Amber Garrison – Page 7 – Park Place Dealerships

January 10, 2013May 7, 2015

The 2013 Jaguar XF : A New Supercharged V6 and Much More

From its lightweight aluminum spaceframe construction to its bold styling, the XF has carved out a niche as a fun alternative to traditional luxury sedans by offering unparalleled driving involvement and agility.

Even though Jaguar’s flagship had a refresh just two years ago, the company isn’t resting on its laurels. A pair of new engines, a new transmission and all wheel drive are some of the new features which have been added this year to keep the 2013 Jaguar XF on top. For the first time in recent memory, buyers will be able to get a car which not only has the looks and agility expected from a Jaguar, they’ll be able to get this driving experience while being able to beat its rivals at the gas pump. Here are some of the key highlights to the XF:

Supercharged V6: Jaguar Returns to the Six Cylinder
Name any classic Jaguar, and chances are that it came equipped with a six cylinder: The XJ, XK120 and even the E-type were all built around these engines, and they had no problem beating their V8-powered rivals. The company is finally returning to this design with the introduction of the first new Jaguar engine in fifteen years: a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 based on the AJ V8.

The designers did a lot more than merely cut off a couple cylinders and called it a day. A new, more compact supercharger combined with a water to air intercooler and a re-engineered combustion chamber help this engine produce 335 hp and 331 lb-ft. of torque. While the cylinder may be 50 hp and 49 lb-ft. of torque less than the outgoing 5.0 liter V8, the new V6’s flatter powerband and lower weight provides almost identical on-road performance.

The innovation extends past the motor: Counterbalancing and redesigned engine mounts eliminate vibration, giving the V6-powered XF all the smoothness of its eight cylinder cousin. The new stop/start system also cuts fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving, yet is so quick the motor is running before the driver has time to move his or her foot from the brake pedal over to the accelerator.

If it drives like the V8, is as quiet as the V8 and is as smooth as the V8, then why go for the V6? According to EPA estimates, fuel economy has gone up two mpg in both city and highway driving, saving drivers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle while providing performance superior to its six cylinder rivals.

Four Cylinder: Hybrid Economy Without Hybrid Complexity
After a very positive reception in the Land Rover Evoque, parent company Tata has decided to send the SUV’s turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder over to Jaguar for use in their cars, starting with the XF. The lightest engine in Jaguar’s history, this motor provides 240 hp and 251 lb-ft. of torque allowing the car to go from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy figures have yet to be released, but highway fuel economy should be at least 29 mpg on the highway, handily beating heavier, more complex and far more expensive rivals like the Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid.

Supercharged V8s: Ultimate Performance
The supercharged 5.0 liter V8 continues to be available in 470 hp tune in the XF Supercharged and 510 hp tune in the XFR. New this year is the Speed Pack, bringing aerodynamic and suspension improvements which allow the XFR to hit a top speed of 174 mph. Like the V6, the V8s also get the stop/start system for improved fuel economy.

All Wheel Drive: More Traction and More Speed
Buyers now have the option of ordering their V6-powered XF with Jaguar’s new Intelligent All Wheel Drive system. This computer-controlled system gathers information on wheel speed, braking and steering angles to provide the right amount of power to each tire. Not only does this improve traction in bad weather, the system adjusts to body movement for better handling and quicker launches.

Eight Speed Transmission: Fast Shifting and Increased Smoothness
The six speed automatic has been replaced by a new 8 speed ZF automatic, improving fuel economy and power. Thanks to some clever tuning by Jaguar engineers, drivers can switch gears using the paddle shifters with all the speed of a DSG transmission but without the associated weight penalty.

New Stereos
Bowers and Wilkins stereos are returning to Jaguar, providing stunning audio performance while drawing less power. Standard on the XF is a 380 watt, 14 speaker system with the option of a 825 watt, 20-speaker unit. Both systems can stream via Bluetooth, a pair of USB ports or Auxiliary jacks. HD radio is included, as is a single-slot CD player with a “virtual” CD changer held on a 30 GB hard drive. The system can copy and hold audio from up to 10 CDs, eliminating the wait needed to swap discs in a traditional changer.

Without a doubt, Jaguar is definitely starting off the New Year by maintaining their top spot for 2013 luxury sedans. Click here to see the new 2013 Jaguar arrivals at Park Place Jaguar.

January 8, 2013May 7, 2015

Lexus Stealth Swap: Park Place Lexus Helps Customer With A Spectacular Surprise

(This guest blog was written by one of our amazing clients at Park Place Lexus Plano, Robert Lee, who did an incredible job of providing a special Christmas surprise for his wife. It’s such a great story, that we thought you would like to read it too!)

Stealth Swap

It was one week before Christmas and I got a text message. The text message (to paraphrase) asked if I would be interested in trading in my wife’s 2010 Lexus IS250-C with a 2013 model. It was from a sales associate I’ve worked with before at Park Place Lexus of Plano. While this may seem like a sales pitch, it was not. The associate knew my wife and I were huge car enthusiasts. No, we’re not made of infinite means and my wife’s car is in perfect working condition (it had less than 8,500 miles on it). However, with the revised IS coming out next year and the “December to Remember” event at Lexus – he thought we could have an opportunity to get a great deal on a new car. So a plan was hatched (BTW, this article is not about patting me on the back – more about the dedication Lexus puts into customer relations).

I am a firm believer that life is about experiences. In front of me was a perfect opportunity to create an everlasting memory for my wife. The plan went like this: I would swap out her 2010 IS250-C with a 2013 IS350-C. I knew that besides some very minor visual cues (day time running LEDs, GPS antenna shape change, telematics system) the cars would look identical. Stephen Wedderburn (the sales associate) searched high and low and was able to locate for me an updated version of my wife’s car. The cars were the same in every way – color outside, inside, options, wheels.

A little white lie later, I was able to take my wife’s old car and drove it to the dealership for the swap. Having both cars parked side by side, I replicated the cabins. I moved all her personal belongings from old to new. I adjusted the seats, mirrors, radio stations. Then I had to race home so I can program the home-link garage door opener before she returned home.

So the trap was set. She returned home and didn’t notice a single thing. Like a predator waiting for its kill, I patiently watched as she went about her day knowing that she will use her car again in the very near future. And then it happened, she needed to leave the house. She got in her car and was about to start it. After a slight pause, she hopped out of the car and ran to the rear and noticed that it was an IS350-C (i.e. NOT her car). Needless to say, the cat was out of the bag at that time. Struck with shock and glee, she ran to me and thanked me for the amazing surprise.

While I had hoped that she would have driven away and then noticed it, it was great to be there to see her reaction. I later asked what gave it away. Her response was the “new car” smell. For a flash of a second, she thought I had taken her car and gotten it detailed. So she glanced at the touchscreen and noticed it squeaky clean. Then lower she went on the center console and that’s when she noticed. Her knowledge of Lexus cars is staggering. She noticed that the air recirculation button now has an “Auto” setting (that was an IS350-C exclusive even back in 2010). Go figure – the car was too perfect – that’s what gave it away.

In short, it was a surprise I could not have pulled off without the aid of Stephen and the amazing staff at Park Place Lexus of Plano. His dedication to his job is evident in everything he does. Considering that it was the dealership’s busiest time of the year (i.e. time when he can be making more sales if he was on the showroom floor), he took the time and effort in making this happen for me. Don’t let his youth and dashing smile mislead you, he is a professional thru and thru. We’ve purchased our last four cars from Park Place Lexus of Plano. We have no reason to go anywhere else. If what you want is a great car and to be treated with respect – please go visit Stephen at Park Place Lexus. You will not be disappointed. Kudos to the entire staff at the dealership. They are all second to none.

January 8, 2013May 7, 2015

2013 Porsche Panamera: Function With Performance to Boot

Experts at Car and Driver Magazine describe 2013 Porsche Panamera performance like a land-based rocket ship. Designed as a sporty upgrade to the 2011 Panamera 4S model, these vehicles are perfect for consumers seeking form and function while driving. Seven distinct styles allow customers to create truly unique pieces of machinery.

Origins
Porsche designed Panamera vehicles with speed and excitement in mind. The “Panamera” name originated from a Mexican sports car race that also provided inspiration for another Porsche model, the Carrera. It debuted to consumer markets back in 2009. The vehicles offer a sleek alternative to similar luxury models with features frequently seen on Maseratis and Aston Martins.

General Overview
2013 Panamera models offer maximum comfort for long-distance travel. The design remains true to its original hatchback design with a four-door body style. Current Panamera models wowed spectators at the Los Angeles Auto Show while North American critics initially approached the cars with hesitation due to hybrid body styling.

Vehicle Trims
Six cylinder Panameras include basic rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Eight cylinder sedan (S) models come with rear or all-wheel drive. Grand turismo (GTS), turbo and turbo sedan (TS) units equipped with eight cylinder engines are also available. Standard features vary by trim, customers should consult with Porsche representatives to ensure that a particular model fits their needs.

Performance
18-inch summer tires with 0.2-inch rear-tire spacers enhance overall aesthetics and offer increased vehicle maneuverability. Strategically placed front-end intakes facilitate peak engine performance by continuously delivering fresh air during vehicle operation. Six-cylinder, 300 horsepower engines take vehicles go from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) in approximately six seconds. Top speeds clock in at 160 mph.

Dual clutch, seven-speed transmissions offer quick acceleration and improved fuel economy. An automatic stop-start feature reduces idle times for reduced fuel consumption. Active suspension management (PASM) and stability management (PSM) are two standard features that provide maximum control on uneven surfaces. Panamera vehicles are part of a selective group that utilizes electronic parking brakes. Drivers simply push a button to engage the feature.

Safety Features
Panamera vehicles offer an extensive array of safety features. All vehicle doors provide impact protection. Airbag systems include dual front, knee, side and curtain units for the car’s ceiling and window spaces. Rollover detection deploys specific airbags in the event of an emergency.

Exterior
The official Porsche website indicates 2013 Panamera vehicle exteriors consist of an efficient steel and aluminum mix to reduce overall body weight. Standing approximately 55.8 inches tall, 2013 models are 0.4 inches shorter than previous models for minimal wind drag. Standard vehicle color selections include Black and White. Custom paint colors are available for an additional fee.

Interior
Porsche took extreme care in surrounding vehicle occupants with subtle luxuries. Partial leather seats envelop occupants in sumptuous comfort without the potential for wear and tear that accompanies traditional leather fittings. The feature is perfect for younger families who want a vehicle they can enjoy without hesitation. Multiple compartments including a cooled glove box provide ample storage space for smaller items. Panamera vehicles have four 12-volt electrical outlets.

Heat insulated glass helps vehicles maintain constant temperatures. Charcoal filters aide in alleviating seasonal allergy symptoms while operating conditioning and heating system systems. Two particularly driver-friendly features include power steering and rear ParkAssist. ParkAssist delivers auditory tone to help with parking and backing up.

Communication Management System
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) systems come standard on Panamera Turbo and Turbo S models. The seven-inch touch screen serves as a vehicle entertainment hub. PCMs play CDs, DVDs and connect to mp3 players and provide navigation services. 42 radio-preset spaces offer more than enough room for station selections. An optional feature adds phone capabilities.

Optional Features
Additional features allow consumers to personalize their driving experience. Heated front and rear seats offer additional comfort in colder climates. Adaptive cruise control uses onboard sensors for automatic vehicle slowdown and acceleration. A front and rear ParkAssist provides visual safety cues with a rear-mounted camera.

Optional entertainment features include BOSE or BURMESTER surround sound systems and an integrated six-disc CD / DVD player. Installing voice control allows drivers to control many vehicle functions with vocal commands. Four-zone climate control gives passengers power over individual comforts.

Pricing
Suggested retail pricing for six cylinder 2013 Porsche Panamera vehicles starts at $75,850 United States dollars (USD). Sedans start around $91,350 USD. Starter pricing for turbo models is approximately $138,650 USD. Optional features add to overall costs. Prices are current as of November 2012.

Customers looking for the next generation in luxury vehicle should search no further than Porsche’s latest Panamera series. Hailed by critics as a luxury car that performs like a sports car, vehicles turn everyday driving into an experience. Porsche Panamera performance is truly in a league all its own.

January 7, 2013May 7, 2015

The 2013 Mulsanne: Bentley Keeps the Legend Alive With This World Class “Driver’s Car”

For those who got a peek at last year’s Mulsanne, the delicate blend of elegance and power characterizing Bentley’s latest 2013 flagship model will come as no surprise.

The reinvention of a paradox, the 2013 Mulsanne creates an experience of effortless power for drivers. It’s the result of combining performance and efficiency technology with the classic 8-cylinder configuration developed a half-century ago at Crewe, Bentley’s home in the British highlands. Starting at $296,000, the Mulsanne makes for the grandest turismo: eminently comfortable, with huge amounts of horsepower on tap for those beautiful stretches on the open road.

So, what does effortless power look like?

The inch-perfect tourer has been described as a “corner office on wheels”—a nod to Mulsanne’s custom, digitally well-furnished “Executive Interior.” High-def TV and DVD, an optional rear refrigerator complete with handmade crystal champagne flutes, and handy drop-down iPads are among the features meant to enhance one of the most fashionable passenger coaches on the market. The car is even equipped with its own Wi-Fi hotspot. These accoutrements become natural extensions of a car, which can cruise, master corners and deftly accelerate without disturbing the occupants within.

For 2013, the Adaptive Cruise Control has been integrated with an ESC Premium safety system. This mechanism helps preempt accidents by scanning the road for possible collisions. Radar sensors automatically trigger increased brake-line pressure when it’s needed most—before an emergency occurs. This means drivers can go from 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds and they can stop on a dime when the time comes.

Despite the built-in luxury for passengers, the real focus of Mulsanne is experienced in the driver’s seat. Mulsanne earns its title as the “driver’s car” de luxe with its dynamic sense of balance, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and ultra-sensitivity to a driver’s intentions. Drivers are in total control whether they are cruising at 20 or 120 mph.

When it comes to power, the smart craftsmanship makes the Mulsanne ride effortless. Despite its ultra-posh specs and satin-finished comforts, this machine is no limousine. After all, it’s named for the fastest stretch in the storied 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance contest. Peek under the hood and you’ll come face to face with a mighty, twin-turbocharged 6.8-Liter V8 armed with control systems for optimum engine response. Acceleration is easy in a vehicle that somehow makes three tons feel light as a feather.

To keep those pesky CO2 emissions under control, the new Mulsanne makes use of “variable displacement,” a ‘smart’ mechanism by which the vehicle runs on just four cylinders when lightly cruising—a major boon for fuel economy. Craving a little speed? Press the accelerator and you’re instantly back in V8 mode, ready to make use of 1020 Nm of torque and 506 hp bringing you to speeds approaching 200 mph.

From behind the wheel of this car, Dallas can quickly become a blur, or a work of art, depending on how you choose to experience it.

The Mulsanne name evokes a rich history of engineering genius. With the 2013 model, the winged ’B’ marque has gone further with the paradox of state-of-the-art tradition. In bringing classical Bentley touches—like that angle-free British cut—to bear on modern mechanics and chic accommodations, Crewe engineers have really outdone themselves. They’ve crafted a grand tourer de force unmatched in both heritage and stylistic expression, from powertrain to creature comforts.

How could Bentley possibly improve on the beautiful 2013 Mulsanne? The word out from this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance suggests a possible Mulsanne Convertible on the horizon—good news for Bentley devotees gazing longingly at Rolls Royce’s Phantom Drophead Coupe.

January 7, 2013May 7, 2015

Volvo City Safety Technology approved by the NHTS and IIHS

For nearly a century, Volvo has been producing automobiles, and almost for the entire existence of the manufacturer Volvo cars have been known for being the safest on the market. This tradition of excellence continues into modern day with the introduction of the Volvo City Safety technology: the newest in groundbreaking technologies helping to preserve not just your car, but also the health of you and your family.
The core of City Safety is a laser, attached to the back of the rear view mirror and invisible to the naked eye, that scans the area one car length in front of the Volvo automobile. If the sensor notices that the car in front of the driver is stopped or slowing, it has the power to apply the brakes on its own in an attempt to avoid an accident. With a speed difference between the two automobiles of 9 miles per hour or less, City Safety will avoid an accident outright. At speeds of up to 19 miles per hour, it is unable to avoid an accident, but the perfect response time of the system will result in far less damage than sustained with the system keeping watch.

There are some limitations on the system: at speeds of 20 MPH or above, City Safety will not automatically apply the brakes, due to the dangers of braking without driver expectation at that speed as well as the risk of false positives when scanning at an increased distance. It will also not notice a pedestrian or other small object in front of the car, limiting only to what it is sure is an automobile.

Nevertheless, the data about City Safety’s effect on the accident rates is in, and it is extremely positive. The Highway Loss Data Institute, the information-gathering arm of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, found that automobiles equipped with Volvo City Safety suffer 27% fewer property damage claims than those without, compared with comparable midsize SUVs from other manufacturers as well as Volvo cars without the feature. Even more impressively, bodily injury liability claims were reduced by a staggering 51% thanks to accidents greatly reduced in severity by the earlier automatic braking.

City Safety was introduced in 2010, appearing on Volvo XC60 midsize SUVs with S60 sedans joining in 2011 and XC70 wagons and S80 sedans being equipped for 2012. For the kinds of low-speed impacts that City Safety prevents, human reaction time is one of the greatest challenges; the automatic braking is activated with the instant reaction time of a computer, the driver is not aware it is happening until the accident has already been avoided. The braking power is strong at 50% of maximum in which the driver will receive a jerk forward, but it will never be so violent as to cause him/her to impact the steering wheel or dashboard under normal circumstances. A light on the dashboard will alert the driver after City Safety activates.

Since the laser used is infrared, it is invisible to both the driver and all oncoming motorists – no one will be distracted by a red light flashing in their eyes as you approach. It works equally well in both day and night conditions. Since it only has to read eighteen feet in front of the car, most inclement weather will not affect it, but very heavy rain or snow may impede its performance. It is specially configured to avoid activating when attempting to park or weaving through parked cars, and can be temporarily overridden by pressing on the accelerator – but there is no way to deactivate it for good, as it will turn on again the next time the car is started.

The effects on insurance claims are clear: drivers of Volvos with City Safety file fewer claims and recover less insurance money than those without the feature. Interestingly, even though the total amount claimed for insurance is lower, the amount of the average claim is about 10% higher than other vehicles, which means the system is working. City Safety avoids the small claims for fender benders by avoiding those accidents entirely the claims that do get filed tend to be for more serious damage.

For now, the effect on insurance rates is negligible as the IIHS examines the data, but there is reason to believe you may end up saving on insurance payments in the long run. The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute recently released their own report stating that the system reduces low-speed collision severity and eliminates many collisions entirely, strengthening the argument for reduced insurance payments in the near future.

Regardless of the immediate savings on insurance payments, the time and headaches saved from avoiding fender benders and the additional safety afforded to you and your family make the City Safety technology an invaluable asset in your new Volvo.

January 7, 2013May 7, 2015

The Timeless Mercedes-Benz Gullwing: A Legend Reborn

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL AMG Gullwing — Photo Source: http://www.sportscardigest.com/2009-automobiles-london-auction-results-rm-auctions/

When car enthusiasts think of Mercedes-Benz, they often picture the iconic “wings” of the classic 300SL Gullwing rising into the air, as if preparing for takeoff. First released in 1954, this vehicle marked the beginning of the now revered Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and was considered the fastest, most advanced production vehicle of its time.

The 300SL was born from a racing heritage, and has speed engrained in its genes. It may surprise some people then, to find out that the car donned an unassuming 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine churning out 215 horsepower. This may not sound impressive at all by today’s standards, but it was leaps and bounds ahead of comparable sports cars at the time. The car’s minimal weight (just 3,400 pounds) and sophisticated aerodynamics were in line with the SL, or “Sports Light” badge, and contributed greatly to its exceptional quickness, balance, and cornering ability. To put things in perspective, its 160 mph top speed was enough to shatter the previous record by a production vehicle and it pioneered the first-ever direct-injection system on an automotive application.

Many vehicles have recently adopted direct-injection technology because of its advantages in performance and fuel efficiency; all of these modern manufacturers owe a tip of the hat to Mercedes-Benz and the car that started it all.

Most Collectors and enthusiasts consider the 300SL to be the greatest all-around sports car of the 20th century. Today, a classic Gullwing can roll across the auction block for nearly $1 million, without breaking a sweat. Less than 1500 were built, so it comes as no surprise that these cars are highly desired and rarely go up for sale. If you’re looking to buy one, you might have better luck searching the obituaries instead of the classified section.

Road & Track magazine raved after an initial review of the 300SL, and had the following to say: “We are looking at a car where a comfortable interior is complemented by remarkably impressive handling characteristics, quite incredible roadholding, light and precise steering, and performance levels which are up there with – and even an improvement on – the best cars the automotive industry has to offer. There is only one thing left to say: the sports car of the future has become a reality.”

Moving forward, we see the future of the 300SL coming to fruition. The recently released 2013 SLS AMG® GT is the physical and spiritual predecessor to the Gullwing, and embodies all that made the original 300SL such an incredibly special car. Who says perfection can’t be improved upon? From its sultry curves and timeless styling, to its cutting-edge power plant and drive-train, the SLS AMG GT mirrors the idea behind the original 300SL and defines the parameters for what a sports car should be.

A quick glance at the SLS will leave no doubt about its lineage. Its traits are unmistakable: The impossibly long hood, the small, two seat cockpit and tiny trunk, the suave, rounded curves, the low-slung center of gravity, and of course, the often imitated Gullwing doors. All of it nods to the original 300SL. However, there is something more dark and ominous about the SLS. Its aggressive body lines and widened, ground-hugging stance indicate that it is a different beast than the 300SL. Each vehicle was shaped by the principals of its performance, and the SLS quite literally screams that it was built for more power and greater handling control. It is essentially a modern 300SL on steroids.

The angry, snarling exhaust note on the SLS is similar to the original Gullwing in its ferocity, but what lies under the long, sleek hood is another animal altogether. A high-revving 6.3-Liter AMG V8 pumps out a ground-pounding 583 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque; its broad power-band is enough to send the SLS past 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. This engine is the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever stuffed into a production vehicle, and marks a momentous achievement in technological design and engineering.

As one might expect, the direct-injection technology first seen in the 300SL is carried over into the SLS. Other elements also set the car apart from its competition, including a dry-sump lubrication system, a 7-Speed dual-clutch trans-axle which shifts at a lightning-quick 100 milliseconds, a double-wishbone suspension system with electronically-controlled adaptive damping, carbon-ceramic brakes, the list goes on and on.

All of this performance does not come at the price of everyday drivability. Just as the 300SL was built to take a beating, the SLS was created as a true driver’s car, reliable enough to be driven daily, and tough enough for a weekend trip to the track and back. It was built to display extreme endurance without missing a beat.

The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz has outdone themselves with the 2013 SLS AMG GT. It represents all of the ideals that a sports-exotic should, and smashes any competition in the process. Faster cars lack its graceful styling and class, and more luxurious cars cannot match its balance of power and agility. Simply put, the SLS AMG GT is one of the most advanced, well-rounded vehicles ever built.

January 2, 2013May 7, 2015

New Flagship Bentley Convertible Announced: Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Speed is embedded in Bentley’s history. The name dates back to our founder W.O. Bentley’s 3 Litre Speed of 1925 and the Le Mans 24 Hour race-winning Speed Six. Then as now, the pursuit of performance was balanced by the quest for refinement.

Today’s Continental GT Speed Convertible is a worthy successor. Its exceptional performance is allied to an eight-speed all-wheel drive transmission, which delivers reassuring stability year round. The Speed chassis tune delivers thrilling agility and clarity of feedback, yet also rides harsh road surfaces with supple resilience. Even the exhaust note, deeper and more exhilarating under hard acceleration, is civilised and refined during high-speed cruising. As a result, the Continental GT Speed Convertible is capable of devastating acceleration and enduring pace in equal measure, whilst at the same time, its hand-crafted interiors and supportive sports seating provide supreme comfort over long distances.

Designing a convertible combining these levels of performance and refinement brings its own unique challenges. Fortunately, Bentley has an unequalled history when it comes to convertibles, and the GT Speed Convertible is the latest, fastest and most thoughtfully-executed of all. Drive it with the hood down and a new dimension is revealed. You’re no longer an observer of the passing landscape but a part of it, with every aspect of your journey – especially the thrilling sound track – amplified in the open air. However, should you choose to close the roof, the levels of refinement, acoustic insulation and cosseting comfort provided are truly exceptional

View original article on BentleyMotors.com.

December 26, 2012May 7, 2015

Park Place Motorsports To Debut in 51st Rolex 24 At Daytona

No. 73 Porsche GT3 fielded by Park Place Motorsports in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. (Photo Credit: Park Place Motorsports)

Park Place Motorsports To Debut in 51^st Rolex 24 At Daytona

New Team To Field Porsche GT3 in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series GT Division with

Drivers Patrick Long, Spencer Pumpelly, Patrick Lindsey, Jason Hart and Daniel Graeff

Park Place Motorsports’ ‘Arrive & Drive’ Program Offers Full-Service Support for Motorsports Enthusiasts

DALLAS (Dec. 18, 2012) – Park Place Motorsports will make its GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series debut in the 51^st running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona Jan. 26-27. The former Horton Autosport team is an extension of Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships, which represents upscale manufacturers Porsche, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lexus, Bentley, Maserati, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Volvo and Smart.

Park Place Motorsports will campaign a Porsche GT3 in the 24-hour marathon around the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with an impressive driver lineup that includes three Rolex 24 victories. Porsche factory driver Patrick Long headlines the effort, along with Porsche specialist Spencer Pumpelly, Patrick Lindsey, Jason Hart and Daniel Graeff.

Long, the only American factory driver for the German manufacturer, is a three-time American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT2 champion (2005, 2009 and 2010) and winner of the 2009 Rolex 24 in a Porsche GT3. That victory completed Long’s cycle of winning each of sports car racing’s modern endurance classics, as the California native claimed victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring (2005), 24 Hours of Le Mans (2004 and 2007) and Petit Le Mans (2005, 2006 and 2007).

Joining Long will be Pumpelly, who owns two Rolex 24 wins (2006 and 2011), both in the GT category. They are among 19 professional victories Pumpelly has scored in GRAND-AM and ALMS competition. A degree in economics from James Madison University makes Virginia-born Pumpelly equally eclectic as Long, who is fluent in English, German, French and Italian.

Continuing the worldly attributes of Park Place Motorsports’ driver lineup is Californian Lindsey, whose day job is working on Wall Street as he balances a burgeoning racing career that has taken him to GRAND-AM. In 2012, Lindsey co-drove the No. 73 Horton Autosport Porsche GT3 to six top-12 finishes in 11 outings.

Hart was born into a Porsche racing family in Northern California. He has been racing Porsches and countless other makes since his career started in 1995. Ready to race anything anywhere, his motorsports background includes ASCS Sprint Cars, USAC Midgets, go-karts, sports cars, vintage racing cars and even off-road vehicles, as the versatile driver scored a victory in the Class 4 division of the 2011 Baja 1000

Graeff rounds out the team’s Rolex 24 effort. The California native will make his fifth career Rolex 24 start in 2013. In addition to his sports car racing experience, Graeff has raced everything from motocross to stock cars, recently competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Park Place Motorsports augments the unparalleled service its dealerships provide by offering customers a premium level of support in relation to their motorsports activities. It’s why the team partnered with Horton Autosport, an innovative operation that incorporated leading-edge technologies to quickly rise from start-up outfit to experienced contender.

“In our dealerships and on the racetrack, we’re committed to the highest quality standards. Our driver lineup for the Rolex 24 At Daytona is a perfect example of that commitment,” said Alex Whitman, director, Park Place Motorsports. “We go above and beyond our competitors and focus each and every day on the hundreds of details that add up to an unparalleled ownership experience. And for many Park Place customers, that experience involves motorsports. It’s in the DNA of the cars we sell and in the DNA of our customers.”

Beyond its flagship racing team that will compete in the twice-around-the-clock endurance race at Daytona, Park Place Motorsports delivers a line of full-service solutions to motorsports enthusiasts at every level, from the racing novice to the experienced professional racer, all at a level of service consistent with the exceptional customer experience Park Place dealerships have provided for more than 20 years. Offerings include:

Service and Repair: Park Place Motorsports mechanics will service motorsports-related vehicles as needed or in conjunction with existing service intervals. The broad scope of service and repair Park Place Motorsports offers clients range from basic fluid replacement to complete repairs, including vehicle body and structure.

Driver and Racecar Support: Park Place Motorsports manages as many processes as the client wishes, from one-off support such as racecar setup, to all-encompassing arrive-and-drive-programs.

Parts Engineering and Distribution: Park Place Motorsports has a line of Park Place Motorsports-branded parts, specifically engineered for high-performance and racing applications.

These services will be authentically promoted by Park Place Motorsports’ GT team in GRAND-AM. The same Porsche 911 GT3 Long, Pumpelly, Lindsey, Hart and Graeff will race at Daytona was built and maintained in the same facility as Park Place Motorsports’ customer cars.

“Having an in-house race team exposes us to emerging technologies in real-time while providing real-world applications for those technologies,” Whitman said. “What we learn with our race team and the experience our engineers and professional drivers can provide to our customers is unmatched. It allows a Park Place customer to get the most out of his or her car and the most out of themselves. And the best part is that all of our expertise is under one roof and available to our customers.”

Park Place Motorsports is a unique offshoot for a car dealership. But with its lineup of high-performance cars in a region where there are more than 250 Porsches licensed to race by Porsche Club of America, creating a division catering to racers who buy their personal cars and racecars from Park Place Dealerships is not only a sound business decision, but a savvy one, as well.

“Having qualified support at and away from the track is one of the primary detractors in motivating new entrants into motorsports. We fill that void by managing any and all wants of the customer,” Whitman said. “We have a centralized location, a dynamic product line, an unmatched client experience and an unrelenting effort to become a leader in the racing industry. It’s what makes Park Place Motorsports stand out.”

About Park Place Motorsports:

Park Place Motorsports is an extension of Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships, which represents upscale manufacturers Porsche, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lexus, Bentley, Maserati, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Volvo and Smart. Park Place Motorsports augments the unparalleled attention its dealerships provide by offering customers a premium level of support in relation to their motorsports activities. Services include maintenance and repair, driver and racecar support, and parts engineering and distribution. These offerings are authentically promoted by Park Place Motorsports’ flagship GT team in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

December 26, 2012May 7, 2015

Delicious Food, Good Friends, A Worthy Cause and New Cars Equal Community Togetherness

On the evening of November 15^th, the lights of Park Place Lexus were shining well into the night as the dealership welcomed hundreds of the Lexus LS enthusiasts who’ve made Park Place their preferred dealer over the years.

