Park Place – Page 55 – Park Place Dealerships

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016

2017 Lexus LC 500 Sports Coupe Makes Bold Statement About Lexus’ Future

The all-new 2017 Lexus LC 500 brings together provocative and alluring design with an engaging yet seductive atmosphere for the driver in the cabin. The expressively designed luxury coupe defines a new era for Lexus. “The LC 500 has been an important product for Lexus and me personally,” said Akio Toyoda, Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver for Lexus. “A few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market. This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brand’s emotional direction and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally.”

For Lexus, the LC 500 project became much more than simply the development of a new coupe. The LC 500, with the shift in engineering processes and design ideologies it represents, symbolizes the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand.

“Design and engineering sides worked together on issues and obstacles that were overcome one by one. I feel we achieved something greater than simply preserving the spirit of the concept’s design,” said Chief Engineer Koji Sato.

The LC 500’s visual appeal is defined by an athletic aerodynamic shape. It features sensual curves, emotional forms, an available flowing carbon-fiber roof (glass roof standard), helping create a low, wide imposing stance that comes together for a highly functional, passionate package.

The LC 500’s front fascia features a powerful interpretation of Lexus’ distinctive grille, bordered by chrome on three sides and a radical new 3D mesh design that varies its visual tension. The “L”-shaped daytime running lights rest below a new Triple LED headlamp unit, specially designed to include one of the industry’s thinnest projectors enabling a low hood with a short front overhang. Functional venting also plays into the LC 500’s exterior design to help improve aerodynamic stability and cooling.

The car’s athletic profile is characterized by its fast, sloped roofline, its wind-cutting silhouette, a long (113 inches) wheelbase with compact front and rear overhangs and low hood height. A rear diffuser and available active rear spoiler also help manage airflow during performance driving.

Helping power transfer to the rear wheels is a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission—the first ever in a luxury automobile—with shift times rivaling those of a dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle targets a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds.

The LC 500 is the first Lexus to use the brand’s all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform and is part of the new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L). In an effort to sharpen the car’s handling, the LC 500’s engineers focused on the platform’s fundamentals by placing most of the mass, including the engine and the occupants, in a position more centralized and lower in the chassis to improve the center of gravity.

The heart of the new LC 500 is derived from the proven, high-revving 5.0-liter V8 that is found in the RC F and GS F. The all-aluminum, 32-valve V8’s output targets 467 HP and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine in the LC 500 uses a dual intake inlet that help improve breathing and allow the engine to produce its fantastic sound. The new coupe features an active exhaust that opens baffles in Sport mode to help give the car a more aggressive exhaust note even in start-up. During acceleration, a Sound Generator involving tuned acoustic plumbing enhances the engine’s raucous melody into an aural thunder that helps distinguish the LC 500 in its competitive segment.

The interior design of the LC 500 is influenced by the dynamic luxury theme of the exterior with a layout that is both cockpit-focused and elegant.

The coupe’s driving position was calibrated to invite spirited, sporting driving, and help develop easier confidence with a more intuitive control layout.

This flagship coupe will debut the 2017 Lexus Multimedia package that will feature updated, faster, more flexible software enabling future enhancements and a more inviting graphic user interface. The LC 500 also will boast Lexus’ renowned safety technology, Lexus Safety System +. Coming to Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Lexus Plano in 2017.

January 8, 2016January 23, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Premier Collection

A corner office with a view is great, but Heath Strayhan prefers an office with a view of high-end European luxury vehicles. Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now calls Texas home and is the General Manager of Park Place Premier Collection.

Heath’s high-energy leadership style and high-expectations from his team are befitting of the Premier Collection’s brands and the clients they serve. “Our members (employees) know what is expected of them and are given the autonomy to execute at a high level,” says Heath.

From Bentley and Rolls-Royce to McLaren and Maserati, the Premier Collection is home to high-end vehicles that exude an air of exclusivity. It’s also the premier destination for clients who want the best of the best, and Heath and his team are ready to deliver.

Getting to where he is today took a lot of hard work and dedication. After graduating from SMU with a degree in Economics with Financial Applications, Heath was recruited by Nissan to work as a collections representative. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp as an analyst.

