“Is that an American car, daddy?”, my daughter asked as I gazed at these first design sketches of the RR4. “No, these are sketches of the new Rolls-Royce”, I replied. “Do you want one daddy?”, I didn’t have to ponder on this too long. “Yes, my darling, I certainly do”.

This new “junior” or “baby” Rolls-Royce looks like it will be taking on the Bentley Continentals. With an emphasis on driving, rather than the Phantom’s waftability, the RR4 looks like a very exciting car. I think Sir Henry might have described it as having a bit of fizz…

The design, known as RR4 was signed off in 2007 and engineering development is now fully underway for its launch in 2010. 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. The RR4 will sit alongside the Phantom model line-up. Smaller than the Phantom it will be powered by a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

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”, said its Chairman, Ian Robertson.

Photos: Rolls-Royce Motors

After the tremendous success of their 2003 Continental GT, Bentley Motors introduced the Continental Flying Spur in 2005. The Continental GT, a two door, grand tourer in the grandest sense was a instant hit for Bentley. What really set the GT apart from many other grand tourers was the fact that this car was designed from the offset to reach 200 mph.

Unlike some lesser manufacturers, Bentley designed and engineered this beast specifically to reach this significant motoring milestone. No limiting to 155 mph like some of it’s German rivals. This Bentley sticks up two fingers to our continental neighbours… just like Winston Churchill… but, before one gets carried away in patriotism, and Union Jack flag waving. There is one fly in the mint sauce… Bentley is now owned by a German company (like Rolls-Royce Motor Cars). However, before you can say, "Humbug!" this is not such a bad thing. The Bentley Arnage is a fabulous car, but in terms of reliability is certainly blighted by this new generation of Continentals. The huge teutonic might of the Volkswagen group allows for the economies of scale to tip favourably towards this Crewe based automotive manufacturer. Allowing the craftsmen of Crewe to focus on what really should be handmade. While state-of-the-art robots and other high tech gizmos can do what they do best - build reliable cars. The result is breathtaking.

As gentile as an old English school master. A true perfect gent, someone you could rely on to chaperone your beautiful sister. Or could you? Just like Dr Henry Jekyll, had the wayward Mr Hyde never too far way. This car is classic Bentley. The GT may be slightly nimbler round tight and twisty corners, but the Flying Spur could never be called a slouch. Polished, bookmatched wooden veneers and the finest leather work do their best to portray the interior of an elegant Gentleman’s club.

With 552 BHP available from an amazingly compact W12 engine. This Bentley can smoke it’s way out of a Port-sipping, pipe-smoking heritage, or can it? With all wheel drive, you can forget about tyre-smoking too. Gone are the days of sitting at a gravelly T junction wondering why your not moving. That is, until you see the plumes of smoke in your rear-view mirror as the Arnage tries it’s best to melt the tarmac.

This car just goes. It goes where you want it too also. When you brake from 150 mph it will stop in the most perfect straight line, even in my hands. Lesser cars can become just a tad unsettled at this sort of velocity, not this beast, in fact it hasn’t even started stretching it’s legs yet. At 155 mph the nose of the car will lower to create an even better aerodynamic stance. The fact is, even flat out this car will never fly like its moniker. Yet, it will reach incredible velocities. I have been told, by someone that should know that the Flying Spur will eclipse a GT in the top speed test. Official figures of the Spur are apparently doctored for marketing reasons.

In 2007, Bentley introduced the GT Speed, which along with a slightly reduced weight, adds another 53 BHP to its arsenal. The Continental GT Speed is the first production Bentley officially capable of reaching 200 mph, topping out at 202 mph.

