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Rolls-Royce Spies Its Next-Gen Phantom, Sends Us the Pic As Aluminum Spaceframe Testing Debuts

We normally enjoy working with our spy shooters in the quest to show you what lies around the corner in the motoring world. However, when it comes to Rolls-Royce, the elegant ways of the British company see the carmaker mailing us their spyshots.
Next-Gen Rolls Royce Phantom spied 1 photo
Photo: Rolls-Royce
Case in point, the image above, which seems to show the next-generation Phantom. While the rear end is blurred out, this isn't the only reason to talk about how this prototype hides more than meets the eye.

What you're looking at is a rolling test bed for Goodwood's next-generation Aluminum Spaceframe. While the architecture was officially announced one year ago, Rolls-Royce talked about this being used for its SUV (tentatively dubbed Cullinan).

The Spirit of Ecstasy bearers now explain the new platform will underpin all their future models starting from early 2018 onwards.

As for the potential connection between this platform and the multi-material (high strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber) structure of the 2016 BMW 7-Series, it's way too early to discuss such matters.

The British automaker has now started sending prototypes out into the world. The aim is to ensure the structure “perfectly delivers Rolls-Royce’s trademark ‘magic-carpet ride’ on a variety of surfaces and that it is resilient to extreme weather conditions.”

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,” Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said.

Those of you who live in areas with disturbing weather should have their cameras prepared. You never know what Rolls-Royce creation you may come across while out for lunch.

P.S.: Those who still have a raised eyebrow over RR spying itself should know this isn't the first time.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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