Rolls-Royce Project Cullinan indicates off-roading crossover in the making
The second quarter of the current decade is going to witness an onslaught of SUVs in the international market, premium luxury SUVs to be more precise. Lamborghini will unleash the Urus and Bentley will introduce the Bentayga. Aston Martin will bring he DBX crossover concept soon while reportedly, Maserati is also working on a crossover. Rolls-Royce is not one to be left behind and Project Cullinan is the British marque’s answer. Project Cullinen will be a high-sided, all-terrain motor car from the luxury car manufacturer. Why Cullinan? It is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, emphasising anything less won’t do justice to this epitome of luxury. Rather spot-on.
Rolls-Royce released pictures of the test mules which are going being tested thoroughly over various terrain over the coming weeks. The engineering mule rides on a shortened Phantom Series II platform that will be used to develop the all-wheel-drive suspension system which will underpin the company’s crossover/SUV. The shortened platform may also hint at the size of the new car. The design does not seem completely cohesive, a bit of a departure from the Rolls-Royce cars we are familiar with. The chopped rear door and raised suspension that leaves a huge wheel well, not really intimidating. Then there is prominent spoiler which looks a little out of place, considering the design. Whether this will assist to in increasing downforce is yet to be answered.
What we can expect in final stage is nothing but the best combination of luxury and off-road capability. The press note given to the media repeatedly talks about how the crossover will be an on-road and off-road vehicle and the tests have been streamlined to attain the perfection they claim. The vehicle will also use an aluminum-intensive platform like the Phantom to reduce the weight.
It is too early to comment on the project at the moment, yet we believe a comprehensive design change may be called for. As the car is still in its early stages of development, the final production spec model could be a potential badass Bond villain car. Stay tuned for more.
