The team at Rolls-Royce don't do things the conventional way; having originally announced the
Project Cullinan 4x4
to its shareholders via an open letter in the FT, it has now confirmed testing of this mule will begin tomorrow. It is quite a big car (in every sense) to keep a secret, after all...
It's no use trying to hide behind there
As well as the all-wheel drive system, this car will also use a new aluminium architecture that will underpin every Rolls-Royce from 2018. Predictably enough given this task and the Rolls-Royce mindset, an exhaustive test schedule is planned to ensure the final product will be 'Effortless... Everywhere'. Yes, that really is the slogan. So beginning in the Arctic Circle, the Cullinan prototypes will traverse the globe to find the most testing, er, test conditions for a year. Could we even see one on the Nurburgring?
While just two images have been released so far, it would be impossible to write about the Rolls-Royce off-roader without discussing how it looks. Key design cues are present in the grille and headlights, and there's certainly no denying the "high-sided vehicle" claim from here. Still, if it worked for Bentley...
2018 will be an important year for the 4x4 market, what with the Lamborghini Urus also due at a similar time to the Rolls-Royce. Which of those is this first foray more significant for? Can Ferrari really afford to stay out of it? More news soon!