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Unveiled: McLaren’s Ultimate Roadster Is Next Ultimate Series

Last week, CEO Mike Flewitt announced a new member of the McLaren Ultimate Series family: an open cockpit roadster that yes, we are already ready to test drive.

We don’t know too much about this reveal, but from what’s been shared McLaren is clearly continuing their mission to create the ultimate driving machine- and this new roadster offers the purest driving experience to date.

Their last few releases included the McLaren Senna, the 600LT and 600LT Coupe, and the New Grand Tourer, all of which have caused waves in the supercar community. Earlier this year Park Place told the story of McLaren enthusiast and owner, Josh Snowhorn, as he took delivery of his barely-street legal McLaren Senna- a sibling in the Ultimate Series. As we sit eagerly awaiting his track-ready creation, this ultimate roadster is now top of mind as McLaren hasn’t released full details yet.

What We Know:

  • McLaren’s Ultimate Roadster is set to debut in 2020
  • the new ultimate series model is still unnamed
  • the design will be distinct from its siblings, the Senna and Speedtail
  • production is limited to 399 
  • two-seater with low-profile dihedral doors
  • this roadster will sport the lowest kerb weight of any McLaren road car
  • performance guaranteed by the same twin-turbo V* engine in the Senna

 One things for sure and Mike Flewitt said it best “At McLaren Automotive we are consistently pushing the boundaries to deliver the purest and most engaging driving experience whether for the road or track.”

So the next thing to do is sit back, relax, and begin to configure your dream superseries roadster until it’s official reveal in 2020. Until then, stay tuned to McLaren Dallas and McLaren Houston for more information.

 

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Mercedes-AMG Track Fans Anticipating Exclusive GT Model

Sports car aficionados and automotive media types alike have been falling all over themselves with praise for the Mercedes-AMG GT family. And for good reason.  

First, there’s the lineup’s superb, no-nonsense precision performance. Then there’s the sleek, muscular architecture that makes the cars seem to quiver just while standing still. Put those va-va-voom looks and vroom-vroom delivery together and voila! A one-two punch of epic proportions. 

And now, for 2020, comes the latest iteration of their fire-breathing, mind-blowing flagship: the AMG GT R PRO.

The PRO’s snarling AMG V-8 (585 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque) and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are unchanged (and shared with the less-fierce but still formidable GT R). The PRO, however, features tuning revisions translated from AMG’s GT3 and GT4 race cars, an adjustable coil-over suspension and tweaks to both the gearbox and limited-slip differential. Aerodynamic carbon fiber enhancements like front fender vents (or “gills”), an adjustable front axle sway bar and a fixed rear spoiler, all contribute to improved downforce and a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds.

These enhancements helped AMG GT3 racing driver Maro Engel swoop the 2020 PRO around Germany’s famed Nürburgring North Loop in exactly 7.04.632 minutes – six seconds better than the previous PRO. In track time, that’s an eternity.

And even if you’re not a track rat, who can resist that race-inspired paint job of Gloss Light Green and Selenite Grey Magno?

The PRO is a purpose-built vehicle in that it’s designed primarily for track performance. As such, production is limited to just 750 units globally, with about 150 aimed at the U.S. market. For those lucky enough to snag a PRO, the rewards will be exclusivity, staggering performance and impressive leaderboard track stats.

Pricing starts at $199,650 with delivery expected in late 2019. Did you know that Park Place Motorcars is certified AMG Performance Center? Visit our showroom to experience AMG customization and performance for yourself.

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Safety Update: Volvo Cars and POC Develop Car-Bike Helmet Crash Test

If there’s one thing Volvo Cars is known for, it’s safety first. It’s in their DNA. Many manufacturers make it a priority to have their brand meet the minimum safety requirements to be on the road, but Volvo takes it one step further. They not only want to keep the people in their cars safe but the people around them as well.

With technology like Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection coming standard with all Volvo models, the brand has yet to be satisfied and has continued to develop new ways to evolve in the world of safety.

