24 March 2009 - 10:00
Big power for little Rolls
When Rolls-Royce showed us the 200EX - the concept previewing the small, affordable Roller (these terms are relative, remember) - in Geneva earlier this month, it stayed curiously schtum on any details about the engine.
Now, though, we've got the low-down - well, some of it at least - and the good news is that is sounds like a proper cracker.
When it reaches production, likely at the end of this year, the RR4 (as it'll be known) will be powered by an all-new 6.6-litre turbocharged V12, unrelated to the naturally aspirated 6.75-litre V12 in the Phantom.
In fact, it's a BMW-sourced unit, though substantially revised for necessarily effortless Rolls performance. It'll develop ‘over 500bhp' - the Phantom manages a pitiful 453bhp - with masses of torque too, thanks to the turbocharger. Tranmission duties are taken care of by an eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox.
Economy and CO2 should be much improved over the Phantom, too - hardly difficult, with the Phant registering 17.8mpg and 385g/km respectively - thanks to the RR4's lower kerbweight and more efficient powertrain.
So, prospective millionaires, are you sold on this mini-Rolls idea, turbo V12 and all? Or is it a Phantom or nothing for you?
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I don't know how they can call that a "Baby" Rolls Royce when its £250,000. Ridiculous :(
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i am glad they didnt put the round headlamps of the phantom on this one
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HOW IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM IS THIS A BABY ROLLS, it's like a baby whale, it's still gonna be massive!
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THIS IS NOT A BABY ROLLS ROYCE IT'S JUST AS BIG AS THE PHANTOM IF NOT BIGGER AND IT HAS A VERY PHANTOMISH PRICE TAG, NOT FOR ME !
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For the most part I agree with the above opinions, however for different reasons... BMW has removed nearly everything which might resemble a time in which your grandmother was considered anything other than a wrinkly sack of dried meat. It is called keeping up with the times. Which in my humble opinion is a good thing. Baby Rolly? No such thing. Even the drophead, I recall Clarkson saying, is like driving a drop top Range Rover. I am inclined to agree. Is this not the reason for buying a Rolls, irrespective of which one? This clearly is based on a fusion between the Phantom and the Drophead. The rear is much improved even though the changes are harldly noticeable. This was something which bothered me on both the Phat-daddy and the Skin-head...but no more. All in all, at least I want one.
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Ultimately it is a good looking car. But it seems a shame that Rolls have taken the decision to make a 'baby' version, I'd say. The issue is one of dilution - what if in another few years they go smaller again...? Roller hot-hatch anyone? Whilst this is clearly taking the point to absurdity, it'd be a shame for the brand synonymous with imposing, grandious vehicles to gradually have to water their image down... ____________________ www.iamnotthestig.com
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Well what did you expect guys? A £20k hot hatch? Remember when Aston Martin made the V8 Vantage and called it the 'Baby' Aston Martin? The Vantage is still a big car, still expensive, and still goes like an absolute b*****d! Why should Rolls Royce be any different?
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Phantom Coupe is the only modern roller for me however give me a 1920 Silver Ghost over any modern Rolls any day. Now there was a car that personified class plus it was my first poster car. I also had a 1924 Silver Ghost Boat Tail poster I think the moment I saw that car was the moment I fell madly in love with cars :-) Rollers lost their class after they stopped making the Silver Ghosts
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Crockett commented on this article
24 March 2009
BMW destroy super cool brand The Rolls Royce. The Rolls royce must be The Silver Seraph style and further I believe that this car no passions.
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