Reading Rolls-Royce press releases is best done in an old-timey, 1920s-era newsreel voice. And so it goes with the latest update on the upcoming Rolls SUV—a.k.a., "high-sided, all-terrain motor car"—which the company is referring to as Project Cullinan. Following "an undertaking to inform stakeholders of the progress of Project Cullinan," we're now being given a look at the first prototype for the new SUV; it will be used to test the rig's all-wheel-drive system and "on-road behaviour from suspension throw to high-bodied stability" on "all types of international road surface specification."

Let us just start by saying that if Rolls-Royce were to freeze its SUV's development right here, we'd be very okay with it. That's because standing in stark contrast to the prototype announcement's Rolls-Royce presents the march . . . of war! vibe, the prototype itself is a highly bizarre but amazing-looking modern, uh, thing.

Essentially a shortened Phantom Series II sedan, the test mule looks ready for sale: Aside from what appears to be a slightly raised ride height, it boasts a full paint job and the shortened rear doors even wear chrome trim around their daylight openings. Our favorite part? The perverted yet alluring Fast & Furious—or would that be Quick & Quite Bothered?—rear wing, which likely is there to simulate tall-vehicle aerodynamics. There's none of the typical camouflage, no uncouth cut lines, just pure class.

Yet, as Rolls-Royce points out—get that old-timey radio voice going in your head again—"The body may hint at the size of the new car, but it features no design aspects of the eventual high-sided, all-terrain motor car announced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in February this year." The prototype will be subjected to appropriately deluxe variations of pavement, Rolls says, including Belgian Pavé and cobblestones, as well as "corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps." Rolls-Royce is aiming to inject its signature "effortless" ride quality to the SUV both on- and off-road, and we look forward to assessing the Roller's waftability when it goes on sale sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model. Now, please return to reading our "electronic magic motor car periodical" (website) in a regular voice.

From: Car and Driver

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