Spy Shots: RR4 interior shows off new steering wheel, iDrive-like controller
by John Neff on Nov 17th 2008 at 2:58PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Rolls Royce RR4 spy shots
Development work continues on the new "entry-level" model inbound from Rolls Royce dubbed the RR4. By "entry level" we mean that the new RR4 will cost a cool $100,000 less than the Phantom, which means we should expect a price tag in the $250,000 - $280,000 range. Spy photographers from KGP have caught a development mule out testing and brought back the first pictures of the RR4's interior. Wood inlay can be seen on the center console and dash, which should be expected for any car costing more than your house. Also snapped were the iDrive-like controller, which we assume will use a reskinned version of the new iDrive system from the 7 Series with a few Rolls-specific tweaks, and the RR4's new steering wheel that features some interestingly integrated switchgear. The RR4 will actually ride on a version of the 2009 BMW 7 Series platform, but don't expect much parts bin sharing between the two in order to keep the Rolls as pure as possible.
The RR4 will be aimed squarely at the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and may also spawn a coupe and convertible to compete directly with the Continental GT and GTC, respectively. We expect our first peek at the production version around the time of the Geneva Motor Show in early 2009.
Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots II
[Source: KGP Photography]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent 3:06PM (11/17/2008)
everyone's going for the knob these days.
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Sean Flanagan 3:48PM (11/17/2008)
That's what she said.
Torrent 5:00PM (11/17/2008)
so original.
Mobius_1 3:18PM (11/17/2008)
Entry level Rolls Royce sounds so oxymoronic.
Anyways, I really like those rear suicide doors, makes the car 'special'.
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nirad 3:23PM (11/17/2008)
in this global downturn, i think these ultra-lux companies need to rethink their pricepoints. as this car is still in development, BMW & RR would be wise to scale it back to a $150k car.
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coolremo 3:50PM (11/17/2008)
I disagree. You forget that people who buy Rolls Royces have millions and are usually not the ones affected by economic downturns. They also don't care about gas prices.
jg 6:05PM (11/17/2008)
Those who can spend need to keep spending. If they stop this show is definately over.
jinsei888 4:42PM (11/17/2008)
Now's a great time in the economy for this! I'll take 3!
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jaykay 5:18PM (11/17/2008)
It looks like my S60 and my neighbor's Chrysler 300 had a baby! I guess I just don't get the idea of 'afforable' luxury. Seems to me if you can't afford a Rolls you probably don't need to buy one.
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eb110americana 9:50PM (11/17/2008)
Am I the only one slightly disturbed by the fact that I can read the button functions on the console in a photo that was likely taken from at least 10, and probably more like 100 feet away?
Of the silver buttons, the top one says "MENU," the bottom left one says "BACK" and the near one says "OPTION." The black circular buttons say "TEL" and "NAV" on the upper right. The two similar buttons that are obscured behind the knob say "RADIO" and "CD." Okay, those last 2 I got from this image:
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/idrive-1.jpg
There are also 2 different cars here, as one has a unique steering wheel and cloth seats. "OMG! My butt is touching cloth! Like a homeless person! Eww! Get it off me!"
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