Ahead of its official launch at the 2009 Geneva motor show in March, our spies have snaffled some sneaky spyshots of the new baby Rolls-Royce. Codenamed RR4, the new smaller Roller was spotted still bearing heavy disguise while final testing near the factory in Goodwood, West Sussex.
Rolls-Royce RR4: underneath the matt black armour
Even though clad in heavy black plastic, there’s no mistaking this for anything other than a Rolls-Royce – it seems the RR4 will heavily mimic the style of its luxurious big brother, the Phantom. The silhouette is tall and geometrically bulky, whilst the door handle cluster gives away the rear suicide, sorry, coach doors.
It’s all in keeping with the designers’ sketches of the RR4 issued in 2008.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for assuming the front end was going all curvy and soft. However, if you look very close, the headlights underneath the mask are sharply rectangular, so expect a very Phantom-esque front snout. The same goes for the rear, although the taillights do seem genuinely more voluptuous.
Technical advances
In-keeping with the rest of the Rolls-Royce family, expect to find a BMW derived but Rolls fettled V12 up front, although probably in its most detuned guise. Depending on whether Rolls consider it up to scratch, the car may also debut BMW’s iDrive system in their baby. Prices are believed to start at a regal £175,000, but places it at the bottom of the Rolls-Royce pricelist.
Keep checking CAR Online for more news on the baby Rolls later this month.