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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has 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 the 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.
The RR4 will have its steel body structure shared, in many aspects, with the new BMW 7-series. According to Autocar magazine, this will be a hybrid of aluminium and steel, and is flexible enough to allow Rolls-Royce to give RR4 a wheelbase, roof height, bonnet height and track widths all of its own.
Under the hood the RR4 will feature the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as the Phantom that develops 453 hp.
