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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?
Big power for little Rolls
Smaller, affordable RR4 to get 500bhp turbocharged V12. It’s all relative...
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What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Crockett commented on this article
at 04:43 pm on 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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A4R0N-24 commented on this article
at 05:18 pm on 24 March 2009
I don't know how they can call that a "Baby" Rolls Royce when its £250,000. Ridiculous :(
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120Y commented on this article
at 05:18 pm on 24 March 2009
i am glad they didnt put the round headlamps of the phantom on this one
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Turbomatic commented on this article
at 05:55 pm on 24 March 2009
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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Mercedes7 commented on this article
at 08:38 pm on 24 March 2009
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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