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Rolls-Royce 200EX/RR4 gets a spooky moniker

Rolls-Royce's Project RR4 (or the 200EX concept) gets a proper name at the 2009 Shanghai auto show.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

200EX at unveiled geneva
The 200EX Concept, unveiled at the 2009 Geneva auto show, got a new name this week. Rolls-Royce Motorcars Press Club

When Rolls-Royce unveiled its new model to the public at the 2009 Geneva auto show, its badge read "200EX Concept." Internally, it's known as the RR4. However, neither RR4 or 200EX are monikers befitting a vehicle the follows the Spirit of Ecstasy everywhere it goes. So what will Rolls-Royce call its smaller, stronger model?

Announced at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, Rolls-Royce will call the new model the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Here's what Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Tom Purves has to say about it:

We are delighted to formally announce the Rolls-Royce Ghost. It is one of the most revered names in the automotive industry, evoking images of adventure and technical innovation. The name reflects this new model's breadth of abilities. The first cars to bear the Ghost name were known not only for impressive dependability and refinement but also great flair and style. 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.

If we can read between the lines, we assume that the Ghost platform will see similar variants to those of the Phantom, including a Sedan, Coupe, Drophead Coupe, and perhaps even an extended wheelbase model.

While we think that naming your entire model line after the spirits of the dead is a bit creepy, we're just glad that whoever was in charge of naming didn't call it the Phantom Petite. As long as Rolls doesn't start making Phantom and Ghost hearses, we think we'll be OK with the spectral-naming convention.