Do you like Simplistic, Powerful and Luxury Cars? WAPA Rally 2016
Hey Cuties,
Last week I attended the Washington Automotive Press Association – WAPA Rally, in Kent Island, Maryland. For those of you familiar with the Maryland area, it right across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. I’ve hung out with some of the folks at WAPA during the Auto Show Media Day event each year in DC. This event was a first for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew they would have tons of cars and we would get to drive them. However, I didn’t know what that looked like or how it would be executed.
We headed over to the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club for this annual driving event hosted by the Washington Automotive Press Association for the 2016 WAPA Rally. They had a full day planned out for us that allowed us to cruise the roads just beyond the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
We got to drive or ride in the latest and greatest cars, trucks, and SUVs provided by WAPA’s automotive partners. Some of those partners included: Acura, Audi, Drive Shop, Event Solutions International {esi}, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles {FCA}, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Michelin, National Automobile Dealers Association {NADA}, Nissan, Subaru, Steel Market Development Institute {SMDI}, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and The Washington Auto Show.
The Rolls Royce is one of the Kings of Luxury vehicles. This is classic old-school pimping at its finest. Underneath the Dawn’s sleek exterior sits a 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine.
Rolls-Royce has several models, the Phantom, Unmistakably Rolls-Royce, Ghost, Effortless simplicity, Wraith, Power. Style. Drama and Dawn, Strikingly seductive. Make no mistake luxury comes with a hefty price tag. To the tune of $3,000 a tire.
I started out enjoying the luxury in the rear. The top was down, the heated leather seats were on and the ride was smooth. They made sure you had the luxurious experience while in the rear; I appreciated it too.
Picture or it didn’t happen! Look, as beautiful as this $350,000+ car is we were going to soak up the fun for free. So we took her down to the water and snapped some dope pictures.
I wasn’t going to let this pretty brown leave without me taking her for a spin. So I hopped in the driver’s seat and hit the road with my girls in the back and the wind in my face. I felt like I owned the road and I was a total snob to the others on the vehicles. The Bentley was the only worthy equivalent, all others were not. I couldn’t help it.
If you wish to own your own Rolls Royce please know that the base price is $350,000. That includes no bells and whistles, nobody wants the base model. Don’t buy in a rush either, it takes three months for them to make it. They are all custom-made to order. Shout out to Marc from Rolls Royce, he was the real MVP. He let us and we did honey.
Lunch was Bomb: #FatSnacks approved! Honey Baked Cornbread, Macaroni & Cheese, Secret Recipe Fried Chicken, Mesquite Seasoned Pit Beef and Maryland Crab Soup. After this amazing lunch it was time to drive more cars. This time, we took them out beyond the 15/20 minutes we had earlier.
This is my dream ride, yup you read that correctly. I’ve been in love with a MINI Cooper for a long time now. I’m thinking about seven years or so. This one totally matches my jeans, it’s called Digital Blue.
When I share my admiration for the MINI most people refer to it as a pill box or something else smallish. This MINI Clubman is the largest and most sophisticated MINI they’ve ever built. In this picture you see three full grown adult persons riding comfortably in the MINI Clubman. Madam Style Medic {passenger seat} is a stallion standing at 5’11. So put that in your pipe and smoke it. No knees, shins or other limbs were injured while riding in this vehicle.
Even the command center was fascinating to me. I can’t tell you how many times I squealed. To turn on the engine on you flip a button {the red one behind the gear shift} on. Geeeked! The digital display was so freaking colorful and I loved it. The MINI is distinct British craftsmanship paired coupled with world-class BMW engineering and top-shelf finishes.
We were made for one another, she starts at $24,000. She isn’t expensive, it is just that I have a family of four and we need a lot of space, SUV space. My eleven-year-old is 5’3 already. UGH! On top of that, an SUV is great when it comes to having all the extra accessories, like these High Quality Fridge Slides that can be used to store food on long trips, which are a must when you have kids. However, while the car I am eyeing up may be less practical, it definitely seems more fun! I want this to go along with my SUV. My LittleCuteLips and I would be so cute in this, she is only 4 but it’s perfect for the two of us and my handbag as we zip around time looking all cute while the boys are out. She handles well, I was on the highway serving it respectfully, but she was hugging the bends like a boss. I’m assuming it’s because she comes with Twin Power Turbo engines, eight speeds and three distinct driving modes.
The split doors are one of the things I adore about the MINI. It adds to the appeal. My son goes to college in five years and I plan to celebrate with a MINI.
Not only was this event about automobiles they fused in a bit of lifestyle. I had no idea, but it was such a great idea. We had the opportunity to do a boat ride and it sounds like fun but I wasn’t 100% confident about it on the inside. I have anxiety and it complicates things, COMPLICATES but it doesn’t stop me.
I had been on a big Ferry Boat at Disney but that was about it for my boating experience. Yet I climbed in this boat that maxes out at six people total.
The ride was refreshing, the experience was amazing, the wind in my face and the salt in the air was just what I needed. I slept like a baby that night too. It was hardly 8PM and I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
Our Captain was amazing; we always get all of the dope people. He even punched things up a bit at the end. 45 in a boat felt like 85 in a car. I handled it though; I kept all of my lunch in my gut.
The McLaren is the ultimate in fancy and fast. So much so we couldn’t drive it, but they had a driver for us. The poor guy had to spend the day zipping people around in this $185,000 machine that goes 0-124mph in 9.5.
Bentley Bentayga is the only luxury SUV with four, five and seven seat options in one body styled. I’ve admired Bentley’s from afar and was really looking forward to taking it for a spin. You know I don’t believe in being fake so I’m going to keep it real with you. The young lady there representing Bentley left a lot to be desired.
Let’s be clear, I’m not one of those people that believe in playing the race card, I don’t get down like that. However, I will call a spade a spade and this girl treated the black woman differently. One brown girl shared her frustration with me and said the representative had been putting her off all day long. She was tired of waiting to take the car for a drive. I told her to try again and I moved on.
Two black girls come back from finally driving the Bentley and I ask how it was? They enjoyed the vehicle however, this same shady girl gave them a really hard time. She told them to keep it short, gave them a ton of rules that weren’t given to anyone else and was really rude to them. While this vehicle is a beauty the young lady is doing the brand a terrible disservice. She needs to do better about life. Why are you so offended by our pretty brown skin?
10/19/16 Update: The folks at Bentley reached out to me to discuss the experience with their brand at the event. 1. I really appreciated that it speaks to the Brand and their level of customer service. 2. It gave us a chance to have a dialogue. Sometimes we have run in with people or brands and we leave feeling some type of way but you never have a chance to discuss it. I had that chance. 3. Never be afraid to have the uncomfortable talks, it makes us better as people and it makes the world a more enjoyable place. 4. Have #FatSnacks and celebrate the fact that you adult-ed today.
I hear it is nice, but I have no firsthand experience.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider captures your attention with this bold yellow color. For $66,000 you can own this tow seater.
If you have a need for speed you can go 0 – 60 in 4.1 seconds.
The sexy continues on the inside with yellow threading accents to the black leather interior.
We had an amazing day and it closed with a sunset reception on the Chesapeake Bay. It was a dope backdrop to a fun day.
What is your dream car? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
What a fun event to attend! I love driving new cars, it’s so much fun to see how the different engines and powers of the car are.
You are so right Vera, experiencing the variety of engines was really cool. They were all so different.
I’ll take one of each, please! 🙂 And shame on the woman for being so rude. She needs to be fired ASAP. That Mini looks like the perfect car for you. My daughter has always wanted one.
Right, they are some really nice cars. I totally agree Alli, just not acceptable.
I’m so going to have a MINI one day I just know it. Your daughter has great taste.
I think my husband is a little bit in love with you LOL. He is such a car guy he wishes he could do reviews like this all the time LOL. Great reviews I love how that cars door swings out the other way. Shows creativity something that we don’t seem to have much of anymore.
Hahahahaha I burst out laughing Jeanette.Yes, that was a nice touch and they are a bit automatic which is fancy.
I love going to car shows. It’s so much fun seeing what they’re coming out with. My favorite was definitely the mini cooper. It’s such a fun car! LOL. But, ummm, boat… Yes, wins hands down! Nothing can beat a day on the water 🙂
Jacqui, I’m trying to do the boat thing a bit more often so I can become comfortable.
I love old school muscle cars (especially the old Chevrolet Camero) but it’s so interesting to see the DeLorean making a comeback! Whenever I see that car I instantly think of Back to the Future.
I love to look at old school muscle cars. When I spot one on the road I feel like a child looking out with excitement.
I bet it was so fun to see all the cars at the rally. I have never sat inside a Rolls Royce before!
It was Kelly, that was my first time ever.
Now those are some gorgeous cars!! I have never been to a car show before but I have a feeling I would definitely love going to one like that!!
Go to one where you can actually put them on the road.
Okay, now that is a stylish ride! OMG! I love it, I would be a baller for day in that Rolls Royce Dawn lol. I am not big into cars, but this would make me into it.
Right Dee balling around anywhere. Just going places to be seen.
Wow, Rolls Royce always seems to impress! I would have been super excited to take the Dawn for a spin. What a cool event!
Right Liz, that is why my head was all swole up for a minute.
This looks like an amazingly fun event and I would so love to attend a rally like this some day. The McLaren and the Bentely are the two cars I would love to have for sure. I love the Spider too though. Thanks for sharing this awesome event.
Nice Rebecca, I’m noticing a pattern here. lol
Soo I hope they did a giveaway for that Rolls Royce? Because I need one of those in my life!
Oh Stephen, I wish that were the case.
That Rolls Royce is probably the hottest car ever. I would love to be able to drive one just to get a feel for how they handle and work! Love this so much, glad you had a blast and shared it with us!
I’m with you Sarah, it oozes style and grace. Thanks.
Omg Royals Royces and Bentleys!!!! My favorites!!! Now all I need to do is win the lotto so I can buy one lol
Hahahhaaha Right Courtney.
ALL of those cars are BOMB!! I have been thinking about the Mini Cooper myself. I love that car!
See Ty, I’m glad to know other Mini lovers like myself.
I’ll admit that I don’t know much about cars, but it’s my dream to own a vintage car someday. I wouldn’t mind having a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. 🙂
You know good taste though, that 1969 Chevrolet Camaro sounds mighty nice.
This looks like a great even, you got to take a lot of really great pictures. I love driving new cars but at event here, I never get to test drive because none of the cars are automatic and I cannot drive a stick shift.
They were really nice cars too Sheri. Like you I can’t drive a stick shift either.
What an unfortunate assessment of the folks at Bentley. I drove the Bentayga home that evening, and kept it for four days with no restrictions whatsoever. And yes, I am brown.
After 21 years writing about cars, I know well that each manufacturer has their own rules. Can you imagine what’s it like to manage a fleet of $300,000 automobiles? I’ve been on many media events with Bentley, several international. There are always many colors represented.
With 150 people present and just two Bentleys, I’m sure the pressure to give everyone a fair shot was huge.
IMHO, they did a great job. As a Rally guest, I should point out that your unfortunate review does not reflect the opinion of the Washington Automotive Press Association.
Thanks Brian, I appreciate your point of view. I understand and respect the rules that come along with these cars. I drove the Rolls Royce and it is $350,000+ that is a huge liability. Our experience was our experience that isn’t to say that one bad apple spoils the entire bunch. I don’t look at the Bentley brand differently because of one person. This one person’s actions don’t reflect the actions of everyone within the brand. That wouldn’t be fair to say, however courtesy is free. It is nice to know that you had a very pleasurable experience.
I love the Mini Cooper so much, I am sure it is my future car, like in the near future.
That Roll Royce is wooow!
If you get one before me, promise to pick me up so we can go for a ride.
Oh wow at all of those cars. I’d love to test drive every single one of them. It looks like a lot of fun.
Terri you would have the time of your life for sure.
I love the seafood restaurants on Kent Island. You take the best pictures…..I always feel like I am there.
