Rolls-Royce has yet to take the covers off of the production version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost but has already launched a new microsite where interested buyers can customize their own version of the baby-Phantom.

On the site, potential buyers can customize the exterior paint and interior trim level according to their preferences. One thing we noticed: Each exterior color combination has an option of purchasing the Ghost with or without a “silver satin bonnet.”

Go ahead and play around with the Visualizer and let us know if you come across anything interesting. Head over to http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/200EX/en/main.html.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

So we’re pretty excited to see the final version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost before it enters production later this year; but it may not be the last Ghost that we’ll see. According to exterior stylist Andreas Thurner, Rolls-Royce is planning a family of models based on the new small model.

“The Ghost was designed in a way to make other body styles,” Thurner said. “We have to build up a family for the Ghost just as we did for the Phantom.”

They have yet to be given the green light, but we wouldn’t doubt them not getting it since the move would give Rolls-Royce a change to compete with the full Bentley Continental lineup of sedans, coupes and convertibles.

Expects a soft-top convertible and a coupe model to follow shortly after the Ghost arrives early in 2010. Thurner said not to expect Rolls-Royce to go any smaller than the Ghost.

“The Ghost is about as small as you could go for an authentic Rolls-Royce,” he said. “Any smaller and it would lack the presence, comfort, space and stance that we want.”

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

From quarter four 2009, Rolls-Royce will offer five models: Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Coupé and Ghost. The Rolls-Royce Phantom range of cars is powered by a naturally aspirated direct injection 6.75L V12 engine that produces 453-hp.

Rolls-Royce announced today that its new Ghost model will deliver “peerless riding dynamics by making use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering” Rolls-Royce said that the Ghost’s state-of-the-art chassis uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

Features such as the Active Roll Stabilisation, four corner air springs and Variable Damping Control operate as one, providing the best possible comfort for passengers. The new air suspension is capable of adapting to the smallest of changes in the terrain.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost will be powered by a 6.6L turbocharged V12 making more than 500-hp and will be mated to a 8-speed ZF transmission. Production of the Ghost will begin in the later half of 2009.

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

Press Release:

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST WILL DELIVER IMPECCABLE POISE

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will ensure that the new Ghost model delivers peerless riding dynamics by making use of the very latest developments in chassis engineering.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Tom Purves, says, “The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced. But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. These have been bestowed on this car with the same care and attention as the more traditional materials within.”

Rolls-Royce Engineering Director, Helmut Riedl, says, “A Rolls-Royce should be effortless in every way: the way it accelerates, brakes and handles. It should do all of these functions with apparent ease regardless of the complex mechanicals that are working out of sight of the driver and passengers. The driver simply has to point the car in the preferred direction of travel and press the accelerator.”

He continues, “The individual technologies determining handling and safety work together controlled by dual Integrated Chassis Management systems meaning that even under vigorous testing the Ghost remains perfectly poised. We are very proud of our engineering team’s achievements with Ghost. The balance of refinement and dynamic ability is astonishing.”

At the heart of the Rolls-Royce Ghost’s magic carpet ride will be a state-of-the-art chassis which uses an intelligent four corner air suspension system and multi link aluminium front and rear axles.

Designed to be fully integrated, each of the cars dynamic handling and safety systems has been engineered to work together in harmony. Systems such as Active Roll Stabilisation, four corner air springs and Variable Damping Control operate as one, imperceptibly to the driver and passengers to provide the best possible comfort for occupants and to ensure that the tyres maintain optimum contact with the road, even on rough surfaces for driving safety.

The new air suspension system is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes; for example the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other, and will compensate accordingly. The complex on-board computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car – the dampers alone making individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering the Ghost by 25mm. This can either assist with entry and exit or allow the Ghost to travel over uneven ground.

In engineering the Ghost, Rolls-Royce has delivered poise, precision and unrivaled comfort. The Ghost will be built on its own dedicated production line at Goodwood and will share paint, wood and leather workshops with the Phantom series of cars. Series production will begin later in 2009.

- By: Omar Rana

With unemployment in the U.S. and Europe hanging around at staggering levels, there are some signs of hope if you look hard enough. If you’re in a desperate need of a job and would consider moving to England, Rolls-Royce is looking.

The automaker said today that it is looking to increase its manufacturing workforce by 50 percent, or by 150 new employees. Rolls-Royce said that the new employees will be involved in the production of the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost (otherwise known as the baby-Phantom, 200EX or the RR4) due out in 2010.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost will be powered by a 6.6L turbo-charged V12 engine producing more than 500-hp. It will be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: KickingTires

Rolls-Royce announced today that the name for its new model, which until now has been known as the RR4, will be “Ghost.” CEO Tom Purves announced the production version nameplate of the 200EX today at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show.

“The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style,” said Purves. “This car will be the first in a new generation of models to carry this evocative name and will give us two pinnacle product lines – Phantom and Ghost.”

Power for the Rolls-Royce Ghost will come from 6.6L turbo-charged V12 engine making more than 500-hp. The engine will be mated to a 8-speed automatic gearbox. Production will take place and Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood plant in England.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: Kap Shah

Rolls-Royce today released more details on its 200EX, aka RR4, concept that was shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

“There has been a great deal of interest in this car since we first talked about producing a new model series in the autumn of 2006 and the reaction 200EX received at its unveiling at Geneva was very positive,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves at press conference today in New York. “As we move another step closer to the start of production at Goodwood, it is exciting to be able to share some of the specific technical details with customers and the media.”

So what details is Rolls-Royce sharing? Powertrain details! Rolls-Royce says that the production RR4 will be powered by a new 6.6L turbo-charged V12 engine that produces upwards of 500-hp. It will be mated to a 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox and will “significantly improve fuel and CO2 efficiency over the already class leading Phantom series of cars.

Rolls-Royce said that it will release further details about RR4 over the coming months. You can check out the Rolls-Royce 200EX at the 2009 New York Auto Show next week.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: Omar Rana

The Rolls-Royce 200EX just made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a production model headed to showrooms in early next year. It is now reported that Rolls-Royce is already considering a coupe and convertible version of the “affordable” baby-Phantom internally known as the RR4.

Rolls-Royce is hoping that with a coupe and convertible version of the 200EX, it can sell more than its targeted 1,500 units annually. The two new variants will also give it stronger ground to compete with rivals such as the Bentley Continental.

Powertrain details have yet to be confirmed but Rolls-Royce says that under the hood will be a brand new BMW V12 engine. A final production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX is due at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in Sept.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoTelegraaf 

The new Rolls-Royce 200EX (aka baby Phantom) has made its public debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Production of the smaller and “affordable” Phantom will start next year with prices to come between $250,000 and $280,000.

BMW has yet to reveal any official technical specs but we do know that under the hood will be a new BMW V12 engine. The production version of the 200EX is expected to compete with the likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Production will take place at Rolls-Royce Goodwood plant. The final production form is expected to debut later this year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

Following the embargo leak earlier today, Rolls-Royce has now officially released all the details and the high-res photos of the new 200EX Concept for you to enjoy.

In its press release (posted after the jump) Rolls-Royce says that the 200EX Concept is a design study for a four-door sedan and the direction for the new RR4. The 200EX is due for production in 2010 so we expect a final take on the baby Phantom for the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The production version, which will be powered by a new BMW V12 engine, won’t be too different from the looks of the 200EX. Expect everything to make it into production including the rear suicide doors and the gorgeous interior. Sticker price in the U.S. is expected to start between $250,000 and $280,000,

Fun Fact: The 200EX is the third concept produced by Rolls-Royce under BMW ownership. The 100EX was the first (eventually becoming the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe) and the 101EX was the second (which ended up becoming the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe).

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

Press Release:

ROLLS-ROYCE TO UNVEIL 200EX AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its latest experimental car, called 200EX, at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2009.

The car will be revealed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars” Chairman, Ian Robertson, at a press conference at 1.45pm CET.

200EX is a design study for a contemporary four-door saloon and shows the direction for RR4, a new model series from Rolls-Royce due for production in 2010.

PHILOSOPHY

Experimental models have always played a significant role in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, from the first “” 1EX, built in 1919 “” to the most recent “” 101EX, built in 2006. Unlike a concept car, the experimental models developed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have always been fully functioning vehicles, residing in a tangible world of wood, leather and metals rather than clay and foam. EX cars offer designers and engineers the opportunity for real-world innovation and have been used to showcase new components and engineering techniques as well as exterior and interior designs. “Modern automotive engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application. 200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas”, explains Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering.

100EX was the first experimental car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW Group ownership in 2003. Revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering. Just two years later, 101EX was presented, which explored modern coupé design. Both of these cars inspired production models that not only closely resemble their EX progenitors but have also redefined luxury motoring in the modern age.

Following on from this success, the same group of designers and engineers has created 200EX, itself pointing the way to RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010. The brief for 200EX? To create a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance, unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design.

DESIGN

“Alluring, inviting, approachable “” this car captivates with each encounter” “” Chief Designer, Ian Cameron

200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. “200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” says Cameron. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give 200EX an air of informal presence “” powerful but unobtrusive.”

The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while finely sculptured horizontal lines add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.

The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.

At the front, a pair of LED headlamps flank the latest evolution of the world”s most famous grille. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional “˜Parthenon” style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron. The sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. It”s a more dynamic form that moves on from the design first seen on the Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The exterior of 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.

Naturally, the finest materials have been used. Elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles feature, while details include traditional violin key switches, eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation.

“As with any Rolls-Royce, detail is crucial,” says Alan Sheppard. “We want the lasting impression for owners to be that their car was made just for them by someone skilled and caring.”

The dashboard has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in its design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which itself incorporates a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The interior of 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain.

