2024 Rolls-royce Ghost on 2040-cars

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Work begins on new Rolls-Royce Phantom, PHEV likely

After reporting that a new Rolls-Royce Phantom would arrive sometime around 2017 in the same timeframe as a Rolls-Royce SUV, Autocar has a few more details on the next coming of the massive English sedan. Both its skin and its bones are being worked out right now, brand design head Giles Taylor telling the magazine that his team is "treading an evolutionary path" with the model, suggesting it will have "more charisma and more edge" as part of a future design language that will have "a charismatic expressiveness."
True, that gives us absolutely no indication of what the car will look like, but it seems fair to assume it will feature more curves and detailing than the present car. The long C-pillar will remain, though, the privacy it affords being "part of the Phantom recipe."
What's underneath could be more detailed as well, the report saying BMW is mulling an i3 kind of build, with an aluminum chassis supporting a carbon fiber bodyshell. Assuming production considerations and costs could be kept in line, the benefits would be a lighter car that offers more latitude with the design, easier implementation of new bodystyles and the segment's technology crown. A lighter Phantom would bring further rewards for its PHEV variant, which Autocar says is "a certainty."

Rolls-Royce SUV codenamed Cullinan

A modern Rolls-Royce saloon may already be the size of some SUVs as it is, but the storied British automaker embarked upon a new dawn two weeks ago when it announced it would proceed with developing its first sport-ute. Only it's not calling it a sport-ute, SUV, crossover, off-roader or anything of the sort. It's calling it a "high-bodied car" (which is pretty much what any crossover is, when it comes down to it) that will drive "effortless... everywhere." And now it has a name. Sorta. The latest news from the UK indicates that the vehicle is being referred to internally as the Cullinan, taking its name from the world's largest diamond gem that adorns the Queen's scepter. Only that's neither the internal codename, strictly speaking, nor is it likely to be its nameplate once it reaches production. The project is codenamed RR31 (apparently as the 31st new model line being developed by the company) and is likely to carry a name more in line with the likes of Wraith, Ghost and Phantom in the brand's spooky nomenclature or draw on a dormant nameplate. The high-riding Rolls is tipped to launch a new alloy architecture for the company that would be unique to Goodwood's products and be rolled out first on the crossover before serving as the starting point for the next Ghost and Phantom families. Size-wise the SUV would slot in between the two, and likely enough in price position as well. Power would likely come from either the 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 from the Ghost or the larger, older 6.75-liter atmospheric twelve used in the Phantom, but while a diesel was apparently ruled out (primarily due to the fuel's scarcity in certain markets as opposed to the increased NVH levels inherent therein), a hybrid is said to be in the mix. Though it's focused more on exclusivity than it is on volume, Rolls expects the SUV to bring in new customers and expand its production by around 30 percent or so. But that would be nothing new: The vast majority of Wraith and Ghost buyers have been new to the brand. Look for the crossover to launch in 2017, when it promises to crown the emerging class of high-end luxury crossovers and put even those being launched by the likes of Bentley and Maybach to shame. News Source: AutocarImage Credit: Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce Crossover SUV Luxury Off-Road Vehicles rolls-royce cullinan autoblog black

Rolls-Royce Dawn becomes two-seater Silver Bullet convertible

Rolls-Royce has transformed the Dawn, the only convertible in its range, into a two-seater roadster named Silver Bullet. It's a limited-edition model that's part of the company's client-commissioned Collection Cars line. The stately Silver Bullet is "a contemporary interpretation of the classic roadster spirit and driving experience," according to the BMW-owned firm. It's clearly based on the Dawn, both models share their front and rear fascias, but it's finished in a specific hue named Brewster Silver Paint that's a tribute to past Rolls-Royce models, like the Silver King and the Silver Silence. Subtle black trim add a finishing touch to the low-key design. Bigger modifications are found inside, where designers removed the Dawn's rear seats and replaced them with a tonneau cover the brand calls an Aero Cowling. It features a finisher made with vapor-blasted titanium. The images released by Rolls-Royce don't fully reveal the Silver Bullet's interior, but it previously noted each example will feature an open-pore carbon fiber insert and a quilted transmission tunnel inspired by leather jackets. We'd expect nothing less from the purveyors of the most expensive regular-production SUV in the world. Power likely comes from the Dawn's 6.6-liter V12 engine, which is twin-turbocharged to 563 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque in its standard configuration. We think the 593-horsepower, 620-pound-feet evolution of the 12 found in the Black Badge model would suit the roadster's touring intentions much better, however. It was designed to be driven, and the brand will organize road trips to encourage owners to put miles on their Silver Bullet rather than storing it in a heated garage for a couple of years and later selling it at a big-name auction. Rolls-Royce noted it will build 50 examples of the Silver Bullet, though how many have been earmarked for the American market hasn't been revealed yet. Pricing information remains under wraps, too, but keep in mind the standard Dawn carries a base price of approximately $350,000 before options enter the equation. Autoblog asked whether any build slots remain available, and we'll update this story if we learn more. Related Video: