[coolraoul]

As far as you can't see it, there is no problem with sharing parts with the 7er.

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by coolraoul

As far as you can't see it, there is no problem with sharing parts with the 7er.

Exactly. Everything is really under the surface and is unnoticeable.

[Tycoon]

Originally Posted by Luwalira

I was expecting a little more driver orientated and sleek like the Arnage.

I see a lot of that in this pic:

[bmer]

Originally Posted by Merc1

So this is based on the new 7-Series platform...hmmmmm.

Originally Posted by Luwalira

Gotta cut costs. i believe the Phantom share some components with the current 7er.

Well, that's how it works. Maybach is based on the modified W140 chassis and got the electronics/technology from the W220. The next generation Arnage will be based on an existing VAG platform.

[EnI]

Originally Posted by Merc1

So this is based on the new 7-Series platform...hmmmmm.

M

Underpinnings, yes. Based on ... not copy/paste. The platform is changed a bit to fit RR character & needs. A lot of amount of aluminum is used ... and other innovative weight-saving solutions.

Also the Phantom uses much of BMW electronics & mechanic parts, so ... I guess RR4 will use them too.

The upcoming large-platform will be much more profitable - since it will be used in more products: 7er, 8er, RR4 sedan, RR4 coupe, RR4 cabrio. And it's variation will be used for the upcoming 5er, 6er & F5. Making BMW platforms much more kind-a-modular. MINI platform , RR-large platform, BMW small platform (1er, X1, 3er, Z4, Z2, F3), BMW large platform (5er, 6er, 7er, 8er, RR4, F5), BMW x-platform (X3, X4, X5, X6).

[Merc1]

Originally Posted by EnI

Underpinnings, yes. Based on ... not copy/paste. The platform is changed a bit to fit RR character & needs. A lot of amount of aluminum is used ... and other innovative weight-saving solutions.

I expect no less. BMW never does a cut/copy/paste jobs. I was under the impression that the Phantom platform would be cut down to size thats all. BMWs don't waft so BMW-Rolls has to work hard to seperating the 2 cars mechanical bits.

M

[EnI]

Originally Posted by Merc1

I expect no less. BMW never does a cut/copy/paste jobs. I was under the impression that the Phantom platform would be cut down to size thats all. BMWs don't waft so BMW-Rolls has to work hard to seperating the 2 cars mechanical bits.

M

Be sure F01/ F02 platform is a better platform - in a technical sense - than older Phantom platform. And it suits RR4 character better than the Phantom platform - which is an alu space frame anyway. Yes, they could opt for shrinking Phantom frame, but F01/02 platform suits the RR4 better - allowing much better driving dynamics: which a major goal of RR4.

I'll put it this way: the results were much better, and it was much cheaper to build RR4 on F01/02 platform than on Phantom space frame. To get same results by remodeling Phantom's frame it would be much much much costly.

In the end RR4 platform based on F01/02 is better and cheaper solution. Win - win.

[alsahher]

I think the upcoming F01/02 platform is new fresh and much advanced that it can suits the baby rolls...

I quite like the look of it.. when is the unveil dat expected??

[EnI]

Originally Posted by alsahher

I quite like the look of it.. when is the unveil dat expected??

I would say 102EX Concept car in late 2008 / early 2009, production car a year or so later. My bet would be: Concept car in Geneva 2009, production car in Geneva 2010.

[siko]

Bigger version of winter testing spy pics...











Spied again: "Baby" Rolls-Royce
January 30

Early this month, spy photographers spotted a new prototype that looked suspiciously like the long-rumored "baby" Rolls-Royce at BMW's test center in the Arctic Circle. Those suspicions proved to be well founded as the new prototype was spotted today — in full view — while undergoing some warm weather testing.


As previously reported, the new Roller is expected to share a platform with the next-generation 7-Series. Rolls-Royce will utilize the Bimmer platform to build a less expensive luxury car. Of course, "less expensive" in this case means the $150,000 to $200,000 range.

Despite the baby Rolls' close connection with the 7-Series, the two car's won't share any visible interior designs or parts. The new Rolls-Royce model will also have a unique wheelbase, as well as a unique roof and hood hight and track.

The new model will also use a unique range of engines, though they will likely be based on BMW engines — such as the twin-turbo V8 slated for duty in the X6. Sources also say that Rolls-Royce is considering offering the new car with a diesel option.

[Source: LLN]