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Rolls-Royce SUV Spied in Sweden, It’s Shorter than a Phantom Series II

There is only one player in the ultra-luxury segment and that is Rolls-Royce. Ever since 1925, the Phantom moniker became synonymous with motorized self-indulgence. The current generation has been around since 2003, which is why it will end production this year. A replacement will land no later than 2018, the same year we’ll get the first SUV in the history of Rolls-Royce - the Cullinan.
Rolls-Royce SUV prototype (2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan) 26 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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Our spy photographers caught the all-terrain double R testing in chilly Sweden. The mock-up body comes from the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, as do the rectangular LED headlights, one-piece stamped radiator, and the chrome detailing around the side windows. The thing is, the SUV is a tad shorter than the Phantom. Check the rear doors or the wheelbase.

Is it me or is this prototype of the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan the first double R with exposed quad tailpipes? I know the Wraith also has a quad layout, but they’re hidden from sight by two trapezoidal faux tips. I’m not expecting the Cullinan to have such an exhaust system. It’s too vulgar by Rolls-Royce standards.

The prototype vehicle in the photo gallery below also differs from the signature Rolls-Royce in terms of ground clearance. The last detail that could raise some eyebrows comes in the form of an extra set of air intakes in the front bumper. Other than all-wheel-drive with four-wheel steering derived from BMW’s xDrive, the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is expected to get an evolution of the 6.75-liter V12. Expect more than 600 horsepower and at least 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque channeled to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic.

Regarding pricing, consider that the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II starts at around $405,000 in the United States of America. It isn’t known if the British ultra-luxury automaker will position the Cullinan above or below the Phantom, but there’s no denying it will surpass the price of a fully loaded Bentley Bentayga.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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