Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have announced that it has begun the testing phase of an all new aluminium space-frame architecture.

The aluminium architecture will underpin all future Rolls-Royce model lines, arriving in the market from early 2018. Engineering mules will be assessed on public roads in various locations around the world, with the current testing phase aiming to ensure that the new space-frame structure perfectly delivers Rolls-Royce's trademark 'magic-carpet ride' on a variety of surfaces and that it is resilient to extreme weather conditions.

"Since 2003 and the commissioning of the new Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reset the benchmark for luxury motoring," commented Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. This is why I am announcing today 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."