Blog

LOS ANGELES, June 27, 2012 - Total Car Score (www.totalcarscore.com), the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison website, announced today the 10 Best American Cars for 2012. This year's top spot goes to the 2012 Cadillac CTS luxury sedan. As the nation prepares to mark Independence Day, Total Car Score's list of the 10 Best American Cars reflects the strength and quality of the domestic auto industry. The rankings represent nearly every category of car, including luxury sedans and SUVs as well as crossovers and large wagons. Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of Total Car Score, and a veteran industry observer, commented on the rankings: "The Detroit Big 3 have quickly rebounded to produce some of the highest rated cars on the market, and America clearly hasn't lost its grip on the large SUV or high-performance sedan segments. All three manufacturers made the Top 10 list with at least one 'tuner' version of their mainstream sedans, confirming Detroit muscle is alive and well. "Kudos to Cadillac for earning the top spot with its CTS luxury sedan, the Top Scoring domestic model on the market. General Motors also captured six of the Top 10 spots with hits from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and a total of three Cadillac models. Ford's Taurus SHO and Flex represent the Blue Oval's best, while two versions of Chrysler's venerable 300 sedan confirm its continued appeal." "It's worth noting that while no compact domestic models made the list, Ford's 2012 Focus was less than half a point behind the 300 SRT8," Brauer added. "With a growing emphasis on small cars and high fuel efficiency, it's likely we'll see a domestic economy car in next year's Top 10 Best American Cars list." Total Car Score allows car buyers and enthusiasts alike to compare vehicles quickly and easily across all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" is one comprehensive number assigned to a vehicle that represents an overall industry assessment from major automotive authorities. All vehicles are model year 2012 with at least five source ratings that comprise the Total Car Score. In a nod to the red white and blue, here are the 10 Best American Cars from Total Car Score. TotalCarScore.com evaluates and ranks cars according to an aggregate score based on the most trusted automotive authorities available. The site also features original content, reviews and insights from a veteran automotive journalism and data team. For more information, please go to www.totalcarscore.com. SOURCE Total Car Score Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/27/4592234/total-car-score-names-the-top.html#storylink=cpy

The Range Rover Sport continues as the definitive Sports SUV For 2013, the Range Rover Sport continues as the definitive Sports SUV with new colors and a greater choice of interior trim and alloy wheel designs. To complement the exterior design changes refreshed for the 2012 model year - in 2013 a striking new five-spoke cast alloy wheel design in Sparkle Silver becomes standard on the Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Customers opting for the Supercharged model will discover stunning red Brembo™ brake calipers fitted as standard with the option of reverting back to black high performance brakes at no additional cost. [gallery link="file" ids="68,69,70,71,72,303771" orderby="rand"] - Supercharged Limited Edition & GT Limited Edition available in limited numbers - Red Brembo™ brake calipers for Supercharged models - Striking new alloy wheel design - Wider choice of interior color combinations - Towing package introduced as an option The interior specifications offer two new interior trim combinations allowing customers to choose a dark upper cabin environment with lighter colored seats or the opposite way round. A towing package has also been introduced as an option across all models and consists of a tow hitch receiver, trailer towing electrics and variable rear differential lock. The Range Rover Sport comes equipped with a high level of audio equipment, as introduced at 2012 model year. The Harmon Kardon™ system delivers 380W of sound from a total of 11 speakers while the premium Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 system produces an astonishing 825W from no less than 17 speakers. Advanced features include a hard disc drive music server and Land Rover’s “Say What You See” voice recognition system with screen prompts. An outstanding Range Rover Sport engine line-up remains unchanged for 2013. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter produces 375HP with 375lb-ft torque and the flagship 5.0-liter Supercharged, a stunning 510HP with 461lb-ft torque. All engines drive through ZF automatic gearboxes. 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged Limited Edition The 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged Limited Edition provides drivers with a combination of luxurious interior appointments and sporting exterior design changes. With 510 horsepower at the ready, the Supercharged Range Rover Sport has extraordinary performance capabilities. In addition to the standard supercharged features, many enhancements are finished in red including a “Sport” badge on the rear tailgate, side vent feature and front and rear brake calipers, as well as an embroidered red 'Sport' logo appears on the carpet mats. New carbon veneer trim, adds a sharp, contemporary look to the interior. For the U.S. market there are only 300 units being produced in Santorini Black, and only 200 units in Fuji White. 2013 Range Rover Sport GT Limited Edition The 2013 Range Rover Sport GT Limited Edition offers luxury interior and distinctive exterior design details, together with other popular equipment that provides a more differentiated expression of the HSE specification vehicle. Among other features, the GT Limited Edition includes an extended rear roof spoiler, unique rear chrome exhaust treatments, 20” black five spoke alloy wheels, steering wheel mounted shift paddles, and the premium LOGIC7 audio system with SAT and HD radio. A limited number of 450 will be built in Santorini Black, with an additional 300 units being produced in Fuji White.

