Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Cullinan is the first SUV to be launched by the Rolls-Royce marque, and is also the brand's first all-wheel drive vehicle.[3] It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered.[3]

Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Overview
ManufacturerRolls-Royce Motor Cars
Production2018–present
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: West Sussex, England (Goodwood plant)
DesignerGiles Taylor[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
PlatformArchitecture of Luxury
DoorsConventional doors (front)/Coach Doors (rear)
RelatedRolls-Royce Phantom VIII
Powertrain
Engine6.75 L N74B68 twin-turbocharged V12 (petrol)
Transmission8-speed 8HP automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,295 mm (129.7 in)[2]
Length5,341 mm (210.3 in)[2]
Width2,164 mm (85.2 in)[2]
Height1,835 mm (72.2 in)[2]
Kerb weight2,660 kg (5,864.3 lb)[2]
Rear view

The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce's line-up,[4] with a starting price in the United States of approximately $325,000 (£255,000).[3][5] It was unveiled in May 2018 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este[6].

Development
Cullinan rear end with the tailgate open
Camping seats in the trunk

It was long rumoured that the car company would venture into making an SUV. Auto Express exclusively reported that a design was in the works and correctly that the name would be Cullinan.[7] This was due to its competitors such as Bentley and Lamborghini venturing into the SUV business with the Bentayga and the Urus respectively. On 17 September 2015, it was confirmed by Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor that the company was tinkering on it.[8] At the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, Rolls Royce's CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said that the SUV will be revealed in 2018 and be on the market in 2019.[9]

A model was spotted testing on 23 December 2015 by Autocar.[10]

The name "Cullinan" was confirmed by Rolls Royce on 13 February 2018.[11][12] It is named after the Cullinan diamond, the largest diamond ever found at 3100 carats.[13]

Testing phase

The car is reported to have started its testing phase on 2 January 2016,[14] and has since been seen testing on snow.[15][16][17]

Specifications
Cullinan interior

Platform

The Cullinan uses an aluminium spaceframe chassis; this is a version of Rolls-Royce's modular "Architecture of Luxury" platform.[2] This platform made its debut in the New Phantom VIII.[4]

Suspension

The Cullinan uses a double-wishbone front axle and a 5-link rear axle.[2] It is fitted with self-levelling air suspension and electronically controlled dampers front and rear.[18] It is also equipped with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars.[4]

The Cullinan is also fitted with a stereo camera integrated into the front windscreen that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively so as to improve ride quality. This system, dubbed "The Flagbearer" by Rolls-Royce, operates at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).[19] Michael Snell, Marketing Manager of the Americas for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA stated, "Even with the updated improvements to Cullinan's suspension and drive systems, the ride experience has not been compromised as the vehicle still retains our signature "Magic Carpet Ride"[20] experience whilst you drive over any terrain."[21]

Like the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan employs a four-wheel steering system to improve both maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds.[3]

Powertrain

The Cullinan is exclusively available with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine.[2]

ZF's 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission is the Cullinan's sole gearbox option.[3]

The Cullinan uses a permanent all-wheel drive system.[4]

Performance data[2][5]
Model Engine type Displacement Power Torque Top speed
Cullinan Twin-turbocharged V12 6.75 L (412 cu in) 571 PS; 563 hp (420 kW) @ 5,000 rpm 850 N⋅m (627 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600 rpm 250 km/h (155 mph)

Special variants

Novitec Cullinan Overdose by Spofec

The Novitec Cullinan Overdose is a sporty version of the Cullinan. Spofec is a division of its larger company Novitec, and has tuned the SUV. Changes include a 40-millimeter lower riding height controlled by a CanTronic control module which freely modifies the already-existing air-suspension system. The Overdose also dons a wide-body kit and sits on 24-inch alloy wheels. A reworked 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 now generates 685 hp (695 PS) and 1010 nm (745 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 122 hp (124 PS) and 160 nm (118 lb-ft) of torque from the standard Cullinan.[22]

