.sybarites.org/2007/09/28/rolls-royce-phantom-coupe/
DJ @ Jan 16th 2008 9:35AM
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
rmc @ Jan 16th 2008 9:41AM
Nobody knows what CS will end up as.
jamie @ Jan 16th 2008 10:50AM
I just got back from London and HRH Queen Elizabeth said "We are not amused."
Going downscale is what killed Jaguar. Hrrummph!
Mobius_1 @ Jan 16th 2008 11:52AM
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 @ Jan 16th 2008 12:06PM
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 @ Jan 16th 2008 10:34PM
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.
DavidW @ Jan 19th 2008 2:37PM
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.