Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed the first design sketches of its all-new RR4 compact saloon, due to be launched in 2010.

The model will be positioned as a higher volume alternative to the larger Phantom, and engineering development is already underway after the designs were signed off last year.

Further design and engineering details will be announced throughout 2009, but the manufacturer has revealed the model will feature a new engine, unique to Rolls-Royce.

Preparations have also begun at the Goodwood factory, where Rolls-Royce will extend the paint, wood and leather shops and introduce a second assembly line running two shifts to cope with the extra volume.