Rolls-Royce, the British luxury car maker has issued two images of the first prototype of its upcoming SUV, confirming it will commence a rigorous public testing programme from this week.
The vehicle is expected to be shipped to the Arctic Circle after Christmas to undergo extreme cold-weather trials, while more testing will take place in the desert in the Middle East next year.
Cullivan is expected sale in 2018, when it will become the world’s most expensive 4X4
While the vehicle is wearing camouflage to hide its details, it is the first time Rolls-Royce has showcased the size and overall shape of the car, which is being developed under the codename Project Cullivan and is referred to not as a traditional SUV but an “all-terrain high-sided vehicle”. Previous spy shots showcased an early development mule that was a jacked-up version of the flagship Phantom limousine.
This may be the first official Rolls-Royce SUV, but it’s not the first time the company has created a vehicle to compete with the best in a varied terrain.
“In my design work on Project Cullivan, we have looked back over the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and been inspired by some of the classic models that have shaped the marque,” Director of Design, Giles Taylor said.
“This included those that achieved top honors in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London-to-Edinburgh event, and the Alpine Trials.” Taylor added.
