New V8 model on a roll at Goodwood

The powerplant was confirmed in Detroit this week as work on RR4, the code-name for the sub-Phantom newcomer planned for 2010, moves to the next step.

Rolls-Royce is tapping its German owner, BMW, for the basic mechanical package for the new engine but says it will be unique to the brand in everything from its tuning and styling to many of the individual mechanical parts.

Details are still scarce, even though Rolls-Royce admitted last year that the 'compact' would still be about the size of a 7-Series BMW.

But company chief Ian Robertson is finally opening up to build expectation for RR4 following the runaway success of the Phantom Drophead Coupe and the upcoming Phantom Coupe later this year.

“To date I haven't been able to tell you much about RR4, but I can announce today that we are developing a brand-new engine for this model series,” the Rolls-Royce managing director says.

“Phantom is already the most efficient car in the super luxury segment and the new engine will be a further substantial advance."

“The engineering development is now well under way. I recently drove an early test car and can confirm that it is an outstanding product and an authentic Rolls-Royce.”

The new motor will be more compact and efficient than the 6.7-litre V12 fitted to the Phantom, and will produce 338kW and 720Nm. No one is saying officially that it is a V8 but neither are they denying it.

Rolls-Royce is cashed-up and aggressive on the new-model front, a total contrast to the tough times at its German rival Maybach, following record sales in 2007 and with the RR4 program committed and moving ahead on schedule.

“Building work on our manufacturing plant at Goodwood is now under way, expanding operations in readiness for our new model series,” Robertson says. “This is the largest building program since the plant was built in 2002. But, crucially, we are not expanding the footprint of the building.”