Having been immersed in the automotive industry for a while, Heath turned his attention to Park Place Dealerships. He saw the company as “a forward-thinking organization that was becoming more involved in internet sales,” and he saw a lot of potential for the future.

Starting in sales at Mercedes-Benz, he quickly transitioned to Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati in 2005 when they introduced their new models. “I have a passion for our brands and this business” says Heath, “and the fact that the parent manufacturers have continued to invest in these brands has helped foster the growth of our organization.”

Seventeen years later, he is behind the wheel of the most prestigious dealership in DFW. With Heath on board, Park Place Premier Collection has won numerous awards including the top honors of 2014 McLaren International Dealer of the Year and 2013 Rolls-Royce North American Dealer of the Year.

2013 Rolls-Royce North American Dealer of the Year Award Recipient

In the Summer of 2015, Park Place Premier Collection received National attention when Heath and his team, along with Make A Wish, and Bugatti granted a 7-year-old boy his wish to ride in a $3-Million Bugatti Veyron.

Read the Bugatti Make-A-Wish story here.

Furthermore, Heath is the North American representative on Bentley Academy Dealer Board and the Southern Region representative on Rolls-Royce Dealer Board.

In his free time he plays men’s league hockey on a team called the Beavers. Family time includes attending volleyball and lacrosse tournaments with his wife and 3 children. Working on home improvement project also helps him unwind. And, Heath is a supporter of the March of Dimes, as his daughters were born premature.

So what’s the secret to Heath’s success? “Park Place is a standout organization in our industry. In that, you should be prepared to engage in your career at an incomparable level and understand that what works for others may not work for us.”

January 7, 2016January 8, 2016

Victory is Swede! Volvo Wins Most Safety Awards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the XC90, S80, S60, V60 and XC60 its 2016 Top Safety Pick+ Award – the most among any luxury car company. Every Volvo model tested by IIHS in the last year has received the Top Safety Pick+ Award, the highest possible award for safety in the United States.

“Our vision is that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020. Our recognition as the luxury automaker with the most IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus awards is another milestone in the journey toward that vision,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.

Volvo’s ‘Vision 2020’ is a guiding principle behind the company’s engineering, development and operating philosophy, which is focused on safety, improving the environment and reducing traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas. This vision has resulted in a new, ultra-efficient engine strategy, world-leading advancements in autonomous and semi-autonomous drive and an unparalleled safety benchmark for the automotive industry.

The IIHS safety awards cap the end of a successful year for Volvo. The company last week also debuted the 2017 S90, a completely new luxury sedan that will be available at Park Place Volvo this summer.

2017 Volvo S90

IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick+ Award winners:

2016 Volvo S80

2016 Volvo XC60

2016 Volvo XC90

2016 Volvo S60

2016 Volvo V60

For more information or to schedule a test drive, please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, New Car Director at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

January 6, 2016January 6, 2016

The Lexus NX Just Got a Lot Cooler

Driving on ice has taken on a whole new meaning for Lexus, which has crafted the world’s first set of working wheels and tires made from ice.

True to its mission of “creating amazing” and inspired by the craftsmanship that goes into every vehicle it makes, Lexus commissioned a team of ice sculpture specialists to explore how ice could be used in place of conventional alloy metal and rubber. After three months’ research, design and testing, the finished wheels were fitted to a Lexus NX for the ultimate ice drive. The car itself was deep-frozen, stored for five days at -30°C (it started first time) before being driven off down a London road.

For the Lexus commission – the first of its kind – genuine NX wheels and tires were laser scanned and replicated using computer design and numerical control techniques. The result was an unprecedented fusing of art and engineering. The addition of in-wheel LED lighting added an extra dramatic dimension to the cutting-edge contemporary styling of the NX.

Four sculptors worked for 36 hours to produce each wheel. The millimeter-perfect finish was achieved with hand-crafting, using Japanese steel chisels and shaping tools. Even the tread patterns on the tires were faithfully reproduced.

The ice was made from softened water taken from a moving flow to ensure it was perfectly clear when taken from the freezer. Acrylic inserts were added to ensure the wheels could take the load of the Lexus NX.

