Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is not a company that is known for hasty decisions. So the task of transitioning its entire model range to a standardised, proprietary aluminium spaceframe structure — development of which commenced a year ago — is one approached with utmost care.
On 5 January, the company announced that it has kicked off an intensive testing phase for this new structure — and it punctuated the announcement with a camouflaged glimpse of the Roller of the future. Engineering mules like this, which have begun plying public roads around the world in advance of a 2018 production debut, will point to successors to the current Phantom, Ghost, Wraith and Dawn — as well as 'Project Cullinan', the coming Rolls-Royce sport-utility vehicle.
Naturally, flexibility is key; the architecture will need to suit a fairly wide range of wheelbases and body styles. Rolls engineers are understandably keen to ensure the new platform can deliver the marque's prided 'magic carpet' ride in all its variations – on road and, for the SUV, off. No small feat. Moreover, the architecture likely will be designed to accommodate a variety of powertrain options, including a gasoline-electric hybrid system. In conversation with TopGear.com, BMW board member in charge of Rolls-Royce Peter Schwarzenbauer conceded that a plug-in hybrid is something the company needs to consider.
"In future more and more cities will have zero-emission zones, so a Rolls-Royce will need 20-30 miles of electric range”, he said.
(BBC)
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