Recently, Volvo has partnered with POC, a Swedish sports apparel company, to conduct a ground breaking new research project that aims to further protect cyclists through a series of crash test with bike helmets against cars.

During these tests, POC bike helmets are worn by crash dummy heads mounted on a testing rig, from where they are launched towards different areas of the hood of a static Volvo car, at different speeds and angles for various measurements.

Nothing has ever been done like this before. The learnings from the research project will help POC make its helmets safer and more protective in the event of a car-bike accident, while the tests will also provide valuable insights and learnings for Volvo Cars into these types of accidents for future development.

With pedestrian/cyclist deaths continuing to rise each year, it’s important for manufacturers to never limit their willingness to look beyond the parameters of what is “required” when conducting their safety tests.  Volvo is a great example of a brand that has continued to challenge themselves and innovate new technologies to improve road safety. Because with better road safety, more people can be around to watch Volvo thrive

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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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What to Wear to a Car Show: Tips from Highland Park Village for Supercar Showcase

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is back for its 3rd year featuring a full Collectors’ and New Car Concours, a Car Club Expo, Beer Garden, and food trucks, live music, fine foods, Haute Hat Contest, a kids zone, and yes last but most certainly not least…a professionally produced Fashion Show serving looks from our returning Sponsor, Highland Park Village.

Two years down and the fashion scene at the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase is only gaining momentum. Year one, we invited ladies and gents to flaunt fabulous hats. Year two, we created a runway experience for our Haute Hat contestants. Speaking of ‘runway’, last year we debuted a fully-produced fashion show with looks from Dallas’ own landmark, Highland Park Village. And yes, they are back for another year of fabulous fashions- including updated styling tips on “Concours Casual” pieces that are the perfect blend of timeless and trendy.

Highland Park Village Returns as Runway Sponsor with Bold Prints and Fashion Sneakers in Tow

In case you missed it, last year we introduced bold prints and colors and sensible (but 100% on-trend footwear) as key staples to a Concours Casual look. This year, we’ve asked Highland Park Village to come back with their expert opinions to update our Concours Casual tips with advice straight from this year’s runway. (Major Spoiler Alert: one of the most fabulous takeaways from our interview is that a Fashion Sneaker (yes, sneaker) is pretty much the most universal accessory for both our ladies’ and gents’ outdoor event wardrobe this fall.

So let’s begin our Q & A with Liz Thrash, Personal Shopping Director at Highland Park Village, and you can start coordinating your WOW moment for the 2019 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase on September 28th at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

Q: After working with the Luxury Supercar Showcase last year, how would Highland Park Village define “Concours Casual”?

“Being fashionable and keeping in mind the setting is key – guests have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of the world’s most impressive vehicles along the Four Seasons fairway, so finding a look that’s sensible given the turf and elements, but also striking, is what the day is all about.

Focusing on statement accessories is always a simple way to have a high impact. Think bold handbags that are easy to carry, earrings that provide the wow factor, and a flowy dress or low block heels that will make the day that much more enjoyable!”

Q: What fabrics and styles would compliment the Concours Casual dress code, while also keeping our guests comfortable?

“For ladies, a flare of bold color and pattern is always a good idea, and think breathable fabrics and tailored casual for the men – from a chic dress with a striking pattern to a sharp blazer and versatile pants”

FASHION SNEAKER ALERT: Q: Any tips for footwear? Both men and women?

“Comfort will be key so that you can enjoy every aspect of the event, but take the opportunity to elevate key elements – a stylish sneaker for the men (Theory’s collection is perfect for the man who appreciates incredible craftsmanship but with a sporty edge), and block heels or a fun fashion sneaker that is easy for all-day wear is also perfect for the ladies!”

Q: What are some major DON’Ts for the Concours, or rather, recommendations on what to avoid so that you can enjoy a full day at the showcase?

“Save your stilettos for dinner out and opt for something that will be easy to walk and peruse the entire event! Also, go with a bold handbag that is easy to wear and carry – a crossbody or a shoulder strap are ideal. Sunglasses are a must!”

