The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce's line,[5] with a starting price in the United States of approximately US$325,000 (£255,000).[4][6] It was unveiled in May 2018 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy,[7] and launched globally at an Autumn press event later that year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US.[8][9]
Rolls-Royce announced the Cullinan Series II will begin production in August 2024 as a 2025 model year.[10]
Overview
Rear view
In 2015 it was reported that a design was in the works and that the name would be Cullinan.[11] This was due to its competitors such as Bentley and Lamborghini venturing into the SUV business with the Bentayga and the Urus respectively. At the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, Rolls-Royce's CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said that the SUV will be revealed in 2018 and be on the market in 2019.[12]
The name "Cullinan" was confirmed by Rolls-Royce on 13 February 2018.[13][14] It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever found at 3100 carats.[15]
As of 2019 the British carmaker claimed that despite expanding production and hiring more employees, there simply wasn't enough supply to satisfy the demand fuelled by brand loyalist and new-found female, younger buyers.[16] In the US, it is not exempt from the Gas Guzzler Tax because it is classified as a station wagon rather than an SUV.[17]
Rolls-Royce announced the Cullinan Series II will begin production in August 2024 as a 2025 model year.[10]
Design and testing
Design
Most of the Cullinan's exterior design has been adapted from the novel 8th generation Rolls-Royce Phantom such as the front grille and the headlights.
The interior features a new leather applied seats and wooden appliances. The car has new leather camping seats known as the "cocktail suit" which is deployed from the luggage compartment. This car is the only Rolls-Royce to have a glass partition between the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment.
The Cullinan features various driving modes and among them, the off-road mode gives the car its full potential. It also has a dynamic suspension system that changes its height by 40 mm at off-road mode.[18]
The car is reported to have started its testing phase on 2 January 2016,[19] and has since been seen testing on snow.[20][21][22]
The final tests were conducted with the partnership of National Geographic in 2018 and it was tested in various terrains.[23]
Specifications and performance
Platform
The Cullinan uses an aluminium spaceframe chassis; this is a version of Rolls-Royce's modular "Architecture of Luxury" platform.[3] This platform made its debut in the Phantom VIII.[5]
Suspension
The Cullinan uses a double-wishbone front axle and a 5-link rear axle.[3] It is fitted with self-levelling air suspension and electronically controlled dampers front and rear.[24] It is also equipped with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars.[5]
The Cullinan is also fitted with a stereo camera integrated into the front windscreen that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively so as to improve ride quality. This system, dubbed "The Flagbearer" by Rolls-Royce, operates at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).[25] Michael Snell, Marketing Manager of the Americas for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA stated, "Even with the updated improvements to Cullinan's suspension and drive systems, the ride experience has not been compromised as the vehicle still retains our signature "Magic Carpet Ride"[26] experience while you drive over any terrain."[27]
Like the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan employs a four-wheel steering system to improve both maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds.[4]
Powertrain
The Cullinan is exclusively available with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine.[3] ZF's 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission is the Cullinan's sole gearbox option.[4] The Cullinan uses a permanent all-wheel drive system.[5]
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge frontRolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge rear
The Black Cullinan is a special edition of the Cullinan which is performance based. Its exterior features are painted black (including the Spirit of Ecstasy) and its Interior consists of carbon fibre applications. The leather used in the interior is black and borders are coloured according to the exterior colour.
Rolls-Royce announced the Cullinan Series II will begin production in August 2024 as a 2025 model year.[10] The Series II will retain the original V12 engine, but will implement new interior materials, broader customization opportunities, and a thoroughly updated tech suite and larger 23-inch wheels.
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