In an effort to preempt the speculation that usually swirls around new vehicles – especially one as high profile as a new Rolls-Royce – the team at Rolls-Royce have released photographs of the mule they’re using to develop and test the new vehicle’s suspension.
Dubbed Project Cullinan after the largest diamond ever found, here’s what we know for sure based on the photographs and information that Rolls-Royce shared with us today.
First, this is just a mule designed to test the suspension only. The final production vehicle will not be a sedan and it will not have a giant wing on the back. That’s only there so engineers can ensure the rear suspension will be able to handle the downforce generated at higher speeds of the final design.
Second, the final vehicle will deliver the famed Rolls-Royce magic-carpet ride whether on road or off. They’re going to be testing this mule on everything from smooth pavement to rutted two-tracks and other severe off-road surfaces to ensure it can offer precise handling while still being pillowy soft.
Third, we know it will be based on a shortened Ghost II platform, so this high-bodied, all-terrain vehicle will have plenty of room for at least four people and all their gear. It will most likely be very close in size to a Cadillac Escalade.
And finally, Cullinan is only a working name. While they have not selected a name for the new vehicle yet, we would assume it would fit within the current portfolio of names and be based on some mythical spirit.
Rolls-Royce executives confirmed with us in an interview this afternoon that this is just the first of many communications they will have about the new car. We will keep you posted and have new information for you as soon as it becomes available.