BMW will officially gain control of the famous Rolls-Royce marque on January 1 next year. Shortly thereafter, the company will unveil this car – a Rolls unlike any other.
BMW will officially gain control of the famous Rolls-Royce marque on January 1 next year. Shortly thereafter, the company will unveil this car – it’s a Rolls, but not as we know it.
This prototype, code-named the RR01, was recently photographed near Copenhagen, in Denmark. reports that the car, which will cost in the region of R2,4 million, boasts V12 power, limo-like dimensions, space-frame construction and, of course, a super-luxurious interior.
Analysts believe BMW’s aim is to retain the classic appeal of previous Rolls-Royce models, while injecting new technology and features to keep abreast of rivals such as Mercedes-Benz’s behemoth, the Maybach, and a new Bentley model from Volkswagen.
Reports indicate that a fleet of 20 engineering prototypes will be tested this year as part of a stringent test and development programme conducted by the Bavarian manufacturer.
“Traditional elements – such as an upright grille, twin rounded headlamps with additional indicator units, a high waistline and shallow side glass – help to forge an unmistakable Rolls-Royce appearance. Also visible for the first time are rear side doors hinged opposite to the front side doors,” the report stated.
Hidden under the RR01’s long contoured bonnet is a sophisticated four-valves-per-cylinder V12 engine, engineered to deliver high torque and best-in-class refinement. The all-alloy unit is a modified version of the NG12 powerplant that made its debut in BMW’s E65 7-Series earlier this year.
Capacity is said to have been boosted to around 6,8 litres – well up on the 5,4-litre V12 unit used in the Seraph. The engine also uses BMW’s new Valvetronic valve timing system to extract high torque. The power is delivered through BMWs new six-speed automatic transmission to, believe it or not, 19-inch rear wheels.
BMW’s Rolls Royce also aims to trounce its rivals with its sophisticated construction. The RR01 boasts an intricate space frame that draws on the technology devised by BMW for the Z8 roadster, and the aluminum structure carries non-load bearing panels. The construction is claimed to be highly flexible, meaning the development of proposed coupé and cabriolet derivatives may take place sooner than anticipated.
The RR01 reportedly has more interior space than the Seraph. The plush interior will feature a mixture of traditional Connolly hide and walnut, “coupled with the latest in communication and entertainment systems”.
Production is set to begin late in 2002. An annual output of just 1 000 per year is expected from the plant at Goodwood in the UK.