The Continental Flying Spur incorporates much of the technological prowess of the GT but with a lot more rear legroom and significantly for a chauffeur car - four doors. It is as roomy as a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom in the rear. Making it a great car for chauffeuring basketball players or for flamboyant wedding dressed brides. Many people could argue that any car built on the shell of a mear VW can’t be a true Bentley. Many people say it weighs more than a truck and can’t be a true supercar. However, I believe they miss the point and were these not some of the original criticisms of the original Bentleys? W.O Bentley’s motto was "To build a good car, a fast car, the best in class." surely the Bentley Continental Flying Spur meets his aspiration?

The Spirit of Ecstasy has been a standard feature of Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911.

“Rolls-Royce were keen to design their own mascot because some Rolls-Royce owners were commissioning their own designs, which were not always in keeping with the ethos of the company. So Rolls-Royce’s Claude Johnson (often known as the hyphen in the name Rolls-Royce) commissioned Charles Sykes to create the now infamous ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’.”

Rolls-Royce History: Spirit of Ecstasy

Originally the Spirit of Ecstasy was made from silver, but later models were fashioned from stainless-steel, though silver and gold are still available as an option.

In 2006, The Giantto Group produced a one-of-a-kind diamond encrusted Rolls Royce Phantom mascot valued at $95,000, and four diamond covered Rolls Royce “RR” plaques valued at $12,000 a piece.

At the recent New York International Auto Show, Manhattan Motorcars displayed another diamond clad Spirit of Ecstasy aka “Nellie in her Nighty”. A creation of Jean Kemanjian which is valued at $200,000.

I suppose it is a question of taste. Every Rolls-Royce is a unique and bespoke item, and some are more bespoke than others. However these exquisite vehicles are much more than just a bling thing. The Spirit of Ecstasy was designed to help curb original Rolls-Royce owners from sticking inappropriate mascots on the front of these cars. This elegant and flowing design has since become an icon of the automotive world. With or without diamonds, the spirit remains the same.

Eleanor Velasco Thornton

Sykes claimed that the model he based his automotive icon on was Eleanor Velasco Thornton. She was also the secretary and mistress of John Walter Edward Scott-Montagu, who in 1905 became Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Tragically Thornton was drowned in 1915 when the SS Persia was torpedoed by a German U-boat as she was travelling to India. Thankfully her spirit will go on, thanks largely to Sykes flowing mascot.

Spirit of Ecstasy Resources

• Rolls-Royce History: Spirit of Ecstasy
• Rolls-Royce Motors Spirit of Ecstasy
• Rolls-Royce mascot mystery

Ian Robertson, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd, unveiled the latest addition to the Phantom line - the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show on the 4th of February. Two years ago in Geneva, Rolls-Royce showed their experimental 101EX Coupé, and two years later they unwrapped the production model.

This gorgeous car will probably not make it make it on my shopping list. Even if it was at the very top of my list, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé order book is already full. More than 200 orders have been placed, accounting for the entirety of this year’s planned production. “Two thirds of the names in our early order bank are from non Rolls-Royce owners”, CEO Ian Robertson said, “It means we’re beginning to appeal to a broader audience.”

The reason I will not be signing for one of these cars is that the “standard” Phantom does everything I want. I don’t buy cars to be driven, they are bought to be chauffeured. The Phantom Coupé has been designed to, as Mr Royce would say, to provide a “little fizz”. This is no ordinary fizz, this is Rolls-Royce fizz. With the emphasis now on the driver, this looks like being a different beast than the original Phantom.

Chief Designer, Ian Cameron pictured above with Ian Robertson, probably did not design the car for me. “The engineering of this car is based on both the Drophead and the Phantom, but this is a car with quite a different character. It has been created as a real transcontinental tourer and is the most driver orientated car we have produced to date.” Ian Robertson explained. “We have made a number of subtle engineering changes, which, when added all together give the car quite a different feel. But this is still first and foremost a Rolls-Royce with the emphasis on silent running, seemless ride and effortless power. It is certainly not a sports car in any sense, but does feel more dynamic than our other models. Starting with the chassis, it is incredibly stiff – in fact the stiffest Rolls-Royce chassis ever built – and that’s a great starting point. Springs and damper are slightly firmer, there are thicker anti-roll bars and steering assistance is reduced to increase feel. The brakes have been programmed to give a little more initial bite while a sport button on the steering wheel reprogrammes the gearbox with a more aggressive shift pattern.”

