Mark your calendars now

Here at LotPro.com, we’ve often wondered what it would be like to have a 143,000 square foot warehouse filled with millions of parts from some of the world’s most expensive automobiles and suddenly find ourselves running out of room (actually, we’ve never really thought about it, it’s more of a rhetorical thought).

In any case, that’s the situation that Bentley Motors finds itself in as it prepares to invite owners, enthusiasts and professional traders to its Crewe warehouse in Cheshire for a two day parts and accessories sales fair the weekend of September 26th and 27th.

According to information released by Bentley:

Bentley Motors holds over 55,000 part lines for all Bentley models (1955 onwards) as well as Rolls-Royce cars built in Crewe (1955-2002) at its state-of-the-art 143,000 square foot warehouse on the outskirts of the Cheshire town. This equates to an astonishing 7 million items – all stored and catalogued on the company’s database.

Bring your Gold Card

By throwing open the warehouse doors, Bentley hopes to sell enough items so as to create additional space for the storage of parts and accessories for the upcoming Continental Supersports and the new (and as yet unnamed) grand Bentley which will debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.

“Even Bentley employees describe our parts and accessories operation as a ‘goldmine’ and are slightly overawed by the sheer number and variety of parts and accessories we can supply”, comments Steve O’Hara Director of Aftersales at Bentley Motors.

“However with so many Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars enjoying far longer lives than a typical vehicle and owners seeking to keep them in the best possible condition, we need to be able to support these customers and many more generations of owners. We take real pride in being able to provide anything from a humble speedometer cable through to replacement body panels anywhere in the world.

This event will be a real one-off. It is very rare for us to be able to open the doors like this so we hope that Bentley and Rolls-Royce aficionados will make the most of the opportunity.”

You were expecting maybe Manny, Moe and Jack?

Unlike a visit to the local Pep Boys, a range of Bentley’s own factory trained experts will be close at hand to provide advice on identifying and sourcing the correct parts, while official logistics partners will also be in attendance to help arrange shipping.

Prospective attendees can register their interest by contacting the team at: heritage.event@bentley.co.uk by August 21st.

All images courtesy of Bentley Motors

News from the upper crust

At LotPro.com we very rarely report the news from companies such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley inasmuch as these vehicles have very little to do with the lives of most drivers. But many of you out there might be curious, so we thought we’d get you up to speed (pun intended).

Latest uptown Bentley

With the Final series Arnage set to make its final bow by the end of the year, Bentley released a “teaser” image of its upcoming replacement (rumored to be as soon as sometime this summer) that shows a bit of the hood and fender, but precious little else.

Downtown roller

Rolls-Royce, on the other hand, sent out a particularly mediocre image of its new Ghost, but made up for its graphical ineptitude with a fairly lengthy explanation of some of the finer points of the upcoming model.

According to Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves, “The Ghost will be as refined and as cosseting as anything that this marque has ever produced. But it will have a dynamic vitality afforded to it due to the latest technology and engineering techniques. These have been bestowed on this car with the same care and attention as the more traditional materials within.”

New chassis

According to the press blurb, the “Rolls-Royce Ghost’s magic carpet ride” will in fact consist of state-of-the-art underpinnings that include an air suspension system at all four corners as well as aluminum front and rear axles utilizing a multi-link arrangement.

Handling and safety systems will include Active Roll Stabilization and the aforementioned air suspension will profit from Variable Damping control – ensuring that the system operates “imperceptibly to the driver and passengers to provide the best possible comfort for occupants and to ensure that the tyres maintain optimum contact with the road, even on rough surfaces for driving safety.”

According to Rolls-Royce, the new system will be sensitive enough to detect the movement of a rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and will adjust itself accordingly (owners will, therefore, have no need to place the “don’t come knockin’ when this van’s a-rockin’” bumper sticker on the Ghost).

The air suspension will also incorporate a “lift and kneel” function, enabling drivers to raise or lower the Ghost by 1 inch (25mm) to assist with ingress and egress or to prevent bottoming out on uneven ground.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today released further details about its new RR4 model that is slated to fit below the Phantom in the company’s lineup. At a press conference in New York where the 200EX is on display to a group potential customers (that may very well include former AIG execs that decided to keep their bonuses), Tom Purves, Rolls-Royce CEO, had this to say about the new model, “As we move another step closer to the start of production at Goodwood, it is exciting to be able to share some of the specific technical details with customers and the media. RR4 will deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience to owners, so expect peerless comfort and build quality. However, we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves.”

Smaller is a relative term

Does this mean that Rolls-Royce has decided to bring to market a new kind of smaller vehicle for the new millennium; one that can be tossed into off-camber corners with reckless abandon? Here at LotPro.com, we think not. Vehicles that display the “Spirit of Ecstasy” on their hoods have a tendency to carry themselves in a very stately manner and the latest model, while smaller than the Phantom series, will undoubtedly be no exception to that rule.

The word “smaller”, by the way, should not be taken out of context. While the RR4 is, at 212.6” in length, 61.0” in height and 129.7” in wheelbase, less gargantuan than its bigger Phantom brother by 17.1”, 3.3” and10.9”, respectively, it is still 9.8” longer, 2.9” taller and has a wheelbase that is 8” longer than a Lexus LS 460 L. Not exactly what you would call “petite”.

Latest details

At its unveiling in Geneva earlier this month, Rolls-Royce, while gushing about the new directions in style of the 200EX versus the Phantom, had little to say about its mechanical attributes. But with today’s press release, we at least know a bit more about the powertrain.

The RR4 will be equipped with a new 6.6 liter turbocharged V12 engine that will be unique to the manufacturer. Producing upwards of 500 horsepower, the V12 will translate this power to the road through a new 8-speed gearbox manufactured by ZF and will, according to the company, significantly improve fuel economy and CO2 efficiency over the Phantom series.