We thank everyone in Atlanta for extending Dimmitt Automotive Group & McLaren Tampa Bay such a warm welcome. We thank those who took the time to join us as we launched the new McLaren MP4-12C, it is our hope that all enjoyed the evening. [gallery link="file" ids="78,79,80,81,82,302648,84,85,86,87,88,89" orderby="rand"]

On June 8, Dimmitt representatives were in attendance to support the 8th annual Lobster Bake “Claws for a Cause,” presented by Morton Plant Mease Foundation’s Skip Cline Society, will was an all-you-can-eat lobster feast to benefit pediatric care at the not-for-profit hospitals of Morton Plant Mease. The Skip Cline Society is a dynamic group of local professionals who share a common interest in advancing the future of health care. Members provide an active voice and energetic support for the hospitals of Morton Plant Mease Health Care and the current health-related issues affecting our community. This Society, established in memory of Skip Cline, provides let another avenue for other generations to support Morton Plant Mease Foundation and the hospitals it serves.

Dimmitt Cadillac in Clearwater, FL opened its doors to Charles Rutenberg Realty and Integrity Title & Guaranty in welcoming Integrity Home Loans, in which proceeds benefited the Brookwood House for Girls! Brookwood House of Florida is dedicated to providing troubled, adolescent girls with an alternative living environment and therapeutic program encompassing eduction, employable skills, independent living training and counseling that will prepare them for self-sufficiency or succesful family reunification. with Pauline Barba DeKeyser, Kristen Conover, John Rurkowski, Jennifer Gleaton and Jo-Ann Kolano Roberts

Our guests, for the 2nd year in a row, had the opportunity to take their cars on the race track during our 2nd Annual Race Day Event at Anderson Race Park in Palmetto, FL. A terrific time was had by all! This especially was a thrill to see the all new McLaren MP4-12C on the track for the first time! Guests brought out their Aston Martins, Lotus, Cadillac, McLaren, and even a couple Ferraris mixed in. [gallery link="file" ids="93,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102" orderby="rand"]

On May 15th, 2012, Dimmitt Cadillac was pleased to invite our VIP clients and guests to the launch event of the year.  The 2013 Cadillac XTS graced the floor as Cadillac product specialists gave in-depth walk-arounds and demonstrations of the car, and it's amazing new technology. Guests enjoyed refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment provided by saxophonist Fernando Silva. [gallery link="file" ids="105,106,107,108,109,110,111" orderby="rand"]

Sleek? Stunning? Stealth? We can't find the word for it either. This one-of-a-kind 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, outfitted in Carbon Black with McLaren Orange accents is truly a sight to be seen.  Ordered by our expert staff here at McLaren Tampa Bay, this one dresses to impress. Contact RICH ALFONSO at (727) 824-8500 or email ralfonso@dimmitt.com for additional information. [gallery link="file" ids="114,115,116,117,118" orderby="rand"] SPECIFICATIONS: Exterior Special Paint - Carbon Black Carbon Fiber Splitter Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirror Casings Sport Exhaust Stealth Pack Cast Iron Brakes - McLaren Orange Calipers Leather Sport Interior Carbon Fiber Interior Upgrade Carbon Fiber Sill Panels Premium Meridian Surround Sound Package McLaren Branded Floor Mat Set ADDITIONAL BY McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS (MSO): MSO Wheel Finish - Diamond Cut MSO Steering Wheel - Carbon Fibre MSO Carbon Pack consisting of: - Carbon Fiber Engine Cover Vents - Carbon Fiber Rear Deck Vent - Wiper System Cover - Carbon Fiber

Dimmitt Automotive Group showcases at the 2012 Festivals of Speed in Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, FL.

BELLEAIR – There just weren’t enough superlatives for Sara Borger to describe how she felt about the 10th annual Belleair Sunset 5K and Fun Run on Feb.18. “Amazing, ecstatic, excited,” were just the first words out of her mouth moments after the runners left the starting line. Borger, special events coordinator for the Belleair Recreation Department, was excited by the number of runners who took part. “There may be some counting left to do, but we have at least 720 registered,” she said. “We have never, ever had that many before. In fact last year we had just over 400 registered.” Borger feels the small town feel of the event and a huge after-party contributed to the increase. The after-party was free to the runners and included free food and beverages, including beer and wine. Many people took advantage of it. More than 700 funnel cakes were served – obviously a crowd favorite. For the more elite runners the race itself was the attraction. The men’s winner was Larry Smart of Tampa who crossed the finish line in 16:52. His personal best is 16:30. He blamed the heat for his overall time; the heat and the pace he set early in the race. “The first mile was a little fast,” he said. “I ran it in 5:10 and it should have been around 5:20. It took a little out of me for later in the race.” John Fabriele with Dimmitt Cadillac greets the participants As for the heat, the temperature was what non-runners would have called very pleasant, in the low 70’s with a cooling breeze. But runners normally prefer cooler days than that. The women’s winner was Briana Whaley of Clearwater who finished third overall. Her time was 17:50, well behind her personal best of 16:50. Oddly she had hoped to run the 5K at around 18:20. “I was using this as a training run,” she said. “I wanted to set and maintain a pace that I will be running in the Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K in two weeks.” Whaley won the women’s division of that race in each of the last two years, but after having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last year, she had to stop running for several months. She isn’t sure how she’ll do in the Gasparilla this year, but it won’t be for not trying. Right after she crossed the finish line at the Belleair Sunset 5K, she kept going for another mile, all part of her training. She says she’s happy to be back running. Other runners were happy to have completed the course and head for the after-party on the grounds adjacent to the Dimmitt Community Center. Gene Kane and Ali Showard were clearly pleased to have participated and were looking forward to the party. “This is like any other party,” said Kane. “We’ll just hang around here and enjoy ourselves.” Showard agreed. “You can’t beat the free beer and we have nothing else to do anyway.” Plans are already under way for next year’s event. What started as a fun run with a pancake breakfast 10 years ago has now blossomed into a fixture on the winter running circuit in the Tampa Bay area. The race had been a 10K, but has reverted to a 5K and a 1-mile fun run. That format will remain. Borger is impressed with the fact that the runners came from all over Florida, several other states and even some from Canada. “It is just so much fun. This is a fun event,” she said.

Cadillac has beat out BMW to become the most-desired automotive brand in the United States by men, according to results of a market research test by Buyology Inc. “This year’s brand ranking demonstrates that it’s essential for companies to invest in creating deeper differentiated relationships with their consumers. These relationships provide the context that either amplifies or diminishes everything the brand does to connect with its customers,” said Gary Singer, Founding Partner and CEO, Buyology Inc. “Buyology’s neuro-insight tools provide rigorous analytic measurement of these deeper, previously unmeasured, connections to provide unique insight to brands and a roadmap for how to strengthen their relationships.” Check out more news on the Cadillac ATS. Lexus was the only other brand to make it on Buyology’s 2012 Most Desired Brands in the U.S. – it made it to No. 7 on the women’s list. BUYOLOGY INC/uSAMP 2012 MOST DESIRED BRANDS in the U.S. by Men: Southwest Airlines Cadillac BMW Dove Bed Bath & Beyond (we’re not sure why). Apple Google Sharp GE Macy’s - By: Omar Rana

January 21st was the Grand Opening of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tampa Bay's all new state-of-the-art facility.  Guests enjoyed live entertainment, cocktails and private demonstrations of the all new Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase.  Guests also had the opportunity to explore an exhibition of fine art courtesy of the University of South Florida's Contemporary Art Museum Corporate Sponsorship Program. Mr. David Archibald, the President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America was also in attendance to help launch our new facility.