Rolls-Royce starts building their first SUV

Rolls-Royce has finally started developing their first SUV. The test mule of the new SUV is based on the Phantom's body.

The new SUV is being developed under the name Project Cullinan. The test mule in these pictures is based on a shortened Series II Phantom, which is at present the flagship car from the manufacturer. This hints that the proportions of the SUV will be similar to the Phantom. The key components are being tested at the moment and more developments will emerge with time.

This is just the first engineering test vehicle and initial prototypes will focus on Project Cullinan’s on-road behaviour. This will include suspension throw and high-bodied stability, while also testing the new suspension on all sorts of international road surfaces.

The Rolls-Royce SUV is still in the early stages of testing but will be based on a new aluminium architecture. The manufacturer confirmed that Project Cullinan will feature a high-sided and all-terrain design. This also means the company is testing a new all-wheel drive suspension system that will be expected to live up to the brand’s ‘Magic Carpet’ ride quality on and off-road. We can expect Project Cullinan to be production-ready by 2017. According to reports, the manufacturer will bring in 1,500 units of the same per year.

Source: Wired