So, no I will not be ordering one, which doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want one. I don’t play golf, but I might start just so I can show off with four sets of golf clubs in it’s picnic boot. But, if I did win the lottery, I would definitely add my name to the list and wait patiently for my chance to press the sport button.

Sir Alan Sugar recently met the future workforce of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars during a visit to the Goodwood factory. Sir Alan took a tour of the West Sussex facility and took the opportunity to chat with apprentices from the wood, leather, assembly and paint departments. The star of the Apprentice TV show is endorsing Gordon Brown’s new policy to boost the skills of the nation, with a goal of one in five young people gaining an apprenticeship within the next ten years.

Sir Alan said “I was blown away with the investment Rolls-Royce has made in the apprentice scheme at this leading-edge factory. The level of craftsmanship needed to produce one of their high quality cars is incredible. The apprentices are being taught skills that I thought were a thing of the past, it is very encouraging and impressive to see it in action. There’s a real sense that a future British workforce is being trained in an excellent way”.

Several hundred new jobs will be created with the launch of a new model series, codenamed RR4, in 2010. Current staff numbers stand at around 700, having increased by around 100 with the launch of the Phantom Drophead Coupé in 2007.

Details of the Rolls-Royce apprenticeship programme, graduate scheme and current vacancies, are available from www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will reveal a new model to their Phantom line at the Geneva Motor Show on the 4th March 2008. The Phantom Coupé will stand alongside the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé and production is due to start in the summer at Goodwood.

The Phantom Coupé is described by Rolls-Royce as the most driver-orientated model of the Phantom range. With a 25% increase in fuel capacity compared to the Phantom Drophead Coupé. The Phantom Coupé is the most torsionally rigid car Rolls-Royce have ever produced. These two factors along with the 453 BHP normally aspirated 6.75-litre V12 will on paper make this a great grand tourer.

Like the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé, the Phantom Coupé features rear-hinged doors which aids access to the rear lounge seats. New to the Phantom line is a picnic boot. A split rear tailgate opens to create a comfortable seating platform, which sounds ideal for an impromptu picnic. The interior also shows the LED roof lining, first seen in the limited edition Phantom Tungsten.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said “Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style. For the Coupé design we gave the quintessential Rolls-Royce design a dynamic twist. This adds a sense of drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars. The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé takes it one step further.”

If the Phantom Coupé performs half as good as it looks, it will give the Bentley Continental GT a run for it’s money. We will have to wait for the Geneva Motor Show to see this stunning car in the flesh.

The term “eco-friendly” would probably not be the first word that comes into your head when you think of Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce may indeed make the world’s finest cars, but manufacturers like Toyota and Lexus could argue that their hybrid vehicles are the greenest.

Yet in an interesting video interview with Ian Robertson, Chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd. Lou Ann Hammond on CarList.com, an expert in alternative energy technologies, probes Mr Robertson for some details of Rolls-Royce’s environmental commitment.

There can be no doubt, that in this day and age of throw away products - use them then bin them. Rolls-Royce are leagues ahead of any other car manufacturer. Since 1904 when the first Rolls-Royce cars were produced, between 70 and 75 percent of the cars are still on the road! What is the life expectancy of the Prius or a G-Wiz? Are they designed for 100 000 miles or 100 years?

When you take a look at how the latest generation of Phantoms are manufactured, then the eco-friendly Rolls-Royce argument is even more valid. The aluminium used in the production is all sourced from a hydro plant in Norway. The Goodwood Rolls-Royce factory has an eight acre living roof, storm water is recycled to help cool the building and the use of large windows reduces the factory’s use of energy for lighting. So although at first glance a Rolls-Royce would not be the vehicle to take on the next eco rally, in some ways it is up there with some of the most frugal vehicles.

