By ©Automedia

September 2002

The RR01's dimensions remain under wraps although insiders say it will eclipse the Silver Seraph in all key areas. Expect a length in excess of 5400mm in short-wheelbase form, with long-wheelbase Park Ward variants likely to run close to six metres.

Hidden under the long contoured bonnet is a sophisticated four-valve-per-cylinder V12 petrol engine, engineered to deliver heady levels of torque and best-in-class refinement, to ensure no compromise of the Rolls tradition of effortless performance.

The all-alloy unit is a development of the NG12 powerplant due to 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 used in the Seraph. The engine also uses BMW's new Variotronic valve timing system to extract high torque. Drive is channelled through BMWs new six-speed automatic transmission to huge 19in rear wheels.

The aluminium structure uses non-load bearing panels and should guarantee a kerb weight under the 2300kg of the Seraph, which employs a conventional steel monocoque. The construction is also highly flexible, meaning the proposed sporting coupe and cabriolet may follow the saloon quickly and relatively inexpensively. Our sources promise more space inside the new saloon than the Seraph, plus a mixture of traditional Connolly hide and walnut coupled with the latest in communication and entertainment systems.

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