“200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” says Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal, agile design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”

200EX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Vehicle length: 5399mm
Vehicle width 1948mm
Vehicle height: 1550mm
Wheelbase: 3295mm
Engine: new V12
Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear

Earlier this morning we showed you a teaser for the “baby Phantom” which now has an official concept name – the Rolls-Royce 200EX. Well it seems like some of the European publications, including our friends at CAR, have broken the embargo and released the images and details on Rolls-Royce’s Geneva Motor Show star.

The production model of the 200EX will arrive in spring 2010 with very little changes. A production name has yet to be revealed but according to CAR, pricing will start around £180,000 (around $257,658 USD).

While the new baby Rolls rides on a new bespoke unitary chassis, it shares about 21 percent of its components with the BMW 7-Series including and not limited to some suspension hardware, steering rack and the electronics.

Under the hood is a new BMW V12 engine that will find its way under the new 2009 7-Series in the near future. The engine is expected to be mated to BMW’s ZF 7-speed automatic. More details will be available at the Rolls-Royce 200EX Geneva Motor Show launch early next month.

Click through for more pictures.

Rolls-Royce 200EX:

Source: CAR

A teaser image of the new “baby Phantom” – aka RR4, Silver Ghost and now the 200 EX - has popped up online before the concepts Geneva Motor Show debut during the first week of March.

The image shown above is a cropped image of the front of the car that doesn’t give a way too much detail and resembles the current Rolls-Royce lineup’s front fascia. A production version of the Rolls-Royce 200 EX concept will make its debut in the first quarter of 2009.

Power is expected to come from a 12-cylinder engine which is rumored to produce upwards of 550-hp. We’ll get more details early next month so stay tuned.

Rolls-Royce 200EX (RR4) Design Sketches:

Source: speed-press (via WCF)

Just yesterday we brought you up-to-date information on the Rolls-Royce RR4 aka “baby Phantom” or the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

Spies at AutoExpress have now caught a “close-to-production” prototype and were able to bag the best interior shots yet.

The Rolls-Royce “baby Phantom” will make its debut in concept form at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. The production model will arrive in markets starting early 2010.

Head over to AutoExpress to see the full shot.

Rolls-Royce RR4 Design Sketches:

As you all probably know by now, Rolls-Royce will be taking the wraps of its RR4 Concept Car, otherwise known as the “baby” Phantom, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next month. A production model, a name for which has yet to be finalized, will follow later this year with sales to begin the first quarter of 2010.

Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves told Automotive News that the automaker has not delayed the arrival of the “baby” Phantom despite the global economic downturn.

Purves said that Rolls-Royce is looking to target younger buyers with the RR4. He said that under the hood will be a 12-cylinder engine which is rumored to produce upwards of 550-hp.

Pricing for the production RR4 will begin at around £200,000 ($298,775 USD). That should be something every young buyer can easily afford in times like these (sarcasm intended).

Insiders say that the concept that will debut next month will be almost identical to the production model. The concept will most likely carry the EX200 badge. Sources say that Rolls-Royce may revive its Silver Ghost nameplate for the production model.

Rolls-Royce RR4 Design Sketches:

Daimler’s Maybach has been a huge flop while Bentley has been successfully raking in customers with its Continental range. But one brand that sticks out in the ultra-luxury class is Rolls-Royce. With sales of 1,010 last year and cars priced around $350,000 a unit, Rolls-Royce deserves special recognition.

However, with the credit crunch and current economic situation it’s hard to say whether or not Rolls-Royce will continue to be a success. Nonetheless, the BMW Group brand is working to hold onto its buyers, at the same time trying to attract new ones with smaller and less expensive models.

In 2010, Rolls-Royce will bring to the market its RR4, a smaller Rolls-Royce with ‘a more informal presence’ than big-daddy Phantom. There will be a bigger emphasize on driving dynamics with power coming from either a 6.0 V12 or the BMW X6′s xDrivea50i’s twin-turbo V8. Pricing will be around or below $250,000 with annual sales targeted at 1,800 units.

The already sold-out Phantom Coupe will be arriving in the U.S. this fall. Rolls-Royce has not yet said how many Phantom Coupes it will produce in 2009.

Rolls-Royce RR4 Design Sketches:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

We saw official sketches of Rolls-Royce’s upcoming baby-Phantom, so far known as the RR4, earlier in June 2008. According to CAR the RR4 will make its concept debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and has also dug up some new info on the upcoming Rolls model.

After its concept debut the RR4 will enter production and will be in showrooms early 2010. Rolls-Royce is planning on producing 2,000 units a year.

According to CAR’s sources, power will come from a 6.0L V12. We’ve previously heard that power will come from a modified version of the X6′s xDrive50i’s twin-turbo V8. A diesel variant is also expected.

Pricing is estimated to be between £160,000 and £175,000.

Rolls-Royce RR4 Design Sketches:

Source: CAR