Rolls-Royce teases with sketches of RR4

This sketch is the first tangible -- well, almost tangible -- proof of how Rolls-Royce's upcoming junior brother to the gargantuan Phantom will shape up.

The rendering reveals a general outline of a car that's known for now as the RR4 and, which -- when launched in 2010 -- will compete with the likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

It's likely to be priced in the $400-500K bracket, well below the $915K entry point for the Phantom.

The exalted British-German marque has for now announced no technical details pertaining to the RR4, other than confirming it will be smaller than the Phantom and powered by a new engine that will be unique to Rolls-Royce (as opposed to the BMW-sourced V12 used by the Phantom).

The design for the RR4 was signed off last year and engineering development is now fully underway, according to the manufacturer, and this is corroborated by the numerous spy shots of disguised prototype mules that have appeared on various motoring websites.

Rolls-Royce's 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 says it will move to a two-shift system next year as it gears up for full production of the new model.

"Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design," said Rolls-Royce design chief Ian Cameron.

Its maker says the RR4 has a "more informal presence" than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving.

It's shaping as a milestone car as Rolls-Royce seeks to broaden its reach to a younger, more dynamic buyer demographic -- and quadruple its sales in the process.

The recently launched Phantom Coupe and Drophead were the first signs of Rolls-Royce's intention to shed its somewhat frumpy image, and the RR4 seems set to continue the trend with its pseudo-chop-top roofline, pumped guards and short overhangs.

Cameron says the RR4's intentions are "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."

Although it'll be smaller than the existing Phantom limo, which is 5.8m long and almost 2m wide, don't expect a minnow. The RR4 is likely to still occupy at least as much road space as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Rolls-Royce says it will announce further design and engineering details during the course of 2009.

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