2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Named 2015 Best Driver’s Car

Motor Trend has selected the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S as its 2015 Best Driver’s Car.

The Mercedes-AMG GT S has the sharpest, most precise steering we have ever felt on any Mercedes or AMG vehicle,” said MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief Ed Loh. “It makes massive power from a compact, high-tech turbocharged V-8 engine. What most impressed my team is how well the GT S was able to combine these elements. It put all 503 of its horsepower to the ground like an all-wheel-drive supercar and gripped the road through high-speed corners like a winged racer.”

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To determine the 2015 Best Driver’s Car, each of this year’s competitors was driven on the open road and track-tested at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to discover the one vehicle that offers enthusiasts the most engaging and rewarding driving experience possible. In addition to the hot laps and road loops, a full suite of performance data was collected and evaluated by the MOTOR TREND team using some of the industry’s most advanced equipment.

From its powerful new AMG 4.0 liter V8 biturbo engine, lightweight aluminum construction, optimum weight distribution and highly emotional design, this dream car is the culmination of a triumphant motorsport heritage and an unwavering focus to consistently deliver the AMG brand promise of Driving Performance on every level,” said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA.

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Established in 2009, the Best Driver’s Car competition is a massive six-day production that includes a staff of 25 editors, photographers, video producers, and championship-winning race driver Randy Pobst, all deployed to properly test, review, and film a 10-car field of the year’s highest-performing sports sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and roadsters.

Our 2015 Best Driver’s Car competition saw the return of some true legends, including a 650-hp Corvette Z06; the fourth-generation definition of lightweight driving fun, the Mazda MX-5; and latest, greatest version of a previous winner, the Porsche Cayman GT4,” said Loh. “But the newcomer Mercedes-AMG GT S bested them all with its combination of breathtaking power, endless grip, and soul-stirring handling. Congratulations to the Mercedes-AMG GT S, MOTOR TREND’s Best Driver’s Car for 2015.”

 

McLaren Commemorates Can-Am Racing With Limited Edition 650S Spider

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Can-Am Racing series, McLaren has created a special edition of the 650S Spider, inspired by the cars that won these championships. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, McLaren established itself as a world-beating force in the Can-Am Challenge Cup, winning five consecutive championships between 1967 and 1971.

McLaren 650S Can-Am

As was key to the success of the Can-Am race cars, the latest technologies and materials are used throughout the new 650S Can-Am. In addition to its lightweight MonoCell chassis, the 650S Can-Am features a carbon fiber retractable hard top – a first for a McLaren road car. Carbon fiber is also used for the hood, Airbrake, front splitter, rear bumper center, door blades and the 650S Can-Am branded sill cover.

McLaren Can Am Carbon Fiber roof

McLaren Carbon Fiber Air brake

The bespoke set of lightweight forged alloy wheels was inspired by the Can-Am race cars, with a gloss black finish on each of the five spokes and a diamond cut rim. Held in place by titanium bolts, the wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – are shod with Pirelli P Zero™Corsa tires, in front of carbon ceramic brakes with black calipers.

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Further inspiration from the Can-Am racers sees carbon fiber louvered front wings and a new quad-exit stainless steel exhaust system. The louvered front wings are designed to reduce pressure over the front wheels, increasing downforce. Four polished tailpipes at the rear of the car, housed within a new visual carbon fiber rear grille, echo the aggressive and purposeful throttle trumpets of the historic models, and provide the 650S Can-Am with a unique soundtrack.

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The limited edition model features the award-winning 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 which produces 641hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Performance and economy figures remain the same, with the zero to 62 mph sprint taking just three seconds and a top speed of 204 mph.

The 650S Can-Am is offered in three colors, each inspired by a historic Can-Am livery. Premiering in Mars Red, the color has been matched to the M1B raced by Bruce McLaren and his teammate Chris Amon for the debut season.

Other colors available are Papaya Spark – a modern and heavily metallic take on the famous Can-Am racing McLaren Orange – and Onyx Black – used by many of the McLaren customer teams in the later seasons. All three color options are available with a racing livery to match their historic racing counterparts.

 

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Just 50 examples of the 650S Can-Am will be produced globally, with deliveries to commence in the spring of 2016 – 50 years after the first race was held.

The Can-Am series, or Canadian-American Challenge Cup, was a battle of power and speed around some of the most iconic circuits in North America. It attracted the biggest stars of that generation including Bruce McLaren, the namesake of the McLaren brand. The championship started in 1966, only a year after Bruce McLaren Motor Racing was established, and in the years that followed McLaren became one of most successful names in the sport.

New Mercedes-Benz Model Names

The Mercedes-Benz model portfolio has expanded rapidly in recent years and continues to grow. This results in an increasingly complex situation when it comes to naming the various models. “After more than 20 years of continuity involving some of the most recognized and successful product names in the world, we are now making our system of vehicle nomenclature even more understandable,” said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Bearing in mind the international appeal of our brand, our plan has been to devise an even simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations of our model series, with the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers.

The model designation is always an acronym made up of between one and three upper-case letters. The system centers around the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S, which will continue to be used to provide orientation for our customers.

New nomenclature Mercedes-Benz model series

In the case of the model designations for the SUVs, in a tribute to the legendary G-Class, all SUV models will in the future have the first two letters “GL” in their name. The “G” here denotes the car’s lineage. The “L” is a letter that appears time and time again over the history of Mercedes-Benz. It is a linking letter that makes the model designations easier to remember and easier to pronounce; one that is familiar from the legendary SL, for example, or from the more recent CLS and CLA. It is followed by the third letter, which indicates the relationship to the relevant core model series.

In specific terms:

GLA = GL A-Class

GLC = GL C-Class; previously GLK

GLE = GL E-Class; previously M-Class or ML

GLE Coupé = GL E-Class Coupé

GLS = GL S-Class; previously GL

G = unchanged

The system for the 4-door Coupés is constructed along similar lines. The first two letters, “CL”, denote the origin, the third letter the link to one of the core model series: in other words CLA, or CLS. From 2016 on the Roadsters will all include “SL” in their names to denote their origin, with the third letter again the link to one of the core model series. The SLK therefore becomes the new SLC. As in the case of the G, the SL retains its designation in recognition of its iconic status.

Aurora VIP Tickets

AURORA: AN IMMERSIVE FREE PUBLIC ART EVENT OF LIGHT, VIDEO AND SOUND
For one long night, beginning at dusk on October 16, the downtown Dallas Arts District is transformed into an open-air, urban playground of contemporary art on an expansive scale. This free and public exhibition will showcase work by local and international artists, selected by a team of renowned curators. Visitors will experience their familiar urban environment as it is converted into an interactive canvas for some of the world’s most innovative contemporary art.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR AURORA VIP EXPERIENCE
Use promo code “ParkPlaceVIP” to purchase Aurora VIP tickets for only $79 (reg $150). Take your Aurora experience up a notch: purchase a VIP Experience package and you’ll have all-night access to three private lounges with open bars and appetizers by Wolfgang Puck Catering, plus private restrooms. And you’re invited to our after party featuring Com Truise and a special Tycho DJ Set in Strauss Square – Dallas’ favorite outdoor venue.

Call 214-880-0202 or purchase online and enter code “ParkPlaceVIP” to save $71 per ticket.

Handling fees are additional, not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Subject to availability.

2016 Lexus RX Redefines Luxury

Since the model’s launch in 1998, the Lexus RX has proved immensely popular. The all-new 2016 Lexus RX ’s mix of sharp creases and curves represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling. Sophisticated safety features coupled with new convenience and technology features, make this one of the best Lexus luxury utility vehicles to date.

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The front view of the new RX is characterized by an emboldened version of the Lexus brand’s signature spindle grille, featuring a chrome-plated border and triple L-shape-LED headlamps.

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The spindle design theme of the front of the RX also defines its rear design, providing a high level of aesthetic balance and consistency to the vehicle’s overall demeanor.
The LED rear combination L-shaped taillights envelope the tailgate while wrapping forward around the rear fender sections, resulting in a powerful and wide stance.

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Of particular note are the blacked-out C-pillars, which provide a floating-roof effect never before seen on a Lexus product.

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Other new exterior features are flush-fitting headlight washers, panoramic moonroof design, solid roof rails, redesigned SmartAccess door handles and convenient door handle illumination.
Like the exterior, the interior of the new RX reflects an impeccable balance of functionality.

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With an interior space optimized for five passengers, the new RX’s lowered rear floor section helps provide seating position comparable to that of the rear-seat passengers in the flagship Lexus LS luxury sedan.

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The new, 2016 Lexus RX features enhanced rear cargo space—larger than competing crossovers within the segment—with room enough to fit large items including up to four large suitcases or multiple golf bags.

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New for this model year is the available Touch-Free Power Rear Door, a Lexus first, which allows users to open the rear hatch by placing a hand near the Lexus emblem. Also, three new exterior colors have been added: Caviar, Autumn Shimmer and Nightfall Mica.

Coming soon to Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE- Efficiency Meets Performance

Mercedes-Benz’ best-seller in the SUV segment has a new look and a new name. The highlights of the new GLE-Class, which was formerly known as M-Class, include considerably more appealing front and tail ends.

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Outstanding spaciousness and high levels of active and passive safety are just a few of the advantages of the new GLE; high level of driving dynamics both on the road and in terrain are among the other strengths of the premium SUV.

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State-of-the-art and efficient drive technology, combined with superior ride quality and the versatility and robustness typical for SUVs – the new GLE has all the ingredients to continue the success story of our best-seller,” is how Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars, characterizes the newest member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.

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Furthermore, the GLE impresses with ground-breaking assistance systems and the innovative DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, which offers extensive drive and off-road programs for even the base model. The unmistakable design with the hallmark C-pillar and the variable interior with the wellness factor of a luxurious sedan model enrich the Mercedes-Benz GLE experience additionally.

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Often copied, rarely equalled – the M-Class established the segment of premium SUVs in 1997 and since then has been one of the most successful models in the world” said Kallenius. “With the launch of the GLE, the edition will surpass the 1.6 million mark.”

Volvo Gives Parents a Boost With Kid-Friendly Options

Volvo is making things a little easier for parents with young children, with the all-new Volvo XC90. The XC90’s all-new interior is the most luxurious, with emphasis placed on the driver and passenger’s needs.

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Since the new XC90 will be popular with families, attention was focused on passenger comfort, including those riding in the second and third rows, clever use of space, versatility and ease of use.

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An integrated child booster seat is an option for the second-row center position. Since the seat slides, it can be positioned conveniently closer to the front seats for better access to the driver and front passenger. The seat is designed for children weighing from 33 to 79 lbs. (15 to 36 kg).

The all-new XC90 can be equipped with an integrated booster cushion for a child on the centre position in the rear seat.

Back in 1978 Volvo Cars developed the very first cushion for children in cars. In 1990 the Swedish car maker took child safety to a new dimension with the development of the first integrated booster seat, an ingenious fold down and out version in the rear centre position.

The first integrated booster cushion was an ingenious fold down and out version in the rear centre position, introduced in 1990.

The introduction of the first integrated booster cushion for improved child safety in 1990 was a huge step forward for child safety. One of the key benefits of integrated booster cushions is that it is developed as a part of the seat and the safety belt is in more direct contact with the child’s body, removing the possibility of ‘slack’ in the belt that could be associated with accessory booster cushions/seats or child seats,” said Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Leader at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

Double pop-up integrated booster seats in the outer rear seats were introduced in the Volvo S40 in 1995.

Double integrated pop-up booster cushions in the outer rear seats were introduced in the Volvo S40 in 1995.

See for yourself what luxuries the all-new Volvo XC90 has to offer, when you stop by Park Place Volvo in Dallas.

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Porsche Exclusive Celebration- Custom Cars. Cocktails. Couture.

Park Place Porsche in Dallas was recently named one of only six Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealers in the country. To celebrate, Park Place invited more than 450 guests to a unique event, where they experienced the limitless options now available to configure their own amazing vehicle in the new Porsche Exclusive Design Center.

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There’s an infinite number of possibilities to customize your Porsche,” said Patrick Huston, general manager of Park Place Porsche. “Whether you’re looking to create a distinctive 911 Turbo, Boxster, Cayenne, Panamera, Cayman or Macan, you’ll discover a level of customization never before possible. You can sit down in our Design Center and select a wide range of options. Then you see the changes on the computer screen to determine how those choices work together. We also have paint, leather, trim, and parts samples in-house where you can touch and feel them.”

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In addition to the Porsche Design Center, Park Place sales experience managers roamed the floor with electronic tablets to help guests configure their own dream car.
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Two Porsche Exclusive cars inside, provided inspiration: a 2016 Panamera and a 2015 911 Turbo S with many unique features.
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Guests who configured a Porsche at the event were entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $13,000 exclusive Chopard Porsche 919 Edition watch from Bachendorf’s.
Ron Witten of University Park was the lucky winner.

Park Place Porsche GM Patrick Huston with Chopard watch winner Ron Witten

Customization was the key to the party. Lombardi’s invited guests to build their own flatbreads.

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Reyka Vodka and Hendrick’s Gin offered a “create your own martini” bar, where one could create any cocktail combination they could conjure up.

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The Lou Lou Ladies Lounge featured unique clothing and accessories so a lady could create her own look, all while sipping on refreshing Solerno Fizz Cocktails.

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Jo Malone London fragrances demonstrated how to create your own personal scent.

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The Men’s Lounge showcased watches from Bachendorf’s, Origins skincare, chair massages, a Hudson Bourbon bar, as well as Krombacher beer and hand-rolled cigars.

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2016 Volvo XC90 Earns Top Safety Rating

Volvo has said it time and time again, the all new XC90 is its safest Volvo ever, and the results of the crash test by American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are undeniable.

The 2016 Volvo XC90 received a full score in all tests (crashworthiness and front crash prevention), excelling in both preventive and protective safety performance. The Volvo XC90 also scored top marks in recent Euro NCAP testing – further proof that XC90 is one of the safest cars on the roads today. The superior rating for front crash protection makes the XC90 one of the first cars with standard equipment to receive a 2015 Top Safety Pick+ award.

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Please take a moment to watch the incredible video of the IIHS small overlap test.

Take note that the boron steel cage (red areas in picture below) around the driver’s compartment remains completely intact after the wheel and components break away as designed. The Volvo XC90 stays on its path and does not stop abruptly and spin out like so many other vehicles do on this test.

The all-new XC90 has been made stronger by a more extensive use of hot-formed boron steel, which is the strongest type of steel presently used in the car body industry. The amount of hot-formed steel is around 40 per cent of the total body weight.
The independent testing result from IIHS once again highlights the exceptional nature of the work we do at Volvo Cars in taking car safety to a new level. Our combination of an ultra-high-strength steel safety cage with a patented front structure, advanced restraints and our standard auto braking system, City Safety, combine to deliver unparalleled performance,” said Cecilia Larsson, Director of Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg.

The IIHS crashworthiness category includes tests covering small overlap, moderate overlap, side, roof strength, head restraints and seats. Volvo achieved top scores in all of these tests and was deemed superior in front crash prevention thanks to the standard City Safety technology that is fitted in all new Volvo cars.

City Safety is the umbrella name for advanced collision avoidance functionality at the Swedish company. Using advanced RaCam, (Radar-Camera) technology positioned in the windscreen, City Safety delivers advanced vehicle-to-vehicle collision avoidance functionality and protects other vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists in a broad range of scenarios.

The all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 is now available at Park Place Volvo.

For more information about the Volvo XC90 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

Bentley Bentayga- Be Extraordinary. Be Iconic.

Bentley Dallas is proud to join Bentley Moscow, Shanghai, London, Dubai and other iconic locations worldwide in the Bentley Bentayga ‪#‎BeExtraordinary‬ campaign. Dallas is an iconic city with extraordinary, iconic people.

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#BeExtraordinary  Find your extraordinary Bentley Bentayga at Bentley Dallas.

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Bentley lit up the night across the world with a simple reminder: #BeExtraordinary.

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Bentley Dallas

 

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New York City’s Times Square displayed the message in bright lights

 

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Bentley dealership in Moscow

 

Be Extraordinary Londone
Oxo Tower in London

 

Be Extraordinary Shanghaie
The Bund in Shanghai

 

BeExtraordinary Dubaie
Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai