Rumours are going around a while now, but today Rolls Royce released the first official sketches of the next generation Rolls Royce, called the the RR4. Although these sketches show a rather ready car, the RR4 won’t be presented in the next two years. It’s simply not possible yet because of the unadapted production hall in the Goodwood factory. That one is currently undergoing renovations that will allow the production of the Phantom together with the all new RR4. What we know yet, is that the RR4 will run on a new engine that wasn’t shared with any other model before. You can read Rolls-Royce’s official press release is after the jump…
Press Release
ROLLS-ROYCE RELEASES FIRST SKETCHES OF RR4
27 May 2008, GoodwoodRolls-Royce Motor Cars today revealed the first design sketches of its next new model. Known as RR4, the car is due to be launched in 2010 and will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.
The design was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway. The Goodwood manufacturing facilities are being completely reconfigured to accommodate the RR4, with extended paint, wood and leather shops as well as a second assembly line. The company will move to a two shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.
Chief designer, Ian Cameron, said, “Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”
“RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars”, Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”
Further design and engineering details will be announced during the course of 2009.
[via Rolls Royce]