I need to check them out, the food we had was really good. Awww thanks Boo.
OMG, this seems like it was awesome to attend. We don’t have car media events like that here. I would love to experience something like this. And, the boat ride, there’s nothing like being on the water. Now, that I’ve experienced and love it. Glad, to see you enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing!
Daria, that is one thing I love about being in the DC area. We aren’t LA or NY but they have a lot of events going on.
What a great event to attend! Those are some gorgeous cars and I would love to attend a event like this some day.
Thanks Jasmine, they were really gorgeous.
I don’t think I would have been able to bring myself to drive a 300k car! You are the real MVP! It is very cool that they folks at Bentley reached out to you to talk about what happened. Kindness is free…
Right Eva, I’m certain I was sweating more than usual. lol Yes, I really appreciated it.
I’ll take the Rolls Royce and the Spider, please. Lol. I wish. I would have had a ball at this event.
Great choice Antoinette, you kind of can’t go wrong.
Forget the Rolls, I’ll take the Bentley and food please.
You ladies look like you had a lot of fun.
Oh Kim the food was incredible. Bentley is another one that rules the road with style and grace.
I see you had my girl, Te, with you! I never really got into our cared so much about cars but all of these were lovely, lol!
We are like peas in a pod. lol I started to get in cars over the last year. What I love about cars isn’t what men are checking for in cars. lol I have a very girly opinion.
On, so I’m drooling over DAWN! That color, that class! Yes!
It was drool worthy for sure.
What a great day the WAPA Rally was, I like Brian Armstead, am an active WAPA member, and in that role we get to interact with a lot of the different auto brands, driving the cars, talking to the reps and no two are alike, in any way shape or form. Just like no two people are alike.
It looks like you had a great chance to experience the automotive world through this year’s Rally. WAPA holds many different events throughout the year, I do hope you come out for the DC Auto Show on media Day (our next hands-on opportunity) and get more connected to this community.
Thanks William, I had a really good time. The cars were really nice, the weather was perfect and it was a fun experience. I officially joined WAPA while I was there so I’m looking forward to participating more.
OMG, what a cool experience! Great thorough coverage of this event, Mimi. I like the Mini Clubman too…might be my next fun car.
Thanks Michelle, I think we might need a MINI Car Club.
I was born and raised in Maryland and still live here. Going across the Bay Bridge to get some famous blue crabs, covered in Old Bay of course, is always a highlight of my summer! My second favorite part of Maryland summers would be the sunsets over the bay. Before I get to your article, I just want to tell you that I love your pictures all the time!
OK… Now… To the cars…
You look very comfortable behind the wheel lady! I think that I would be a total wreck because I would be afraid to break anything. What a wonderful experience for you (focusing on the positive). I think that my favorite is that copper beauty. If I ever came to own one, I’d probably never drive it!
Hahahah Thanks Pump. The sunsets are so freaking pretty. I’m shocked I wasn’t nervous to drive it, it was so nice I forgot I could never afford it. lol
I remember the first time I saw a Rolls Royce in person was in January at a car show. It was beautiful! The one you got to see is gorgeous! I love all of these cars, especially that Bentley! That’s sad that the representative was rude to the women. I attended an InstaMeet event on Wednesday, and my kids and I were treated this way, too. Really big of Bentley to reach out to you and apologize. That’s good! I do like your advice on how to handle situations like this. I will remember this if I encounter a situation like this again. I hate confrontation, but you’re right. It is good to speak up if you are being treated unfairly.
Thanks Jennifer, it is always nice when someone reaches out to make sure your okay.
Loved all the beautiful pictures! Makes me want to have a road trip with some lady friends. I’m really feeling the MINI Cooper Clubman.
Yes Marielle, a road trip with the ladies is always a good time.
I love the Mini Cooper and my husband would have loved to test drive the McLaren. That looked like a fun day for you ladies!
It was Leslie thanks, the McLaren is the ultimate man car.
I don’t think I’ve been to an event like this in a long time. It’s awesome to be able to test drive these lovely cars! That mini cooper is such a delight!
I’m so in love with the Mini Cooper.