Latest news with #CullinanSeriesII

Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Meet 100 Years of Rolls-Royce History
Let's get one thing straight about the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club (RROC). Forget any preconceived notions you might have. This isn't some stuffy, velvet-rope affair. The annual meet is a global pilgrimage, and the attendees are true car enthusiasts. They aren't there to show off; they're there to celebrate motoring, automotive history, and engineering excellence. When you boil it all down, it's a gearhead event of the highest order, and that's what makes it so genuinely special. This year's gathering in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the perfect example. Picture this: a collection of more than 75 motor cars, creating a living, breathing timeline of the marque's entire history. It was a showcase that spanned from the very beginning, the 1904 partnership of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, all the way to the cutting-edge luxury of today. The main event was the centennial of a legend: the Phantom. The visual was just incredible. A new 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom, the eighth generation, was displayed alongside its pioneering ancestors, a Phantom I and a Phantom III. It was a powerful, side-by-side look at 100 years of holding the title of "the best car in the world." Jon Colbeth, the President & CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, put it perfectly. "The 2025 RROC Annual Meet stood as a testament to the timeless quality and enduring legacy of Rolls-Royce motor cars". And he backed it up with one of the most incredible stats in the automotive world: 70% of all Rolls-Royce cars ever commissioned are still gracing the world's roads. That's a direct result of Sir Henry Royce's guiding principle: "Take the best that exists and make it better". This was also the first chance for many collectors and enthusiasts in North America to get up close with the brand's newest creations: the Ghost Series II and Cullinan Series II. The Ghost Series II is the modern evolution of the values established by the original 1907 Silver Ghost, a car so exceptional that it was once dubbed "the best car in the world" for its refinement and reliability. Today's Ghost is engineered with the driver in mind, loaded with seriously advanced tech like the Planar Suspension System and Satellite Aided Transmission, all powered by the signature 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12. Then you have the Cullinan Series II, the world's preeminent super-luxury SUV. This is how Rolls-Royce extends its mastery into new territory. It features a refreshed exterior that now features massive 23-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on a Cullinan. Inside, one of the coolest new features is the Illuminated Fascia with Cityscape graphics, a stunning piece of craftsmanship. Ultimately, that's what this gathering celebrated. The RROC is a crucial pillar of the brand's heritage and its future. The event was a perfect reminder that every Rolls-Royce, whether it's a hundred years old or fresh from the factory, is more than just a means of transportation. It's a "symbol of human achievement, mechanical artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship". Seeing them all together, surrounded by the people who cherish them, was the perfect way to celebrate a century of perfection. Related: Aston Martin's New Valkyrie LM Is As Close As You Can Get To a Le Mans Hypercar, With Just 10 Made Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sky News AU
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News AU
King Charles III receives 'very expensive' ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II from King of Bahrain, the same model favoured by A-List celebrities
What do King Charles and Kylie Jenner have in common? They're both the very happy owners of near-million-dollar Rolls-Royces. The 76-year-old monarch was gifted a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, worth a cool $895,000 plus on-road costs (according to The Australian Financial Review) by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain, just before his coronation on May 6, 2023. The flashy SUV, favoured by A-List celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Mike Tyson, was revealed in a newly released record of official gifts published by Buckingham Palace. The Cullinan Series II, which runs on both petrol and biofuel, is now part of the royal fleet and is expected to be used for official duties, though it hasn't yet been spotted in public with any royals aboard. In an appearance on The Royal Report, Sky News contributor Louise Roberts described the gift as "very interesting". "It's a gigantic vehicle, very, very expensive as well," Roberts said, noting the model is "a favourite of the Kardashians". An official coronation gift list released by Buckingham Palace reveals the lavish SUV wasn't the only offering from the Bahraini King, who also gave Charles a decorative clock. Other gifts received by the King for his May 2023 coronation span the globe and range from deeply symbolic to historically significant. Amazonian Indigenous Leaders presented him with a feather crown, two beaded chest pieces, carved staffs, and a tobacco bowl and inhaler. From New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia sent a Greenstone Mere carved specially for the coronation. Australia contributed with a national gift towards the conservation of the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden gave the King a leather folder containing correspondence between Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower, along with a framed photo of Marine One landing at Windsor. And before his untimely death in April, Pope Francis presented King Charles with a relic believed to be a piece of the True Cross, which has been incorporated into the Cross of Wales. According to the Palace's gift policy, official gifts, defined as those received in the course of royal duties or from individuals not personally known to the royals, become part of the Royal Collection and are not considered private property. These items cannot be sold or traded but may be used or displayed publicly. By contrast, personal gifts are treated like any other private inheritance and are subject to regular tax rules.

