18 FEBRUARY 2015www.caradvice.com.au
Rolls-Royce officially confirms development of all-new aluminium ‘SUV’
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
A high-riding Rolls-Royce crossover vehicle with an all-new aluminium architecture is in development, the company today confirmed.
Rolls-Royce is calling the decision to develop a crossover “a seminal moment” in its 111-year history.
The decision follows years of industry speculation that such a vehicle was in the pipeline, while more recently the company has confirmed significant customer interest. Just last week, senior management told CarAdvice a decision was imminent.
In a statement released to shareholders today, one that pointedly avoided using the term ‘SUV’, the company said the new model would define “exceptional presence, elegance and purpose”.
It will be the fourth Rolls-Royce model, which has grown from the Phantom in 2003 — the first model developed under BMW ownership — to the Ghost sedan and Wraith two-door.
Details are scarce, though the company has confirmed a new aluminium architecture. Such a space-frame is likely to trickle down to other Rolls-Royce models in the future.
A version of the Phantom or Ghost’s V12 engine is tipped to be the staple powertrain, though as concepts such as the 2011 102EX Phantom demonstrate, the company is also working on electrification to counter emissions regulations. We might see that road explored too.
In something resembling a laundry list, the company listed descriptors of what it was developing.
The company is promising something highly mobile and adventurous, “a car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain”, that will be “high-bodied… with an all-new aluminium architecture”.
Rolls-Royce also re-emphasised that “many discerning customers have urged us to develop this new car – and we have listened”, but said it would take its time “developing and perfecting” the concept.
In other words, the production version is a few years off yet, with a potential reveal slated for 2017.
It’s clear that the eventual Rolls-Royce ‘SUV’ will offer luxury and exclusivity above and beyond the forthcoming Bentley Bentayga, and also be pitched as an even more upmarket offering than the Mercedes-Maybach all-but-confirmed to CarAdvice last month.
Rolls-Royce is calling the decision to develop a crossover “a seminal moment” in its 111-year history.
The decision follows years of industry speculation that such a vehicle was in the pipeline, while more recently the company has confirmed significant customer interest. Just last week, senior management told CarAdvice a decision was imminent.
In a statement released to shareholders today, one that pointedly avoided using the term ‘SUV’, the company said the new model would define “exceptional presence, elegance and purpose”.
It will be the fourth Rolls-Royce model, which has grown from the Phantom in 2003 — the first model developed under BMW ownership — to the Ghost sedan and Wraith two-door.
Details are scarce, though the company has confirmed a new aluminium architecture. Such a space-frame is likely to trickle down to other Rolls-Royce models in the future.
A version of the Phantom or Ghost’s V12 engine is tipped to be the staple powertrain, though as concepts such as the 2011 102EX Phantom demonstrate, the company is also working on electrification to counter emissions regulations. We might see that road explored too.
In something resembling a laundry list, the company listed descriptors of what it was developing.
The company is promising something highly mobile and adventurous, “a car that offers the luxury of a Rolls-Royce in a vehicle that can cross any terrain”, that will be “high-bodied… with an all-new aluminium architecture”.
Rolls-Royce also re-emphasised that “many discerning customers have urged us to develop this new car – and we have listened”, but said it would take its time “developing and perfecting” the concept.
In other words, the production version is a few years off yet, with a potential reveal slated for 2017.
It’s clear that the eventual Rolls-Royce ‘SUV’ will offer luxury and exclusivity above and beyond the forthcoming Bentley Bentayga, and also be pitched as an even more upmarket offering than the Mercedes-Maybach all-but-confirmed to CarAdvice last month.
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