Blog

All Rancho Mirage Group Dealer Automotive News indiGO Auto Group indiGO Auto Group News BMW Ferrari Audi indiGO Auto Group Service Rolls-Royce indiGO Auto Group Events Porsche Volkswagen Bentley Lamborghini Rancho Mirage Group Service Rimac Nevera Aston Martin Bentley Events McLaren Lamborghini - Houston Events Rimac Bugatti Jaguar Land Rover BMW Events Porsche - Rancho Mirage Events
17

Custom Rolls-Royce: You Don’t Just Purchase a Rolls-Royce, You Commission It – Like the Work of Art that it is.

A Rolls-Royce is really a blank canvas that is yours and yours alone. Your vision. Your creation. A Rolls is that car you get to customize. In fact, every Rolls-Royce that leaves the Goodwood plant in the U.K. is unique to its owner and there will never be another one like it on the planet. The Rolls-Royce configurator lets you begin the journey of commissioning your Bespoke Rolls-Royce by designing your car down to the very last detail.  It’s meant to be used as a guide - and you will want to confirm the actual design with your local dealership. Our dealerships, Rolls-Royce North Houston and Rolls-Royce Rancho Mirage put every effort into giving you an amazing purchasing and customization experience. <h3>Because buying and creating a Rolls-Royce should be an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. In fact, you are treating yourself to the automotive experience of a lifetime. We will also guide you through the Rolls-Royce Coachbuilding program as needed. This allows buyers to work with designers to create a whole new car body and specialized functions and details. If you like to operate at the highest levels this program designed just for you. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer of the 116-year-old luxury brand, has announced Rolls-Royce Coachbuild, a program that will allow its most elite customers to commission a car of their own. “We have seen quite a lot of clients approaching us asking if they could do something (unique),” the Germany-born executive said during a video call earlier this year. “It is not (Rolls-Royce) proposing ideas, and then the client buys them. Coachbuild in its truest form is the client comes, tells us what kind of body he would like to see, and we do it. That is what is happening here.” When it comes to creating the Rolls-Royce of your dreams, you start by simply choosing the model that you want, anything from the Dawn to the Ghost. Then it’s all about customizing your vehicle to your preferences. You might start by choosing a bold two tone exterior paint color that will serve as the color scheme for the entire project. Inside there’s endless options that can be matched to your specific palette to make this the most visual and comfortable driving experience of your life – for you and your passengers. You get to choose not only colors but features such as privacy curtains, type of leather, seating layout, a theater system, embossments and many other bespoke items. <h3>The sales team at both of our Rolls-Royce stores will take its time helping you every second of the process so it’s an enjoyable and streamlined process. According to Top Gear, almost every Rolls-Royce purchased in 2020 was specially tailored in some way by the bespoke team. That team of engineers, designers and craftspeople that personalize newly purchased Rolls-Royces are known as the ‘Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective’. Some examples of custom Rolls-Royce that have been built: The Dawn Silver Bullet now offered an ultra-metallic Brewster Silver Paint, as well as an aero cowling to turn it into a two-seat droptop – in only 50 models. The Dusk in Tokyo collection was available for the Phantom, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan and included white exterior paint, black leather interiors as well as rose gold accents. One Phantom was created in partnership with Swiss materials specialist Nature Squared and included over 3,000 sustainably sourced iridescent tail feathers for the interior. One commission took its cues from the solar system and featured bonnet artwork that was an airbrushing of the Middle East as seen from space. In fact, the skies the limit when it comes to Rolls-Royce. Because what is the point of purchasing a Rolls-Royce if you're not going to create a luxurious automobile that reflects your personal taste and preferences? Interested in building your own Roll-Rolls? Contact our dealerships: Rolls-Royce North Houston Rolls-Royce Rancho Mirage

2022-rolls-royce-ghost-black-badge-101-1635439026

Creature of the Night: The 2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost

The 2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost will Ignite Your Sense of Mystery and Drama with its Almost Supernatural Levels of Luxury and Performance. Rolls-Royce calls the 2022 Black Badge Ghost a darker and more menacing version of the original Ghost. In other words, it’s one of the most luxurious cars in the world made even more extra by some considerable upgrades layered into its design. And it's a Rolls-Royce that conveys an almost supernatural attitude of nocturnal mystery and drama. The British automaker recently unveiled the second generation Black Badge Ghost in Miami, where the nightlife is a universe unto itself. The new edition Black Badge Ghost is rife with carefully selected design elements and some enviable engineering upgrades. Rolls-Royce first introduced the Black Badge treatment to its already uber-luxurious fleet in 2016. The idea was to attract a younger customer base – and it worked, according to Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. He told the Robb Report that the average age of the brand’s customer base has gone from 57 to 43. He also notes that Black Badge models account for nearly a third of Rolls’ overall sales. Now Black Badge has been applied to the Ghost, which was the Robb Report’s Luxury Car of the Year for 2021. And the 2022 model is offering an even more spirited ride, according to the media outlet. It’s built upon the Ghost’s same aluminum spaceframe platform. Starting $395,000, the 2022 Black Badge Ghost also shares the original Ghost’s 6.75-liter twin-turbo V-12. But it delivers a more amazing 591 horsepower and 664 ft lbs of torque and will get you from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. (More on performance later). So what, exactly, make the Black Badge Ghost different than a mere Ghost? Let’s take a look! Aspecial Coating The Spirit of Ecstasy and grille are coated with a special chrome electrolyte and then hand polished to create an exquisite black chrome finish. They even match the Black Badge-only 21-inch wheels made with up to 44 layers of carbon fiber for maximum strength. The wheels have a 3D-forged aluminum hub as well as aerospace-grade titanium fasteners. To top it off, the wheel finish is a lightly tinted lacquer meant to protect the the carbon fiber. Finishes Galore Bolivar wood comprises the interior trim. Special air vent surrounds are darkened through something called physical vapor deposition. Among the new instruments, the timepiece on the dashboard is minimalist and sleek and has been modified to have a “post opulent” (aka streamlined) look thanks, in part, to a tidy chrome finish. Elsewhere in the cabin there’s carbon fiber-like pattern called “technical fiber.”  The Black Badge infinity logo is beautifully displayed via 152 individual LED lights. The Exterior Paint Color The 2022 Black Badge Ghost exterior paint color is what Rolls calls the darkest black now available on any car in the world. An impressive 100 pounds of paint were used to cover each and every Black Badge Ghost before two layers of clear coat were applied to each car. Finally, the exterior is hand polished by a team of four experts to create an incredibly gloss finish. Don’t like super-dark black? This is a Rolls, after all, and you can choose from some 44,000 paint colors. It’s More Powerful The car’s power output jumps from 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque in the regular Ghost to 591 hp and 664 lb-ft in the Black Badge Ghost. Performance is further boosted by the Black Badge’s exclusive "Low" mode, a setting that produces full torque at only 1,700 rpm and cuts shift time by half when the pedal is at least 90 percent deployed. Additionally, this Ghost’s eight-speed automatic transmission is supported by satellite to allow for better shifting based on the road conditions. It’s Post Opulent The Black Badge Ghost sports a posh yet uncluttered aesthetic—a fairly new look dubbed “post opulent” by the automaker. The streamlined look is defined inside by obsidian-like Bolivar wood paired with composite veneers and shaded brightwork. Outside, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and striking Pantheon Grille, both blackened with a chrome electrolyte, are complemented by formidable 21-inch wheels, each comprised of 22 layers of carbon fiber. “Black Badge Ghost lives after dark, igniting the rebel within. Powerful, agile, and fearless, it is the most potent manifestation of Rolls-Royce yet — a drive defined by unrelenting force and finesse,” according to Rolls-Royce. It also has a more engaging gear ratios, all-wheel drive, and all-wheel steer offer the most responsive and dynamic drive the marque has ever achieved — with the smoothest Magic Carpet Ride sensation imaginable, according to Rolls. If you’ve been meaning to enhance your already rebellious aura and add in a bit of mystery – without sacrificing performance and style, the Black Badge Ghost may be just what you need in 2022.

Top Selling Audi in the US

What are the Top-Selling Audis in the U.S. and Why?

Audi is one of the top luxury car makers in the world, known for innovative design, smooth handling and speed. They are known for employing diesel technology, aluminum bodies, Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) and other innovations that are at the forefront of the auto industry. And because of its insistence on state-of-the-art technology for all of its vehicles, Audi has enjoyed a rapidly expanding U.S. market in recent years. Moreover, Audi has also seen some success on the racetrack and currently holds seven world records! Audi, which has sold autos in the United states since 1970, says it is now focusing on investing more into the development of luxury electric cars. So let’s take a look at some of top-selling Audi models in the U.S. in recent years. Audi Q5 The Audi Q5 SUV made the top-selling Audi list for a reason. It has a sporty and streamlined exterior and a state-of-the-art 3.0l TDI 2967cc engine. It drives like a dream, makes it a favorite of serious car lovers. The adventure-ready overall design makes it great for the outdoors but its sleek, tapered profile makes it perfect for a night on the town. If you want style and technology along with rugged utility you may fall hard for the Q5. Other things to love about this SUV: You can choose from regular and plug-in hybrid powertrains and the chassis delivers a quiet interior and refined ride. There’s also a bounty of tech – including a large infotainment display, optional digital gauge display, and a suite of available driver-assistance features. The plug-in hybrid model sports updated exterior styling and unique 19- or 20-inch wheels – along with a slight horsepower boost to 362-hp. Not only was it the No. 1 car among luxury compact SUVs when it was introduced in 2013, its sales have remained strong since thanks to its smooth handling and seating for five. It also has tri-zone climate controls, and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Audi A3 This is a compact car first produced by Audi starting 1996. The third generation A3 uses the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. The current model has a more aggressive design in terms of exterior lines and interior tech, making it a sedan for the advanced age. Slightly longer, wider, and taller, the new A3 offers more headroom and boasts a modern style that includes a single-frame grille finished in titanium black. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers 228 hp and can take you from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. That kind of power, combined with all-wheel drive and a host of driver-assistance features, makes the A3 a desirable choice for those who value substance and sex appeal. Inside, a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment is oriented toward the driver along with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be upgraded to 12.3 inches to house the full Audi Virtual Cockpit software suite – allowing you to display Google Maps so that it covers the entire screen for easy navigation. The A3 lineup has grown over the years and now has A3, A3 Sportback, A3 Saloon, A3 Cabriolet, S3, S3 Sportback, S3 Saloon and S3 Cabriolet. Audi A6 Not only is the Audi A6 incredibly easy to handle and smooth to drive, it boasts beautifully executed exterior and interior style. The Audi A6 stands out for 2021 with a long list of innovative features, including integrated Google Map satellite imaging, twin digital displays and a camera system that allows you to view the vehicle from just about every angle. You also enjoy a plethora of safety and driver-assistance systems along with standard all-wheel drive – or Quattro – that makes the A6 especially alluring to those who live in colder weather part of the year. A full roster of safety and driver-assistance systems are also on hand. The A6's two powertrains—a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6—give you the power you want for in-town and country highways. Both powertrains use hybrid technology and seven-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are both standard. The V-6 delivers makes for some exciting highway driving, delivering plenty of thrust. Audi R8 V10 The Audi R8 is a supercar with a mid-mounted V10 engine and design, a mid-engine, two-seater sports car that uses the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system based on Lamborghini Huracan platform. As Audi’s top-tier model, the R8 contains a roaring 602-hp V-10 engine that sits behind its two-seat cabin. This may well be the super car you’ve been seeking in that you can drive it daily no problem and it has all the refinement you’d expect of an Audi. The streamlined interior contains top-notch infotainment functions which you can access through the digital gauge cluster. And it’s super fun to drive. Audi Q7 Now, we can't conclude our top-selling Audi list without including the Q7. The Audi Q7 is one of the most luxurious SUVs in the market. The Q7 seamlessly blends the sleek exterior and interior design with a smooth-as-butter off-roading experience. The Q7 is both family friendly and high tech and always fun to drive. The 2021 Q7 comes with a roomy three rows of seats and allows you to choose from two turbocharged engines—a 248-hp four-cylinder or a 335-hp V-6—both of which offer an exciting drive whether you’re dropping off at school or hitting the road for a long weekend. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard while sportier models offer an optional four-wheel steering system and an adaptive air suspension to deliver even more agile handling on or off road. Other standard features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Premium model's Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree exterior camera system. Prestige models now come with leather-wrapped armrests and center consoles have heated rear seats as standard. You can choose from turbo-four "45" powertrain and the turbocharged V-6 "55" option. Bumping up from the base Premium to the Premium Plus adds a surround sound stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated door sill inlays. You and your passengers will love every mile you travel in this adventurous, exciting-to-drive SUV. Check out our latest Audi inventory!

