Share

First Rolls-Royce SUV: 'Cullinan' spotted

accreditation
<b>NEW SUV IN THE WORKS:</b> Rolls-Royce will launch its own SUV to challenge rival offerings in the new future. Pictured here is prototype as the automaker test a new all-wheel drive system. <i>Image: Automedia</i>
<b>NEW SUV IN THE WORKS:</b> Rolls-Royce will launch its own SUV to challenge rival offerings in the new future. Pictured here is prototype as the automaker test a new all-wheel drive system. <i>Image: Automedia</i>
Automedia

When Rolls-Royce announced it was to build an SUV, the project was codenamed Cullinan.

Cullinan is also the name of a diamond found in 1905 in Cullinan, 40km east of Pretoria, South Africa. It is believed to be the largest diamond ever found and is part of the British Crown Jewels. It was cut into several pieces, the largest named Cullinan I.

There's a lot of weight that comes with a moniker that prestigious, so it was only natural for Rolls-Royce to adopt it for one of its upcoming models.

A ‘HIGH-BODIED ROLLS’

The automaker was reluctant to use the word SUV when talking about its new model, instead it used the team a new "high-bodied Rolls-Royce".

Spy photographers spotted the first engineering prototype undergoing testing at the automaker's development centre in Dahlewitz, Germany.

IMAGE GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The prototype was developed on a shortened Phantom Series II body and for now will only serve as a base for an all-wheel drive system.

Rolls-Royce will test its prototype on various types road surfaces both in their facilities and on public roads.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE