Rolls-Royce RR4

The Spirit of Ecstasy has landed again - and this time it's in Seventh Heaven! These are the first official sketches of the new RR4 - the 'baby' Rolls-Royce based on BMW's 7-Series and set to touch down in 2010.

The RR4 will prop up the Rolls-Royce range by utilising modified 7-Series underpinnings, including its chassis, drivetrain and some electrical components, meaning the price can be kept down to a bargain £175,000! Still, that's almost £95,000 below the current Phantom saloon.

Set to be powered by a brand new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce, the RR4 has a sleek coupe-like profile which apes the Phantom saloon's with shallow glass, a tall bonnet, rear-hinged doors and a thick C-pillar.

There are no official details on the all-new powerplant yet, but expect a relatively lightweight turbocharged V8 for effortless low-down grunt, derived from either the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 or BMW's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

And despite its 'entry-level' tag there'll be no cost cutting when it comes to the interior - the Goodwood maker is intent on obliterating any trace of BMW lineage from the RR4, so no 7-Series switchgear or components will be visible in the bespoke cabin.

To cope with expected demand, Rolls-Royce's Goodwood manufacturing plant is being reconfigured and a second assembly line opened, including extended paint, wood and leather shops. 'Opulence' is still a word very much at the forefront of the Rolls-Royce philosophy, even with this entry-level model.

Yet the engineers at Goodwood are determined to make piloting the RR4 a truly dynamic experience too. Chief designer Ian Cameron said: "The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving.

"This is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true, uncompromising Rolls Royce in every sense."

Rolls-Royce has promised more details shortly, and as ever Auto Express will be first to bring them to you.