In 2010, the Rolls Royce Phantom and the BMW 7-series will become big brothers when parent companies Rolls Royce and BMW release their new lovechild, the baby Rolls Royce. Referred to internally as the Rolls Royce RR4, the baby Rolls was spotted testing in Germany and the UK last April and does indeed bear a striking resemblance to its older, epicurean siblings.

According to spy shots, the Rolls Royce RR4 features the same long hood, short rear deck lid, and rear suicide doors as the Phantom, and appears to share the same chassis/wheelbase as the BMW 7-Series. Although nothing has been confirmed, rumors of engines ranging from a V8 to a V12 are being considered for the Baby Rolls – including speculations about a later-model diesel edition.

The baby Rolls has also earned the nickname “budget” Rolls in some circles, due mostly in part to its predicted $250,000 – $300,000 “entry level” price tag [for all you Accord drivers out there, 300k is chump change in uber luxury circles].  According to official statements, Rolls Royce intends to produce approximately 800 units of its Baby Rolls, effectively doubling production to 1600 units per year. Its intended competition will be similar entry level luxury sedans like the Ferrari California and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.