Rolls-Royce RR4 spy shots reveal 2010 saloon's proportions
Early photos of the RR4 prototype show a more compact Rolls-Royce saloon, set to rival the Bentley Continental Flying Spur in 2010.
Rolls-Royce’s forthcoming RR4 saloon has been caught testing, giving the clearest indication yet of the brand’s move towards a smaller, more accessible model. The prototype, photographed on public roads, shows a car with proportions noticeably more compact than the Phantom, aligning with the company’s ambition to reach new buyers in the luxury segment.
The RR4, which will eventually receive a production name, is built on the same architecture as BMW’s latest 7 Series. This connection is evident in the car’s stance and wheelbase, though the Rolls-Royce prototype retains the brand’s signature upright grille and long bonnet. The test car’s heavy camouflage disguises much of the detail, but the overall silhouette points to a three-box saloon with a lower roofline and shorter overhangs than the Phantom.
Positioned below the Phantom
Rolls-Royce is positioning the RR4 as a more compact alternative to the Phantom, aimed at customers who want the prestige of the brand in a less imposing package. The RR4 is expected to compete directly with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Maybach 57, reflecting a shift towards younger luxury buyers. Pricing is projected to start around $280,000, undercutting the Phantom and targeting a broader market.
Under the bonnet, the RR4 will use a new 6.6-litre turbocharged V12 engine, developed specifically for this model. While technical details remain under wraps, the engine is expected to deliver performance that matches the car’s luxury status. The BMW-derived platform should also bring improvements in ride, refinement and technology compared to the Phantom’s older underpinnings.
Market impact and rivals
With the RR4, Rolls-Royce is seeking to expand its customer base and take on rivals in a segment previously dominated by Bentley and Maybach. The RR4’s arrival will give the brand a direct competitor to the Flying Spur, while offering a more modern and technologically advanced alternative to the outgoing Maybach 57.
The car is due to launch in 2010, with full details and the final name to be announced closer to its official debut. For more on the production version, see Rolls-Royce Ghost Sets New Standard for Marque’s Modern Era.
