The LEGO® McLaren 720S is made of more than 280,000 LEGO® bricks, weighing in at 3,200lbs, compared to the road-going 720S’s dry weight of 2,828lbs. In order to produce such an accurate representation of the second-generation of McLaren Super Series, McLaren Automotive worked closely with the only UK certified LEGO® professional builders, providing in-depth vehicle CAD data so that the model could be fully realized. The model was built up around a steel frame, with a team of six working at one time for over 2,000 hours to build the car by hand. In comparison, a real-world production 720S takes around 12 working days in the McLaren Production Centre to assemble. Also featured on the LEGO®720S build is the all-new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires used in its road-going equivalent, complete with silver ‘Pirelli Colour Edition’ graphics.
The full-scale model will be featured at the returning Kids Zone sponsored by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Perfect for our young car enthusiasts in training, other highlights include Pecos Pete Natural Tea & Soda, the new Forza video game, and the return of the Hot Wheels interactive exhibit provided by the North Texas Diecast Car Collectors Club. If you don’t want to miss seeing this in person, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible because October 13th is the last time the LEGO® McLaren 720S will be on public display in the United States.
The McLaren 720S is available to order pre-assembled with a starting MRSP of $284,745. Smaller fans of the brand might be more interested in the 75880 LEGO® Speed Champions McLaren 720S miniature set.
To purchase tickets to the 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase, click the link below:
Park Place Dealerships provides Lewisville ISD Automotive Technology program new equipment, tools, mentors and hands-on career opportunities
Automotive programs in high schools have come a long way in the past 30 years. Think back to dimly lit, unorganized, dirty shops where students were challenged by outdated technology and insufficient tools.
Thanks to a unique public-private partnership, Lewisville ISD has a team of teaching professionals who engage students daily and work with companies like Park Place Dealerships, an auto industry leader, to prepare students for real-world applications.
“The community engagement with Park Place gives us access to current technology and information so we are teaching our students the most up to date material,” explained Doug Emery, Automotive Technology Instructor at Lewisville ISD’s Career Center East. “We want to make sure our students are familiar with the systems, technology and equipment that dealerships are using to ensure our students are successful in the marketplace.”
Park Place is continually looking to develop the highest quality technicians for its 17 full-service dealerships located across Dallas-Fort Worth, while Lewisville ISD is always seeking career opportunities for students. This innovative public-private partnership between Park Place and Lewisville ISD provides access to master technicians, general managers, human resources, talent acquisition, service managers, and leadership from the 2000-member company.
There are tangible benefits to the students. Park Place hired seven 2018 graduates of the program as technicians at its Jaguar/Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus dealerships in Grapevine.
“The program really helped me choose a path,” said Raul Martinez, one of the 2018 grads currently working at Park Place Jaguar/Land Rover Grapevine. “Before, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I was sort of lost. When we started working on cars I realized this was something I really enjoyed doing.”
Park Place also brings experts from different areas of the industry into the classroom as mentors.
“As we grow, we are continually looking for individuals that can be successful in our industry,” said Tony Carimi, vice-president of Operations for Park Place. “Our industry is quickly evolving so we want to expose students to the latest technology and advances in a real-world environment that focuses on personal attention and strong mentorships.”
Working with the teachers, Park Place is fully engaged with interviewing students, branding the shop with graphics of high-end manufacturers’ logos, connecting with parents and district representatives and speaking at events.
“Park Place technicians who have been in the field a long time have come into our classroom,” explained Travis Sutton, the LISD program’s other Automotive Technology Instructor. “They bring first-hand knowledge of what our students can expect, how things work and what they’ll experience in the shop. Park Place upper management comes into the classroom to tell our students they can have more than a job – they can have a career. It shows the students that what they’re learning on campus transfers directly out there.”
Park Place has a similar partnership with the John Dubiski Career High School in Grand Prairie ISD. Students are fully engaged with Park Place and a dozen students have been hired to full-time positions after graduation.
“We’re always looking to the future,” concluded Carimi. “The auto industry is evolving at a more rapid pace than ever before in its 100-plus-year history. With alternative energy sources, computerized systems and autonomous vehicles, the need for a highly educated and well-trained workforce is more important than ever. Park Place is determined to remain the leaders within our industry.”
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 represents luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
The Second Annual Park Place Dealerships Luxury Supercar Showcase will have plenty of elegant ladies and dapper gents in stylish hats strolling around the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas Saturday, October 13. Expect the competition for the most creative, stylish and outrageous hats to be fierce as ladies and gentlemen vie for the title in the inaugural “Haute Hat” contest. Shane Walker, the Mad Hatter of Dallas , will judge the contest.
Shane Walker, the Mad Hatter of Dallas
“I’ll be looking for people who really step out of the box and express their true personality and creativity,” explained Walker, owner of Shane Walker Designs. “We’ll have an award for the Best Ladies Hat and one for the Best Gentleman’s Hat. In addition, guests at the Supercar Showcase will have the opportunity to select a People’s Choice Award for both Ladies and Gentlemen. Guests will be encouraged to download the event app to vote for their favorite hats throughout the day. Judging for the Haute Hat contest will begin immediately following the 1:30 p.m. fashion show.”
Suggested attire for the day is Concours Casual, where guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble while sporting comfortable shoes. Shane Walker Designs will have a Pop-Up store in the Porsche Pavilion where ladies and gents can purchase some of his uniquely designed hats. “The smaller fascinator hats and fedoras will start at $125,” said Walker. “The more sophisticated Kentucky Derby-style hats, and hats with lots of bling, will range from $500 – $600.”
“The Luxury & Supercar Showcase is a celebration of fashion, food, music, and of course, amazing automobiles,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager at Park Place Dealerships and chair of the event. “Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by fashion icon and model Jan Strimple. There’ll be live entertainment and a Kids Area with lawn games and a 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track.”
The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, is open to the public with tickets ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes access to the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages, and entrance to the fashion show. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.
Participating restaurants featured in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, K?i, Toulouse Café and Bar, Lombardi Family Catering, Cool River Café, III Forks Restaurant, One Sixty One Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter.
There will also be a great lineup of food trucks including: Ruthie’s Rolling Café; Bellatrino Pizzeria ; Texas De Brazil ; Fast Furious; and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.
“Area Car Clubs will have the best of their members’ cars on display in the Car Club Showcase,” continued Shafton. “They’ll bring everything from the most incredible Porsches, Lamborghinis, Corvettes and Shelbys to Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces. Then, on the first Fairway of the TPC Golf Course, the Collectors’ Concours will highlight some very rare and seldom seen collectibles. And, of course, Park Place will feature some of our manufacturers’ latest vehicles. Guests will be among the first in Texas to see the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Luxury SUV.
Partners to date include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, AT&T, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, The Trade Group, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, TropicSport, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.
The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.
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 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. The latest dealership, Porsche Grapevine, opened this summer, and is now the largest Porsche dealership in North America. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
Pit Stop #3 on the Road to the 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase
Brad Oldham Sculpture, based out of Dallas, Texas, was commissioned to design and sculpt the iconic award of the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Learn where the inspiration and the history behind the aesthetics of this Dallas-based artist’s vision. View our previous stops on the #RoadtoSupercar: Stop #1 and Stop #2
The all-new Maserati V8 Levante GTS made its global debut this past July, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed- showing off all 550 horses of one of the most powerful engines in a Maserati. The Levante GTS’ 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is a retuned version of the unit fitted in the limited super-sport (and top-of-the-line) Levante Trofeo, which by comparison is top-of-the-line with 590 horsepower. The GTS makes the total number of Levante configurations for North America at four, two featuring at 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and two with the new Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
The new Levante GTS is equipped with the staple eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and all 2019 models feature a more intuitive gearshift lever and shift pattern for shorter travel and improved operation. Shift from manual to automatic mode by shifting the lever from right to left, and the new “P” button will set the transmission into Parking mode.
Thanks to its remarkable weight to power ratio of 8.6 lbs/hp, the Levante GTS needs only 4.0 seconds to reach 60 mph and achieves a top speed of 181 mph. These figures fairly describe a modern supercar but are disguised in a high-end SUV body thanks to the Levante chassis, which ensures outstanding levels of rigidity while providing a very low center of gravity. And as with all Maserati’s, an ideal 50:50 weight balance between the front and rear axle. In addition, the chassis has been tuned for the GTS to effortlessly handle the immense power output of its twin-turbocharged V8 engine and provides an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of long-distance comfort and active safety – two essential elements of the GranTurismo philosophy.
The Levante’s unmistakable design reached new levels of sportiness in the Trofeo version and the new GTS has adopted a similar styling theme, which focuses on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, providing a sporty yet sophisticated presence. Available 21 & 22-inch wheels along with five different caliper colors cap off the bold Italian styling.
Interior designers created a distinctive environment within the Levante GTS cabin providing it with standard Full Premium Perforated Leather seats, Alcantara headliner, unique instrument cluster graphics a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and available Pieno Fiore natural leather seating for the ultimate in comfort.
Alongside the two V8 models, the Levante lineup has inherited new content, such as the Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights as an option and standard Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC), which is already available on the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. Rather than simply correcting vehicle instability, the IVC function helps prevent it, providing enhanced active safety, improved driving dynamics and an even more exciting performance.
Subtle upgrades and new content for both Maserati sedans and the Levante.
All Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante versions have adopted the redesigned gearshift lever previously introduced in the Levante Trofeo, featuring a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver now has the option to use the eight-speed ZF gearbox in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new ‘P’ button effortlessly sets the transmission in parking mode.
The MTC+ infotainment system on all three models has been enhanced with updated display graphics and improved climate control system ergonomics. In their sumptuous interiors, Maserati introduces for the first time the full-grain Pieno Fiore leather, which is incomparable to any other material in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and the unique character it attains throughout the years.
Pieno Fiore is standard in the Levante Trofeo and available as an option on all Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte GranSport and GranLusso models – as well as Levante GTS – in three colors with specific stitching on the seats and double stitching on the door panels. Maserati also offers two brand new high-gloss interior veneers for the Ghibli and Quattroporte and three for the Levante.
Exterior color options have also been refreshed for MY19: There is a choice of ten colors for the Quattroporte and eleven for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Two new tri-coat colors are now available, born to enhance the design of each, the iconic Rosso Potente and the deep dark Blu Nobile. The Maserati Design Centre has also created a specific front grille and side skirts exclusively for the Quattroporte GTS GranSport.
In the wide collection of alloy wheels designed specifically for every single Maserati model, there are five brand new designs in the MY19 catalog in 20 and 21-inch sizes, two for each of the Levante and Quattroporte models and one for the Ghibli. The 22-inch Orione forged aluminum wheel – the largest ever created by Maserati – is exclusively available for the new top-of-the-line Levante GTS and Trofeo.
As for the recently introduced Nerissimo package, it has been updated for MY19. It is now available in a wider range of new model-specific colors, combining black elements with dark LED headlights, tail lights and exhaust tips, black chrome detail finishing and new wheels with dark finish.
Volvo Cars has entered the United States manufacturing space, inaugurating their South Carolina Plant during June 2018, with the new S60 being named the first Volvo vehicle to be manufactured here. It’s a manifestation of the luxury manufacturer’s commitment to the United States, which is an integral market for both the company and its new S60 Sedan.
“The new S60 is one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “It is a true driver’s car that gives us a strong position in the US and China sedan markets, creating more growth opportunities for Volvo Cars.”
The new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel engine, signaling the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine. In 2017, Volvo Cars was the first global car maker to announce its strategy that from 2019 all-new models will be electrified.
The award-winning turbocharged and supercharged T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid will be available in the new S60, delivering 313 horsepower with a rear electric motor adding 87 horsepower for a combined power output of 400 horsepower. The T5 FWD and T6 AWD will also be available. The T5 FWD, T6 AWD, and T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid will carry an MSRP of $35,800, $40,300 and $54,400 respectively.
