Dimmitt Cares Raises funds for ChairScholars.
Dimmitt Cares is excited to help sponsor the upcoming BrewHaHa Halloween party taking place tonight, 8:00 pm to midnight. We are proud to help raise funds to benefit the ChairScholars Foundation and the great work they do.
More information is available at http://brewhaha.info/
Dimmitt Announces Partnership with the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program
The Dimmitt Automotive Group’s commitment to LEED Silver Certification validates family’s commitment to a better environment
The Dimmitt Automotive Group’s Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren showroom finishes Pinellas Park’s newest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified building. The project recently was awarded an Aurora Award for Green Construction in the category for commercial/retail/office. The beautiful Gandy Boulevard structure on the Dimmitt campus is a testament to the family’s commitment to save energy and honor the community.
In speaking about the project, Richard Dimmitt said, “It’s been a passion of our family to preserve and protect our environment and its beautiful natural resources. The economic investment dedicated to undertaking such a project makes perfect sense when we consider the long-term impact for our community and for the legacy we leave to future generations. It’s with great humility that we accept this award for undertaking a process that was such a privilege to bring to fruition.”
While building green was a priority for this project, operational costs were not the primary factor. The Dimmitt Automotive Group is a family owned business and has been rooted for nearly one hundred years in the communities they serve.
Owners Richard and Doreen along with their sons, Rick and Peter, wanted to make certain that this building was a gift back to the community. Many of the achieved project features directly benefit the surrounding community as well as reduce energy consumption.
The Dimmitt Automotive Group’s Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and McLaren showroom is the newest automotive showroom in Pinellas Park. The dealership represents product lines
Bentley Showroom
from Cadillac, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Bentley, McLaren, and Rolls-Royce. The building achieved its LEED Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
It’s a national trend in the automotive industry to obtain this certification. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) estimates about 1,000 dealerships are attempting to reduce their energy footprint by 10 percent and more are seeking the national standard of LEED certification.
Suncoast AutoBuilders, Inc. of Clearwater was the design-builder for this luxury facility. Company President Thomas Strickland, and Senior Project Manager John Vrabec have each earned the designation of LEED Accredited Professional. This project presented the unique challenge of not only coordinating the high-end level of finishes with the required approvals of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren, but also adhering to strict LEED construction execution procedures while integrating LEED-specified elements. Suncoast has specialized in the design and construction of automotive dealership facilities since 1987, and recognizes the significant commitment made by the Dimmitt Automotive Group to pursue this prestigious certification.
Drew Smith, President of Two Trails, Inc. said, “On average we see initial 5 – 8 percent upfront costs in obtaining a green certification. While many building owners are weary of more upfront costs, Richard and Doreen Dimmitt were able to see beyond the additional expense and realize the associated cost savings for years to come. In fact, the initial upfront costs will be recouped after 5 – 7 years and continue to return dividends on the building for years to come.”
Front Entrance
All building owners are looking to save money on operational costs. It makes common sense to save money in these areas. While many building owners are implementing energy saving techniques, many still do not opt to seek certification. Nevertheless, the certification adds value to the building and demonstrates a true commitment to the community as well. Two Trails was the independent third party consulting, certification and commissioning authority on the Dimmitt Automotive Group Building project.
Categories comprising the LEED certification include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation and Design, and Regional Priority. By analogy, obtaining a LEED certification is similar to an automobile passing a government safety test. Both “tests “and certification adds validation to the products and, in this case, verifies that the building has been built to national green standards.
Receiving an Aurora Award is a great accomplishment that recognizes Dimmitt’s commitment to building a great facility. The Aurora Awards is a competitive award competition held during SEBC (Southeast Builders Conference). Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) sponsors the Award competition; one of the largest associations of it’s kind. The Aurora Award design competition is presented to outstanding builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, and interior merchandisers within a twelve state southeastern and eastern Caribbean region.
The Dimmitt Automotive Group will be hosting a certification presentation at the new facility. Many of the local community leaders, owners, and project leads will be in attendance celebrating Pinellas Park’s newest LEED certified building.
About Two Trails Inc. | Two Trails, Inc. is one of the nations premier Green Building Consulting firm established in 2001. We provide green consulting/commissioning services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments seeking to obtain LEED certification and/or LEED Commissioning by USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), National Green Building Certification by NAHB Research Center, Energy Star by the U.S. Department of Energy, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.