Q: One of the major attractions is the return of the full Runway Show. What retailers and trends should our attendees look out for?

“Highland Park Village’s Fashion Show will be featuring an incredible mix of looks for every style — from the colorful and youthful pieces from Alice + Olivia, the polished and eclectic mix from MARKET, the tailored and timeless looks from Theory and St. John, and the bold patterns and colors of Trina Turk.”

“An array of looks will be captured on the runway and we can’t wait to unveil this season’s fabulous collections! Our hope is that guests can experience a small part of the true and charming essence of our historic shopping center through the incredible brands that bring it to life, and then join us in Dallas for dining, shopping and more! ”

Well, you heard it from Dallas’ own ‘First  Place in Fashion’ so you know they can’t be wrong. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy the day from start to end. From Concours to Runway. So what makes you feel confident and comfortable? Is it a staple linen piece with a fashion sneaker? Is it a bold shoe with a more understated dress? Is it a classic suit or a knit sweater?  Whatever the piece, just make sure to pair it with an Haute Hat (Link to Haute Hat Release) and come ready for a day on the Concours like none other in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Learn more on Fall trends and what to wear by following @hp_village and @shophpvillage on Instagram.  To purchase tickets for the 2019 Luxury Superar Showcase click here.

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Savory Cuisine Featured at 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase on September 28th

IRVING, Texas (August 14, 2019) – Savory cuisine and varied bites from some of DFW’s top restaurants and food trucks will be featured during the 3rd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas.

Restaurants scheduled to participate in the Allie Beth Allman | URBAN VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Dallas Chop House, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Wicked Butcher, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Mexican Sugar, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

“Our food and beverage experiences will play a significant role in our luxury lifestyle event again this year,” notes Liz Shafton, Experiential Marketing Director for Park Place Dealerships.

“We have partnered with some of the best restaurants in Dallas/Fort Worth to bring guests tempting and tasty bites available in the lavish VIP Lounge.  Guests can refresh with the Tito’s ‘Collector’s Cup’, Don Julio ‘Supercarita’, Aviation Gin ‘Spirit of Park Place,’ Maker’s Mark Classic Old Fashions and cooling slushes, as well as Peroni Beer.”

 

Food trucks that will be onsite throughout the day include Texas de Brazil, Fast Furious Grill, BellaTrino Pizzeria, SoCal Tacos, Melt Ice Creams, Honey Lu’s Coffee and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

Purchase Tickets

Tickets for the event range from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes the Allie Beth Allman & Associates VIP Lounge.  Tickets are on sale at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com. VIP Tickets are limited and have sold out the previous two years.

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation.

Park Place Dealerships has donated a 2020 Lexus UX to be raffled at the Park Place Luxury Supercar Showcase. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased online at irvingfoundation.bswhealth.com or by visiting Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation at 1901 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving. Tickets are $100 each and participants need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.

Within the event will be a juried Collectors’ Concours, featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, vintage and classic cars from private collectors. The event also will include a Car Club Expo fueled by Park Up Front as well as a Kid’s Zone featuring the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive sixty-foot downhill Hot Wheels track for the littlest enthusiast.

Thank You to Our Partners

Returning partners include VIP Lounge Sponsors Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|URBAN, Captain’s Lounge Sponsor Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, Million Air Dallas, The City of Irving, Hill & Wilkinson, Hagerty, Event Architecture, AT&T Business, AVSD Productions, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades Décor, Brad Oldham Sculpture, D Magazine, NBC 5 and CultureMap.

Additional sponsors include Lilium Florals, Perks & Provisions, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, Shane Walker, RideCentric, The Vineyard at Florence, Marquee Event Rentals, Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Renegade Cigars, Louis Roederer Champagne, Tito’s Vodka, Don Julio, Maker’s Mark, Aviation Gin, Peroni Beer, Waste Management, GL Seamen, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Dealer Industries, Ricochet Fuel, ExxonMobil, Thermal Printing, Custom Vehicle Design, AIG and MarineMax Yachts.

Park Place Dealerships represents some of the most coveted brands in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Karma, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar which will all be featured at the event.

About Park Place Dealerships

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Park Place Premier Collection to Add Karma Automotive To Its Selection of Luxury Brands

Park Place Premier Collection, part of the Park Place Dealerships group, has added Karma Dallas to its selection of luxury brands on Lemmon Avenue. Karma Automotive chose Park Place because of its 32 years of luxury automotive experience as Karma looks to expand their specialized retailers in several key U.S. markets.

“Karma is an electric brand with their sights set on growing the luxury mobility experience,” said Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “The release of the 2020 Revero GT luxury electric vehicle this year and then the all-new fully-electrified global platform in 2021 will appeal to our client base who enjoy impressive engineering and design. Dallas is one of only 18 Karma dealers across the United States and is poised to electrify high-performance drivers across Dallas/Fort Worth.”

By establishing Karma in the U.S., the world’s most demanding luxury market, Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou says he believes the company can succeed anywhere.

“To win in our luxury electric vehicle niche, it’s not enough to simply offer a great product and owner experience, we must also be sure we establish distribution points in the right places,” said Zhou. “By gradually expanding our presence this way I am confident our company – and our products – will be well prepared for the world’s discerning luxury buyer of the future.”

Based in Southern California, Karma Automotive designs are rooted in the nature around them. Karma’s vehicles offer timeless design powered by electricity, fuel and the sun. Their vehicles are unapologetically conspicuous in their beauty and uncommonly light in their footprint. Which offers an unparalleled ownership experience, focused on the discerning buyer.

Karma Automotive currently offers the 2019 Revero, the ultimate plug-in hybrid sedan, at a starting price of $130k. The Revero contains a 403-horsepower electric motor and a 235-horsepower generator to charge the mid-mounted lithium-ion battery. The solar roof of the Revero isn’t just for show. It was developed to charge the 12v battery as well as the high-voltage battery, adding to the electric range. Mother Nature will provide enough power for 500-1000 miles per year.

Later this year, Karma will start delivering the updated 2020 Revero GT. The GT offers similar capabilities as its predecessor while boosting its electric driving range to 80 miles and extending to 380 miles with the highly efficient three-cylinder onboard generator.

Karma combines stunning design and a dominant presence with their electric vehicles. This is truly present in the badges of each vehicle, all of which are painted by hand and set in a precision-machined ring of aluminum. Look closely and you may notice some subtle differences between each unique piece, so every car made is truly one of a kind.

About Karma

Karma Automotive designs, engineers, and markets luxury electric vehicles, all from its Southern California base of operations. Founded in 2014 and employing nearly 1,000 people worldwide, Karma Automotive is committed to elevating and growing the luxury mobility experience for its customers and draws on global relationships and technology partners to achieve this.

 

About Park Place Dealerships

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Maserati, and now Karma, one of the most luxurious electric cars in the world. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Car Purchasing 101: Park Place Sheds Light on Upgrading to the Luxury Experience

Purchasing a vehicle, whether it’s the first time or 20th time is, for lack of a better term, a big deal. This is a purchase that majorly impacts your finances and one that could really elevate your lifestyle (like moving from a worn out, older vehicle to your first new luxury car) or improve your current transportation situation (like upgrading from a Coupe to a Four-Door for more passenger room.)

If you want another perspective on going Mercedes when tech is a top priority, check out this post from Mama Challenge’s own Autumn Reo.

Either way, life happens, and you do not need something as important as a new car purchase to add any more stress. In fact, finding your new car should be easy and memorable. That’s where Park Place is committed to stepping in and helping shed light on the process as it is today to put you at ease.  

Disclaimer: We do have quite a lot of information in this article, so feel free to scroll to the section that fits your immediate questions if you’re in a hurry!

GETTING STARTED

First and foremost, it’s important to know what you want so that our team can help find the best fit for your needs. So, let’s get you started on your car-buying journey.

