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First Look: the All-New 2020 Lexus RX

It’s the holiday season and we all have a lot to be thankful for. As the December to Remember comes to a close, current and prospective Lexus owners can be thankful for the 2020 Lexus RX and its front-end re-design and it’s continued dominance in the luxury SUV segment. 

Thankful for a New Smile

Back and better than ever, the Lexus RX SUV returns with a fresh new grille. A signature symbol of any Lexus vehicle is the front grille. Each model has a unique front face, but the RX has seen a dramatic change as the original luxury crossover. Lexus designers continued to build on the grille by adding elaborate angles beginning at the grille corners and meeting at the L-motif. The hand-drawn angles create a smooth, visual flow for owners and vehicle on-lookers.

Thankful for Staying Connected

Good news for Android users. The 2020 RX is the first Lexus vehicle to feature the Android Auto integration. The vehicle currently offers connected technology apps Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay via the standard 8-inch touchscreen. Drivers will also enjoy the ability to start their car remotely from the new Lexus app. With the cooler days approaching in North Texas, getting a head start for your RX350 is a win.

Thankful for Convenience

The Lexus Multimedia System touchscreen has moved forward nearly 5.5 inches closer to the driver side. This improves the experience for drivers who need to enter adjust the audio or change the climate controls. All vehicle occupants will appreciate the two additional USB ports.

Thankful for a Smooth Ride

If you like talking to your in-vehicle apps, you’ll love how your Lexus talks back to you. The 2020 RX is designed to reduce the noise and vibration from the road refining the vehicle’s responsiveness. 2020 RX owners should be prepared for added active corner braking providing more stability when handling your SUV.

Thankful for the Park Place experience

If you are in the market to upgrade your vehicle or join the Lexus brand, Park Place Dealerships can assist you with your experience. For more details, visit our Park Place Lexus Grapevine or Park Place Lexus Plano locations and be sure to visit our website to learn about any current offers on the new Lexus RX. 

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Park Place Cares: Grant Patrol with Plano ISD

On Nov. 12 the holidays came early for more than 110 Plano ISD teachers, counselors and librarians as together they received a total of $125,000 in educational grants.

Grants to Educators, a program of the Plano ISD Education Foundation, graciously provides funds to Plano ISD educators each year ranging in value from $250 to $1,500. Teachers, grades or entire schools had the ability to apply for these grants which will financially support projects that demonstrate instructional excellence.

Grant recipient Mary James, Armstrong Middle School // photos Jennifer Shertzer

The Plano ISD Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support Plano schools and educators. Since 2000, almost $17 million has been gifted to Plano ISD by the Foundation to enhance scholastic learning and recognize deserving educators.

“Programs like Grants to Educators is what the PISD Education Foundation is all about. As we surprised each teacher on their campus today, you could see the excitement and passion these educators have for their students. We are Plano ISD Proud,” said Jamee Jolly, Plano ISD Education Foundation Sr. Executive Director.

For more than seven years, it has been a Park Place tradition to spread holiday cheer by gifting these grants to deserving educators. PISD is just one of four amazing districts that we partner with. The others including Coppell ISD, Southlake ISD and Rockwall ISD. But one thing that always stays the same is everyone piling into Park Place vehicles and heading out to different locations to find the lucky recipients.

“The Grant Patrol truly is a highlight for our team members. Not only do we get to support the teachers, but we also are able to give back our time and see our dollars in action. It’s such a moving day and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Anam Ali-Hashambhai, Park Place Dealerships Experiential Marketing Manager.

As a company, we strive to support and empower our team members to improve the quality of life in the communities where we do business. Grant Patrol is just one of the many ways that #ParkPlaceCares.

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Member Spotlight: Shiva Olumi, Finance Director at Park Place Lexus Plano

Self-described “misfit” marks nearly 20 years of a perfect fit with Park Place Lexus Plano

Unlike most of her generation, you won’t catch Finance Director Shiva Olumi endlessly twiddling her smartphone to update her social media status.

“I just think that if you’re on your phone all the time, you’re never really present in reality,” she says. “You run the risk of missing out on real connections. Then again, I’m a bit unorthodox anyway,” she admits with a laugh.

A first-generation Iranian-American, Olumi says that curiosity led her to accept a part-time job at the dealership while she studied for a pharmacology degree. But she credits her innate ability to look at life through a different lens that led her to consider an automotive career.

“My parents were a bit concerned because this industry didn’t fit into the career boxes of medicine or law,” she states. “But the work spoke to me and I was able to rise up the ranks. Plus, I really enjoy the industry.”

From receptionist, she moved through a variety of roles at the store, including loan car admin, ARAP, inventory specialist, new car biller, preowned biller, staff accountant, accounting manager, assistant finance manager and new car sales manager to her current role.

“Guess I just can’t stay in one place,” she smiles.

She credits mentoring by both Jordan Case (Park Place President) and Chris Brunner (her hiring manager, now Lexus Plano GM) as critical to her exploration of challenging new roles. “They helped me develop and provided me with growth opportunities. Park Place is incredibly committed to inclusion and opportunity for all,” she adds.

She sees her role as a founding member of the Women in Automotive group as a way to pay back their confidence in her.  The group’s goal, she says, is to afford opportunities and exposure to others who might not have automotive industry careers on their radar.

“It’s not just a women-only thing,” she says. “It’s an open forum to support those who might not have a mentor at their store or may just need guidance or a conversation to create hope. I’d like to see it become more inclusive but we have to start somewhere.”

She’s a travel fan, as much for the nature she enjoys getting back to, as well as the differing perspectives she encounters. Favorite destinations include New Mexico, Spain, Germany and the Middle East. Even then, she often “takes the path less traveled.”

Her motto? “Write your own manifesto about what you find as your normal.”

[picture caption — (l to r) Shiva Olumi, Finance Director, and Selena Villalobos, Business Coordinator, both with Park Place Lexus Plano.

 

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Park Place Dealerships Kicks Off Season of Holiday Giving with Philanthropic Programs

For Every Act of Kindness Shared with Hashtag #giveamazing Lexus will donate $10 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The holiday season is a time of increased giving across North Texas and Park Place Dealerships is leading the way for members, clients and the community to give back to help those who may need it. Organizations Park Place will be supporting during this season include Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club of America, Community Partners of Dallas, Arlington ISD, and Toys for Tots.

“We care about our community and are glad to provide support to those in need,” said Dave Evans, chief marketing officer for Park Place Dealerships. “There are many families who struggle throughout the year and our members continually look for opportunities to help others. During this holiday season, we are partnering with various charities and we have made it easy for the community to join these efforts.”

Give Back with Park Place 

Park Place Lexus stores in Grapevine and Plano are participating in the Lexus Give Amazing program, which kicks off November 22. Lexus is simply asking people to share acts of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. For each submission using the hashtag, Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America up to a total donation of $100,000.

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Porsche Dallas are participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Clients and members can pick an angel off the tree at the Lemmon Avenue dealerships. The angel tags are printed with a child’s name, age and gift ideas from their wish list. Participants purchase gifts and return them to the dealerships by the deadline on the tag. Park Place members will deliver the gifts to one of the 11 Salvation Army Distribution centers for delivery to a family. 

Park Place Motorcars Arlington is collecting new and gently used coats, jackets and shoes for students in Arlington ISD, where approximately 64,000 students (70% of students) are identified as “low socio-economic.”

Park Place Dealerships’ corporate office, located in Las Colinas, also will be collecting toys for distribution for the Community Partners of Dallas. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the front desk at 350 Phelps Drive in Irving.

Porsche Grapevine is collecting non-perishable food throughout November to donate to a local food bank and will be collecting Toys for Tots thru December 9th. Park Place Motorcars Grapevine is donating food for GRACE for Thanksgiving dinner and participating in Toys for Tots thru Dec. 13.

All of these efforts are part of the Park Place Cares program, which encourages Park Place’s 2,100 members to volunteer their time and resources to serve the community in which they live and work. The community can support any of these initiatives by donating toys, food, or sharing their act of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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#GiveAmazing: Lexus Launches Winter Campaign with Community Spin

It’s back! Lexus is back with their big red bows, a showroom staple for the holiday season, and their 19th year of the December to Remember campaign.  But- there’s a twist this year and we have to admit, we are fond of their new direction..”The Excitement of Giving.”

Earlier this month Lexus debuted three commercials, all showing how the gift of an award-winning Lexus offers amazing experiences throughout the entire year, and the excitement that comes from gifting these exceptional vehicles to loved ones.

“This time of year is full of joy, magic and cherished family traditions that last well beyond the gift-giving season,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus vice president of marketing. “We wanted to capture this idea that a ‘December to Remember’ with Lexus has the potential to create unforgettable moments that last all year round.”

This year, it’s truly all about the experience and the joyful moments created from one decision and a red bow. The three spots you’ll see are called “Memories” “Celebrations” and “Joy” and they all tell a different story from varying perspectives including Valentine’s Day, Halloween a summer quinceanera, Easter, and moving a new student into their college dorm room to name a few. “Joy” is previewed below.

#GiveAmazing- Extending December to Remember with the Community in Mind

Now, we shift from the joyful moments created by their line-up and to the moments their dealer teams create to give back to their communities. Starting on November 22, Lexus will share stories of giving back and issue a challenge to their dealer network and clientele. 

 

Use the #GiveAmazing on social media with your own act of kindness this season, and Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America- up to $100,000.

 

So now it’s up to us! Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine will continue their community support throughout the end of the year by encouraging their members to go the extra mile to give back.

Specifically, Lexus Plano will be raising funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center during their Thanksgiving Celebration with members, and are “Adopting Angels” and will send a team to shop for at least 16 children this holiday season. Park Place Lexus Grapevine is collection Toys for Tots through mid-December. Clients are encouraged to also drop toys for donation to the dealership.

If you are interested in giving back with us this holiday season, be sure to snap a photo or video of your toy delivery, community event, or philanthropy (no act is too small!), share to social media with #GiveAmazing and #ParkPlaceCares and your act of kindness will go even further thanks to Lexus!

 

 

 

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Lexus Goes Electric with all New LF-30 Concept

 In its continued efforts to deliver innovative and amazing experiences, Lexus unveiled its “Lexus Electrified” vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles.

Lexus has officially joined the ranks of luxury manufacturers who are looking towards a fully-electric future.  LF-30 Electrified embodies this vision for Lexus, delivering an innovative interior with autonomous driving technology a newly designed driving cockpit, and other key advancements.

Lexus is no stranger to electric or hybrid technologies. In 2005, the Lexus RX 400h was introduced, sporting the very technologies that Lexus has pioneered across the industry.  Now, the “Lexus Electrified” vision targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment — even as mobility within our society continues to change with autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.

Passenger Focused Technologies

Driving is fun, right? Lexus doesn’t want to forget that very important tenant as they present electrified concepts like the LF-30. The new advanced posture control (and other tech) focuses on driving pleasure.  Their efforts in hybrid technology will play integral role in such goals. Notes and learnings from Lexus’ popular range of gasoline-electric hybrids including battery management, power control modules, and electric motors will only serve to improve their vision for electrification. 

Lexus LF-30 Electrified Highlights

The LF-30 concept is the first design revealed to embody the Lexus Electrified vision.  The LF-30 Electrified employs a new concept cockpit based on human-centric design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system. The exterior visually expresses the energy created by the wheels set at the corners of the vehicle body streaming toward the vehicle cabin and past the driver to then directly flow onto the road surface.

The shape of the body is fashioned with an elegantly flowing front which transitions into a linear and sharp rear. The window glass, which continually stretches from the front to rear, the muscular fenders, and the wing-shaped headlights form the contours of the Lexus iconic spindle.  In addition to the wing-shaped headlights, the sharpness of the rear lights and side air intakes combine to achieve both excellent aerodynamics and cooling performance, resulting in styling fused with function. 

Another innovative design feature, meant to personalize and enhance the passenger experience, is that the opacity of the side windows can be freely adjusted for both expansive views and then privacy when wanted.

Color Choice

 The color of the front face of the vehicle and luminescence patterns help identify from the outside whether the vehicle is being operated in its normal mode or in its autonomous driving mode, reflecting Lexus’ pursuit of both a high level of styling and functionality. The exterior color ‘voltaic sky’ employs a leading-edge metal-infused coating to achieve a unique quality tinted by a touch of blue-green.

Tazuna

We’ve briefly mentioned a new cockpit design, which is officially termed “Tazuna,” inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between the horse and rider. The steering controller-mounted switches and heads-up display have been coordinated to a high degree, creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while controlling various functions, such as the navigation and audio system and driving-mode selection, without having to shift one’s vision or operate manual switches. The resulting interior is one that provides comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers.

Augmented-Reality 

Various AR technologies have been employed inside for futuristic and completely responsive experience for the driver and their passengers. The new cockpit design includes gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR.

AR tech can also be found in the glass roof. A glass roof above the rear seats features voice control and a gesture-controlled “SkyGate” display window that uses AR to display various types of information, such as a realistic star-filled sky, user-favorite videos, and even navigation.

Learn More

To stay up to date on Lexus’ recently announced concept and electrification bookmark News.ParkPlace.com  and follow Lexus (Lexus USA, Lexus Grapevine, and Lexus Plano) on Facebook and Instagram.

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BLACKBERRY MOUNTAIN AND LEXUS INTRODUCE LEXUS OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE

Experiences. They are what we surround ourselves with each and every day and they are the foundation of some of the most memorable times in our lives. It’s what Lexus has preached about most since day one and now they are taking it to a whole new level.

Off-Road Adventure

Lexus is excited to announce their new partnership with Blackberry Mountain Proprietor, Mary Celeste Beall, and are proud to unveil the Lexus Off-Road Adventure at the Relais & Châteaux-designated resort, as it becomes the newest addition to the Lexus Hotel Partner Program.

Imagine channeling your inner adrenaline junkie side as you set sail on an off-roading adventure in the beautiful natural surroundings of the 5,200 acre property in the driver’s seat of the latest Lexus GX.

If you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, then Lexus has set this up to be the trip of a lifetime. There are six off-road challenges—Rock Crawl, Side Tilt, Hill Climb and Descent, Balance Beams, Log Crawl and Axle Twist. Throughout the Lexus Off-Road Adventure, guests experience the many innovative technology systems of the Lexus GX as they’re shown landmarks and majestic waypoints to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley.

When choosing a partnership, Lexus was adamant that it must be someone who shares the same core values for their clients- a passion for delivering experiences.

“Our GX 460 has off-road capabilities that few luxury SUVs can match, and there’s no better way to experience them than a drive on this rugged and scenic trail,” said Lisa Materazzo, Vice President of Lexus Marketing.

So next time you look at a Lexus and think it’s just a “daily driver”- think again!

Search our Lexus Inventory online at ParkPlace.com.

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Lexus Introduces 2020 LS 500 with Dramatic New Look

Color and emotion are uniquely tied together (check out our post on the Power of Color)  and the right shade or hue can elevate any already polished and luxe experience to a higher level. Cue the Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series demonstrating the true power of color with a limited-production interior and exterior combo.

Only 300 units of this LS Inspiration series will be produced.                                        

 The 2020 LS 500 is set to arrive this fall, featuring a deep Garnet Color for the first time (see photos).  This is the fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, but the LS 500 is the first sedan to have this exclusive treatment. The Deep Garnet exterior is a deep, metallic shade of red. 

To compliment this lustrous red are standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Similar to the body color, the wheels will catch the sunlight for a hint of glimmer, all while retaining a polished look that accentuates the elegant features of the LS.

Interior Details

The interior begins with standard White leather trim on the seats, center console, and door panels.  The dying process on the semi-analine leather gives a bright white contrast to the black dashboard, steering wheel and carpet. Kirko glass, origionally only available with the executive package, now comes standard in this limited-edition design as a trim on the door panels. 

LED dash lighting and Lexus puddle lamps welcome you at each door.

Coming this Fall

Like all 2020 LS 500s, the Inspiration Series is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that develop 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6seconds.The available AWD system features a TORSEN®limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.

Limited to just 300 units in the U.S., the 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Edition goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Contact Your Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine for more information on all new models entering our showroom this year.

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Lexus Takes Steps Towards a Crash-Free World with Standard Tech

Lexus Safety System+ now standard equipment across the 2020 Model Year lineup as Lexus moves towards eliminating car crashes. 

Article originally published on the Lexus Newsroom

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were nearly 6.5 million reported crashes in 2017 (the most recent available data) many of which were avoidable. Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly.

In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year.

“We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.“ That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”

Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking. They include:

Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection

This system is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for an increased braking response. If the driver does not brake in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.

Lane Departure Alert

This system utilizes a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 32 mph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations.

Intelligent High Beams

To help provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

This system uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.

A Future-Focused History of Commitment to Safety 

Offering Lexus Safety System+ standard in the entire Lexus lineup all its vehicles represents the latest milestone in the brand’s 30-year history of creating and providing advancements and innovations in safety – designed to help prevent crashes and protect people. “A world without crashes is what we envision,” notes Christ. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re committed to achieve.”

Additional groundbreaking Lexus safety innovations include crash testing ingenuity and real-world safety.

Total Human Model for Safety

The development of many Lexus vehicle safety features benefits from the Total Human Model for Safety, or THuMS, virtual crash dummy software. Un­like typical dum­my mod­els which provide 119 data points, THuMS provides millions of data points and rep­re­sents ac­tu­al humans in de­tail, in­clud­ing the out­er shape as well as bones, mus­cles, lig­a­ments, tendons, and in­ter­nal or­gans¾enough to detect even a scrape or bruise. This means crash tests can be conducted to determine the impact on¾and solutions for¾an unprecedented number of potential collisions on a nearly endless variety of humans, from large to small, young to old, and even gender differences. THuMS technology represents such a breakthrough in human safety, that it has been shared with a dozen other automakers and research labs around the world.

Advanced Driving Simulator

Developed to better understand driver behavior, Lexus designed and built one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators. A massive, multidimensional structure covering a space the size of a football field, this futuristic simulator can travel the equivalent of 186 miles per hour, tilt up to 30 degrees, and move in six directions at once. Inside, ordinary drivers—in an actual Lexus vehicle—navigate their way through a 360-degree virtual world. This allows their reactions to be analyzed in real-world situations without real-world consequences.

Learn more about Lexus Safety Technology at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano. 

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Texas Serviceman Welcomed Home after Deployment

Park Place Lexus Grapevine embraces service tech and his family after deployment.

The story began last spring. In April 2018, U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Joseph Rasey left North Texas for a deployment to Kuwait, leaving behind his pregnant wife Megan and two toddlers. While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Megan gave birth to their third child, Hannah, last August, while the two older girls Josie-Anna and Martha-Eden celebrated their first and third birthdays, respectively.

On April 30, 2019, Rasey resumed his job as a service technician at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. But Park Place did much more than just hold Rasey’s job for him. They took care of his family while he was deployed.

“Joseph is part of our Park Place family,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager. “So that makes Megan and the girls family, too. I can’t imagine how much this family has sacrificed for him to go and serve our country. We’re very proud of him. And we’re glad he’s home safe. We’re very happy to have him back in the shop.”

Before Rasey deployed, Park Place held a going away party for him at the Grapevine dealership

While Sgt. Rasey was deployed, Park Place Lexus Grapevine threw both girls a birthday party where the dealership gave them toys and books featuring their daddy’s voice so they could feel his presence while he was away. 

“Park Place has proven they’re family,” said Joseph Rasey. “They took such loving care of my family while I was gone. There was never a question where I would work when I got back. Without doubt, Park Place is MY place.”

Sgt. Rasey just finished his third deployment. He also served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea. He was active duty for more than eight years before joining the U.S. Army Reserves.

Located at 901 East State Highway 114, off Minters Chapel Road, Park Place Lexus Grapevine is has been recognized as an Elite of Texas dealer 11 years in a row, and received a number one national ranking for customer satisfaction. In 2005, Park Place Lexus was the first automotive dealership to ever be awarded the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.