Rolls-Royce makes extensive use of aluminium in its vehicle architecture, taking advantage of its lightweight nature and exceptional acoustic properties.
Image Source: Rolls-Royce
The aluminium structure reduces the car’s overall weight, enhancing handling, fuel efficiency, and performance, while its higher acoustic impedance compared to steel helps minimize external noise, preserving the serene, quiet ride that defines the brand.
The aluminium space-frame architecture, known as the "Architecture of Luxury," is highly flexible and scalable, accommodating different models from the Phantom to the Cullinan SUV. Engineers optimise the material’s acoustic and structural properties using extrusions and complex internal designs, avoiding flat surfaces that can create resonances.
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Large cast aluminium joints and double-skinned floor and bulkhead sections provide additional sound insulation and structural rigidity. Structurally, aluminium enables a stiffer, yet lighter vehicle frame than previous steel-based designs, improving torsional rigidity, crash safety, and supporting various drivetrain layouts and powertrain technologies.
Aluminium also allows intricate shapes and components to be cast or extruded, ensuring Rolls-Royce’s high standards of craftsmanship and bespoke detailing.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Gets Carbon Fibre Makeover
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II has received a modified makeover from UK-based luxury tuner Urban Automotive, which specializes in high-end vehicle modifications. The Urban Cullinan features Widetrack wheel arch extensions finished in carbon fibre, 26-inch forged polished alloy wheels, a carbon fibre bonnet, restyled front and rear bumpers, aluminium exhaust tips, and upper and mid-level rear spoilers also finished in carbon fibre.
Under the bonnet, the car retains the standard 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine, producing 563bhp and 850Nm of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in five seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. There are no disclosed changes to the interior trim or upholstery, though images show a two-tone black and turquoise leather combination across the seats, door cards, dashboard, and steering wheel.
The standard Cullinan already features wood veneer, leather, and chrome trim, with extensive customer personalisation options available.
Urban Automotive has not revealed pricing for the Series II conversion, though it is expected to cost a premium above the standard Cullinan’s £250,000 price tag.
Also read: BMW, Ford, Tesla, and Audi are reshaping car design with aluminium at the forefront
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