Land Rover James Bond

The new James Bond film, No Time to Die, is filled with Land Rovers!

As if we need further proof they are badass, the new James Bond Film - actor Daniel Craig's last time as 007 - is spilling over with Land Rover vehicles. You’ll see plenty of new and classic Land Rovers in No Time to Die, which hit theaters this last week. And the movie has even inspired a new special edition Land Rover: The Defender V8 Bond Edition. The new special edition Defender was even tested by the James Bond stunt team who pushed it to its very limits. This vehicle sets new standards for toughness and capability. Just 300 of the Defender V8 Bond Editions will be made. They were inspired by the film itself and are very very cool. Commissioned by the SV Bespoke, the Defender V8 Bond Edition’s interior is chock full of all sorts of special features, from  laser etching to detailing that shows it is One of only 300 made. Here’s a look at a few of those special features of the Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition: A START-UP MESSAGE. You can activate the Pivi Pro infotainment to unleash a 007-inspired start-up message. PROJECTED LOGO. Unlock the Defender V8 Bond Edition and the actual 007 logo is projected onto the ground from an amazing puddle lamp. 22-INCH WHEELS. It has Gloss Black 22-inch Luna wheels and Xenon Blue front brake calipers. 007 TREADPLATES. Unique Defender 007 treadplates featuring the unmistakable 007 logo set the tone for an interior with a perfect blend of capability and composure. 007 TAILGATE BADGE. The Defender 007 badge on the tailgate marks it as a Defender V8 Bond Edition. It’s the perfect vehicle for this James Bond movie. That’s because in No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in tropical Jamaica. However, that peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. His mission? To rescue a kidnapped scientist turns. But it turns out to be far more treacherous than expected. Bond ends up on the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Here’s comes the Land Rovers. In the Bond film Land Rovers are driven by the bad guys. The Land Rover Defender family is perfect for the job. It expertly blends durability, capability and design. There’s a Defender for everyone, including bad guys. The Defender represents more than 70 years of innovation and improvement, honoring the vehicle’s history for rugged solidity while thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century. So overall, what’s new about the Land Rover Defender and why is it Bond-film worthy? • The Defender offers the ultimate expressions of power, capability and design. Now with three new additions to the range. • The Defender offers stunning performance, unsurpassed luxury and cutting-edge technology. • Its Special Vehicle Operations showcases the very best of Land Rover with a range of exclusive SV-badged halo models and uniquely engineered projects. • As the benchmark in vehicle personalization, Special Vehicle Operations is also home to a suite of exceptional commissioning services, including SV Bespoke and SV Premium Palette for the ultimate in tailored vehicle finishes and handcrafted details. While the Land Rover Defender launched last year, the 25th James Bond movie is hitting the big screen NOW and early reviews reveal that it has the best stunts and car chase sequences yet. It has an all-black makeover outside, bright blue brake calipers and that very special 007 badging and 22in black alloy wheels. In the film multiple Defenders, driven by the bad guys, chase Bond and mostly end up mangled. Ouch. There’s one scene where a car flips over Bond after hitting a fallen tree. Guess who survives? Bond Stunt Coordinator Lee Morrison is the man responsible for all the stunts from the past five Bond movies. He told the media there ten Defenders used in the new film. He says that to protect the drivers, the new Defenders were fitted with a roll cage and racing seats. They also had  five-point harnesses as well as under-body protection, motorsport fuel cells and a fire-extinguisher system. Check out our latest Land Rover inventory!

Aston Martin James Bond 007

No Argument: Aston Martin is THE ultimate Bond Car.

Aston Martin cars have been featured in almost half of all James Bond movies, and the new 007 film, No Time to Die, is now included on that list. No Time to Die actually features four legendary Aston Martins, including two from James Bond’s past - the DB5 and the V8 Saloon. And it also features the 2021 Aston Martin concept car, the DBS Superleggera as well as the hybrid Valhalla. Let’s take a look at these already iconic Aston Martin Bond cars. Aston Martin DB5: This is where it all began. This Aston Martin starred in Goldfinger, one of the greatest James Bond movies of all time. Since its first appearance in that second Bond film in 1965, it’s also appeared in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, and Spectre.  It's a luxury grand tourer designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Released in 1963, it was an evolution of the final series of DB4. Aston Martin V8 Saloon: 5: This was Great Britain’s first true supercar. The Aston Martin V8 Saloon was already a decade old when it first appeared in the 1987 Bond film The Living Daylight. Like all other Aston Martins, it was built by hand which each V8 Saloon requiring entirely 1,200 man-hours to complete. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: The DBS is driven by the strong, even historic, female character Nomi in No Time to Die. It boasts 715 horsepower and a searing top speed of 211 mph. Great on those twists and turns. Aston Martin Valhalla: This is a mid-engine hypercar has not yet been released, but you can see it in No Time to Die. Aston Martin calls it a "sensational hybrid supercar that will define the mastery of driving." It looks like a work of art, combines intense performance with pinpoint dynamics for unprecedented driver involvement and driving experience. In fact it's built with chassis, and aerodynamic and electronics expertise forged in Formula One along with a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain technology. Let's stay on the Valhalla...it's too cool to brush over. The Valhalla is an important car that spectacularly heralds in a new era for Aston Martin. With a mid-engined 937-horsepower gasoline/battery electric powertrain, new carbon fibre structure and aerodynamics inspired by the pioneering philosophy first seen in the revolutionary Aston Martin Valkyrie, Valhalla will bring the perfect balance of hypercar performance and advanced powertrain, driving dynamics and uniquely sophisticated design materials to truly redefine the supercar sector. The new PHEV powertrain has three motors, including a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It's the most responsive, advanced and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin. Along with the new V8 engine there's a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system under the hood. It provides an additional 201 horsepower. If you choose to drive in EV mode the battery power is directed to the front axle. In other driving modes battery power is divided between front and rear axles. And in some situations, a hundred percent of battery power can be sent to the rear axle. Like we said, almost half of the 25 Bond films so far have featured an Aston Martin. Here's a complete list. That makes Aston Martin the ultimate Bond car because nobody has beat its record. Bentley was, of course, the first car driven by James Bond in the novels. But author Ian Fleming introduced the Aston Martin DB3 in Goldfinger following a suggestion from a Bond fan. And thus history was made. Bond and Aston Martin have been connected in audiences minds ever since. It's even bigger than Bond. Today, the DB5 is considered by many the most famous movie car of all time. And you can expect to see Bond’s silver Aston Martin DB5 back in fine form in No Time To Die. Because of the actual DB5 car’s high cost, the production team used replica DB5s for the film. To keep everyone safe it featured DB5 bodywork covering a bespoke chassis with a full roll cage and harnesses for safety. Better safe than sorry! Don't forget to check out our latest Aston Martin inventory.

Land Rover Discovery Sport Features

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is One of the Best Family-Friendly SUVs in Existence

The Reviews are in: The Land Rover Discovery Sport is making headlines as one of the best luxury SUVs on the market. Exceptional rear cargo space, a high-tech interior rearview mirror that allows an unobstructed view, regardless of who or what’s behind you and a water- and shock-proof Activity key that lets you lock, unlock and start your vehicle are just some of the features that are grabbing headlines and attracting buyers for the Discovery Sport. There’s also the distinctive wraparound LED headlights that provide greater visibility when you need it most, as well as a presence that’s impossible to ignore. Car and Driver raves: “Few rivals offer the kind of go-anywhere abilities as the 2022 Discovery Sport, which lives up to the Land Rover name with standard all-wheel drive, water-fording capability, and plentiful off-road tech features.” US News and World Report gushed: “The 2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport has few rivals in the luxury compact SUV class when it comes to off-roading.” All models now include heated front seats, a power-operated rear liftgate, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. But we thought we’d take an even closer look at the two trim levels that are available and see exactly what each one offers. The Discovery Sport S Starting at $42,375 the Discovery Sport S includes the following: • LED Headlights • Heated, Electronic, Power-fold Door Mirrors with Approach Lights and Auto-dimming Driver Side • Powered Tailgate • 18" Style 5075, 5 Split-spoke Wheels in Gloss Silver Finish • Leather Steering Wheel • Two-zone Climate Control with second-row vents • 12-way Heated, Electronic Front Seats with 2-way Manual Headrests • Ebony Grained Leather Seats • Pivi Pro Infotainment System16 • Online Pack with Data Plan • Wireless Device Charging with Phone Signal Booster • DRIVER ASSISTANCE1 • Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter • Keyless Entry • Zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds • 246 horsepower engine that can reach a top speed of 137 mph The Discovery Sport SE Starting at $45,825 the Discovery Sport SE includes the following: • Premium LED Headlights with Signature DRL • Auto High Beam Assist • 20" Style 5076, 5 split spoke, Gloss Silver finish • Interactive Driver Display10 • 12-way Heated, Electronic Driver Memory Front Seats with Manual Headrests • Blind Spot Assist • Zero to 60 in 7.3 second • 246 horsepower engine that can reach a top speed of 137 mph To sum it all up: The 2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport in either trim level is a luxury SUV that can take you anywhere – and we mean anywhere – you want to go (except maybe the moon). It has standard all-wheel drive, rugged water crossing capability and tons of tech to help you navigate all sorts of terrain. No matter where you are headed - to the laundromat or to a cabin in the snow - you can get there with confidence (and plenty of style). Four driving modes are part of what make this possible. Terrain Response 2 monitors the driving conditions and systematically selects the most suitable drive mode for you. If you hit a slippery surface, for instance, the torque can be balanced between the front and rear wheels to maximize traction. Wading through water is no problem. Wade Sensing can help you tackle water crossings - because the Discovery Sport will alert you should the vehicle approach its maximum wading depth. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain that produces 246 horsepower engine. Want to buy a Land Rover Discovery Sport? Custom order your own at any of our Land Rover dealerships: Land Rover Rancho Mirage Land Rover Riverside Check out our latest Land Rover Inventory

Bentley Continental GTC V8 for Sale

How Extremely Cool is the Bentley Continental GTC V8?

Elegant flowing bodywork, an ultra-luxe interior and an equally stylish roof that looks great open or closed, the Bentley Continental GTC V8 will take your breath away with its beauty and power. The Bentley Continental GTC V8 Convertible has all of the style and performance of the Bentley GT coupe but with the added element of fun that a convertible brings. Fold down the roof to experience the cool fresh clean air as you head up that sunset coast. This grand-touring convertible carries up to four people and comes with a more-than-adequate trunk so you can  all spend the night. With the Bentley Continental GTC V8 there's no doubt you'll enjoy every wind-in-your-hair moment behind the wheel. But it's also chock full of lavish amenities and infotainment technology. When up, the roof merges seamlessly with the flowing lines of the body to form a silhouette inspired by the natural landscape. Once the roof is down it disappears compactly so that a single design line emerges from the side panels. So let’s take a look at some of the other features that make the Bentley GTS V8 the perfect car for that sunset drive. It’s Grand The Bentley Continental GTS V8 is the stuff dreams are made of. Grand dreams. Because GT stands for Grand Tourer, which means it’s roomy and you and your passengers are riding in style. Think sumptuous leather, beautiful wood and rich metal trim plus plenty of high tech comforts. It's beauty, luxury and power blended into one rolling work of art. And it offers a heart-pumping open-air driving experience with exceptional handling that makes every moment on the road exciting and unforgettable. The Engine A lively V8 engine powers the Continental GTC V8 and you can hear and feel that rumble as you accelerate, making the driving experience that much more emotional. The powertrain is positioned low down toward the rear of the engine bay in order to drop the center of gravity while optimizing weight distribution and enhancing. The Active All-Wheel Drive system allows you to harness its power for maximum enjoyment. By optimizing power distribution across both axles whenever and wherever it’s needed, you’re guaranteed exhilarating levels of acceleration, whatever the road conditions. And it’s tuned to perfection. You can get from zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds and reach a searing top speed of 190 mph. This Bentley's a Sexy Beast The exterior is a work of art thanks to a sculpted flowing body, long bonnet and short front overhang that create the ideal grand tourer proportions. Sweeping powerful lines steer the eye toward the muscular rear haunch and down to the wheel base below. Bold forged 22” Speed wheels and the Dark Tint Grille add to the drama. It’s sure to turn heads. It’s All About Luxury Inside the cabin, only the finest materials are present to create a luxurious, comfortable and spacious environment for you and your passengers. There’s flowing natural wood, available in a single veneer or dual veneer by Mulliner, which seems to reflect the symmetry of the Bentley ‘Wings’ as it radiates out from the central fascia. You can also opt for a contemporary technical finish. That Cool Rotating Display The Bentley Rotating Display is straight out of 007 - innovative and breathtaking at the same time. When the engine roars to life, a veneered section of the fascia rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch high-res touchscreen. The touchscreen can be customized to show only the information you want to see. The display can then rotate once more to show only the three analogue dials that feature polished chrome bezels – a stylish nod to Bentley’s heritage and classic design. Want to get a hold of your own Bentley Continental GTC V8? Check out our Bentley inventory for sale or visit our Bentley Rancho Mirage dealership.

2

BMW's Innovative Gesture Control Technology Sets the Industry Standard

Can We Say Magic Behind the Wheel? BMW Sets the Industry Standard with its Gesture Control Technology When it comes to high-tech, hand’s free commands inside luxury cars, BMW has been leading the pack for some years.  Need to turn down the music? Answer a call? Turn up the heat? Simply point your finger or wave your hand and BMW Gesture Control has you covered. Just like magic. In fact, the BMW Gesture Control feature is all about helping drivers become less distracted while enjoying a safer drive.  That’s because with gesture control when decisions need to be made on the spur of the moment simple hand gestures perform various actions in your BMW without you needing to take your eyes off the road. No need to become distracted operating dials and buttons. It’s an innovative technology designed to make both driver and passenger feel safe. Here is a sampling of the Gesture Control Hand Gestures from BMW: Accept a Call – Point to the BMW iDrive Touchscreen Reject a Call – Swipe Your Hand to the Right Turn the Volume Up – Circle Your Finger Clockwise Turn the Volume Down – Circle Your Finger Counter-Clockwise Change Rearview Camera Angle –Create a Circle with Your Thumb and Forefinger Select Navigation/Custom Setting – Point to the Touchscreen with Two Fingers Not so long ago you might have looked a bit odd driving and randomly waving and gesturing inside your car. But other drivers – especially those who know BMW – now are becoming accustomed to this increasingly familiar site.  We are slowly but surely getting used to people interacting with their iDrive system on the road. BMW's gesture control allows drivers to control certain iDrive functions using hand gestures that are captured by a 3D camera. By gesturing – or making simply moves with your hand – the driver can decline a phone call, turn down the music, input navigation destinations or even change the angle in the 360 degree view of the vehicle. BMW gesture control technology allows you to safely interact with the iDrive system while remaining focused and free of stress. Plus it’s fun! Gesture Control centers on 3D technology. You will find the BMW gesture control sensors in the roof lining of the car adjacent to the rear view mirror. According to the Bimmer-tech website the sensors translate a set of pre-defined hand gestures made in front of the center console, just above the gearshift lever. For the system to work properly, the driver should gesticulate close to the screen, according to the website. The full BMW gesture control list of commands also includes: Changing the 360-degree Rear View Camera angle: Pinch and drag to the left/right Skip back: Move extended thumbs to the left Skip forward: Move extended thumbs to the right 2 Configurable Gestures: Extend index and middle fingers, or extend 5 fingers, form a fist and extend 5 fingers again Need a visual? Check out this video and learn how to perform some of the hand gestures. The Gesture Control feature premiered six years ago with the advent of the G11/G12 7 Series BMW, which came with an NBT Evo ID6 iDrive. These days gesture control can be found in just about  every BMW with Operating System 7.0, which supports the newest MGU head unit. The list of G-Series BMWs with an Operating System 7.0 (MGU iDrive) includes: BMW 3 Series (G20) BMW 4 Series (G22) BMW 5 Series (G30) BMW 6 Series (G32) BMW 7 Series (G11) BMW 8 Series (G15) BMW X3 (G01) BMW X4 (G02) BMW X5 (G05) BMW X6 (G06) BMW X7 (G07) BMW Z4 (G29) Is Gesture Control standard? Not always. Sometimes it’s standard and sometimes it can be retrofitted. Gesture Control Parking inside the BMW i3, for instance, recognizes gestures and drives into and out of a parking space fully automatically. Whether a BMW has it or can have it depends on whether your BMW is equipped with a camera in the roof function center or not, according to Bimmertech. So, spin your fingers in a circle and you’ll turn up the volume on your favorite tunes; point down to accept a phone call from the spouse or swipe away to reject it. Simply pointing fingers at the screen will bring up whatever function you’ve  programmed for it, whether it’s switching menu screens or changing the FM radio station. It’s all about the magic of hands-free controls. And for BMW the future is now. To discover if Gesture Control  is included in your BMW (or the BMW of your dreams). Check out our BMW inventory today!

Audi SQ8 for Sale

Audi SQ8: The Power Within

The Audi SQ8 Strikes the Ultimate Balance between SUV functionality, exceptional design, and unbridled S model performance. The Audi SQ8 Strikes the Ultimate Balance between SUV functionality, exceptional design, and unbridled S model performance. The Audi SQ8 is a force to be reckoned with. Starting at $90,000, this sport-inspired performance SUV is a classic in the making. From the S model front bumper and Singleframe grille to the overall muscular yet tailored lines, the Audi SQ8 is ready to take on the road. This performance delivers sporty optics and outrageous straight-line performance without compromising comfort or every-day usability. In fact, the high performance SQ8 model gets several updates for the 2022 model year: -The standard Premium Plus trim level now gets standard driver assistance features, which include Adaptive Cruise Assist with Traffic jam assist and Audi active lane assist with Emergency assist. -There are new Carbon vector inlays as standard equipment, as well as a direct tire pressure monitoring system. -A newly available Executive package includes heated rear seats with sunshades for the rear windows, ventilated front seats with leather package including the armrests, HD matrix-design LED headlights, and also a Contour/Ambient LED lighting plus multicolor package. -There’s a standalone option for painted red brake calipers now available for 2022. This also remains an element of the available S Sport package. -A new SQ8 Carbon optic package includes Carbon mirror housings, door inlays and rear diffuser trim, as well as 22-inch graphite gray wheels and black exterior accents, roof rails and Singleframe grille. Overall, you can expect the best performance-enhancing features from Audi on all SQ8s. If you upgrade to the Prestige trim you will enjoy a number of new driver-assistance and luxury features. They include everything from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to a head-up display and upgraded LED exterior lighting elements, among other items. The SQ8's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 provides 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. And it’s quick. Car and Driver reported that it got from zero to 60 in just 3.6 seconds while “agile handling and an athletic demeanor, but when switched into comfort mode it exhibits a family-friendly ride quality, making it a true dual-purpose vehicle. The EPA reports that the Audi SQ8 gets 15 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. And it’s stylish! Black accents in the cabin and diamond-stitched seats as well as carbon-fiber trim and contrast stitching were called out in Car and Driver as worth checking out for 2022. There’s seating for five with a roomy back seat and large cargo area, the publication noted in a glowing review. Please note: Every SQ8 comes with a dual-touchscreen infotainment system and a Virtual Cockpit gauge display that can be reconfigured. The cabin is almost all digital and your tech-conscious side will love the state-of-the-art driving experience. (Note: A Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard). So now that we’ve piqued your interest why not come in and drive an SQ8 today!

Luxury Car Boom

The Luxury Car Boom

The Luxury Car Business is Booming! Sales of Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini and Other Luxury Car Brands are Soaring in Post Pandemic Times. The luxury car boom. It’s been called the post-pandemic “roaring ‘20s” and people are out of quarantine and ready for fun. So much fun, in fact, that sales of luxury cars are booming like never before. Exotic cars are at the top of the must-have list for buyers who have spent months indoors with little to do but fantasize about hitting the open road in a beautiful and powerful automobile. Exotic cars such as Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini are filling their books with orders as the wave continues to rise. In fact, the global rebound is causing just about all luxury automakers' sales to soar as customers are putting in orders at unforeseen levels. That’s because the world’s wealthiest consumers cut back on purchases at the same rate as normal wage earners, which led to a huge drop in sales for high-end luxury vehicles during the height of the pandemic. Now that we are free to roam, travel and go shopping (at least for now) sales have taken off and are expected to keep rising. According to Forbes magazine, a sampling of numbers of the luxury car book looked like this: Annual sales of Lamborghini surpassed 2019 numbers to reach a record 7,430 vehicles. This was caused, in part, by the Italian automaker’s first-ever Urus SUV which starts at about $220,000. While Ferrari sales fell by ten percent to 9,119 in 2020 due to factory closures, the company says orders have now reached record levels thanks to the popular $507,000 SF90 Stradale and new $222,000 Roma. Aston Martin recovered from a lackluster position last year thanks to sales of its first-ever SUV, the DBX. At the tippy top of the ultra-high price end of the exotic brand spectrum, the launch of the 19-foot long Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, a an ultra-luxury auto with a price tag starting at $28 million, is sure to drive some sales for the venerable British automaker. (Though only a very few models are being built). “Coachbuilding is back at the British brand,” Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos  said in a statement. “Only the House of RollsRoyce can offer its Coachbuild clients the inimitable opportunity to commission a product of future historical significance, that is as fundamentally unique as they are – and then participate in every detail of its creation.” He also added that “there is some pent-up demand out there and quite some money around to be spent.” Thusly, Rolls-Royce recorded its best-ever quarter in early 2021 driven by sales of the New Ghost coupe and Cullinan SUV. Production for 2021 is already fully booked. According to various luxury automakers, both Europe and the U.S. are predicted to have increasing sales expansion for the coming years - but it is in Asia and China in particular - where the largest growth can be found. In fact, the Japan Times has reported that the global rebound from the pandemic is pushing all carmakers' sales to unheard of heights. Felipe Munoz of market research firm Jato Dynamics told Japan Times that for the wealthy "most of the problem was that they couldn't get out of their houses” – so they "postponed their purchases." In fact, the turnaround was already starting to happen in the last quarter of 2020. In Britain, for instance, Bentley laid off thousands of workers as the pandemic began and then recorded  record sales of 11,000 units driven by the Bentayga SUV. A recent Bloomberg report even says there’s a postwar style boom for luxury automakers. As such, luxury vehicle sales are projected to keep growing rapidly through 2024. According to Mordor Intelligence: “A significant growth of tangible luxury offerings in vehicles (worldwide is) shifting consumer preferences from sedans to SUVs, and increasing disposable incomes of consumers have been propelling the demand for luxury cars.” So why is this luxury car boom happening? Automakers say that their customers report that they simply had more time to think about the future and where they wanted to put their money. And they simply wanted to spend more time out and about in a car they love. In other words: Why not? Check out our latest luxury cars for sale.

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail: Good Enough for Beyonce

A Few Reasons the Superstar Simply Had to Have the New $28 Million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Rolls-Royce has unveiled its most expensive car ever: The $28 million Boat Tail. And it’s not just a mode of transport but rather a destination, according to the venerable British automaker. Built by the newly revived "Coachbuilding" division of Rolls-Royce, the Boat Tail comprises a mix of design inspirations, including the classic 1932 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail model as well as the  J-Class yachts (hence, the boat part).  The original Boat Tail was an important model in the company’s history given the fact that it was created in 1932 at the very dawning of the auto industry. Not only does the new car honor the first Boat Tail model, but the customization options for the new version are in and of themselves legendary. Coachbuilding itself is considered a part of Rolls-Royce/automotive history. At its height it was a practice that allowed buyers to customize their automobile to their own whims. Coachbuilding, which involved months - or even years - of work on a particular automobile, all but disappeared after World War II and was only revived in 2018 so that Rolls could serve a very special class of customer. So much detail goes into every new Boat Tail that we don’t have room to outline all of it here. But suffice it to say that the car’s body is spectacular – and that’s just for starters. It appears to be a singular clear,  glass-like surface with zero breaks, almost like a liquid surface. The sailing boat theme emerges at the rear of the car where, with the press of a button, a deck opens in a “theatrically sweeping butterfly form” to reveal an intricate hosting suite complete with a bespoke champagne chest, two bottles of Armand de Brignac vintage cuvée, caviar and blinis. Finally, cocktail tables open on either side of the deck providing access to a pair of picnic stools. Here are seven random facts about the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail that you might not know: 1. Jay-Z and Beyonce bought one. A recent report in the British newspaper the Telegraph indicates that the power couple bought a bespoke Boat Tail with “detailing to match their favorite things.” Those details are currently unknown but the couple is known to like a good picnic and the Boat Tail comes with that rear deck that dramatically opens with butterfly-like wings to reveal bar stools and a cocktail table. That particular Boat Tail is said to include a refrigerator that is set at six degrees Centigrade- the same temperature required to store a bottle of Armand de Brignac - Jay-Z and Beyonce’s favorite beverage. 2. The Boat Tail is painted in oceanic blue color in honor of the J-Class racing yachts that partly inspired the design. This particular oceanic blue is especially gorgeous because it is imbued with crystals that highlight the car's look via changing lights. Additionally, the grille is flanked by curved slim LED browlines accompanied by round LED headlights beneath. 3. The interior is like a jewel box. Literally. The dashboard was designed by the ultra high-end Swiss luxury watch brand BOVET 1822, which also created the dashboard dials with the Guilloché technique that is used for jewelry and wristwatch design. The dashboard also includes two reversible timepieces. These clocks took a total of three years to be constructed and can be used in the dashboards, as a conventional clock or as a wristwatch. 4. There’s a pen. Rolls-Royce has also included a special Montblanc pen within a leather-and-aluminum case snuggled in the car's glove box. 5. There’s an umbrella. A Rolls-Royce signature umbrella sits inside the door for handy use in case of a downpour. 6. It’s the ultimate tailgater car. The high-end Hosting Suite makes the Tail Boat “a destination” as the company notes - rather than just a means of travel. The Hosting Suite holds that full set of items for a picnic or other outing under a deck that sweeps up butterfly style with the push of a button. Looking a little closer you’ll notice the suite alone has its own dedicated nine ECUs and special wiring and it includes two high-power refrigerators, drink holders and many other items. 7. If you’re roughing it you don’t even need to bring the butler. There’s cutlery and silverware, soft towels and bottles of top notch champagne that come with the car (chilled to perfection of course). And so you can rest after a full day there’s also two sets of carbon fiber chairs. Ah, the good life! Check out our new Rolls-Royce inventory.

