The next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom is set to make its debut in 2018, with its maker revealing that the car's all-new aluminium architecture has now moved into an advanced stage of development.

Accompanying the announcement was a picture of the 2018 car's structure, shown above. The images seen circulating on the web earlier were of development mules being subjected to cold weather testing.

Two prototypes of the next-generation Phantom were spied, including a long-wheelbase variant. The cars were heavily disguised, but we can see what looks to be a slightly longer body, as well as a new front bumper design with wider air vents that extend further out towards the car’s sides. The Spirit of Ecstasy is also missing, although this is likely due to the fact this is a test mule.

At the rear, the bumper seems to protrude less than the current Phantom's, with a more flush design from the boot lid to the rear bumper. There are also more rounded lights, but these are temporary units.

No official technical details have been revealed yet, but insiders expect the new car to feature one of two possible engines: a more powerful version of the current Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 unit, or a boosted version of the 6.6-litre V12 unit featured in the new Dawn.

According to the carmaker, the demand for the current Phantom is so high that orders have pushed into 2017. The carmaker also stated that all 50 units of the final Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé Zenith Collection cars have been sold.