RR4 Promises to be ‘Uniquely Rolls-Royce’

CROZET, France - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. is adamant about the pedigree of its next product, dubbed the RR4.

“Everything the customer touches will be uniquely Rolls-Royce,” says Xaver Franz, manufacturing director.

Franz's response is prompted by the suggestion that the storied brand's fifth product will share its underpinnings with the next-generation BMW 7-Series, via corporate parent BMW AG.

An insider tells Ward's the car's platform will, indeed, be unique. But it will be composed of modules pulled from the shelves of BMW and Rolls-Royce.

The auto maker already has said the RR4 will feature an exclusive powertrain and be positioned below the Phantom Coupe and Drophead, which start at $400,000 and $423,000, respectively.

Rolls-Royce is mum about the car's debut. Spokesman Frank Tiemann promises only that the world will see “a more concrete representation” early next year.

Production will begin in 2009 for a 2010 rollout.

Rolls-Royce promises “concrete” look at RR4 next year.

To accommodate the additional volume, Rolls-Royce is installing a second assembly line at its Goodwood plant in Chichester, England.

The line that produces the Phahtom, extended-wheelbase Phantom, Phantom Drophead and Coupe has been moved to make room for a separate line where the RR4 will be assembled.

As with last year's Drophead launch and the Coupe introduction currently under way, Rolls-Royce's bespoke features, which can range from a unique exterior color to any change the customer can dream up, initially will be restricted to a limited number of vehicles, says Clive Woolmer, bespoke business manager.

This is to ensure the brand's high quality standards are not compromised by added complexity, Woolmer adds.

Rolls-Royce is mum on volumes, but the RR4 is expected to outsell its Coupe and Drophead cousins.

The RR4 will be priced between $250,000-$280,000. That's below the Coupe and Drophead, which list for $400,000 and $423,000, respectively.

The Phantom starts at about $380,000.

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