Rolls Royce's first SUV (Project Cullinan) starts testing on Phantom's body - IAB Report

Market launch expected in 2017.

Rolls Royce has started testing key components for its forthcoming SUV, which is referred to as a Project Cullinan. The first engineering mule seen in these pictures is based on a shortened Series II Phantom, the current flagship offering.

This development mule is purely for testing an all-new all-wheel drive suspension system which must live up to the brand's 'Magic Carpet' ride quality on and off-road. Rolls Royce hints in its press release that the SUV would be about the same size as the Phantom mule seen here, but is quick to add that Project Cullinan will feature a "high-sided, all-terrain" design.

The first series of tests will focus on Project Cullinan's on-road behavior including suspension throw and high-bodied stability. It will also test the new suspension on all sorts of international road surfaces and test facilities including Belgian Pavé, cobblestones, corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps.

The test mules will spend equal amounts of time testing on- and off-road, the BMW-owned luxury car maker said.

Also read: Rolls Royce Serenity showcased the Geneva Motor Show

Project Cullinan is expected to enter production sometime in 2017, and according to early estimates, will add volumes of 1,500 units/year (Rolls Royce sold over 4,000 units last year).

Rolls Royce Project Cullinan Starts Testing - Press Release

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