Mansory Billionaire

The Mansory Billionaire is a one-off, based on the Cullinan, made by Mansory. The Billionaire got its name through it being the result of a joint collaboration between Mansory and the luxury label Billionaire, part of the Plein Group, a German fashion brand. Among the changes, there include larger air intakes and a new front spoiler, and a widebody kit. Around the rear, there are now quad-exhausts and revised air-outlets. The Billionaire now sits on 23-inch alloy wheels, both front and rear. Complementary of the fashion brand, the interior has been completely re-decked with crocodile leather. The reworked 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 gives the car 610 hp (618 PS) and 950 nm (701 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 40 hp (41 PS) and 100 nm (74 lb-ft) from the standard Cullinan, which allows the Billionaire to go from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in just 5 seconds, and topping out at a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). Only 13 units of the Billionaire will be made for a starting price of €785,000 ($924,730).[23][24]

Mansory Coastline

The Mansory Coastline is another one-off, based on the Cullinan, made by Mansory. The Coastline got its name through a unique, exclusive color theme that reflects the ocean, with a mixture of matte blue and silver tones. Among the changes, there include larger air intakes and a new front spoiler, and a widebody kit, like the Billionaire. The side skirts have been elongated to make it seem like the Coastline is lower to the ground. The Coastline sits on 24-inch alloy wheels, both front and back. The interior also has been completely reworked to match the color scheme of the ocean. New quad-exhausts, a reworked 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, and a new management system allow the Coastline to have 610 hp (618 PS) and 950 nm (701 lb-ft) of torque, the same power specifications as the Billionaire. Acceleration and top speed also remains the same as the Billionaire. Only 8 units of the Coastline will be produced.[25]

References
  1. "British Car Designers Are Being Snapped Up by Chinese Automakers". Bloomberg. 1 February 2019.
  2. "Effortless Everywhere: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan". Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  3. Duff, Mike (May 2018). "2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Diamond for the Rough". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  4. Cropley, Steve (10 May 2018). "Rolls-Royce Cullinan revealed: exclusive pictures of luxury SUV". Autocar. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  5. MacKenzie, Angus (10 May 2018). "2019 ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN FIRST LOOK". Motor Trend. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  6. "BMW Blog article about the Cullinan". BMW Blog (not affiliated with BMW AG). 27 May 2018. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018.
  7. "Is Rolls-Royce Cullinan a better name than Bentley Bentayga?". Auto Express. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  8. "2017 Rolls-Royce SUV". Top Speed. TopSpeed. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  9. "Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV begins testing for 2018 release". Auto Express. Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  10. "Rolls-Royce 'Cullinan' SUV spotted testing | Autocar". Autocar. Archived from the original on 30 December 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  11. "Confirmed: Rolls-Royce SUV, thy name is Cullinan". Roadshow. 13 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  12. "Rolls-Royce Confirms Cullinan Name for SUV - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 13 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  13. Banks, Nargess. "Rolls-Royce Names First Luxurious SUV Cullinan". Forbes. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  14. "Is Rolls-Royce Cullinan a better name than Bentley Bentayga?". Auto Express. Archived from the original on 16 October 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  15. "2017 Rolls-Royce 'Cullinan' SUV test mule spied | Autocar". Autocar. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  16. "Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV spotted dancing on ice". Auto Express. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  17. "2017 Rolls-Royce SUV Cullinan Price, Specs, Release date". NiceCarsInfo.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  18. Barlow, Jason (10 May 2018). "Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV: this is it". Top Gear. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  19. Groves, Jake (10 May 2018). "A diamond for the rough: all-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV arrives". Car Magazine. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  20. "Architecture of Luxury - The Heart Of The New Rolls-Royce Cullinan". BMW BLOG. 11 October 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  21. "Rolls-Royce Cullinan takes the magic carpet ride off-road". www.msn.com. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  22. "The Novitec Spofec Rolls-Royce Cullinan Is an Overdose of Extravagance". Automobile Magazine. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  23. Adams, Lawrence. "Mansory Billionaire: A Widebody Rolls-Royce Cullinan". GTspirit. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  24. "Billionaire". Mansory. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  25. ""MANSORY Coastline" Another complete vehicle conversion from MANSORY based on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan - WORLD PREMIERE". Mansory. 13 March 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
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