The new S60 is available via traditional purchase and lease, as well as via Care by Volvo. The new sedan sports Volvo Cars’ own Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, safety technology, and infotainment system with the new V60 premium mid-size wagon, launched earlier this year, as well as the top-of-the-line 90 Series cars and award-winning XC60, all of which have achieved industry-leading safety ratings. This makes the new S60 one of the safest cars on the road- a feature not too surprising to see from one of the overall safest luxury car brands in the world.
Technology To Make Your Ride More Enjoyable
The City Safety with Autobrake technology assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions, and is the only system on the market to recognize pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a world first for the mid-size sedan segment, City Safety now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
The optional Pilot Assist system – which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph – has been upgraded with improved cornering performance. The S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering assistance systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake further enhances safety for people inside and outside the car.
Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G standard, and keeps drivers connected at all times. The intuitive control is a tablet-style touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps.
Polestar Engineered
The new S60 will also be offered with a Polestar Engineered trim level – developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm, Polestar. Polestar Engineered is only available on the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid and is a complete offer with upgrades to the exterior and interior design, along with the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit, boosting the S60 T8 combined output to 415hp.
The 2018 Luxury & Supercar Showcase will not only entertain your inner car enthusiasts, but we can pretty much guarantee a satisfied palate on October 13th. For Stop #2, we are face-to-bread with some of DFW’s most savory grilled-cheeses.
Over the past few months, McLaren Houston has gone through a few notable updates, both of which will contribute to an elevated McLaren experience. First and foremost, McLaren Houston is an official member of the Park Place family of dealerships. Now you can expect the same high-performance experience, personal service, and lux amenities that make Park Place, Your Place in Houston, Texas. But that’s not all, McLaren Houston has been named an official McLaren Motorsport Dealer- one of only five in the country. This means that we have received the green light to sell McLaren track cars, including the 570S GT4. Below we discuss McLaren’s Robust Racing heritage and how its positively influenced McLaren GT and Motorsports- bringing high performance to our clients.
Racing Heritage Translates Into the Relentless Desire to Innovate
Like many performance-driven manufacturers, McLaren is a staple name in the world of motorsports, track cars, and racing. McLaren Racing is focused in the world of Formula 1, which, according to the company, demands excellence: “To design, build and operate a Formula 1 car at race-winning levels requires focus, ambition, imagination, dedication and microscopic attention to detail.”
Both McLaren Racing and Formula 1 have blossomed over past 5-10 years with growing racing calendars, multinational hosts, employees, and rosters. McLaren Racing’s successes are driven by a passionate desire to innovate- a heritage that translates into the whole of the McLaren Group, including McLaren Automotive. The F1 knowledge and expertise have been instrumental when developing and enhancing technology for client road cars and track cars among other things.
On the Track with McLaren GT
Established in 2011, McLaren GT’s purpose is to build and support all GT race activities. The team is housed in Surray at the former home of McLaren Racing and are responsible for the design, development, and production of 650S GT3, 570S GT4, and 650S and 57S Spring models.
McLaren Motorsports takes this wealth of racing knowledge and gives our clients the opportunity to experience McLaren track performance like never before.
Superior Track-Honed Performance Found at McLaren Houston
McLaren Houston currently has the 570S GT available for purchase. The McLaren 570S GT4, an exclusive offering of McLaren Motorsport dealers, sports an absolutely stunning carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis architecture to add strength while reducing unit weight. This model is the first time that the MonoCell II technology has been made available in the GT4.
It’s superior track-hone performance perfect for when you’re heading out to one of the Houston area’s many racetracks.
If you’re interested in ordering a 570S GT4 of your own or want to learn more about other McLaren Motorsport offerings at McLaren Houston- contact us at www.mclarenhouston.com.
The XC60 scored a decisive victory over the competition and was considered to be the best in terms of monetary value in one of the most competitive sectors of the automotive market.