A great starting point is always Google. Yes, we are completely serious. Google can help you first figure out what sort of vehicle or brands you’re interested in, see what area dealers are around, and allow you compare shop freely without committing to a specific location too soon.  If you don’t know where to start your search, we recommend these three simple questions to ask yourself:

  1. Why am I looking and why do I need a new (or pre-owned) car?
  2. What are my must-haves (heated seats, interior fabric, exterior color etc.)?
  3. What am I comfortable investing?

These three questions will really help drive your search and guide you through various pages of inventory on 3rd party sites. Be sure to use the filters once you have some items identified, and narrow your search results. Our team at Park Place designed ParkPlace.com to be more than just an inventory hub, but also a go-to place for quality research where you can view information on brands, learn about the ownership experience, and then browse inventory that matches your criteria.

For example, this past year we created a page on Electric and Hybrid vehicles in response to the all-new, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE being released. Check out this Electric Vehicle hub we built out for the introduction of the All-New Jaguar I-PACE

LEASE VS. BUY

When deciding to lease or buy, there are two top-level points to keep in mind. We will provide a true compare/contrast of these options later on in this informative series.

  1. Mileage: How many miles do you drive per month?

 If you drive a good amount for work or for personal reasons, you should definitely estimate your monthly usage to ensure you aren’t at risk for going over your mileage at the end of your lease. Mile overages can be very costly when you turn in your vehicle at the end of your lease, and if you’re paying extra for extra miles it might be more cost-effective over time to simply purchase and not worry about miles traveled. Either way you are making some form of monthly payment towards a vehicle investment.

Now, there are differences in down-payment depending on leasing and buying which leads you to our initial point of determining what you are financially comfortable investing in a new or used auto.

  1. Vehicle Customization

If you like to customize your vehicle with any 3rd party parts or tune-ups, your vehicle will not be eligible to be turned back in at the end of your lease. Ask about manufacturer options and packages prior to purchasing/leasing to see if the manufacturer already creates or offers a spec similar to the tune-ups you want, that way you’re doing your homework in the event you want to lease and be able to turn your vehicle back into the dealer.

New, Pre-Owned, or Certified

At Park Place, we sell three different kinds of vehicles:

  1. New Cars: At Park Place, these are the base manufacturers for each dealership. So Park Place Motorcars only sells new Mercedes-Benz vehicles and is a certified Mercedes-Benz service center. At Park Place Volvo, we sell new Volvo cars and are a certified service center for Volvo machines.
  • Pre-Owned: Park Place not only sells Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but it’s important to look at all of their pre-owned inventory which can include other luxury brands or economy/non-luxury brands as well. You’ll get the Park Place experience, without having to commit to a new vehicle or lease necessarily.
  • Certified: Certified or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) provide reassurance that a certified dealer has inspected, serviced, and restored to like-new condition an on-brand vehicle.

Whether New, Pre-Owned, or CPO the benefits, perks, and rewards remain the same at Park Place. This means that you do not need to buy new to be Park Place Preferred. That includes complimentary car washes, special discounts on services, parts and accessories, access to loaner vehicles when servicing, and exclusive offers from local retailers from food, floral, and experiential opportunities.

NEXT STEPS:

Now you’ve found something you like so it’s time to test drive.  In our next article, we’ll briefly go over a few things to ask or look out for on your test drive depending on your driving habits and what the car will be used for.  Until then, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you can get notifications whenever we do the test drive for you.

YouTube is actually a top-source for automotive content from how-tos to one-to-one comparisons and full vehicle walkarounds. There’s a wealth of videos that can help you experience the vehicles and technology you think you want in your next vehicle in case you can’t make it into the dealership quite yet.

Take the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or Volvo XC40 for example.  Park Place produced a full-walkaround to show clients or potential clients the ins and outs of the newest vehicles from our array of luxury manufacturers.

Have any questions about the new car buying process you want us to address? Send us an email to social@10.2.54.33 and we will do our best to make car purchasing a seamless and approachable experience.  #yourparkplace #carbuying101

 

 

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Bentley Dallas Celebrates Centenary of Iconic Brand

Bentley Dallas put on the party of the century July 10th in honor of Bentley Motors’ Centenary.

 “The policy was simple,” W.O. Bentley said when he founded his namesake motor company July 10, 1919. “We were going to make a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”

True to its founding principles, Bentley continues to make fast cars with an emphasis on comfort and luxury.  And they are arguably the best in their class.

In celebration of Bentley’s Centenary, Bentley Dallas hosted a cocktail reception featuring a new 2020 Bentley Continental GTC convertible displayed next to an exquisite 1937 Bentley Sports Tourer by Vanden Plas in their Lemmon Avenue showroom.

Powered by its original 4.25 Liter engine, the ’37 Bentley with serial number B1KU was exported to the US in the late 1950s. While it still includes the initial body with matching numbers on the original parts, it’s not just a showpiece. The engine still purrs like a kitten. The rolling work of art will be offered at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach sale August 16-17. 

Guest were serenaded by Armenian singer Goga and his trio, which played everything from pop music to opera. Bachendorf’s displayed a limited-edition Breitling timepiece among other beautiful pieces. Guests enjoyed a celebratory toast with Champagne Palmer and delicious canapés by Dallas Fish Market and Dallas Chop House.  A “100 Extraordinary Years” cake also marked the notable anniversary.

The old English company, now part of the Volkswagen Group, began celebrating its 100th anniversary earlier this year with the showing in Paris of its 2020 Bentley Continental GT convertible.

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT is a $225,000 coupe propelled effortlessly by a 6-liter 12-cylinder engine with 626 horsepower. With all-wheel-drive and a well-developed suspension, it can conquer mountain curves or devour autobahns with its 207-mph top-speed – yet it’s still capable of getting 24 mpg on the highway.

The new Continental will also be available in a convertible (GTC) as well as a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 version.

The impressive Continentals join the popular Bentayga SUV as well as the Flying Spur and Mulsanne sedans in Bentley’s current offering of vehicles.

Bentley Dallas is part of the Park Place Premier Collection on Lemmon Avenue.

View Event Photos Here.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships 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.

 

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The Land Rover Defender Moves Another Step Closer to Production

As Land Rover continues to evolve their model ranges across the world, a new model conquered another challenge this summer. The new Land Rover Defender successfully finished a daunting Tusk testing program in Kenya in support of their lion conservation initiatives in Africa.

A prototype model was specially outfitted with unique camouflage and a raised air intake to handle the Borana Conservancy. The Defender was put into real-world tests as wildlife managers maneuvered through rivers, pulled heavy loaded trailers, and encountered through difficult Kenyan terrain.

“We are now in the advanced stages of the new Defender’s testing and development phase. Working with our partners at Tusk in Kenya enabled us to gather valuable performance data,” Nick Collins, Jaguar Land Rover Vehicle Line Director said. The Borana reserve features a wide range of challenging environments, making it a perfect place to test to the extreme the all-terrain attributes of the new Defender.”

For 15 years, Land Rover has been an official partner of Tusk. Land Rover has assigned the Defender to work at the Borana Conservancy to highlight the critical situation faced by lions across Africa. 75% of the lion populations in Africa are in decline. Currently, the lion population has declined by over 180,000 within the last century.

“This year marks Tusk’s Year of the Lion. Our aim is to raise awareness of the alarming decline in lion populations across Africa,” said Tusk Chief Executive Charles Mayhew. “Fortunately, within the Borana Conservancy, there are a number of prides of lion and tracking and monitoring their movements across this vast and tough environment is vital in order to protect them and reduce any conflict with neighbouring communities. The new Defender took everything in its stride, from deep river wading to climbing rocky trails.”

For more information regarding the Tusk program visit https://www.tusk.org/.

The Defender is slated to make its global premiere later in 2019 and be available for sale at Park Place Land Rover DFW in 2020.