Rolls-Royce starts testing new space-frame platform

Rolls-Royce Motors, the super luxury car manufacturer, has announced the beginning of the testing phase for the new space-frame chassis. The new chassis architecture will underpin all future Rolls-Royce cars.

In 2015, Rolls-Royce had announced that they were working on an all new aluminium space-frame chassis with a target of rolling out the new cars from 2018. The development of the new platform seems to be on schedule as the Goodwood-based manufacturer has begun road-testing the new prototypes. The prototypes will be tested at various locations across the globe to match the impeccable quality and build standards of the British marque.

The new aluminium space-frame architecture is inherently lighter and provides better structural rigidity allowing the right amount of chassis flex. This will help the over two tonne Rollers to shed quite a chunk of weight. Also, the ride and handling will improve to further the ‘magic-carpet ride’ attribute of the luxury sedans. Lower weight will also mean an increased fuel economy and lower emissions. Not something that a Rolls-Royce owner will bother about, but, it is imperative to match the future emission standards.

The Rolls-Royce global line-up consists of the flagship Phantom II sedan, the Phantom Coupe, the convertible Phantom Drophead coupe, the Ghost, the Wraith and the Dawn which is not available in India. Rolls-Royce is also building a SUV under the codename ‘Cullinan’ and it has to be found out if it gets the new space-frame architecture. We can also expect a few cosmetic upgrades to the current line-up by 2018 with the new generation of cars coming up.