Social media was buzzing December 1 – 3 with unusual sightings across North Texas. Reports of a large SUV with a massive Rolls-Royce-style grill spotted around the Crespi Estate in Dallas. It was said to be unusually quick and extraordinarily nimble. 

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There were reports of it rambling off road at the D’Vine Grace Vineyards in McKinney, all four wheels gripping the uneven terrain as it scaled hills like a gazelle. 

Then, it was spotted regally wafting down the Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth,  sparkling like the rare diamond for which it was named.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas confirmed it was the source for the remarkable sightings of the Cullinan, Rolls-Royce’s first all-wheel drive, high-bodied vehicle. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars invited guests to drive the “Rolls-Royce of SUVs” both on and off the road.

After an exhilarating drive, guests relaxed with margaritas made with Uno Por Favor Tequila at the Crespi Estate; a glass of Whispering Angel Rosé at D’Vine Grace Vineyards; or a taste of Fist Full of Bourbon at Park Place Bodywerks in Fort Worth.

The “Rolls-Royce of SUVs” has arrived, making the concept of “Luxury Effortless, Everywhere” a fact. The Cullinan is the only SUV capable of delivering the renowned ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ on any surface — whether paved or uneven terrain. 

This beautiful beast sports a powerful 6.75 Liter twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque to the all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering system that can conquer any challenge. Despite its hefty weight of nearly three tons, it can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Comfortably. Effortlessly. And nearly soundlessly. Its sound insulation is so superb, you have to roll down the window to hear if the engine is running. The front tires are even filled with foam to reduce road noise. 

If you wish to take the Cullinan off-road (and you certainly must) simply push the “Off Road” button and the computerized system will automatically raise the vehicle, read the terrain and select the proper gear, adjust the suspension, and continuously deliver the exact power to each wheel as needed. Effortlessly. Everywhere.

Of course, the Cullinan has the famed umbrella inside the door frame. But it also has a distinctive feature that speaks to Rolls-Royce’s attention to detail. The umbrella compartment is tied into the HVAC system. So if you return a wet umbrella into the frame, it will dry it as you drive.

While the Cullinan is a driver-focused vehicle, the rear passenger compartment offers the best seat in the house. Those in the rear sit higher on Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating, enjoying grandstand views of their surroundings thanks to large side windows and a panoramic glass roof. And if they wish, they can zero in on their location on the rear touchscreen map.

Two rear configurations are offered – Lounge Seats, which will accommodate three passengers or Individual Seating for two. In the Lounge Seat configuration, the rear seats fold down, a first for Rolls-Royce. The seats fold electronically in a number of configurations. One press causes each backrest to effortlessly fold down, while moving the headrests upwards simultaneously to avoid making an imprint on the seat. Both seat backs can be folded down completely, creating a flat load area, or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split.

The Individual Seat configuration offers two rear seats separated by a fixed center console containing a refrigerated drink cabinet, replete with Rolls-Royce glasses, decanter and champagne flutes. Each individual seat can move in a number of planes for ultimate comfort. And, of course, they are heated and vented with remarkable massage capabilities.

This configuration also creates the first “three-box” SUV. Inspired by the age when one never traveled in the same compartment as one’s luggage, a glass partition isolates the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment, creating an inner ecosystem for the occupants. In addition to enhanced silence, the sealed cabin allows the optimum temperature for passengers even when the rear hatch is open.

For the first time ever a Rolls-Royce has an opening tailgate. The Cullinan’s rear “Clasp” opens and closes in two sections.

The Cullinan comes alive at the touch of a button on the key, or by simply touching its stainless steel door handle with the key on the driver’s person. The carriage lowers itself by 40mm to make entry effortless, as the iconic coach doors stand open wide to welcome driver and passengers to their next adventure. Access to the cabin has never been easier, thanks to completely flat floors in both the front and rear compartments. 

Driver and passengers can close the doors with a touch of a button. Or touch the sensor on the exterior door handles and the doors automatically close from the outside.

Press the start button and the Cullinan rises 40mm before taking its occupants on the smoothest ride possible. 

For the first time, the central information screen is touch sensitive, allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle settings. Or one can access the portal from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller on the central console along with the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

Other cutting-edge technology that makes the Cullinan the most technologically advanced car of its type includes: Night Vision and Vision Assist, including daytime/night-time wildlife & pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution Heads-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems. All electronic devices can be charged via five USB ports around the cabin, while phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.

Starting at $325,000, options for customization of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan are only limited by one’s imagination. 

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas is located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue as part of the Park Place Premier Collection.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

 First McLaren Speedtail attribute prototype, ‘Albert’ squares up to rigorous real-world testing as development accelerates

The first hybrid powertrain prototype of McLaren Automotive’s breathtaking new Ultimate Series flagship, the McLaren Speedtail, will embark on a year-long test regime that will underpin the development of the first McLaren Hyper-GT. The punishing test program in the run-up to production commencing at the end of 2019 will see Speedtail prototypes running in Europe, North America and Africa, initially at bespoke automotive test facilities but later amongst traffic on ‘normal’ roads.

Deployment of the first Speedtail attribute prototype marks an exciting new stage in the development of the fastest, most aerodynamic and most luxurious McLaren ever made. The prototype is officially designated MVY02* but echoing the naming of development test mules of its legendary forebear, the 1992 McLaren F1, has been christened, ‘Albert’. This is a respectful reflection not only on the name of the McLaren F1 mule ‘Albert’ but also the Albert Drive premises in which the F1 was designed.

Distinguished by a unique testing livery, ‘Albert’ has a production-specification chassis and petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, as well as the unique three-seat cockpit with central driving position. As the development and validation program progresses every aspect of the Speedtail’s performance will be honed as the full 1,035bhp available to Speedtail drivers to propel the prototype to 250mph is used – including in high-speed trials with McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver and former IndyCar champion Kenny Bräck at the wheel.

“The start of real-world testing represents a major step in the development of the McLaren Speedtail. As the first fully representative prototype, ‘Albert’ will build on the invaluable work still being put in by earlier development cars, allowing us to sign-off vehicle attributes including chassis dynamics; brake performance; damper tuning; tires; NVH and aspects of ergonomics and comfort. With a huge amount achieved already, the McLaren Speedtail is well on the way to fulfilling its destiny as the greatest McLaren road car ever.”- Ben Gulliver, Head of Vehicle Development, McLaren Automotive

The central driving position and three-seat layout of the Speedtail was pioneered by the iconic McLaren F1 in 1992. This configuration is uniquely McLaren, remaining exclusive among production cars until McLaren Automotive confirmed in November 2016 that it would be reprised for the next Ultimate Series model, then codenamed BP23.

The center-seat layout of the Speedtail was first publicly demonstrated in a ‘proof of concept’ model that was simply a McLaren 720S reconfigured with a single, centrally-mounted driving seat. Four further mules followed and these will continue to be used around the world for performance and durability testing, alongside the prototype vehicles.

Despite its test livery and the bodywork from the A-pillars forward, ‘Albert’ is fundamentally a Speedtail, with shape-representative body panels and dihedral doors around the unique carbon fiber McLaren Monocage core structure. The production-level specification allows Speedtail attributes to be proven in real-world conditions early in the development process, including for example ingress and egress to the three-seat cockpit.

As with the McLaren F1, 106 cars will be available and all have already now been allocated to owners. For more information or view the entire press release- visit cars.mclaren.com

From Kings and Queens to entrepreneurs, many of the most prominent and wealthy collectors of the 20^th and 21^st century have been beguiled by the lure of a Fabergé Egg. With just 50 pre-1917 Imperial Eggs completed, these exceptionally precious creations are some of the most valuable and coveted objects ever to have been made.

Now, in a contemporary fashion, a new Fabergé Egg has been created. Two of the world’s most esteemed houses of luxury have joined forces to create one unique objet d’art, for one discerning patron. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé proudly announce the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg.

For the first time in history, an iteration of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the enigmatic mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911, is cocooned in an exquisite, contemporary, Fabergé Egg. The design, conceived by Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes and rendered by Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Tallgren, has been brought to life by Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones, creating a contemporary interpretation of one of the world’s most fabled and prized possessions.

The commissioning of a Rolls-Royce motor car is often a seminal moment for the patron, so too is the commissioning of a Fabergé Egg. 

Indeed, this ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg, the second to be commissioned in the ‘Imperial Class’ since 1917 – a category reserved only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations – celebrates the history, heritage and legend for which both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé have been revered over more than a century. Both brands have navigated the vicissitudes of time and continue to produce the apogee of modern, highly sought after, true luxury items. The Egg is destined for the residence of a great collector of both brands.

The Egg connects the elements that lie at the very core of each marque – the Spirit of Ecstasy, the illustrious muse that has guided each Rolls-Royce motor car for over a century, and the form of a Fabergé Egg, the pinnacle of ornamental expression. The masterpiece resulting from this distinguished collaboration reflects the extraordinary attention to detail and the consummate craftsmanship for which both brands are renowned to this day.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an Egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”

A team of seven craftspeople from Fabergé undertook the challenge of fabricating the design using the finest materials married with their extraordinary skill as artist jewellers. At first glance, the Egg is unmistakable in its character. Design cues from Fabergé’s heritage are masterfully woven into the intricate design which stands at 160mm and weighs just 400g, with the Egg harnessing the ‘surprise and delight’ attributes for which Imperial Eggs are celebrated. 

The Egg rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the Egg, acting as a protective chamber for the Egg’s precious inhabitant. Upon operating the movement via a discreet lever at the base of the stand, a sense of theatre ensues as the boughs open to present the fine figurine of the Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal, standing nobly in her opulent surrounds. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst weighing over 390 carats, specially selected for its colour saturation and quality. The purple hue of the enamel and amethyst provide a playful nod to the use of colour found in Fabergé’s heritage.

The technical mastery of Fabergé prevails. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg adopts a highly complex operating mechanism, conceived through computer aided design and animation, developed with micro engineering. The success of this mechanism, and in turn the piece as a whole, can be attributed to the goldsmiths’ art as craftspeople and their ability to meld this skill with technology, creating a work of art that could not be created by man alone. The piece embodies both the artistic design and engineering skill that one expects from a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Fabergé, and has probably the most complicated opening of any Fabergé Egg to date.

Sean Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer, Fabergé said, “A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé Egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.”

Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added, “Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg marks a demonstration of the reputation that Fabergé proudly carries today.”

Fifty Imperial Easter Eggs were created for the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1916. These creations are inextricably linked to the lives of the Romanov family. Ten Eggs were produced from 1885 to 1893 during the reign of Emperor Alexander III; a further 40 were created during the rule of his dutiful son, Nicholas II, two each year – one for his mother the dowager, the second for his wife. If we explore the great archives of Rolls-Royce, we find that Tsar Nicholas II was indeed also a patron of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg will be premiered at the House of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England, to a host of distinguished guests and venerable patrons of the marque on 23 October, 2018. The Egg will then be on public display in Fabergé’s London window this Christmastime. 

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For More Information, visit the Rolls-Royce Motors Press Club.

Straight from Bentley Motors, the Continental GT showcases Bentley’s unrivaled expertise in the authentic use of materials, from the highest-quality natural leathers, to rare, sustainable sourced veneers. We celebrate the Continental GT by highlighting some of the best materials sourced from around the world.

Wheels From Japan

The new 22” alloy wheel for the Continental GT is expertly forged and flow formed in Japan creating a lightweight wheel with an intricate 3D spoke design. The wheel is also hand polished in Japan to highlight accent areas of the wheel that traditional wheel manufacture cannot achieve.

Leather From Germany

Each Continental GT interior is crafted from nine bull hides sourced from the Bavarian region of Germany, stitched together with 2.8 km of thread to create the sumptuous interior cabin. Chosen carefully and crafted with precision and pride, leather hides contribute enormously to the sense of comfort and refinement in every Continental GT.

Koa Wood Veneer From Hawaii

Bentley’s wood experts go to great lengths to find the finest veneers in the world. A new, contemporary veneer has been introduced for the Continental GT: Koa. Noted for its elegant tones and straight grain, Koa has long been used in its native Hawaii in the construction of surfboards and guitars.

Alcantara From Italy

The Alcantara featured within the interior cabin of the Continental GT is also used in the fashion and furniture industries, sourced straight from Italy this textile creates an experience both aesthetic and tactile for the customer of the world’s definitive Grand Tourer.

Display Clock From Switzerland

The Continental GT display clock features Bentley’s signature diamond pattern and wings emblem, sourced from the home of the finest mechanical timepieces, Switzerland.

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For more information on the materials or if you wish to inquire about commissioning your own bespoke Bentley, contact Bentley Dallas.