Project Cullinan: Rolls Royce unveils its SUV test mule

Porsche’s Cayenne was the brand’s first SUV and went on to become a best seller. Bentley and Jaguar have revealed the Bentayga and F-Pace respectively, which will be revealed soon. Rolls-Royce isn’t looking to miss out on the SUV/CUV action and after confirming the brand’s plans for an off-road vehicle, Rolls-Royce has released images of the crossover’s first test mule.

Based on a shortened Phantom Series II body, the test mule has been created purely to begin the development of an all-wheel drive suspension system. Rolls-Royce states that while the body may provide an idea of the upcoming “high-sided, all-terrain motor car’s” size, it is not representative of the design. The test mule will be used in the development of an all-wheel drive system that is expected to offer the Rolls-Royce standard ride quality both on and off road.

The first series of tests will focus on Project Cullinan’s on-road behaviour - from suspension throw to high-bodied stability, and will test the new suspension across a variety of road surfaces at test facilities, as well as on public roads. Test surfaces will include; Belgian Pavé, cobblestones, corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps.