The 2012 BMW X3

It's hard to believe the 2012 BMW X3 is almost here. The BMW X3 is the Euro-premium soft-roader that got the Europeans thinking crossover instead of sport-utility all the way back in 2003, and we have now arrived at the second iteration. They grow up so fast, don't they?

Is Bigger Better?
"This new generation X3," Bernd Hassenjuergen, the X3's marketing boss confides, "needs to flip that around a little to make the U.S. the No. 1 market." As you might have already guessed, the strategy for the new X3 involves making it bigger as a consequence, and now this compact crossover is only a tad smaller than the original X5.

Sticking to Less Tech
So far as the basic approach of what to offer as standard and optional, the new-generation X3 steers away from the long, mesmerizing options list of the X5. Nevertheless, the 2012 BMW X3 has the new, ZF-built, eight-speed automatic transmission featured by the X5, both for the X3 xDrive28i that will be introduced in January 2011 and then the X3 xDrive35i that arrives a bit later. The "eighter" (as the Germans say) actually weighs less than the six-speed automatic that it replaces and improves the fuel economy of the new xDrive35i's turbocharged, 300-hp N55 inline-6 by 9 percent.

While it remains a challenge to parse out the options on the new X5 (or especially the new 5 Series), Hassenjuergen affirms, "We discovered that the typical X3 buyer worldwide doesn't tune in so much to all the high tech like a buyer in the next segment up does." All the same, the X3's options list ain't exactly skimpy. There is no Adaptive Drive tech package, but there is the simpler single-valve Driving Dynamics Control chassis setup as seen on the Z4 xDrive35i. It features just Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings, as it does without the Comfort setting seen on the high-end BMW's.

Other available options include the three-spoke M Logic steering wheel with shift paddles (only for the 35i as tested here), then Dynamic Performance Control rear-axle torque vectoring (a miracle when it comes to moving the mass through the curves more like a Bimmer and less like a bummer). You'll find a head-up instrument display and Dynamic Cruise Control. Finally, you can have a range of wheels: 17-inch on the 28i, 18-inch on the 35i, up to 19-inch and even a 20-inch set through an approved aftermarket source.

Drives Like a Grown-Up Now
Even though the new X3 is set to be taken more seriously with all its bigger dimensions, the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i models weigh 45 pounds less than their corresponding outgoing models. We've still got loads of sheet steel on this small family-activity tank, but now the cast-aluminum, front and rear axle assemblies are lighter yet more rigid.

Thanks to less weight (the X3 is at about 4,000 pounds at the curb now), greater rigidity where needed, 17 percent more power and 31 percent more torque, the xDrive35i is a sincere piece of work that will have many more people in the X5 market thinking sort of smaller.

BMW has changed the supplier for the electric-assist part of the rack-and-pinion steering, and the action is much smoother through the full 2.3 turns lock-to-lock, the ratio altering at the rack mechanically depending on the steering angle, just like on costlier models. Though our elaborately costumed (camouflaged) tester was covered in black muslin inside to hide the details, we played a bunch with the chassis control as well as with the dynamic traction control (available only on the racier xDrive35i). Even in the wet, this fully optioned 2012 BMW X3 xDrive35i with the chassis control set in Sport+ was a dynamic charmer. Though there is no hydraulically controlled antiroll bar here as on the 7 Series, we were seriously level through several yank-us-around curves.

For more information visit Rusnak BMW Westlake located at 23645 Auto Mall Drive, Thousand Oaks CA, 91362, or call one of our Experienced Sales Associates at (888) 645- 4297.

Bentley Sparkles at Estate Jewelry Collection in La Canada

On Thursday, December 9th, Bentley Pasadena supported Estate Jewelry Collection in La Cañada to feature the designer lines of more than 12 international known designers for their holiday party. Guests participated in a drawing for a beautiful Kevork & Co. diamond and sapphire necklace.

Estate Jewelry Collection is unlike any other jewelry store because of its commitment to value, beauty and workmanship. Estate Jewelry Collection features an extensive and distinctive selection of time honored fine jewelry and estate treasures. Each piece is crafted and showcased for its rarity, beauty, craftsmanship and value. Estate Jewelry Collection also specializes in custom design pieces, redesigning of personal and treasured family heirlooms and engagement and wedding bands. In-house designer, Kevork S. Aposhian is a third generation jeweler known for his creations of one-of-a-kind pieces in natural fancy color and white diamonds. As a true artist and designer, he marked his name in the industry as a pioneer of invisible settings—one of the first designers to introduce the beautiful craftsmanship to the United States. Over the past three decades, Kevork’s passion for the business has caused it to evolve into an internationally-known design and manufacturing house. Kevork’s signature line has always been acutely innovative and superior in its class. It is with this artistic and creative culture that Estate Jewelry Collection is known as a reputable and distinguished business exclusively serving high-end retail stores and private customers all over the United States.

For more information on Estate Jewelry Collection in La Cañada please visit www.ejclacanada.com or call (818) 790-5252

Bring Smiles With Rusnak Toy Drive For Foster Care Charity

The California State budget cuts are presenting challenges for many local charities. Fortunately for foster care children living at Hillsides, one local auto group is bringing joy to children during the holidays and simultaneously helping the Pasadena children’s charity fulfill holiday wishes for the young residents. With the generous support from Rusnak Auto Group, children served by the foster care children’s charity were treated to special toys donated by caring patrons and Rusnak.

Rusnak Auto Group collected unwrapped toy donations at four locations: Rusnak Audi in Pasadena, Rusnak Jaguar in Pasadena, Rusnak Mercedes-Benz in Arcadia, and Rusnak Volvo in Pasadena. These gifts brought joy to foster care children who need it the most.

“While Hillsides strives to give children new traditions and experiences that will create happy memories, we can only do this with the support of the community who helps us provide the extras for our children,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides’ director of community resources.

As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for children at risk and their families by providing residential care, mental health services to break the cycle of domestic violence, special education, and advocacy. Hillsides encourage individuals to support its effort to provide holiday toys and wishes to these children and others at-risk in the community.

“We’re grateful to Paul Rusnak and the Rusnak Auto Group for including our children this holiday season. With the State’s budget cutbacks, we are looking at half a million dollar shortage to our residential program so any support we can get this holiday season is greatly appreciated,” said Kelso.

For more information, call Kelso at (323) 254-2274, ext. 251. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org and for the Rusnak Auto Group locations, visit www.RusnakOnline.com.

ABC 7/Southland Firefighters Present 18th Year of the “Spark of Love Toy Drive” at Rusnak/Westlake Audi, BMW, Porsche and Rusnak Auto Show

On Tuesday, December 7th, 2010, Rusnak Westlake hosted The “Spark of Love Toy Drive” at Rusnak/Westlake BMW for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

For the event, the Rusnak/Westlake BMW showroom was transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas tree overflowing with an abundance of toys, sweet treats, candy cane wishes, Christmas stocking decoration, and decorating cookies for the holidays. The children from DCFS received toys from Mr. Rusnak “Santa”, with love and support from the Rusnak Auto Group.

The “adult children” feasted on marshmallow delight, ginger bread man, chocolate dreams while sipping on spiced punch, and hot chocolate provided by the Scarlet Tea Room and Fine Dining. Rusnak Auto Group would like to thank everyone for their generous toy donations.

For the last eighteen years, ABC 7 and Southland Firefighters have come together to bring smiles to children and families in need. The Spark of Love Toy Drive benefits children who have lost their homes to fire, whose parents are unemployed, live in underserved communities, are in the foster care system and/or are hospitalized. With the love and support from sponsors, donors, and volunteers children will be able to enjoy a new toy this holiday season.

Click here to view video of the event.

Rusnak Mercedes-Benz Sponsors Distinguished Speaker Series

On Wednesday, January 12th, 2010, Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California will present Laura W. Bush. Laura Bush, one of the most popular first ladies in history, is a compelling advocate for issues of national and global concern. As an educator and former first lady of Texas (1995-2000) and the United States (2001-2009), Mrs. Laura Bush has a unique and wide-ranging perspective. She is actively involved in issues of national and global concern, with a particular emphasis on education, women’s health and human rights. She has investigated and showcased successful programs for early childhood education, at-risk youth, global literacy and preservation of our national parks and heritage sites. And through her travels to countries as diverse as Afghanistan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Panama, she has helped to shatter old taboos and oppressions and launch groundbreaking educational and health-care advances for women. Her memoir, Spoken From the Heart, is scheduled for release in May 2010. Rusnak Mercedes-Benz has been a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Speakers Series for the past 8 years. To purchase your season tickets, please visit them online at www.speakersla.com or call Kathy Winterhalder at (310) 546-6222.

Donors Add Sparkle to Hillsides Children’s Charity Event “Diamonds are Forever”

Hillsides, Pasadena children’s charity, announces La Cañada resident Donna Ford (also a Hillsides’ board member) as its chair of the annual benefit “Diamonds are Forever.” The event will take place in a private club in downtown Los Angeles on February 26, 2011.

“This theme is consistent with Hillsides’ mission, which is to serve children and families that, just like diamonds in the rough, needs to be unearthed, handled with care and made to shine,” said Ford, adding that the event will be action-packed with many unique and exceptional auction items as well as stylish guests “a la James Bond.”

When Ford was asked to serve as the charity’s benefit chair, the thought of choosing a theme seemed daunting, however, “when I thought of the children who are served by Hillsides, diamonds immediately came to mind. Diamonds are the strongest, most beautiful and sought after stones in the world.”

Diamonds come in many shapes, sizes and colors, representing not only the diversity of the population Hillsides serves, but also, the range of services provided by the charity. Like the process off unveiling the brilliant diamond and its appreciated value, the uncut and unpolished gem has to be handled by specialists who are able to reveal the true jewel that lies beneath.

“For the past 97 years, Hillsides’ specialists include qualified professionals and loving child care workers that bring out the best in the children they serve by creating safe environments for them to thrive and shine, and supporting vulnerable families. The services provided at Hillsides provide lifelong benefits to those who are touched by its incredibly devoted staff and volunteers,” said Ford. “I am asking you to help us uncover the true beauty and value in every jewel of a child we serve. To those of you who have supported us in the past, I thank you, once again, and ask for your continued support this year.”

Major sponsors for the benefit include Bill and Susan Noce, Rusnak Automotive Group, Marge and Sherm Telleen, Western Asset Management, Drake General Contractors, Linda and Stephen Gill, Jacob and Clara Maarse-Jacob Maarse Floral Design, and David and Anita Sniezko, among others.

“We are so appreciative to our donors who consistently support the work we do to help restore hope to the children and families,” said Joseph Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer. “The demand for services is great so I encourage everyone to support our event and inquire about how you can help bring some brilliance into the lives of those we serve.”

The children’s charity’s annual benefit will raise funds for its programs and services for Hillsides’ foster care children and youth at risk as well as vulnerable families living in Los Angeles County. For the 19th consecutive year, Fritz Coleman, weathercaster for KNBC-4 and honorary chairman of the benefit, will serve as master of ceremonies and celebrity auctioneer.

Other event highlights include children's wishing well, live auction, silent auction and opportunity drawings, all of which will be complemented by entertainment throughout the evening.

To learn more about this event and auction items, visit www.Hillsides.org. Individuals wishing to reserve a ticket at $250 can call (323) 255-9005 or visit www.Hillsides.org. Sponsorships are also available.

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Liz Rusnak Arizmendi:

Dear Liz,

Thanks so much for making Hillsides the beneficiary of Rusnak’s toy drive, we appreciate so very much.

Happiest of holidays to all!!!!

Carrie Espinoza
Assistant Director of Development
Hillsides

Dear Liz,

I would like to thank you, your father and your team for a wonderful event this morning. Your generosity and kindness brought so much joy and beautiful smiles to the children who participated in the toy give away. For some of them this may be the only Holiday Cheer they get to enjoy and it was all because of you.

I’m glad ABC 7 and the Ventura Fire Department were able to be present.

Once again, many thanks and I wish you and your family the best during the Holiday Season.

Warmest regards,
Teresa Samaniego
ABC 7