McLaren in California

What is the History of McLaren? - How this Greatness Arose

What is the history of McLaren? The Speedtail is the fastest McLaren ever, capable of a top speed of more than 250 mph. In fact, the Speedtail is the brand's first-ever Hyper-GT and is considered its most aerodynamically efficient car ever. Part of what makes this possible is there is uninterrupted flow of air from nose to tail. It offers heart-pumping performance and all out luxury. And the 2020 McLaren Speedtail is priced accordingly - about $2 million. The exterior is streamlined and stylish and dare we say futuristic. It boasts a hybrid powertrain that produces an incredible 1035 horsepower. However, only 106 of these cars will be produced, all of which have been purchased. Looking at the other fastest McLarens, after the Speedtail you have the F1. It’s an automotive legend that can reach up to 240.1 mph, a record it set back in the 1990s. It was the fastest production car in the world at the time it was produced and is considered one of the greatest cars in history. Then there is the McLaren F1 LM, capable of hitting 225 mph. It’s a track edition of the F1, built to honor the five McLaren F1 GTRs that competed in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race and finished in first, third, fourth, fifth, and thirteenth places overall. And there are even more McLaren super cars that deserve mentioning in another blog. Although McLaren is based in the United Kingdom, its roots go back to Auckland, New Zealand, which is the birthplace of namesake/founder Bruce McLaren. In 1963, the famed racer created Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. He was only 26 years old and had already made his name as the winner of the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) series. Sadly, he died in a crash of one of the company’s prototypes at England’s Goodwood Circuit in 1970. Today, the company that bears his name continues to honor him by creating some of the world’s most innovative autos. Here is a brief timeline from History.com and other sources looking at some of the highlights McLaren’s life and the company that was named after him. 1952. McLaren enters his first speed competition in New Zealand -driving a restored Austin 7 Ulster in a hill climb. He is only 14 years old and his racing career, fostered by his auto mechanic father, starts at the end of a long childhood illness. 1959. McLaren joins his mentor, Grand Prix driver Jack Brabham, on the Cooper racing team. That December, at the age of 22, he became the youngest-ever winner of a Formula One race, capturing the U.S. Grand Prix at Sebring. He is only 22. 1962.He wins the Monaco Grand Prix, thus succeeding Brabham as Cooper’s top driver. 1963. McLaren creates Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. The Formula 1 team will go on to win eight constructors’ world championships and 12 drivers’ world championships while eventually morphing into McLaren Automotive. 1970. The 32-year-old race car driver dies in a crash while testing an experimental car of his own design – the Can-Am - at a track in Goodwood Circuit, in England, on June 2.  Despite McLaren’s death, the McLaren racing team continues to see success in the Cam-Am series, F1 and Indianapolis 500 wins throughout the 1970s. 1981. The McLaren racing team merges with Ron Dennis’ Project 4 Racing team. At the same time, McLaren became the first car company to introduce a complete carbon fiber racing monocoque. Designer John Barnard also introduced the first semi-automatic gearbox. 1992. McLaren Cars, rooted in the racing team that McLaren founded, produces its first road car, the F1. The F1 is regarded as one of the all-time great road cars thanks to its lighter and more streamlined structure – and its BMW S70/2 V12 engine. At the time it is the world’s fastest production car - with a top speed of 240.1 mph. 2003. The SLR McLaren is launched by Mercedes. It’s a grand tourer developed by the German automaker and McLaren together. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 200 mph. 2010. McLaren Cars relaunches as McLaren Automotive. 2011. McLaren GT is launched as the GT racing arm of  McLaren Automotive. The concept is to build and support all McLaren track and GT race activities. The division is currently responsible for the design, development and production of the 720S GT3 and the 570S GT4. The same year McLaren Automotive introduces the 12C, the first road car wholly developed and built by McLaren since the F1. 2013. Production begins on a limited-run hybrid supercar called the P1, which generates a combined 903 hp from its twin-turbo V-8 engine and electric motor and can reach a top speed of 217 mph. 2015. A McLaren F1 sells at auction for $13.75 million, one of the most expensive automobiles ever. According to Car & Driver, McLaren company became great by putting its vast knowledge garnered from years of F1 racing to work. McLaren now builds high-performance road cars that are capable of putting other big name sports cars to shame, according to the magazine. And so far, McLaren is one of the few remaining luxury automakers that hasn't produced an SUV. Instead, the company creates only exotic sports cars and hypercars despite market pressure to do otherwise. Check out our McLaren inventory today.

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields