Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale Begins Its Global Test Programme
The 100-car electric coachbuild collection starts 350 collective weeks of testing, from the Arctic Circle to Arabian deserts.
Rolls-Royce has started on-road testing of Project Nightingale, the electric Coachbuild Collection announced in April and limited to 100 client cars. The programme opened in southern France, where the marque's endurance testing has its roots, and takes its name from Le Rossignol, Henry Royce's former home near the Riviera.
The scope is substantial. Testing totals 350 collective weeks, taking prototypes from Mediterranean coast roads to the Arctic Circle and the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, at altitudes up to 2,750 metres. It builds on almost three years of development, including more than 1,430 hours of aerodynamic modelling, with results to be confirmed at a private high-speed track at up to 155 mph, where engineers will also hunt down wind noise.
Several new features face scrutiny. A Piano Boot that opens sideways on a cantilever, a first for Rolls-Royce, will be cycled up to 15,000 times. A bespoke electric wind deflector keeps the cabin calm with the roof down, and the cashmere-lined roof undergoes ten separate tests at up to 80 degrees Celsius.
Pricing and delivery dates have not been announced. With clients planning to drive these cars across every climate, Florida's heat and humidity will be part of the challenge.
Source: Rolls-Royce PressClub