The aluminium space-frame of the Phantom helps it achieve class leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions of any car in the ultra-luxury segment. Although a huge car, it weighs a fraction less than the Bentley Continental Flying Spur which helps make it very efficient - for it’s size.

When quizzed about future power plants for Rolls-Royce, Mr Robertson would not rule out even diesel engines, a rumour I have heard about the new “Baby Rolls” aka RR4 too. What would really be fabulous would be to see a fuel cell powered Rolls-Royce. BMW the parent company, have been hard at work developing the BMW Hydrogen 7. The trouble with hydrogen is that there is no nation wide distribution structure set up. Almost like the age old conundrum - which comes first - the chicken or the egg? This is a problem that will hopefully be addressed in years rather than decades, but I for one would love to see a hydrogen powered Rolls-Royce.

I have discussed the Rolls-Royce bespoke programme before. But John Griffiths writing for the FT has gleamed some interesting details about the bespoke service in his road test of the dazzling Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé - Steel fist in a velvet glove.

Mr Griffiths writes a very warm and glowing review of his experience road testing this beautiful convertible. “It is a pussycat to drive: amiable, cosseting, only demanding the driver pay serious attention if the mighty, steel-fist-in-a-velvet-glove performance of its 6.7 litre V12 is released to the full. At that point, it unfurls the spinnaker, so to speak, and really sets up a wash: 62mph comes up from standstill in 5.9 seconds and the surge is relentless towards a top speed of 149mph.”

As you might expect from the FT, the question of money is never far away. There is perhaps nobody better qualified than the manager of the bespoke division, Mr Clive Woolmer, to answer this question. “Individualism is a fundamental part of Rolls-Royce,” says Woolmer.

It is not too uncommon for customers to hand over a cheque for £1 million for their unique Rolls-Royce. Making the price of a “standard” Phantom Drophead Coupé of £307,000 seem like a steal.

I found this great video review of a white Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. According to the reviewer, “Heaven is in the details” and the Silver Cloud is testament to this.

iChauffeur have a similar Old English White Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II wedding car. The video above demonstrates just how a white Rolls-Royce can always find employment!

According to Wikipedia, “The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was the main car manufactured by Rolls-Royce from April 1955 until March 1966. It replaced the Silver Dawn and was, in turn, replaced by the Silver Shadow. The design was a major change from the pre-war models and the highly derivative Silver Dawn. The main design work was by J. P. Blatchley.

What a superb design, the Silver Cloud II was very popular in the States. It also inspired the classic advertisement from David Ogilvy, “At 60 mph the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock”.

The Silver Cloud II featured a new aluminium V8 engine, an engine that although highly refined over the years was still being fitted to Rolls-Royces manufactured in the 1990s! The new “baby Rolls” aka RR4 will also have a new engine. I wonder if they will still be using it in 30 years time?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé has helped Rolls-Royce achieve their best ever year. 2007 sales were up 25 per cent, compared to 2006, with Rolls-Royce selling 1010 cars. This is the first time sales reached four figures and the fourth successive sales increase since BMW took the helm in 2003.

75 per cent of sales were for the four door models - the Phantom and the Phantom Extended wheelbase, but it was the stunning Phantom Drophead Coupé, which was launched in the summer which really helped the volume increase.

“Everybody at Rolls-Royce is delighted with this tremendous result which marks our fifth anniversary in the best possible way,” said Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “It confirms Rolls-Royce as the most desirable brand in the super luxury market and is a credit to the passion and dedication of our teams at Goodwood and around the world. The customer reaction to the Drophead Coupé has been astonishing, exceeding all our expectations.”

2008 looks like being another great year for the Goodwood based company. They plan to launch a two-door coupé model based on the Phantom. Looking further forward to 2010, the “baby Rolls-Royce” (codename RR4) will start competing against the Bentley Continental range.