Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that a new car is expected to reach the market by mid-2016.

The automotive manufacturer, based in Goodwood, West Sussex, said that the new Rolls-Royce will “build on the success of the Phantom, Ghost and Wraith and will deliver effortless, open-top touring”.

The company has not yet released any details or images of the new car, but the model is thought to be a convertible version of the Wraith coupé (pictured).

Chairman Peter Schwarzenbauer said the announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is “always a sentimental moment in the automobile industry,” adding that the new car will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s commitment to long-term sustainable growth.

The new Rolls-Royce looks set to receive the same GPS-co-ordinated eight-speed automatic transmission as the Wraith. The system takes account of upcoming bends and hills, and uses that information to decide whether a gear change is necessary, resulting in fewer shifts and smoother progress for occupants.

Rolls-Royce will take orders for the new car early in 2015; it is predicted that prices will exceed £250,000. The company did not reveal the investment behind the programme nor how many new jobs it is expected to create.