“Creating Amazing is what Lexus is about. Projects such as our hoverboard, the origami-inspired cardboard car and now a dazzling set of fully functioning ice wheels, demonstrate how we use advanced technologies and the best craftsmanship traditions to achieve outstanding results. That’s not just for eye-catching one-off projects, but for the cars we deliver to our customers, too,” said Lexus Director, Richard Balshaw.

Take a behind the scenes look at how the ice wheels were made.

The project was undertaken by Hamilton Ice Sculptors, a London-based business established for more than 35 years with world-leading experience in producing innovative and large-scale works.

For more information on the Lexus NX or to schedule a test drive, please contact:

Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078, PJaccar@10.2.54.33

Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-3130, COwen3@10.2.54.33

January 4, 2016January 19, 2016

Bentley Wins Record Number of Awards in 2015

Bentley has won 18 awards around the world in 2015, firmly reinforcing its position as the world’s leading luxury car company.

The most celebrated model for Bentley in 2015 was the Flying Spur, which in total claimed six prizes. In the UK, readers of the Daily Telegraph voted Flying Spur the ‘Best Luxury Car’. Judges praised it for being “as enjoyable to drive as it is to be chauffeured in”.

Bentley Flying Spur

The world’s fastest road-going luxury sedan was also well received in Russia this year, with awards including Auto Goda’s ‘Car of the Year’ and Klaxon magazine’s Golden Klaxon both emphasizing the Flying Spur’s unparalleled luxury and refinement.

Bentley Flying Spur V8

Bentley’s pinnacle model, the Mulsanne Speed was crowned ‘Best of the Best – Luxury Sedan’ by Robb Report. The world’s fastest, ultra-luxury driving experience was praised for its “superior performance and limitless customization possibilities”.

Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley’s 2015 success continued with the Continental range. The Continental GT Speed Convertible, received high-profile accolades including ‘Best of the Best – Convertible’ from Robb Report and Digital Trends’ ‘Luxury Car of the Year’.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

The race-bred Continental GT3-R, meanwhile, was named ‘Car of the Year’ by Car magazine in China.

Bentley Continental GT3-R

Bentley’s commitment to excellence in the automotive industry was further underlined in October, when the company was crowned European Industrial Excellence Champion – a first for a British brand.

For more information about Bentley or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

January 4, 2016January 19, 2016

Bentley R-type Continental: The Evolution of an Icon

The Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the R-Type Continental – arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer.

With a top speed of 120 mph it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its launch. Many of the 208 examples produced were coachbuilt by Mulliner – a name that is still closely associated with Bentley to this day.

With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – the striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line. These three elegant styling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental’s DNA over six decades.

Today’s Continental elegantly fulfills the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. With immense W12 power, a top speed of 206 mph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort, the Continental GT Speed is a truly extraordinary car.

Experience the Bentley Continental GT at Bentley Dallas.

For more information about Bentley or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

January 4, 2016January 4, 2016

First McLaren 570S Now Available at McLaren Dallas

The first McLaren 570S Coupe is now available at McLaren Dallas. At McLaren, every component is there for one reason– to create a driving experience like no other. That’s where the new McLaren 570S Coupe comes in.

Prior to its arrival to McLaren Dallas, the new Sports Series from McLaren made an appearance on CNN.

The global retailer network is holding over 1,000 orders for this superb new addition to the McLaren range, the most attainable McLaren to date.

Jolyon Nash, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing at McLaren Automotive explained, “The Sports Series is targeted towards a new buyer and opens McLaren up to the sports car market that we have not served to date. The buyer of a Sports Series model will still experience the benchmark performance and driver engagement delivered by every McLaren model, but will also notice the increased usability and practicality that differentiates it from our existing cars.”

To schedule a test drive or for more information about the McLaren 570S please contact:

Malcolm Gage at McLaren Dallas, 844-745-8538 , mgage@10.2.54.33

December 23, 2015December 23, 2015

Toys for Tots & Good Cheer for All

Tis the season to give back, and give they did. What started out as a toy drive for Toys for Tots turned into a shopping spree for the Park Place Motorcars Grapevine team.

