The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne’s design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring. The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.

The return of the Mulsanne name underlines Bentley’s sporting heritage and passion for power and speed. Nothing reflects that prowess better than the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, a race that Bentley has won on six occasions, where its powerful and reliable race cars thundered down the long Le Mans straight into the famous Mulsanne corner, from which the new model takes its name.

A pure expression of Bentley design
The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance.

Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne’s distinctive appearance:

“The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines that allow the marque to stride confidently into the 21st century.”

The body is produced in a new manufacturing facility at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe where traditional metalworking skills, developed over six decades, are still used extensively during the nine-week build process. It is the very opposite of volume-production car-building… but the very epitome of Bentley.

The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. All spot welds are performed by hand during the Mulsanne’s construction and all panel joints are hand-brazed. These further enhance that ‘hewn from solid’ appearance and result in an extremely stiff body.

The complex form of the aluminum front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings both lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. Other lightweight materials, such as the composite bootlid, are used to remove mass wherever possible without compromising quality.

New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the ‘floating’ elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.

To accentuate the beauty of the bodywork, the Mulsanne features ‘brightware’ exclusively in polished stainless steel, including sill treadplates and matrix grilles. Bentley is the only manufacturer in the world to do this. The stainless steel door handles also incorporate the traditional Bentley ‘knurling’ to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company’s typical attention to detail.

The sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents, large diameter tailpipe finishers and a choice of 20-inch or 21-inch wheels.

Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are 114 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations. But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer’s vision and taste.

While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers the world’s most exclusive driving experience – a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance.

Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen says:

“No other car maker can offer such a blend of performance and refinement in a single vehicle. The new Mulsanne is a car that evokes the Bentley philosophy of building the best luxury grand tourers in the world.”

For more information visit Bentley Pasadena located at 285 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105 or call one of our Experienced Sales Associates at (888) 238-9013.

The 2010 Rose Parade Passes Rusnak

A worldwide annual event that excites the young and young at heart. It just doesn’t feel like New Year’s Day without this parade featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.

Whether you’re lucky enough to experience the fun in person or those lucky enough to get a spot along the Rose Parade route are treated to a two-hour Parade of magnificent floral floats, talented marching bands, and high-stepping equestrians. The five-and-a-half mile Rose Parade route begins at the corner of Ellis Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. The Parade travels north on Orange Grove at a leisurely 2.5-mile per hour pace and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard where the majority of the Parade takes place right past Rusnak/Pasadena and Rusnak Volvo. At the end of the route, the Parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and ends at Sierra Madre and Villa Street.

Gold Class Cinemas Partners With The Rusnak Auto Group

Gold Class Cinemas has innovated and differentiated the movie-going experience since its U.S. launch in October 2008, by offering the ultimate experience for people who love movies and also enjoy a bit of escapism. With properties in Australia, Europe and Asia, Gold Class has mastered the concept of fusing the love of fine wine and fine food together with a state-of-the art movie going to create the ultimate cinema experience.

Gold Class Cinemas opened its newest location on Dec 4, 2009 at One Colorado located at 42 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA, 91103 – “Gold Class Cinemas truly is the new way to go to the movies” said Tim Carroll, Global CMO Village Roadshow Limited, Gold Class Cinemas parent company.

From the moment the guest arrives via a personalized greeting from the concierge, it is evident that this brand new movie experience has been designed and delivered for the passionate movie lover. From the stylish lounge and bar to the first rate dining, Gold Class Cinemas offers the ultimate experience for movie lovers.

Each cinema has only 24 to 40 reserved unique plush reclining chairs with every chair featuring personal stowage, and a silent server call button for discreet personal service throughout your movie experience. Additionally each row is separated by eight feet providing for unobstructed views. Add in easy online reservations, free membership, a pillow and blanket on request and it’s easy to see why movie lovers love Gold Class Cinemas. Movie lovers often comment “Its like flying first class”. “We are pleased to partner with the Rusnak Auto Group in the opening of our theater.“, continued Carroll.

Adding to the escape is a culinary focus that is an essential part of the Gold Class Cinemas experience. Guests enjoy a real night out featuring an international wine list, cocktails and a gourmet meal—all while enjoying their film.

Gold Class Cinemas launched in Pasadena with the following slate of films, including: Twilight New Moon, Invictus, Avatar & Sherlock Holmes.

“Our guests often make the comparison that going to the movies at Gold Class is like flying First Class” explains Tim Carroll.“ And with Pasadena being in the heart of the movie capital of the world, we are excited to bring the best cinemas in the world to such a great location.”

Follow Gold Class Cinemas at: www.goldclasscinemas.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Rusnak Supports LA Street Smarts with Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

On January 14, 2010, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles kicked off its interactive child pedestrian safety set, “LA Street Smarts: Richie’s Neighborhood.” The main focus of the LA Street Smarts project is to offer pediatric and safety education throughout the County of Los Angeles. The LA Street Smarts project developed at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides an interactive experience for children to learn pedestrian safety.

Walking is an important and healthy activity, but everyone needs to do their part to keep kids safe. Though the number of child pedestrian fatalities has dropped by 58 percent between 1987 and 2005, national data shows that child pedestrian injury is still the number two cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 5 to 14 in the U.S. Across the country each year, approximately 585 children ages 0 to 14 are killed and there are 33,518 visits to the emergency room due to non-fatal pedestrian injuries. Automobile versus pedestrian crashes are a leading cause of childhood injury and death across the nation and in Los Angeles County.

Each year, nearly 1,280 children die on California’s roads – an average of more than 3 deaths each day as a result of pedestrian injuries. The LA Street Smarts project is designed to help educate children and families about the importance of pedestrian safety.

“The LA Street Smarts project is an opportunity for students to learn safe pedestrian behaviors that will help keep them alive and injury-free as they walk to and from school and around their own communities,” said Helen Arbogast, Injury Prevention Coordinator. “It is one thing to tell students about pedestrian safety, but by engaging them through this interactive safety set, we can show them proper behaviors and give them the tools to be safer pedestrians. No child should be put in danger simply because they are walking to school or around their neighborhood.”

Feel free to visit our website for details on the LA Street Smarts set at: www.chlainjuryprevention.org and check out our clip on YouTube.

Hillsides Annual Benefit Committee Hosts Sponsor Recognition Reception

Hosted at the BurkeTriolo Studio in South Pasadena, Hillsides Benefit Sponsor Reception on January 19 recognized annual gala dinner and auction sponsors of “The Midas Touch.” The foster care charity’s benefit chair and committee welcomed guests at the studio, owned by J.T. Burke and Lorraine Angela Triolo.

Burke has offered the use of an art piece entitled, “A Beautiful Landscape,” for the event’s invitation, which the Pasadena charity thought was a favorable depiction of the Midas Touch theme for its benefit to be held in February.

Major sponsors for the benefit include Rusnak Auto Group, Bill and Susan Noce, Marge and Sherm Telleen, Beth Gertmenian, Jacob and Clara Maarse-Jacob Maarse Floral Design, Ben and Judy Reiling, The Walt Disney Company, and Western Asset Management, among others.

“During the State’s economic crisis and budget cuts of nearly $500,000 to the charity’s residential program, we need the support of generous friends more than ever,” said John Hitchcock, the Pasadena children’s charity executive director. “We are so pleased with those friends who have committed to making this event exceptional.”

“Our annual benefit’s theme refers to the fable of King Midas, able to turn all he touched to gold. Unfortunately, this left him unable to taste a juicy apple, to drink in the luscious scent of a flower or to touch the ones he loved, the most cherished of possessions. By contributing to our event, your touch transforms gold into a much more precious element, hope. You can provide children with the true riches of trust and love,” said Courtney Saavedra, the charity’s benefit chair, in a letter to friends.

The children’s charity’s annual benefit on Saturday, February 27, will raise funds for its programs and services for foster care children and youth at risk as well as families in crisis living in Los Angeles County. For the 18th consecutive year, Fritz Coleman, Weathercaster for KNBC-4 and honorary chairman of the benefit, will serve as master of ceremonies and celebrity auctioneer.

Held at a private club in downtown Los Angeles, the children’s charity’s gala will lift spirits, knowing guests' contributions will help children who have experienced traumatic childhoods and strengthen families in crisis. Other highlights include children's wishing well, live auction, silent auction and opportunity drawings, all of which will be complemented by entertainment throughout the evening.

“This evening is the gold standard for all to come that will touch and change the lives of many,” Saavedra added.

To learn more about this event and auction items, visit www.Hillsides.org. Individuals wishing to reserve a ticket at $250 can call (323) 255-9005 or visit www.Hillsides.org. Sponsorships are also available.

Rusnak Auto Group Sponsors Distinguished Speaker Series

On Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010, Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California will present Jeannette Walls. Jeannette Walls' powerful memoir, The Glass Castle, has been on the New York Times best-seller list for over two years and has sold over two million copies The Atlanta Constitution said, “Charles Dickens has nothing on Walls. Dickens's scenes of poverty and hardship are no more audacious and no more provocative than those in the pages of this stunning memoir.” Walls grew up in poverty in the Southwest and later in West Virginia with her siblings and the brilliant, unorthodox, irresponsible parents who manage at once to neglect them, love them, and teach them to face their fears. Despite all her hardships, she develops the determination to move to New York City at sixteen, graduate with honors from Barnard College and become a well-known TV personality and journalist for New York Magazine, Esquire, USA Today and MSNBC.com. Her message of confronting your past and facing your fears resonates with audiences everywhere. Rusnak Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Speakers Series for the past 8 years. To purchase your season tickets, please visit them online at www.speakersla.com or call Kathy Winterhalder at (310) 546-6222.

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Liz Rusnak Arizmendi:

Hi Elizabeth,

This is Josie Loren from ABC Family's “Make It Or Break It.” We met at the “LA Street Smarts: Richie's Neighborhood” debut this past Thursday. I just wanted to say that it was an absolute pleasure meeting you. It's so good to see people like you reaching out to the community. I've made a commitment to do the same. With that said, I'd be more than happy to assist you in whatever project you might come across.

I hope all is well and you had a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Josie Loren

Hello,

My wife and I were delighted with the extraordinary service that we received from Larry Vena on Monday, November 30, 2009.

Our Audi had a tire pressure warning light appear that prompted us to stop after our hotel departure before our return from Pasadena to La Jolla. Quick, courteous attention by Larry Vena diagnosed that it was indeed a puncture.

The repair was performed while we enjoyed lunch in Old Town Pasadena. Our Audi is not from your Pasadena showroom, but we are so glad that we had such “showroom” service available to us.

Thank you,
Omar Winter
La Jolla, CA

Dear Mr. Rusnak,

Thank you so very much for the loveliest evening at the Gold Class Cinema. It was a truly unique and enjoyable experience, and a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Every thing about the evening was delightful, from the food to the movie (I saw Men Who Stare At Goats).

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, the Merriest Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Warmest personal regards.

Very truly yours,
Linda Allderdice
Holland & Knight LLP

Liz,

Thank you for your continued support of CHLA and the LA Street Smarts: Richie’s Neighborhood Project. Thanks to the generous support of the Rusnak Group, we were able to bring this unique, interactive and educational child pedestrian safety set to the students of San Jose Elementary School. We know that this set will make a difference and save the lives of children through education, outreach and engagement.

Again, thank you for your support for the LA Street Smarts: Richie’s Neighborhood Project. We are eager to receive Edgar’s graphic wrapping draft and working with the Rusnak Group in the future.

In Health,
Helen Arbogast
Injury Prevention Coordinator Trauma Program, CHLA

If I wasn't already married, I'd marry my Q5.

Eric Avavian was fantastic, as usual. This is the second Audi I've purchased from him and it was a perfect experience all around. I'll have nothing but glowing feedback to give when I receive any contact from Audi.

Thanks,
Douglas Avery
Los Angeles

Dear Brian Beatt, General Manager Rusnak Mercedes-Benz Arcadia,

Thank you so much for everything you did for me at Rusnak Mercedes-Benz. I absolutely love my car, and my experience was amazing. My salesman, Jim Trainer, was so informative and helpful and the deal was terrific.

Congratulations, you’ve converted a life-long BMW driver into a loyal Mercedes Benz driver and made me proud to be a new member of the Rusnak family.

Terry Villanueva
Director
La Canada Preparatory