“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

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.