AU Financial Review
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- AU Financial Review
The new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II has a dark side
What is it? The Cullinan Series II is the revised and re-nosed version of Rolls-Royce's first-ever SUV, introduced in 2018 and now accounting for about 45 per cent of the company's sales. Explaining the Black Badge variant is slightly more complex. Rolls-Royce describes it as the standard car's 'alter ego' and even uses the term 'subversive' in its marketing. With black highlights, including a darkened Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot and grille, lower front air intakes and a smidgen more power and torque, it's a performance variant, but in a very subtle way. It could be seen as less ostentatious than its chrome-laden sibling, but again only marginally. What does it cost? From $895,000 plus on-road costs. As with other Rolls-Royces, most Cullinans will be heavily optioned. There are almost unlimited choices; our car had a four-seat configuration with the rear featuring fully adjustable bucket seats on each side of a large central console and champagne fridge. In this configuration, it gains a second rear windshield between the rear seats and the cargo area, further reducing noise, and allowing the cabin to be heated, cooled and/or kept fly- and mosquito-free if you are parked with the tailgate open and the Viewing Suite in use. This optional Viewing Suite includes two electrically deployable seats and a cocktail table, which project out the rear cargo area to provide the perfect vantage (and G&T-sipping) point for, say, a school sports carnival. You probably won't want to make eye contact with the other parents though.


ArabGT
26-01-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II Review
The 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II builds on the legacy of its predecessor as a symbol of luxury and capability in the SUV segment. Introduced as the second generation of the Cullinan lineup, this model draws its name from the largest diamond ever discovered, weighing 3,106 carats. Known for blending unmatched craftsmanship with real-world usability, the Cullinan Series II represents Rolls-Royce's response to the evolving preferences of its global clientele. With over 450 hours of labor dedicated to crafting each vehicle, the Cullinan continues to be one of the most sought-after models in the brand's lineup. Exterior Design The exterior of the 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II strikes a balance between modern elegance and functional design. Updates to the front include vertically oriented daytime running lights and an illuminated pantheon grille, both of which reinforce its commanding road presence. Enlarged air intakes and sharper bumper lines not only enhance aesthetics but also improve airflow and cooling. In profile, subtle design changes like a tapered feature line and high-gloss black valances create a sense of movement, even when stationary. The vehicle rides on newly introduced 23-inch aluminum wheels, and bespoke paint options, such as the Emperador Truffle finish, add a contemporary flair. These refinements ensure the Cullinan maintains its status as a statement of exclusivity and style. Interior Design The interior of the 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II embodies luxury and innovation. Among the key updates is the introduction of the SPIRIT operating system, first seen in the all-electric Spectre. The gauge cluster and permanently visible Central Information Display are redesigned to showcase this advanced digital interface, marking its debut in a V12-powered Rolls-Royce. This system enables enhanced connectivity, personalization, and seamless control of the vehicle's features. Craftsmanship remains at the forefront, with new materials such as Grey Stained Ash wood and Duality Twill fabric inspired by bamboo. The leather upholstery features intricate perforations, with up to 107,000 precision-cut holes creating cloud-like patterns. For rear passengers, connectivity has been enhanced with dual streaming devices, Bluetooth compatibility, and an 18-speaker Bespoke audio system. These updates reflect Rolls-Royce's commitment to balancing modern functionality with timeless luxury. Mechanical Specifications Under the hood, the 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II retains its 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering 563 horsepower in the standard model. The Black Badge variant, tailored for performance enthusiasts, generates 592 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. Both configurations are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Designed for versatility, the Cullinan's V12 engine delivers effortless performance across varying terrains. Whether navigating urban landscapes or venturing off-road, the Cullinan ensures a refined driving experience, embodying the brand's 'magic carpet ride.' Enhanced aerodynamics and refined suspension systems further contribute to its exceptional road manners. Price The price of a new 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II in the UAE starts from $517,360 or AED 1,900,000.