Autocar spied this 2010 Rolls-Royce RR4 undergoing final testing in Europe. Immediately apparent are its Phantom-style door handles and rear suicide doors. Also visible is the surprisingly Phantom-like side profile. In fact, the whole thing looks like smaller Phantom, which is precisely what it is, just based on the 2009 BMW 7-Series platform. Unlike the 7-Series though, the RR4 will cost at least $170,000 when it goes on sale next year.

To justify that price, it will use an engine, likely a V8, which will be unique to Rolls-Royce. Also expect Phantom-like interior accoutrements such as thick wool carpet and barbwire-pockmark-free leather. The company estimates that, while there are only about 100,000 people worldwide that can afford a Phantom, the market for the RR4 is one million strong, so expect to see plenty of these idling outside Harrods. [via Autocar]

Send an email to Wes Siler, the author of this post, at .