Rolls-Royce of Bellevue at Pebble Beach

This past week the Rolls-Royce of Bellevue team returned from our customer drive down to Pebble Beach for the internationally acclaimed Monterey Car Week. Being the famed week of automotive events that it is, we were so fortunate to experience some very significant vehicles of both historical importance and increasingly nostalgic nature – as well as some new models, making their debut to the world. It is truly an experience of a lifetime, which we recommend any car enthusiast to witness or partake in at least once – as it is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Our team at Rolls-Royce of Bellevue were so pleased to share this experience with our customers, but to also be able to provide exclusive access and hospitality to some of the best that Monterey Car Week had to offer.

One of which was the unveiling of the highly anticipated Rolls-Royce ‘Dawn’ at the luxurious Rolls-Royce Estate. This was undoubtedly a moment not soon to be forgotten, by both us and our special guests. In the words of Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes “Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other RollsRoyce to date.” It was truly a momentous occasion, and a unique experience.

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  “Dawn is a beautiful new open-top motor car with a name that suggests the fresh opportunities that every new day holds – an awakening, an opening up of one’s senses and a burst of sunshine. It will be the most social of super-luxury motor cars for those beautiful people who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s social hotspots.”

-Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer

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The release of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn will mark the revival of another famous and rare Rolls-Royce name, first used in 1949, but only ever applied to 28 very special drophead bodies between the years 1950 and 1954. The original ‘Silver Dawn’ signified a new beginning for Rolls-Royce at the time, as it was the first Rolls-Royce to be offered with a factory-built body. The Rolls-Royce dropheads that carried the name Dawn continued to be coach-built for individual customers, ensuring their exclusivity.

‘Dawn’ is truly a fantastic expression of the new Rolls-Royce’s character. The magical anticipatory state of the world coming to light from the ethereal dark of the night, the dawn revives and invigorates the driver every morning to the realization that anything is possible.

You can experience the Dawn for yourself quite soon! It will internationally be unveiled to the public this upcoming September in Frankfurt, Germany. Rolls-Royce of Bellevue are now accepting pre-orders and deposits for what will soon prove to be a tremendously popular model – the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

Please inquire by calling us at (425) 455-8098

The Ghost in the Machine – Featuring our 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Picture it! The backdrop is the Pacific Northwest in all its grandeur, framed between the shimmering waters of the Puget Sound and the monumental Olympic Mountains. Elegantly maneuvering like a well-choreographed dance between the streets of Queen Anne and highways of the Seattle Area. In a word, the Rolls-Royce Ghost has ‘spretzzatura’. Coined by the Italian, Baldassare Castiglione, who defines it as ‘a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it”.

In a parked state the 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost is remarkably alive. Its Metropolitan Blue sheen glistens akin to the light that shines through the ocean as it nears the shallows of a sun-kissed shore.  Like a regal lion resting beneath an Acacia tree, the Ghost sits beneath the crisp Pacific Northwest sky – shaded by a weeping willow, comfortable in its power. It’s contained strength, and poise exudes the confidence of not having to prove anything – and knowing that underneath the hood it’s roar awaits, to rumble within the chests of passersby when it so pleases.

Sitting inside the Rolls-Royce Ghost is as much of a treat of comfort as the exterior is an alluring visionary feast. The soft Seashell leather invites a stroke by the hand, seemingly floating as it glides across the smooth hide. Navy blue accents offer a stunning contrast to the Seashell and Caramel Toffee wood grain present throughout the cabin – harkening us back to the exterior color being reminiscent of the shallows nearing the shore, the Seashell interior alludes to the comfort found upon the white sand beach that follows – blazoned by the warmth of the tropical sun.

The interior is tranquil, a contrast from the expertly engineered harnessed chaos that is the nature of the Ghost’s driving power – with its twin-turbo premium unleaded V-12 engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission with OD and 593 horsepower. Any who have experienced a Rolls-Royce drive, whether as a driver, passenger, or happenstance spectator have borne witness to the supernatural presence in its exhilarant strength. This is perhaps the true ‘spirit of ecstasy’ that refuses to go unnoticed, even from the tranquil safety of the Ghost’s backseat row.

It’s an experience that’s explanation bridges the scientific understanding of the Doppler effect to a sort of automotive spiritual awakening within a Rolls-Royce driver. To drive this car is to leisurely maneuver a masterfully harnessed machine of vast encapsulating power – with a sort of ‘effortless grace’, the ‘spretzzatura’. The hauntingly luxurious Rolls-Royce Ghost possesses the driver with the spirit of ecstasy. It is that air of refined confidence, nonchalant power, and grandiosity in not needing to prove anything beyond the first sight of the Ghost that raises the hairs on the back of our mere mortal necks. This is a machine with a soul, which is immortal; it never goes out of style. Truly the brand and design is style incarnate, manifested to rest coolly above the woes of time. The timeless conception of this vehicle’s personality never ceases to impress and is only suitable for those who seek to enliven their senses, heighten their threshold of satisfaction for the Ghost’s overflowing abundance of grandeur, and appreciate the finest tastes life has to offer.

Inquire at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bellevue for availability of the featured Metropolitan Blue 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost (on-special), as well as a variety of other models in our inventory – http://bit.ly/Rolls_Royce_Ghost

Scenic Summertime Drives, Right In Our Backyard

Summertime is driving season in Western Washington. The snow is clear, the roads are dry, and the beautiful mountains, green forests, and breezy coasts of the Pacific Northwest are waiting to be driven. It is perhaps the best time to fuel up your Bentley, Lamborghini, or Rolls-Royce and take advantage of the season to bask in the all encompassing splendor that is…

THE NORTH CASCADE HIGHWAY

The North Cascades Highway is the first National Scenic Highway in the United States. Prepare for sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, wildlife watching opportunities and recreation galore. This mountain scenic drive begins in Sedro Woolley. To get to Sedro Woolley, take Exit 230 off of I-5 and follow WA-20 East, or head North on WA-9. Note that the North Cascades Highway is closed from mid-November to April. Check road conditions before heading out near these dates.

The drive travels alongside the Skagit River passing many farms offering seasonal bounty of apples, berries, pumpkins and honey and some featuring U-Pick experiences. Don’t miss a chance to stock up on fresh, local picnic goodies.

In twenty-four miles, you approach the town of Concrete. Giant concrete silos stating “Welcome to Concrete” will greet you. There is a small parking area if you want to take photos of the iconic signage. From Concrete, you can reach Shannon Lake (W3) and Baker Lake (W2) by following Baker River Road and Baker Lake Road to enjoy fishing, boating and water-skiing.

As you continue east on WA-20 from Concrete, lookout for eagles during winter, as this location is home to the second largest eagle gathering in the United States, the first being Alaska. Learn more about this majestic bird and its habitat during the Skagit Eagle Festival held the entire month of January with activities in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount. The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park (H9) features eagle presentations, viewing stations and boat tours. Howard Miller Steelhead Park offers year-round tent and RV camping, fishing, rafting and hiking trails.

Rockport State Park (H1) is a beautiful, old growth forest that has never been logged. This creates a dense canopy where minimal sunlight reaches the ground and the original ecosystem still remains. Trails explore the forest and offer a chance to observe birds and wildlife. A 4.2-mile roundtrip to the summit of Sauk Mountain rewards with incredible views. The trailhead is just past Rockport State park along the gravel Sauk Mountain Road (FS 1030). Note all Washington State Parks require a day use fee or use your Discover Pass.

At Rockport, the WA-530 joins the WA-20. Our drive continues east on the WA-20. If you were to continue on WA-530 towards Darrington, you would access the Mountain Loop Highway.

As you approach Marblemount, you should note that there are very few gas stations for the next 90 miles, making this a good time to check your gas tank.

Six miles east of Marblemount is the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (H5). This area includes Ross Lake, Gorge Lake, and Diablo Lake (W1). Views of glacier-topped jagged peaks, waterfalls, rivers and lush forest are breathtaking. You will definitely want to take advantage of the many turn outs for photos.

In nine miles you arrive in Newhalem. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center (I2) to learn more about the area through exhibits and video presentation. From here, there are a few trails, including a recommended 200-foot paved trail to an overlook of the Picket Range, a range contained entirely within the North Cascades National Park, and a one mile hike to examine the Skagit River up close. Note the visitor center is closed from Nov. to spring. Check the Forest Service website for road conditions and dates.

Just past the Gorge Dam, stop at the Gorge Creek Falls (H6) which cascade into Gorge Lake. There is a parking area and pedestrian walkway to the overlook.

Moments after this, you will see Diablo and Diablo Lake (W1) popular with swimmers and boaters. Just after the bridge, the Lake Diablo Overlook (V1) is a must stop for incomparable views of the surrounding Cascades, Pickets, Diablo Lake, and more. The incredible emerald green color is caused by the suns reflection on glacier-ground rock dust suspended in the water.

There are many hiking opportunities for all levels. Just after the Overlook, the Happy Creek Forest Walk (H7) is an accessible boardwalk that features informative interpretive panels about the forest.

Twenty-four miles from here is the Rainy Pass Picnic Area (H10), located within the Okanogan National Forest. Take the 1 mile, accessible paved trail to Rainy Lake (W4) to examine local flora and waterfall. Up for more of a challenge? Hike the 7.2 mile Maple Loop Trail (less steep counterclockwise) for outstanding views. Fall delights when golden larches and crimson huckleberry bushes blaze across the mountains. A day use fee is required to park/hike here covered by an America the Beautiful or Pacific Northwest Pass.

In six miles, Washington Pass (H3) is the highest elevation of the drive at 5,477 feet and you will be surrounded by the peaks of the Cascades. Amazingly, this pass once was at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean!

The drive descends steeper than the previous sections and after a hairpin turn, you will be back in a valley of farmland.

In Mazama, consider a great side trip to Harts Pass (T1), the highest driving point in the state of Washington. To get there, turn onto Lost River Road and turn left onto Goat Creek Road. Drive up Goat Creek Road, turn right onto Lost River Road, and join onto Forest Road 5400 until the end. The nearby Slate Peak has incredible panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Our drive continues on WA-20 to Winthrop, known for the whimsical American Old West design of the town buildings. You’ll note that the climate here is remarkably drier and hotter than the first section of the drive. Winthrop is a hub for year-round recreation including horseback-riding, kayaking, rafting, fly-fishing and in winter, prime cross-country skiing. You’ll find ample dining and lodging options, as well as great shopping, making this a perfect weekend destination. Visit the Shafer Museum (M1) to learn about the Cascade Valley’s pioneer and mining history. The museum is comprised of six original buildings from the 1800’s such as the Print Shop, the Castle and General Store. Admission is by donation. Check website as hours are limited.

From Winthrop, you can continue the Cascade Loop by going to Wenatchee. The loop would continue to Stevens Pass Greenway and Whidbey Island.

If you are driving the drive in the opposite direction, WA-9 can lead you to either Mount Baker Highway by heading north or Mountain Loop Highway by heading south. Or for a ferry ride, continue to Horseshoe Highway on Orcas Island or Whidbey Island.

DRIVE DETAILS:

Mileage: 127 miles

Duration: About 3 hours

Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall

Roadways: Washington Highway 20

Forest Pass: Pacific Northwest Forest Pass

Directions? Please click the image below.

Source: MyScenicDrives

The Rolls-Royce Nighthawk: An Angel of Attack – The stealth inspired Phantom Drophead Coupé takes flight for the North American market…

 

February 14^th, 2015

Author: Sean Zabihi

Amidst the festivities surrounding Super Bowl XLIX a vehicle more grandiose and with more roar than Katy Perry’s half-time show Robot Lion, took to the streets of Phoenix for public debut. A motorcar that, at first site, will probably have your face looking much like it did when Butler picked Wilson’s game-winning pass, but in this case the shock is followed by awe. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead (Rolls-Royce lingo for convertible) Coupé Nighthawk is something both the Seahawk’s 12^th Man and Patriot fans would recognize as a championship trophy in its own right.

The limited edition model is a striking contrast to the luxurious and leisurely Phantom. Inspired by the sleek, low profile, but bold designs of modern stealth aircrafts, such as its very namesake – the F-117 Nighthawk – inspirited. However you don’t have to work for Boeing or be a Top Gun fan to appreciate this contemporary take on the classic Rolls-Royce motorcar.

Despite its stealth inspiration, no style features can go unnoticed in the masterfully designed cabin. From the absolutely stunning incandescent orange tipped instrument panel to the windscreen and trimmings made to resemble radar-absorbent material (RAM) used to coat stealth fighters, the cabin is a striking semblance of a cockpit that retains Rolls-Royce’s air of refined power under control of the driver – or perhaps pilot is more fitting.

The Nighthawk is quite a leap from the classic Phantom, being less Lord Grenville and more Lord Vader. However while incorporating the latest design and technology the motor vehicle upholds the opulent trademarks of the brand. LED adaptive headlamps embellish the car’s front with a luminous bar of LED Daytime Running Lamps, providing the car a distinguished appearance after sunrise and sunset alike.

The exterior exhibits a burnished Diamond Black Metallic paint coating and a Matt Diamond Black bonnet – rather becoming of the body’s smooth shape and soft through lines upon the Phantom’s signature ‘boxy’ build and classic Rolls-Royce grille. The iconic wood paneling and creamy ivory coloration of the original model are replaced with lavish lightweight carbon fiber. This expensive material is on display from the dashboard panels to the dials and coach-doors (otherwise known as “suicide-doors”), contrasting beautifully with Hotspur Red and Black full-grain leather flowing from the transmission tunnel to the boot trim.

Of course the Drophead Coupé Nighthawk is not merely a pretty face, under the hood it comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.75 l. V-12 engine. Like recent Phantom models, the Nighthawk does zero to 60mph in 5.7 seconds – 457hp and 730 Nm of torque. Well suited to get you from the Death Star to the putting green with a provision of seemingly effortless performance.

“We commissioned ‘Nighthawk’ to demonstrate to our owners the unparalleled creativity of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke team… Additionally, ’Nighthawk’ exudes an understated image of power with confidence, a characteristic many of our owners share,”

– Eric Shepherd, President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America

So how do you get your hands on one of these masterpieces? Well, the Phantom Drophead Coupé Nighthawk is limited edition; only 9 are created exclusively for North American release. On top of that, each of these beautiful vehicles are designed and handcrafted by the ingeniously creative minds of the Rolls Royce Bespoke Team. The Phantom itself is the apex of Rolls-Royce models, built with the intention of to create the ‘best car in the world’. The Nighthawk edition of the vehicle lives up to this intent, and Bespoke’s efforts ensure that excellence in design and engineering shine through the contemporary model’s bold transformation.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the MSRP is $569,000. For most of us, the Nighthawk exists in the realm of fantasy. However, for the few who have the means to bring this dream car to reality, and a fine taste in automobiles – the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Nighthawk is less elusive and more attainable than its masked comic-book vigilante sounding name eludes.

Inquire at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars of Bellevue for availability – (425) 455-8098

Source: http://www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com