With the holiday season creeping in closely, the event presented a cheerful, vibrant feel. As guests sipped on “Luxuritas,” made with Avion Tequila and listened to the quirky, stringed renditions of “Hotel California,” in the background, Park Place heralded the arrival of the holiday party season as much as it did the arrival of a new version of their signature vehicle.

Avion wasn’t the only non-vehicular brand representing itself capably during the party. Providing a scrumptious array of cuisine was chef Kent Rathbun and his crew. The Rathbun catering crew’s inventive take on sliders and decadent mac ‘n cheese made with gruyere highlighted, why it is that Rathbun’s name is culinary gold. especially in Collin County where his Jasper’s is a top destination. If nothing else, the savory bites were evidence enough that Thursday night was more than a simple gathering of loyal customers. If the mac ‘n cheese was decadent, then the offerings from Allen’s Sublime Chocolates were downright criminal. Make no mistake; the well-appointed showroom was transformed into a foodie haven as well as a welcome spot for LS lovers.

Many of the people who made their way into the showroom have come to know one another over the years, not simply by their automotive affiliation, but by their dedication to worthy causes in Collin County. Perhaps the new LS and Rathbun’s delicacies have far-reaching brand power, but the most important name of the night belonged to the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center (CCCAC) an organization that’s helped countless families for 20 years.

The CCCAC has been the saving grace for children victimized by abuse and are in need of assistance when a helping hand seems far away. Lynn McLean, the Center’s CEO, was on-hand to ensure the mission of the cause she leads reaches to as many people in the community as possible.

McLean spoke to us for a few moments as her team sold fund-raising raffle tickets. While winning a new Lexus or choice seats to the area’s top ballet are fantastic rewards, McLean makes it clear that the people who purchasing raffle tickets that night were satisfied with the prize of knowing they are directly assisting neighboring families by helping to create a safe, nurturing place that can help in ways no other center in North Texas can.

For McLean, the relationship between Park Place Lexus and the center, which began rather serendipitously, has turned into something that displays a community that’s fully united for this much-needed cause.

“A few years ago, the Center purchased a Lexus from Park Place to raffle off as the grand prize at our annual Gala in order to create some real excitement,”

“Having the Lexus for our raffle not only created the excitement we hoped it would, but for the last three years, the Dallas/Fort Worth Lexus Dealerships have donated a car for our raffle’s grand prize, which has just been an amazing gift, and it’s made this partnership such a strong one. Thanks to this relationship, we’re able to create a greater amount of awareness for the Center than ever before. For us, and the resources we provide, creating awareness is so very important.”

Evidence of the synergy that’s developed between Park Place Lexus, the loyal LS customers and the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center was in plain sight for each attendee to see as they walked into the showroom’s main doors. A gleaming, white Lexus convertible was surrounded by donations from the night’s attendees for the Advocacy Center’s Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room is the arm of the Center that answers the most urgent needs of the kids and families who seek help on a daily basis. Clothing, toys and an assortment of necessary items were piled high and ready to be taken to the Center. Such a visual was yet another profound reminder that Thursday night’s soiree was a time for community action, and not merely a glitzy, new model roll-out.

Jordan Case, president of Park Place Lexus, was visibly excited about the 2013 Lexus LS, but he was more interested in speaking to us about the evening’s clear sense of community and the appreciation he feels for Park Place being able to help create that.

“Many of our customers here tonight are involved not only with the Advocacy Center but with other charitable organizations as well,” says Case. “This type of involvement is a key way in which we keep in-touch with so many of our great customers.”

Case goes on to acknowledge the bigger picture that helps all involved.

“We’ve purposely not invested very much into traditional advertising. Being involved and giving back to the community that we’re a part of is a great way to see the efforts of everyone come full-circle.”

December 20, 2012May 7, 2015

Lexus Magazine: Top Ten Coolest Lexus Features Of All Time

Lexus Magazine recently took on the task of digging through the plethora of innovative features that Lexus has introduced over the years to rank the top ten “Coolest Lexus Features Of All Time”, and we believe they did an incredible job laying out these ground breaking features that have been found in Lexus vehicles over the years.

Here’s a list of the top ten, but you can find more information about each individual feature in the original article at the Lexus Magazine website.