Rolls-Royce begins tests of aluminium space-frame

Lightweight chassis will underpin all future Rolls-Royce models

Rolls-Royce has confirmed development of its aluminium space-frame architecture that it says will underpin all future models arriving on the market from early 2018.

The company said it has begun the testing phase of the new architecture, with early preparatory activity seeing new engineering mules tested on public roads in various locations around the world. 

Rolls-Royce said that the current testing phase aims to ensure that the new space-frame structure perfectly delivers its trademark ‘magic-carpet ride’ on a variety of surfaces and that it is resilient to extreme weather conditions.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. This is why I am announcing that on-road testing of our all-new proprietary architecture is beginning. This new architecture of pure luxury represents considerable investment in the future of our great brand.”