The generosity didn’t end with toy donations- collecting 3 full boxes of toys, many associates donated money. Word spread like wildfire and more donations came pouring in.

Having raised nearly One-Thousand Dollars, their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. General Manager Robert “Santa” Hinkle saw the generosity and determination of his associates to give Toys for Tots as much as they could, so he personally matched the monetary donations.

The team, including Santa Hinkle himself, channeled their inner child and went toy shopping.

Carts, filled to the brim, overflowing with toys zigzagged through the aisles. From dolls, to stuffed animals, to bicycles no item was too big or too small.

The excitement in the store was contagious as Santa and his elves shopped for kids, anticipating the excitement on their faces on Christmas Morning.

At the end of the day, Park Place Motorcars Grapevine delivered a Sprinter van FULL of toys to Toys for Tots.

Although the toy drive just wrapped up, we’re already looking forward to the next one. The experience and the coming-together as a team to benefit the community was a fun and unforgettable experience.

December 16, 2015January 4, 2016

Lexus Takes Top Honors for the Fifth Year in a Row

Lexus was named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row that Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period by Kelley Blue Book. Vehicles that earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards.

Six Lexus models rise to the top of their classes in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards for Luxury Brand for their respective vehicle categories.

And the winners are…

RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350 coupe – Best Resale Value: Entry-Level Luxury Car

ES 300h hybrid luxury sedan – Best Resale Value: Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car

GS 200t/GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan – Best Resale Value: Luxury Car

RX 450h hybrid luxury utility vehicle – Best Resale Value: Hybrid SUV/Crossover

GX 460 luxury utility vehicle – Best Resale Value: Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover

LX 570 luxury utility vehicle – Best Resale Value: Luxury Full-Size SUV/Crossover

Find your award-winner at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Lexus Plano.

For more information or to schedule a test drive, please contact:

Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078, PJaccar@10.2.54.33

Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-3130, COwen3@10.2.54.33

December 16, 2015December 16, 2015

Park Place Motorcars Arlington Grand Opening Celebration

Park Place Dealerships recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Mercedes-Benz dealership at I-20 and Collins in Arlington. The fête attracted more than 750 guests, who also brought hundreds of toys to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington.

“When we opened our first Mercedes-Benz dealership in 1987, we had 128 members (employees),” said Ken Schnitzer, chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “Today, we have more than 2,000 members across 18 dealerships. With the opening of Park Place Motorcars Arlington, our fourth Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Texas, we’ve added another 76 members and expect that number to grow.”

The University of Texas at Arlington drumline lined the entrance to the new dealership as guests arrived, setting the tempo for a spirited evening.

The party spread throughout the dealership and on to the service drive as guests mixed and mingled and sampled a variety of scrumptious fare from area restaurants, including Blue Mesa, the Melting Pot, Lombardi’s Taverna, Andalous Mediterranean Grill and Chamas do Brazil.

Libations ranged from classic Hendricks Gin and modern Reyka Solerno martinis to Krombacher beer and Robert Mondavi wines.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of America – Fort Worth Section brought several classic cars to the party, including a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet owned by Cecile & DJ de Jesus, which was prominently displayed in the new car showroom next to a 2016 AMG SL63 Retractable Hardtop Convertible.

The Jennifer Baldwin Combo entertained guests with soothing jazz in one of the two new car showrooms.

Guests glammed it up in the photo booth and savored frozen treats by Frost 321. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams set the stage for comfortable relaxation with custom seating in The Star Lounge After-Party, featuring Drambuie cocktails and V-gars along with decadent desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes. DJ Andre had guests dancing into the night to classic hits and soul music.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington features two showrooms designed to showcase 16 new vehicles, a shop with 35 service bays and 10 make ready bays, as well as a beautiful client lounge and a private kids playroom. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz is introducing 10 new vehicles in the U.S.; including a new four-door mid-sized SUV, several new diesel models, a plug-in hybrid C-Class and a sleek new SLK roadster.

For more information about a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, please contact:

Richard Wasson, New Car Sales Director at (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Joel Moss, Pre-Owned Sales Director at (817) 807-4812; JMoss@10.2.54.33