This week saw a team of editors from Cars.com, a leading digital automotive marketplace, select the Volvo XC60 as the market’s best compact SUV. The XC60 scored a decisive victory over the competition and was considered to be the best in terms of monetary value in one of the most competitive sectors of the automotive market.
The evaluation pitted seven of the top compact SUVs from around the world against each other in a week-long test spanning cities, suburbs, and drag strips. Vehicles were evaluated in 13 categories: interior quality, front-seat comfort, backseat comfort, cargo storage, in-cabin storage, multimedia features, convenience features, handling, powertrain, ride quality, noise, visibility and monetary worth.
The XC60 stole the show, placing first in eight categories and tying for first in another. Judges praised the XC60’s technology, luxury quality, and considered it to showcase the best rear seat of the group in terms of headroom. Further compliments went to the stylish interior and attention to detail — such as the sleek wood trim dashboard, and the addition of metallic accents across the air vents.
Volvo also took home the highest scores in safety, keeping in line with its rich history of automotive safety innovations.
“Its winning combination of comprehensive technology, practicality, and quality, combined with safety features and value, are what propelled it to the top spot”, said Jenni Newman, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief.
The accolade will be added to a growing list for the 2018 XC60. One that already includes: World Car of the Year (2018), North American Utility Vehicle of the Year (2018), Best of New York Auto Show (2017), SUV of Texas (2018), and Car Connection’s Best Crossover to Buy (2018).
The final rankings for each tested vehicle were as follows:
2018 Volvo XC60
2018 Audi Q5
2019 Infiniti QX50
2018 Cadillac XT5
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2018 BMW X3
2018 Lexus NX 300
For more information, including in-depth scoring details, videos and images from the 2018 Cars.com Luxury Compact SUV Challenge, visit www.cars.com/news.
Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth Mercedes-Benz E-300
helps local woman avoid catastrophe on US-75
“My car saved my life!” exclaimed Pamela Haney. “On the afternoon of Monday, July 9th, I was entering Central Expressway at Lovers Lane via the entrance ramp. The speed limit on US-75 is 70 mph, so I was accelerating when the car in front of me suddenly peels off, revealing a flatbed tow truck stranded on the entrance ramp.”
Ms. Haney’s 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-300 is equipped with automatic braking and evasive steering assist to avoid or mitigate a crash. This safety feature in Mercedes-Benz has been bundled with forward-collision warning for a while, but the newer E-class models initiate braking earlier when the system detects an evasive maneuver is not practical.
“I didn’t even have time to react,” continued Haney, owner of Productivity Solutions, a North Texas paralegal services company. “I instinctively braced for impact as I saw the flatbed was going to come right through my windshield. My E-300 stopped the car for me! It didn’t skid. It didn’t waver or shimmy. It just stopped on a dime! I sat there for a minute stunned with the steel bed just inches from my face. I looked up and the guys in the tow truck were looking back with their mouths open. I’m sure they thought I was a goner! In all seriousness, had I not been in this car, I probably would be dead.”
The Pre-Safe Protection System offers Supplemental Brake Assist Plus and Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Recognition. A stereo camera and a series of long, medium and short-range radars monitors the area in front of the vehicle. The information is processed in a control unit to provide supplemental or autonomous braking to prevent collisions. Haney has been a Park Place client for more than 10 years. She raves about the consistent level of professionalism at the Fort Worth dealership. “I’ve never felt pressured,” she said. “I always feel safe and secure.”
“I am thankful Mercedes-Benz is an industry leader in safety features and our team of technicians are experts in keeping every vehicle in prime condition,” said Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth General Manager George Johnson. “I shared Pamela’s story with our whole team because they can be proud of the brand and dealership they represent.”
“You better believe I’m not ambivalent any more about the technology in my car,” gushed Haney. “I love, love, love my car! I’m a loyal Mercedes-Benz customer for life. And there’s no dissuading me from keeping my business at Park Place!”
Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth is located at 5601 Bryant Irvin Road, just south of I-20 and west of the Chisholm Trail Parkway.
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 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. A new Porsche dealership will open in Grapevine this summer. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
