Rolls Royce Confirms SUV—Or, Its “Everywhere” Vehicle—Will Get Distinctive Platform

Surprising no 1, Rolls-Royce has confirmed that it is joining rival brands in providing an ultra-luxe, SUV-like product in coming years. We say “SUV-like” due to the fact Rolls is referring to it as an “everywhere” vehicle—cue collective eye-roll—and claims that it is absolutely not a tit-for-tat answer to the Bentley Bentayga SUV that will debut a couple of weeks from now at the Geneva motor show.

Substantially, the new, “high-bodied” Roller will be built on a fresh, all-aluminum platform that is distinctive to Rolls-Royce, dispelling rumors that it would be an offshoot of the upcoming BMW X7. And as with its stablemates, energy will come from a fat V-12. Our sources inside Rolls-Royce also told us that it would not appear like a Ghost station wagon—and that it “will be huge.” We expect it to be larger and most likely more strong than the Bentley, and we also wouldn’t be surprised to see other Rollers—including the Phantom replacement—to be constructed on the same bones.

The look of this 4th Rolls-Royce solution should enhance R-R production to record levels, but do not count on it to turn out to be as frequent as a Honda Civic, as our sources assure us that, as opposed to Ferrari, Rolls-Royce is hellbent on remaining “elusive” (which, apparently, is even far better than being “exclusive”).

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As for the “everywhere” car factor, mincing of words is not entirely baseless in this case, as to describe a vehicle like this as a “sport-utility vehicle” could constitute nothing short of mockery of the word “sport.” It’s also worth remembering that Rolls-Royce is not new to semantic diversions only recently did the organization commence stating horsepower and torque figures for its behemoth engines, previously declaring them only to produce “sufficient” or “adequate” output in each regards. No word on when or whether or not the new car may possibly be previewed in idea form at an auto show, but watch this space for the inevitable spy shots of improvement mules—that is, unless they prove just as well elusive.

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Rolls Royce Confirms SUV—Or, Its “Everywhere” Vehicle—Will Get Distinctive Platform

Coming to America: What Makes the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Distinctive? Very a Lot

Hunting at the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C in its U.S.-market guise, you may well believe that it’s the identical animal as the European model, only with the usual rash of federal emissions-compliance gear onboard. You would be incorrect. Alfa Romeo reps recently showed us about the North American version of the 4C, and for the duration of the stroll-around we were in a position to hammer out specifically what makes the North American version of the tiny Italian sports car various from the one sold everywhere else. The list is a lot more complete than you probably anticipated.

Bumpers and Lights: Naturally, U.S. regulations differ from European ones, so even though our 4C appears practically identical to the Euro-spec model, there are important visual differences. The rear bumper is new, and it incorporates bulging Dagmars on either side of a narrowed license-plate-mounting nacelle, in place of the original 4C’s much more sophisticated Euro-plate mount. Even though the headlight and taillight internals appear to be the very same, they are really completely new to comply with federal lighting laws, and U.S. buyers will not be presented the European car’s optional “bug-eye” lights that’s okay by us, because those are ugly.

Left: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Proper: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Carbon-Fiber Monocoque: The U.S.-market place 4C’s central carbon-fiber tub is unique, with the fibers laid differently all through to tailor the structure for federal crash tests. Contemplate us surprised to find out that Alfa Romeo altered more than just the bolt-on front and rear subframes.

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Weight: Speaking of American crash tests and additional gear, they’re responsible for almost all of the U.S.-spec car’s weight achieve more than the European version. The exclusive carbon-fiber tub is 92 pounds heavier, even though other tweaks—an adjustable passenger seat (needed by U.S. regulations), side and knee airbags, and regular air conditioning (46 pounds on its personal)—add up to a total claimed weight difference of 342 pounds between a base Euro model and ours.

Prime: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Bottom: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Tuning: Whenever a hot European auto comes stateside, we’re usually pessimistic about its tuning. A car’s transition to accommodate “American tastes” nearly usually ruins the suspension tuning, for example. But lo and behold, the U.S.-industry 4C’s only suspension modifications are mild bushing tweaks to account for its heavier curb weight plus a switch from cast-aluminum suspension pieces to steel ones for durability.

Happily, none of the U.S.-spec 4C’s adjustments substantially alter the car’s lusty driving experience—even the added mass does not ruin things—and parked side-by-side, most people would be challenging-pressed to spot the variations. In truth, we’re keen to concentrate on 4C content material shared with both the U.S. and Euro versions: Manual steering that feels totally amazing, a stripped-down interior, the (optional) lack of a muffler, the same 237 turbocharged horsepower, and these saliva-gland-stimulating appears.

Coming to America: What Makes the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Distinctive? Very a Lot