2009 Nissan Cube

Even Detroit’s auto show can’t catch a break

Things are tough in Detroit – no question about it. Just ask the organizers of the North American International Auto Show. Porsche, a brand that wasn’t there last year, made the decision to skip the show again this year. Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari felt the Detroit market was too small for their brands and backed out and both Mitsubishi and Suzuki took a pass as well. Then just last week, Nissan (along with premium brand Infiniti) announced that it was pulling the plug on both Detroit and Chicago.

At least with Nissan, the NAIAS had the consolation of knowing that it was not alone. But just as quickly, it now appears that Nissan will return to the Windy City.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Back in the game

Nissan Vice President of Corporate Communications, Alan Buddendeck, explained Nissan’s original position by stating that the company had already reached its intended audience at the unveiling of the 370Z roadster and the new Cube at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

So what caused the company to change its mind? According to Buddendeck:” Given the extraordinary economic and industry climate, all well-managed companies have a fiduciary responsibility to review strategies and tactics for going to market. As everyone knows, the automotive industry is facing severe and prolonged headwinds in North America and around the world. It’s a climate that demands decisions that are often difficult and even controversial.”

“At the national level, Nissan North America decided to withdraw from both the Chicago and Detroit shows. After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times. The decision outlined for Chicago does not affect our decision to withdraw from the 2009 North American International Auto Show.”

Chicago Auto Show Co-Chairman John Phelan put it this way, “To be sure, talking about our current economic conditions isn’t going to turn our industry around. But showing and talking about great new products, technology and breaking automotive news will help turn it around—and we want to help.”

BYD F3R

Chinese go upstairs and join the party

Meanwhile, back in Motown, all that extra floor space means it has to be filled by someone. So after two years spent in the basement as the red-headed stepchild, the Chinese automakers (so far, BYD and Brilliant) finally get their chance to join in the big dance on the main floor. Who knows, if anyone else drops out, even the boys from DUB magazine may get their big break. This could get interesting.

How about a DUB Rolls-Royce?

Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall was built with the money from the fortunes of two industries that helped shape the history of Michigan – lumber and automobiles. Matilda Dodge Wilson was the wife of John Dodge – one of the co-founders of the Dodge Brothers Motors Car Company. In 1925, five years after both brothers died, their widows sold the company for $146 million. One month later, Matilda Dodge married Alfred Wilson, a wealthy lumber broker. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Wilson began the planning for what was to become Meadow Brook Hall. The groundbreaking took place on her 43rd birthday in October of 1926 and a housewarming party to mark its completion was held on November 19, 1929 – less than a month after the stock market crash.

Today, Meadow Brook Hall is listed in the state and national register of historic homes. Designed by Detroit architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, the 88,000 square foot mansion features 110 rooms, 39 uniquely designed brick chimneys, two elevators, four kitchens and a full size home theatre. As you can imagine, the upkeep on a place like this isn’t cheap, hence the reason for holding an event like the Concours to help raise money for its maintenance.

A step back in time

1947 Talbot Lago

If you’re a fan of the automobile and live within a reasonable driving distance of southeastern Michigan, you really owe it to yourself to visit the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance at least once. And while the event at times takes itself too seriously (the fashion show, some judges walking around in blazers and straw boaters), the sheer breadth of the show can be breathtaking.

1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk

You only have to take a look at this year’s show to see how much the event encompasses. At one end of the lawn, you have part of the GM Heritage collection, while at the other end is an eclectic display of late ’40 and early fifties American automobiles including a 1951 Hudson Hornet convertible, a 1956 Lincoln Premier convertible and a 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk – all in pristine condition.

1953 Ferrari 342 America Speciale

Between these two points you’ll see millions of dollars worth of automobiles from such marques as Ferrari, Bugatti, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Packard, Duesenberg and Mercedes-Benz. If you’re a car gal or guy, it’s a great way to spend a summer Sunday in Michigan – just be sure to bring your walking shoes and sun block. While the price of entry isn’t cheap at $25 per, students (with a valid student ID) and children under 12 get in for free and each paid ticket comes with a beautiful souvenir program. Parking and shuttle service is also free on the Oakland University campus.

1954 Hudson Italia

For more information about next year’s event, visit the official web site at www.meadowbrookconcours.org.

From the trail to the boulevard with the mob in between

Some of us here at LotPro.com aren’t satisfied with the vehicles coming from the manufacturers. It’s not that they are lacking in quality, it’s just that they don’t reflect our character (and, believe me, there are plenty of characters around here). For those of us – and those of you – who require something different in your ride, SAE presented three very different interpretations.

American Expedition Vehicles Jeep Brute

What better place to design off-road Jeep conversions than Missoula, Montana? The Jeep Brute was originally designed in 2002 and won a Daimler-Chrysler design excellence award. The Brute is available as a conversion kit for any TJ Wrangler. AEV now has a warehouse/distribution/conversion center in Walled Lake, Michigan and has been a fixture at “Camp Jeep” since 1998.

Mobsteel “Royal Flush” ’64 Lincoln Continental

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Mobsteel “Royal Flush” Lincoln. Mobsteel, based in Brighton, Michigan, specializes in custom, lowrider conversions of classic (and by this we mean 1960’s) Lincoln Continentals. Based on a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible, the Royal Flush has been lowered to within an inch of its life. Damn it feels good to be a gangst’a.

TommyZ Design 2008 Motor City UAV Phantom

TommyZ Design is located in Troy, Michigan, just 20 minutes away for our offices. The Motor City version of the 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom features 24” wheels shod with 305/35/24 Michelin run flat tires. Other options include shatterproof rear glass (a safety feature, right?) performance air intake and satellite TV.