Contact Information:
Two Trails Inc., Tom Rupp – Marketing & Communications Manager
4411 Bee Ridge Rd. #294, Sarasota, FL 34233, tom@ twotrails.com, Telephone 941.776.8680. TwoTrails.com
About Dimmitt Automotive Group | Dimmitt Automotive Group has been serving our community since 1924. We are committed to improve the quality of life for our associates, our guests, and the community through service, excellence and innovation.
Contact Information: Dimmitt Automotive Group Rolls-Royce, Bentley and McLaren
3255 Gandy Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Telephone 727.824.8500. dimmittstaging.wpengine.com
About Suncoast Builders | Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Suncoast AutoBuilders, Inc. is a design-build firm that specializes in automobile dealership facilities, with over 300 projects completed across the United States. We are a single source for all aspects of developing a commercial property, from initial concept and planning, through design, architectural/engineering of construction documents, permitting, LEED coordination and certification, and supervision of all phases of construction.
Contact Information: Suncoast AutoBuilders, 5180 113th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL 33760. Telephone 727.561.0764, www.suncoastservices.com.
On Saturday, July 28th, 2012, Dimmitt Automotive Group took part in the 1st Annual Abe Brown Legacy Golf Tournament, hosted by former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Indianapolis Colt Anthony McFarland at Innisbrook Copperhead Golf Course. Dimmitt took part as the hole-in-one sponsor.
From left to right: Derrick Brooks, Kerven Dennis, Anthony McFarland, Tracey Ringstaff, Naaman Johnson Jr., Althea Morgan
For over 35 years, Abe Brown Ministries has been developing programs to enable people at risk, their spouses, and their children to achieve productive and spiritually fulfilling lives. They believe that people must be changed from the inside out becoming liberated from spiritual incarceration. When the individuals comprising the community and state are transformed, the community and state collectively will be transformed. Ultimately all residents, businesses, and others benefit from a safe, secure, and productive society.
2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom II – Taking Orders Now
Notes for the Rolls-Royce chauffeur: this is a big and heavy car, so your employer will require you to be gentle with the controls, particularly the steering, brakes and accelerator. Ensure the correct attire and a mannered demeanour at all times and remember, this is about your passengers, not about you.
These requirements haven’t been completely attainable in the last decade’s worth of 7,000 Rolls-Royce Phantoms, however. Delectable piece of kit it might be, but the Phantom’s six-speed ZF gearbox, although state-of-the-art at the launch, occasionally found itself lost for an appropriate gear.
And while Rolls-Royce never talks about its customers by name (you get the feeling that this car is a lot classier than the people who buy it), it’s a comforting thought that even plutocrats, dictators, game-show barons, crowned heads and oil sheikhs have to wait in line just like the rest of us. For Bentley got its order in first for the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and Rolls-Royce came second – and we understand that Aston Martin’s replacement DBS is third.
So this Mark II Phantom, on sale now for delivery in September, is really a change of transmission, but as well as the eight-speeder it also gets a new beefed-up differential to replace the BMW 7-series unit, which was wearing noisily in high-mileage Phantoms. While the Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé also benefit from the transmission swap, the saloon gets some additional strengthening to the aluminium spaceframe chassis.
To make this revamp worthy of the name, there are new electronics, with a spiffy new satnav system complete with a massive 8.8in screen and a 360-degree camera system to help guide this huge barge into the chief executive’s parking spot. Did I mention the Harman Kardon stereo? Well, it’s loud. There are a few cabin changes to incorporate the big screen and sadly the old centre layout, which was as charming as an old radiogram, has been swapped for arriviste chromium switches which store memory functions.
The coachwork has received a lot of very subtle changes, which soften the lines without drastically altering the overall appearance. “Our customers don’t want a new car coming to market too often,” said Richard Carter, Rolls-Royce’s communications director. Or rather, after stumping up more than a third of a million pounds, they don’t want their cars looking out of date when the Mark II version is launched.
Well, if you stood both cars side by side, you’d know there was a difference (mainly because of the new rectangular LED headlamps), but only just. Creases are softer, there’s a combined badge/indicator repeater, a new rear bumper and chromium around the rear window, but none of it shouts “new model”.
