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New 2021 Jaguar F-Type Introduced

From Jaguar USA- a new 2021 Jaguar F-Type has been announced this month featuring a redesigned model with a new exterior and interior design, enhanced tuning, and more technology and convenience features to elevate this definitive Jaguar sports car.

Read more for a quick snapshot of the “need-to-know” information and stay tuned to Park Place Jaguar as more information is released over the new year.

Overview

The new F-Type still embodies the Jaguar design DNA in its purest form, but now, looks more beautiful than ever with even more driver reward. Drivers have the options between a 4-6-8 cylinder options, all with eight-speed transmissions with full manual control.

The new F-TYPE also offers more driver-focused technology, including a reconfigurable, high-definition 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard and software-over-the-air functionality so future software updates can be made at the customer’s convenience without additional trips to the service center.

“State-of-the-art technologies together with luxurious materials and finishes deliver beauty with purpose in an interior which will delight driver and passenger alike even before the engine starts and the journey begins. Jaguar has been making sports cars for more than 70 years, and that rich heritage has inspired the team to create something truly extraordinary.”

Exterior

The proportions of the new F-Type are instantly recognizable, but there are a few key design enhancements that make this new F-Type a pure representation of Jaguar design language. 

  • Super-slim LED headlights with subtly updated ‘Calligraphy’ signature ‘J’ daytime running lights blend perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell hood.
  • The rear haunches enhance the vehicle’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form. The LED rear light clusters have been subtly updated too. Now slimmer, to match the headlights, they feature a bolder, ‘Chicane’ light graphic introduced by the all-electric I-PACE performance SUV. 
  • The bumpers are new, and introduce bolder surfaces with discreet signature graphics to enhance the overall design and provide greater differentiation across the model range, from the F-TYPE to the F-TYPE R-Dynamic to the F-TYPE R.
  • A new clamshell hood design sweeps elegantly back from the slimline LED headlights. 

And that’s just a few of the subtle, yet powerful updates made to the exterior of this iconic sports car for an overall more muscular tone form front to back.

Interior

Inside, the driver-focused ‘1+1’ cabin envelops the occupants with luxurious materials such as Windsor Leather, Suedecloth and Noble Chrome, while Jaguar craftsmanship is embodied in beautiful details such as monogram stitching on the seats and door trim.

Other updates to the elegant interior include:

  • the 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster and Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system
  •  12-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster with graphics unique to the F-TYPE. This offers a choice of three display themes, including a full map. True to sportscar form, the default setting sports a large central tachometer.
  • the F-TYPE features Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard13, along with software-over-the-air functionality

The intense eye for detail even touched the seatbelts (yes, you heard that right). The seat belt guides are finished with discreet ‘Jaguar Est. 1935 markings’, which are proudly repeated on the glove compartment release button surround. This subtle reference signifies the year the Jaguar name was first used by company founder Sir William Lyons to brand one of his beautiful cars.

Performance

A range of powerful, responsive engines in the 2021 F-TYPE includes four-, six- and eight-cylinder options with 296 hp, 380 hp and 575 hp respective outputs. All are matched to eight-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control capability using either the SportShift gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The new 2021 Jaguar F-Type will be available in an F-Type R configuration, F-Type R Dynamic, and F-Type core models. Learn more here.

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Member Spotlight: Nick Carimi, Service Director at Jaguar Land Rover DFW

“It’s nonstop around here, for sure,” says Nick Carimi with a giant smile, clearly expressing that he loves every second of it.

He’s on the phone one moment, then striding to confer with a colleague the next, then out on the service drive to make sure all’s well – it is – then back to his computer to shoot email replies, file reports, follow up service requests and tend to the myriad of things that a Park Place service director does.

His story was far different in 2008, when he arrived in big-city Dallas from small-town Geneva, Ohio, fresh from Edinboro University with a degree in sports management. He had two suitcases and a referral from his half-brother Tony – currently Park Place COO, then Service Director at Motorcars Dallas – about a position with Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

“The economy was tanking, so there weren’t a lot of jobs around that fit my major,” he explains. “And frankly, I didn’t really know what Tony was doing, but he was always talking about how great Park Place was, so I thought this would be a solid opportunity.”

He got the gig as an assistant service manager (ASM) and found that the position’s constant buzz of activity suited his high-energy personality. Then, a dizzying series of transitions throughout the organization saw him in a variety of roles. In 2011, he transferred to Park Place Motorcars Dallas as a service manager, then moved to Motorcars Fort Worth in 2014 as service director, and then to Motorcars Arlington in the same role.

Then he snapped up a sales manager position in 2018, eager to experience “the other side of the house.” And when a position as service director became available at Jaguar Land Rover DFW earlier this year, he grabbed it.

“The past 12 years have just flown by,” he marvels. “With all that movement, I’ve got an extensive network of expertise that I can tap into anytime day or night. That’s a huge benefit to me and to our clients.”

A Strange Find

That network came in handy when late one night, a service tech came into his office with news of an unusual find in a demonstrator vehicle.

“Our CEO, Neil Grossman, tells this story better than me,” Nick says. “But what happened is that a tech found a bag literally stuffed with cash — $50,000. We didn’t know who it belonged to or where it came from, so we quickly put it in the safe while I called around for advice on what to do. The next morning, a gentleman called, quite frantic, explaining that he’d accidentally left an important package in one of our cars and could we help? We took all of the rights steps in confirming his identity and reunited him with his money.”

“But to me, the interesting part of this story is the integrity of our members all down the line,” Nick asserts. “Nobody thought twice about doing the right thing when it would have been easy to do a bad thing and probably get away with it. It’s all about trust and in a nutshell, that’s Park Place.”

In His Spare Time

In his rare spare time, Nick likes to play a little golf. “I have a 30 handicap,” he laughs ruefully. But with a three-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl, he says, “It’s kids, kids, kids all the time. Throw in two absolutely crazy Labradoodles and it’s constant mayhem.”

But he also says he’s incredibly grateful for his home and work life. “There’s good work-life balance and the opportunities to grow at Park Place are remarkable. There’s a great atmosphere throughout the company, and the culture challenges and inspires members to stretch out of their comfort zone, show what they’re capable of and have a lot of fun, too.”

Nick Carimi and Mason Waddell, Valet

To apply for a career at Park Place Dealerships visit our Careers page.

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Good Things Come In Small Packages: Review of the 2020 Volvo S60

The tried-and-true hallmarks of Swedish automaker Volvo have always been safety, iron-clad reliability and fine craftsmanship. And if you’re going to be known for something, those are good things.

But in the past few years, Volvo’s upped its reputation ante in terms of performance and design, too. Take a look at the latest generation of the XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs and the S90 sedan and V90 wagon, and you’ll see a decided shift to refined athleticism.

They’ve applied those attributes to their latest iteration of a perennial favorite, the 2020 S60.

“The S60 is surprisingly sporty, as well as beautifully crafted and extremely comfortable,” intones Park Place Volvo Sales Experience Manager (SEM) Kurt Rongey. (He has the deep, reassuring baritone of a classical music station announcer, which he in fact was for 17 years at Dallas’ WRR 101.1.) “But it’s also about paying attention to the little things, and that’s where the S60 really shines.”

The S60 plays in a wildly competitive field – the compact, entry-level luxury sedan market – which is populated by vehicles such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes C-class. In this arena, attention to detail is critical. And inside and out, the S60 delivers the goods. 

The exterior looks lithe, lean and muscular, with taut lines, a sweeping roofline and those instantly recognizable taillights and “Thor’s Hammer” emblazoned headlamps. It looks eager to go just standing still.

Move into the cabin for a deeper appreciation of Swedish contemporary design – roomier than one would expect, with plenty of leg- and head-room for 6’ 2” and up occupants. Materials are all first-class, fitted and finished with precision. Textured aluminum provides intriguing brightwork, and the wood paneling is rich and vibrant.

Even little things grab your attention. The engine toggle switch and the sound system’s volume control are knurled and have a solid feel similar to what’s found in a Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Graphics are crisp and detailed on both the digital instrument cluster and the Sensus infotainment system’s touchscreen.

And the seats! Cossetting and comforting, they’re richly upholstered in fine leather and are a soothing place to while away one’s time whether just commuting or driving long distances.

Even the base “Momentum” T5 designation is richly equipped, while luxury and performance climb higher with the “Inscription” and “R-Design” trim levels. Drivers will find rewarding performance from the base model’s 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, equipped with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s no turbo lag and the transmission shifts like butter on a warm day.

“When a client comes in to check out the S60, I first steer them to test drive the T5 Momentum,” says Rongey. “That way, they get a real feel for the depth and range of Volvo’s artistry and precision.”

It also doesn’t hurt that, with a starting price of just under $36,000, the T5 is a downright bargain.

For those who prefer a wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing mode, there’s the T6 designation, which is also available in all three trim levels and features the same buttery gearbox, but is mated with a sporty 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine, augmented by all-wheel drive.

And in the R-Design, with its stiffer suspension, you’ll definitely surprise that teenager in his Mustang GT when you go roaring off the line.

Not that a Volvo driver would ever do that, of course. 

“I really like the S60 lineup,” concludes Rongey. “From the base model on up, you get everything you want with no compromise. It’s sporty, refined, attractive, packed with value, beautifully appointed and good looking inside and out. You find yourself smiling when you drive it.”

 

Learn more here.

Get yours at:

Park Place Volvo

3515 Inwood Road

Dallas, TX 75209

(972) 432-5622

 

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A ‘Your Park Place’ Guide to the Mercedes-Benz Sedan Line-Up

Have you ever gone shopping and were overwhelmed with options? Many people feel that way when it comes time to shop for their next vehicle. From make, model, and trims, it can be difficult to narrow down your dream car to just one car. Follow along as we look into what makes Mercedes-Benz models differ from one another- and maybe we can help you as you finish up your holiday shopping!

Before diving into these models, we must explain the difference between a coupe, sedan, and wagon.

  • A coupe is traditionally a 2 door vehicle with a fixed top and sloping roofline.
  • A sedan is a standard 4 door vehicle with a fixed top.
  • A wagon is also a 4 door vehicle with more cargo room than a sedan.

The Rookie of the Year: A-Class

A new member was added to the Mercedes-Benz sedan roster this calendar year. The 2019 A-Class is a wonderful introduction for anyone new to the luxury vehicle market. If you’re a tech-savvy professional, the A-Class comes with a variety of functions to make your drive easier. The A-Class became the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.

MBUX uses customizable intuitive speech recognition that learns you on the fly as you recite voice commands. If you’re looking for the coffee before work, ask your MBUX assistant for the nearest Starbucks location. The system can also be controlled via the steering wheel, touchpad, or touch screen. If you are looking to join the luxury sedan market for the first time, the A220 sedan is a great start to your career.

The Class Favorite: C-Class

A popular choice for entry-level sedan lovers who are new or currently in the luxury market is the C-Class. Even as SUV sales continue to rise, the C-Class was the highest volume Mercedes-Benz model sold in 2018. Many factors play into the continued popularity of the C-Class especially the peppy performance.

C-Class drivers will love is how shifty the car moves. Whether you are in the city or highway, the C-Class also provides a variety of driving styles to keep you intrigued. The ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + drive modes were boosted last year by the horsepower increase from 241 HP to 255 HP. From an early morning commute to work or late-night trip to dinner, the C-Class is versatile enough to adapt to your driving demands.

The Superstar: E-Class

If safety is your top purchase requirement, the E-Class is the sedan for you. The 2019 E-Class was a Top Safety Pick+ by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The safety recognition identifies good or advanced ratings in vehicle and accident protection (C-Class, GLC and GLE models also received the IIHS recognition). When you are driving in rush hour traffic, PRE-SAFE technologies with blind-spot assist are available to E-Class drivers that support your vehicle and your occupants during potential driving dangers.

The Jack of All Trades: S-Class

A sedan that changes from a super sports car to a luxury locomotive, the S-Class is the pinnacle of exclusive luxury vehicles. All technology, performance, and safety with the A, C, and E-Class models is enhanced for S-Class owners. But imagine having all of that, but still need a pick me up after work. Well, the S-Class provides that energy for you with the Energizing Comfort Control. When you need motivation, the large Mercedes sedan can improve your wellness as it matches the climate controls, music, seating temperature with massage programs. Enjoy a big mood with the purchase of Mercedes’ big sedan.

Stay tuned as we follow up with Mercedes-Benz coupe vehicles and future additions to the Mercedes-Benz sedan lineup. If you have interest in a new Mercedes-Benz sedan, view one of the new models available at one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine.

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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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Ken Schnitzer, Founder and Chairman of Park Place Dealerships, To Sell 14 Dealerships

Asbury Automotive Group to Purchase Assets

IRVING, Texas (December 12, 2019) – Ken Schnitzer, founder and chairman of Park Place Dealerships, has announced his intention to sell 14 dealerships to Asbury Automotive Group, one of the nation’s largest automotive retail and service companies with 88 dealerships and revenues of $6.9 billion. The sale is expected be finalized by March 2020.

“The decision to sell the company that I have spent the past three decades building has not been an easy one,” said Schnitzer. “But now is the time to enjoy my family and friends, as well as explore new opportunities.”

The transaction includes the Park Place brand and the following dealerships: Mercedes-Benz stores in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Lexus Plano and Lexus Grapevine, Jaguar/Land Rover DFW and an Austin location currently under construction, Porsche Dallas, Volvo, Bentley Dallas, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, McLaren Dallas, and Maserati Dallas. Park Place BodyWerks in Dallas and Fort Worth are also included in the sale.

“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the culture we have built at Park Place,” Schnitzer remarked. “I will keep my hand in the automotive industry by retaining two dealerships and a body shop in Grapevine. DFW is one of the strongest markets in the country, and Texas is a great place to do business. The future is very bright for Park Place Dealerships and the industry.”

Schnitzer will maintain ownership of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealerships in Grapevine, as well as the body shop in Grapevine. He started Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn Avenue. He proceeded to create one of the largest luxury dealership groups in the country by hiring and training confident, passionate people to provide an exceptional ownership experience for clients.

“In the last 32 years, there have been many challenges, opportunities, decisions, and risks,” said Schnitzer. “But when you have a great team by your side, you can accomplish anything. The members of Park Place who’ve contributed their ideas and talents to the growth of the company are the best in the industry.”

In 2005, Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine were awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award by the President of the United States in the small business category. Park Place was the first auto dealer to ever win the award.

For the past 10 years, the company has been named to The Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places to Work. Each of the individual dealerships are ranked among the best in the country with respect to sales and service.

Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 members and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Karma, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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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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New Collection Special Edition Model Joins 2019 Jaguar XJ Line-Up

Jaguar has announced the addition of a new XJ Collection Special Edition model to the 2019 XJ model line-up. The limited-edition model celebrates the last of the current generation XJ design and offers a unique and bold blend of performance, technology and luxury. It represents the ultimate expression of the sedan’s legendary elegance and striking design.

Based on the long-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive Jaguar XJL Supercharged model, and powered by a 470 hp 5.0-liter Supercharged V8, the XJ Collection features a range of elegant visual enhancements to the sedan’s exterior and unique details to its luxurious cabin. Just 300 examples will be produced and sold only to U.S. customers, making it one of the most exclusive versions of the XJ since the ground-breaking original was revealed in 1968. Jaguar XJ Collection vehicles are the final 300 units produced of the current generation XJ.

Exclusive interior features deliver enhanced levels of craftsmanship, elevating the iconic luxury the XJ is known for. Features include door panels with a gloss rich oak veneer with linear laser inlay, not found in any other XJ model, a wood and leather steering wheel and unique metal treadplates with ‘XJ Collection’ branding. Each will also receive an ‘XJ Collection One of 300’ intaglio on its premium leather-wrapped dashboard.

Exterior highlights include an intricately designed set of 20-inch 5 split-spoke style wheels with Satin Grey finish from the standard wheelbase XJ Supercharged model, as well as an understated ‘Collection’ badge fixed to the decklid. The XJ Collection will be available in a select choice of exterior and interior color combinations, limited to Yulong White or Santorini Black exterior paired with Ebony/Ebony or Mineral/Ivory interiors, as well as British Racing Green exterior paired with an Ebony/London Tan interior.

Standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-Degree Parking Aid, 360-Degree Surround Camera, all-season tires and an 8-speed automatic transmission.4 The standard InControl Touch Pro™ infotainment system features Meridian™ audio, a suite of connected services and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™5* to make it easier than ever to access tailored smartphone apps using the 10-inch touchscreen.5

The new XJ Collection starts at $85,000. Contact Park Place Jaguar DFW or the new North Austin Point opening in 2020. 

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New for 2020, Land Rover Brings Back the Defender

As iconic as tea and crumpets, Land Rover’s revered Defender debuted in 1948 and instantly established itself as one of Britain’s MVEs (Most Valuable Exports). Indestructible and indefatigable, the boxy 4×4 was finally retired in 2016, much to the chagrin of SUV aficionados everywhere. (It’s been gone from American markets even longer – its lack of safety features prohibited its sale in the U.S. from 1997 on.)

But you can’t keep an icon down. The Defender is back for 2020, chock-full of sturdy protective passenger gear as well as all the rough-and-tumble goodness that made the original such a massive hit.

Before we look forward, however, let’s take a quick look back at how the legend became legendary. 

The world-famous Defender wasn’t always called “Defender.”

In 1947, with the war over, Rover’s director of engineering Maurice Wilks desperately needed a new product. Inspiration struck while he worked on his farm near Red Wharf Bay in Wales. Grabbing a stick, he scratched a design in the sand for a simple, strong, go-anywhere four-wheel-drive vehicle. Spencer, his brother (and Rover’s managing director), looked at the sketch and nodded.

The Land Rover was born, christened “Series I,” followed by Series II and III and then badged as model numbers 90,110 and 127 to represent wheelbase inches. Interestingly, it took 42 years for it to finally be christened “Defender,” which was its moniker until retirement.

Reimagined for the 21st century

The new Defender’s exterior styling carries on the original’s tall, boxy look but in a much more subtle and refined manner. A nice traditional touch – the spare wheel carrier on the rear door.

Another traditional touch – the Defender comes in two wheelbases, branded as “90” and “110” designations, which actually makes no sense because they signify, respectively, a 101.9-inch wheelbase with two-doors and a 119.0-inch wheelbase with four doors. But heritage is cool, so why not?

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but not harnessed by it,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

While the interior isn’t so spartan that you can hose it down like the old Defender, it’s surprisingly austere, more so than other Range Rover models. That’s not to say there aren’t luxury touches – carpet floor mats offer a premium look and feel but are easily removed to reveal durable flooring beneath. Hey, this is the Defender and it’s got tradition to, well, defend. 

Toughness and durability

This new Defender is built for climbing mountain roads. Two engines are available (depending on the choice of trim level): a “mild-hybrid” six-cylinder with an electric supercharger cranking 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, or a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard, as is permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled front axle coupling to send torque forward. There’s also a two-speed transfer box for off-roading and towing (it’ll haul up to 8,200 pounds).

And this is so cool and brilliantly Land Rover – the Terrain Response system includes a Wade Sensing program that detects when you’re fording big water and automatically softens throttle response, sets the heating and ventilation to recirculate cabin air, locks the driveline and adjusts the ride height to its maximum off-road setting of 35.4-inches. For the mathematically challenged, that’s nearly three feet of clearance!

But wait, there’s more. The Wade Sensing screen on the infotainment system lets occupants observe the depth of water under the vehicle and say hi to their fishy friends. As if that’s not enough, when the Defender leaves the water, it automatically drags the brakes for a moment to clean and dry the discs. 

 

Availability

Prices start at just over $50,000 to more than $80,000 for the 110 model, with spring deliveries. Six models are available: Defender, Defender S, Defender SE, Defender HSE, Defender X and Defender First Edition.

Customers can also select from the widest range of accessories ever produced by the Land Rover brand, including a choice of four Accessory Packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban.

Get yours at:

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW

1300 E State Hwy 114, Grapevine, TX 75261

(972) 295-9783

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover North Austin (Opening  2020)

13910 FM 620

Austin, TX 78717