The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury sport utility vehicle 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. It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce's line-up, with a starting price in the United States of approximately $325,000. It was unveiled in May 2018 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
Development
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. 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. 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. A model was spotted testing on 23 December 2015 by Autocar. The name "Cullinan" was confirmed by Rolls Royce on 13 February 2018. It is named after the Cullinan diamond, the largest diamond ever found at 3100 carats.
Testing phase
The car is reported to have started its testing phase on 2 January 2016, and has since been seen testing on snow.
Specifications
Platform
The Cullinan uses an aluminium spaceframe chassis; this is a version of Rolls-Royce's modular "Architecture of Luxury" platform. This platform made its debut in the New Phantom VIII.
Suspension
The Cullinan uses a double-wishbone front axle and a 5-link rear axle. It is fitted with self-levelling air suspension and electronically controlled dampers front and rear. It is also equipped with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars. 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. 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" experience whilst you drive over any terrain." Like the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan employs a four-wheel steering system to improve both maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds.
Powertrain
The Cullinan is exclusively available with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine. ZF's 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission is the Cullinan's sole gearbox option. The Cullinan uses a permanent all-wheel drive system.
Model
Engine type
Displacement
Power
Torque
Top speed
Cullinan
Twin-turbocharged V12
@ 5,000 rpm
@ 1,600 rpm
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 and 1010 nm of torque, an increase of 122 hp and 160 nm of torque from the standard Cullinan.
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 and 950 nm of torque, an increase of 40 hp and 100 nm from the standard Cullinan, which allows the Billionaire to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, and topping out at a top speed of 174 mph. Only 13 units of the Billionaire will be made for a starting price of €785,000.
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 and 950 nm of torque, the same specification as the Billionaire. Acceleration and top speed also remains the same as the Billionaire. Only 8 units of the Coastline will be produced.
