LUNAR NEW YEAR, ROLLS ROYCE STYLE

2020 is The Year of the Rat. No, I don’t mean politicians, although it is an election year. I’m referring to the first of twelve Chinese zodiac animals. How did the Rat become first? According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a competition to determine the order based on the order in which the animals arrived at the finish line. The Rat hopped on the back of an Ox, jumping off at the last minute and crossing the finish line first.

Rolls Royce Beverly Hills, in association with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Asian Business Connection, is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a festive private party at their dealership. Guests have lined up for bites and beverage from some of Beverly Hills’ finest eateries. From Asian specialties to a table serving freshly tossed Caesar salad, everyone seems to be getting plenty to eat as they await the evening’s entertainment.

In keeping with the theme, there are traditional and modern Lion dances, as well as Chinese and Tibetan dances performed by the American Chinese Culture Association. Guests are also being treated to a tribute to music of the golden era with a live performance by The Cufflink Crooners, with jazz entertainment reminiscent of the iconic Rat Pack.

According to the invitation I received, the centerpiece of this event was to be a red Rolls Royce Cullinan, their ultra-luxurious all-terrain SUV. After making my way from room to room throughout the dealership, one thing is quite apparent – there is no Cullinan here. I asked a rep at the event about the conspicuously absent Cullinan and her response was simply: “Corporate didn’t come through.”

Well, the Cullinan may be missing in action, but my eyes have been drawn to another vehicle that I wouldn’t mind parking in my driveway. Billed as “the world’s most powerful Rolls Royce,” the bold, sporty 2020 Rolls Royce Wraith is powered by a 6.6-liter turbo-charged V12 engine that produces an impressive 624 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed satellite-aided automatic transmission, this car will certainly provide an incomparable driving experience. The one on display is priced at just under $410,000. Sadly, they are not giving it away as a door prize at tonight’s event.

May we all have good luck during this Year of the Rat, and prosper to the point of being able to afford one of these luxurious cars, or at least a weekend rental.