2018 Rolls-royce Wraith on 2040-cars

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Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II unveiled with subtle design updates

Rolls-Royce set another sales record in 2023, and it's giving the Cullinan — its best-selling model — a round of mid-cycle updates to keep the momentum going. The Series II model stands out from the outgoing Cullinan with design changes and more technology inside. The exterior updates are relatively subtle, and Rolls-Royce notes that's intentional; the Cullinan has been so popular since its debut in 2018 that it didn't want to risk alienating buyers by giving the SUV a major overhaul. It nonetheless points out that the changes represent "the most extensive Series II development" in its history. Market research shaped many of the updates: the Cullinan was Rolls-Royce's first entry into the SUV segment, and executives have learned a lot since production started. One interesting detail relates to the driver. In 2018, when the Cullinan went on sale, less than 70% were self-driven. That's changed: in 2024, less than 10% are driven by a chauffeur. Up front, the Cullinan features more streamlined-looking headlights accented by thin daytime running lights that stretch into the bumper and bigger air intakes. The grille has been redesigned and it's illuminated for the first time, while the trim around the exhaust outlets has a new look. There's also a brushed stainless-steel plate in the middle of the rear bumper that runs under the car, and buyers can order 23-inch wheels for the first time. They're milled from a billet of aluminum and they feature a three-dimensional design that can be fully polished. The popular Black Badge trim returns, and it will be available at launch. It gets an assortment of blacked-out design details inside and out. Many of the changes made to the interior reflect how much technology has evolved since the Cullinan made its debut. Rolls-Royce added a glass panel that stretches across the entire dashboard. It includes the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system's display (which is better integrated into the dashboard than the outgoing Cullinan's display). Most of this interface is shared with the Spectre. The part of the dashboard that's ahead of the front passenger is illuminated thanks to 7,000 dots laser-etched into a strengthened type of glass. While some motifs are pre-loaded into the system, customers can also create their own by working directly with Rolls-Royce's designers. Rolls-Royce looked to the outdoors to design new types of upholstery and trim materials.

Rolls-Royce Spectre reveal: Watch it here live Tuesday morning

Rolls-Royce is preparing to unveil the Spectre, its first series-produced electric car. The big coupe is scheduled to make its global debut online tomorrow (Tuesday, October 18) at 8 a.m. Eastern, and you can watch the livestream right here to get all of the details. Official details about the Spectre remain few and far between; Rolls-Royce has done a good job keeping the EV under wraps. Official spy shots published by the British company in July 2022 suggest that the model will wear a futuristic-looking design, though it will remain recognizable as a member of the Rolls-Royce range, and it will be the brand's most aerodynamic car thanks to a 0.25 drag coefficient. Inside, the Spectre will be mostly standard Rolls-Royce fare. One of the exceptions is a digital instrument cluster. 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre testing in Frnace View 10 Photos Rolls-Royce noted that it put the Spectre through the most rigorous testing program it has ever subjected a new model to; prototypes will have covered over 1.5 million miles by the time deliveries begin. While that might sound like overkill, there's a lot to test: In addition to a battery-powered drivetrain, the Spectre features "141,200 sender-receiver relations and has more than 1,000 functions and more than 25,000 sub-functions," according to the company, and it will inaugurate a new suspension system capable of disconnecting the roll bars. Details such as horsepower and driving range will be announced during the unveiling. One of the figures that we do know is that the 59-inch-long doors are the longest units ever fitted to a production Rolls-Royce; put another way, they're nearly as long as a Smart Fortwo is wide. Tune in tomorrow to watch the Spectre make its debut. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and pricing hasn't been announced — though Rolls-Royce buyers aren't price-sensitive.

Rolls-Royce readying Wraith convertible

For seven years, Rolls-Royce got by on the Phantom line alone, expanding on the original saloon with a long-wheelbase version, a coupe and the convertible. But now that the Ghost is part of the family, Goodwood seems to be following a similar expansion.
What started with the Ghost sedan has since been joined by the extended-wheelbase model and the Wraith fastback coupe. And now we're receiving spy shots of a Wraith-based convertible undergoing testing.
Potentially to be called the Wraith Drophead Coupe like its larger Phantom-based counterpart, the cabrio is likely to borrow much from the Wraith fastback - including its 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 624 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - but with a folding cloth roof mechanism to let the wind and engine note in, although the prototype pictured here is wearing a makeshift hardtop.