Rolls-Royce to test new vehicle architecture

Rolls-Royce has taken the unusual step of revealing that it has begun testing its all-new aluminium space-frame platform.

“Engineering models will be assessed on public roads in various locations around the world” the company advised in a press release issued late last night.

As well as the statement, Rolls-Royce also released an image of what appears to be a current-generation Phantom limousine, curiously, wrapped with a camera lens-confusing camouflage wrap.

Despite looking like a regular Phantom, it’s more likely that beneath the skin lies the all-new Cullinan SUV that’s set to arrive in 2018, although the current huge sedan won’t be far behind in the launch schedule, as it went on sale back in 2003.

The new platform is believed to be a completely bespoke product and have no relation to the current Phantom’s platform nor any model from its BMW parent company.

Following the launch of the SUV, the current Ghost is also expected to drop its 7-Series platform for the new, lighter architecture.

The space-frame is expected to have been designed from scratch to incorporate, not only the firm’s autonomous technology (borrowed from BMW), but also support a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and, potentially, a pure-electric powertrain.

Gesture control allowing back seat passengers to override entertainment and seating options is possible, as is route planning for potential autonomous driving systems in future.

But with all the technological advances expected from the new platform, Rolls will doggedly adhere to its 'hand-crafted' ethos, offering traditional materials and exacting craftsmanship deserving of price tags that start at $595,000 (Ghost) and rise to $1,019,000 (Phantom Drophead) in Australia.

Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW and its arch-rival Bentley is owned by Volkswagen, but new players such as Aston Martin with its $1.4 million Lagonda are helping to reshape not only the segment, but what well-heeled customers are willing to pay for cars.

Nevertheless, Rolls-Royce continues to maintain its quintessential stiff upper lip, with company CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös insisting it's still the benchmark luxury car maker of the modern era.

"Since 2003 and the commissioning of the new home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reset the benchmark for luxury motoring," he said.

"Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. This is why I am announcing today that on-road testing of our all-new proprietary architecture is beginning. This new architecture of pure luxury represents considerable investment in the future of our great brand."