Skip to main content

To refine the Cullinan SUV, Rolls-Royce unbridles engineering mule with massive wing

Rolls-Royce engineering mule
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Rolls-Royce is currently developing a “high-sided, all-terrain motor car” codenamed ‘Project Cullinan’ to do battle with the upcoming Bentley Bentayga. As part of the SUV’s development process, the automaker has released photos of an engineering mule used to test the vehicle’s suspension.

If you’re a bit confused right now, we understand. Instead of previewing the upscale, capable SUV we expect to come with the Cullinan badge, the mule looks like something a teenager would do to his parent’s Phantom after seeing Furious 7: huge wing, blacked out alloys, and prominent wheel gap in all.

Recommended Videos

Not to worry, because Rolls-Royce says the mule will share no design aspects with the Cullinan. What it is, then, is an early guinea pig for the SUV’s all-new suspension, which will be tested thoroughly over various terrain in the coming weeks. The trials, Rolls-Royce claims, will be integral to the development of the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system.

Rolls-Royce engineering mule
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With that information in hand, the mule’s ground clearance certainly makes sense. But the ‘mad downforce yo’ wing? Your guess is as good as ours.

One thing the company did confirm, however, is that the mule’s shortened Phantom II body “may hint at the size of the new car.” And while it will use an aluminum-intensive platform like the Phantom, it will ride on its own bespoke platform.

Rolls-Royce engineering mule
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Furthermore, the automaker hopes the suspension tests will result in the same “magic-carpet” ride quality its vehicles have become known for over the years. Given that the Cullinan is named after the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, anything else would be a bit of a letdown.

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Trump administration prepares to end Biden’s EV tax incentive, report says
president biden drives 2022 ford f 150 lightning electric pickup truck prototype visits rouge vehicle center

If you’re looking to buy or lease an electric vehicle (EV) and benefit from the Biden administration’s $7,500 tax incentive, you’d better act soon.

The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is already planning to end the credit, according to a report from Reuters citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Read more
Kia EV4: everything we know so far
Kia EV4 Front

Kia is continuing to expand its electric car lineup. The EV6 and EV9 have both been out for some time now, and the company is in the middle of rolling out the EV3 in Europe, with a North American release expected next year. After that, it's likely the company will turn to the EV5. But what about after that? Well, that could be where the Kia EV4 comes in.

Kia announced a concept version of the EV4 at its EV Day in 2023, showing off a futuristic-looking hatchback that's seemingly a little smaller than the EV6, but keeps many design elements. Since then, Kia has confirmed very few details about it, though we have seen it shown off at other automotive events. Here's everything we know about the Kia EV4 so far.
Kia EV4 design
The Kia EV4, or at least the concept version of it, is smaller than the EV6, and much smaller than the EV9. It's actually closer in size to a sedan than anything else, though with its open trunk, it could be considered a hatchback. Regardless, it certainly blurs the line between the two. So much so, that in recent months we've actually seen a full hatchback version of the EV4 being tested -- and it's possible that Kia is pivoting the design of the EV4 entirely to be a hatch, or will be releasing both hatchback and sedan versions.

Read more
Hertz is selling used Teslas for under $20K, Chevrolet Bolt EVs under $14K
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently nixed hopes of a regular Tesla model ever selling for $25,000.

But he was talking about new models. For car rental company Hertz, the race to sell used Teslas and other EVs at ever-lower prices is not only still on but accelerating.

Read more