Subaru’s getting its own version of the Prius. Well, sort of. The Subaru XV will become the company’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, but the actual PHEV technology will be coming from Toyota.
Why doesn’t Suby do its own electrification? Remember there’s a tie-up with Toyota through the BRZ/86 program, and the technology is definitely proven. But the company points out that the tech-sharing is limited to just the electric hybrid part of the system, with the XV still maintaining its boxer four-cylinder.
The XV will also receive an “all-new” transmission, which we can only guess will still be a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as both the existing XV and Toyota’s hybrids use this format.
This isn’t the first hybrid from Subaru, however. The XV was previously offered as a hybrid from the 2014 model year (in America, where it’s called the Crosstrek), but it was let go from the lineup by the time the 2017 model year arrived.
We’re hoping that the XV PHEV will also get a boost in power, as it’s really the only thing that lets the XV down. Subaru does say in its press release that the new crossover will be able to be driven in both full electric mode as well as just in hybrid mode. We’re still awaiting details on how far it will travel in full EV mode, but the company does mention that it will be enough for “local commuting”.
There should also be some styling details changed to reflect its PHEV drivetrain, so we’d expect some different wheels, and perhaps a grille enhancement.
But don’t get too excited just yet. While it’s definitely heading to the US, the low-volume and higher price premium for Australian vehicles, it may not make it here.
Rolls heads into the bush
Finally, after months and months of teasing, Rolls-Royce has unveiled its very first SUV.
It’s called the Cullinan, which is the name of one of the largest gem-quality diamonds ever found. It’s appropriate, because this rather expensive machine is also huge. And, the company says, it’s ready for action.
Thanks to air suspension, the Cullinan can lift or raise its body to avail more ground clearance. Starting at its 193mm normal height, it lowers by 40mm when it parks, enabling easier entry and egress, and as you set off, it lifts itself up again.
There’s an “Off-Road” button, which Rolls-Royce affectionately calls the ‘Everywhere’ button. Press it and the Cullinan prepares to tackle rougher terrain by lifting 40mm to give a total ground clearance of 233mm, which should help it get up and over most obstacles a Rolls-Royce owner will come across.
The air suspension also has a very neat trick. If there is a wheel that starts to lose traction, the dampers will extend to press the tyres harder into the surface to give greater grip.
The Cullinan is also said to feature the signature magic-carpet ride that Rolls-Royce is renowned for, and it’s worth noting that the company claims it maintains this ride both on and off road.
Supplying torque to the wheels is the same engine as found in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, being a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, matched to a creamy-smooth ZF eight-speed automatic.
The engine, which makes 420kW and 850 Nm, has a bit of a job, shifting the Cullinan’s 2660kg kerb weight, which is why it’s handy that it makes its full complement of torque from 1600rpm.
Inside, the Cullinan is as plush as you’d expect, with lashings of wood, leather and chrome. And it has been created as the most practical Rolls-Royce, which enables owners to fold down the back seats and load objects.
Normally, the back of the rear seats sits higher than the boot floor, however the floor can be electronically raised, keeping an entirely flat load area.
The Cullinan comes in four and five seat layouts, called Individual Seats or Lounge Seats respectively, but only the Lounge configuration has the fold down rear seat. There’s also a glass partition for the Individual arrangement, which is said to further isolate the cabin from the outside world, creating what should be the quietest interior of any SUV ever made.
You can also have a “Fixed Rear Centre Console” which afford the owner a drinks cabinet (replete with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter), champagne flutes and refrigerator. There’s also plenty of tech. Included as standard is Night Vision and Vision Assist, which has both day- and night-time detection of both wildlife and pedestrians.
And how much for all of this opulence? Rolls-Royce says the Cullinan will set you back a cool $685,000. Rolling in the mud is certainly an exclusive experience.
The Pope’s Lambo brings in the coin
Last year, the Vatican held a different kind of ceremony. This one involved a car, and not just any car. A V10-powered, rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracan.
Yes, it was presented to the Pope as a gift from the Sant’Agata Bolognese company, but with the Pope having no use for a raging bull, he decided to put it to good use. And it went up for auction.
The Huracan was pretty bespoke, too, with the car undergoing a transformation from its standard form to the Vatican-themed version you see here, through Lambo’s Ad Personam program.
When the hammer finally dropped, the last bid was a whopping €715,000 (AU$1,134,880). But the Vatican won’t be claiming that cash. Pope Francis pledged 70 per cent to go the the Iraqi city of Nineveh which has been beseiged, while 10 per cent goes to to Amici per il Centrafrica Onlus, 10 per cent to Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main and 10 per cent to the Pope John XXIII Community Association.
The Popemobile isn’t quite as fast, but it’s certainly more modest.