Inside, the rear cabin is largely untouched. It’s best enjoyed without the myriad toys that are available, when the simple space and carefully planned window lines allow a perfect view out while retaining a sense of privacy. In the front, the old Phantom bugbears remain, with an adjustable steering wheel that remains slightly out of reach and a centre boss that obscures the gear selector quadrant so it’s impossible to know which gear you’ve selected.
The push-button starter sits in a panel designed to recall the old Lucas charging display. Push it and BMW’s 6.75-litre V12 purrs into life. A rev counter would be useful as the engine’s so quiet you barely notice it turning over.
First impressions are of near-silent, effortless torque, or “waftability”, as Rolls-Royce excruciatingly puts it. At slow speeds you don’t hear much of anything, just a bit of a whirr from the tyres and a wind-in-the-pipes moan from the engine when you pull away. Stand on it, however, and you’ll get a tiny delay in response and not quite the silver-teapot-full of performance, because the Rolls has to limit torque on getaway to protect the anti-friction coatings on the gears in the new transmission. Similarly, the software is distinctly indecisive at times, which we are told is being addressed already with rewritten software.
The rest of the drive experience is pretty much as it always was, with such an uncanny ride quality that you would barely notice running over a member of the proletariat. There’s lots of body roll, but it’s well controlled and while the steering’s slow, it’s also delightfully accurate. True, in tight corners, you have to pile on lock like coal on a locomotive, but the Phantom always draws short of feeling like a runaway train. And never let anyone tell you this car can’t be driven fast; it can, but in those leather armchairs you lean into the corner like a dinghy sailor. Fortunately the massive brakes will survive a lot of abuse.
In the end the Phantom is just such a damn good-looking car and so beautifully made, it gets away with stuff that would be unacceptable on any other car. And it now has the quantity, if not quite yet the quality, of gears to keep the title of the finest car in the world.
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2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider Revealed!
McLaren Automotive is expanding its lineup with the addition of its second model, the new 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider, which is ready for order and starts delivery in November.
The convertible supercar comes just one year after the launch of the hard-top MP4-12C and gets all the latest features introduced with the 2013 update.
This means that peak output from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 is a healthy 616 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
McLaren calls the car’s roof system the ‘Retractable Hard Top’ and has designed it so that it can be operated at speeds of up to 19 mph. Raising or lowering the roof takes just 17 seconds and top speed remains an impressive 204 mph–just 3 mph shy of the hard-top’s peak.
Thanks to the MP4-12C’s carbon fiber ‘MonoCell’ chassis, no additional strengthening was required for the MP4-12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 pounds more with the addition of a convertible roof system. Overall weight with all fluids on board comes in at around 3,200 pounds.
Behind the driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector, and with the roof raised the rear window can still be lowered, allowing the engine’s sweet exhaust note to roar into the cabin.
With the roof raised there is around 1.8 cubic feet of storage behind the cabin. Bespoke luggage has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with the car. A rollover protection system is also fitted, with each of those tall buttresses containing a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect occupants.
As mentioned, the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider is ready for order and should commence deliveries in November. In the mealtime, head over to the McLaren website and play around with the new configurator.
McLaren’s vision for the MP4-12C was to make a sports car that was lightweight and strong. Fast and efficient. Comfortable and exhilarating. At McLaren Tampa Bay, our unswerving commitment to excellence and innovation underpins everything we do: from the initial demonstration, to the ownership experience we offer with McLaren’s new road car, the MP4-12C. We are proud to have joined the McLaren team as your retailer. If you spend a little time with us, we will explain how we plan to exceed your expectations, and how our approach to ownership is as innovative as the car we are proud to promote.
*With approved credit from McLaren Financial. Payment includes all costs to be paid by consumer except license, tax, registration & doc fees. 2013 McLaren MP4-12C. Stock # CW001184. MSRP $269,900; Residual $130,000. $3,495 per month plus tax. Closed end lease to qualified buyers. Sign and drive. Lease for 60 months, includes 2,500 miles per year. Lessee responsible for excess wear, tear and mileage. No dealers or dealers agents. Residency restrictions apply. Sale ends and all deals must be delivered and paid in full by 7/31/2012.
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.
– 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.
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