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New LF-1 Limitless Lexus Concept Makes Debut

The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept vehicle makes its New York City debut at the newly opened INTERSECT BY LEXUS. It will remain on display through Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, which made its global debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover.

Combining high performance with unrestrained luxury, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept is a showcase of technology, innovation and the latest evolution of design at Lexus.

Visitors to INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC, a unique brand and cultural space, will have a front-row view to the luxury crossover concept vehicle.  Following successful launches in Tokyo and Dubai, INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC resides in the heart of the city’s vibrant Meatpacking District and continues the brand’s commitment to supporting innovation on a local, national and global level.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept vehicle to guests of INTERSECT. The LF-1 Limitless concept is our vision of a new kind of flagship vehicle that incorporates imaginative technology while creating a strong emotional connection,” said Kirk Edmondson, general manager of INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC. “Showcasing the vehicle in New York is a natural choice, as INTERSECT will deliver creative, exceptional moments to the city and beyond just as this concept vehicle delivers limitless possibilities.”

The innovative spirit of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless was created at CALTY Design Research in California.

The design language is rooted in the simple, yet elegant design concept dubbed “molten katana.” Like molten metal being forged into a fine Japanese sword, the lines of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept have the potential to shape the future of a flagship crossover for Lexus. Imagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid chiseled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless. The concept’s exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio gives it an athletic profile that’s more sports car than station wagon. Combined with a cabin that sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis and aggressive 22-inch wheels barely contained under bulging fenders, the LF-1 has a powerful stance that conveys its performance intentions at a glance. Like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille on the LF-1 is a core element to the overall design. The grille itself features a three-dimensional design with colors developed in-house by CALTY.

INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC is located at 412 West 14th Street New York, New York 10014. Starting in January 2019, the restaurant will serve lunch seven days a week from 11:30-3PM. Dinner will be available Sunday-Wednesday from 5PM-10PM and Thursday-Saturday from 5PM-11PM.  The café is open from 7AM-7PM seven days a week. For more information on the space please visit www.Intersect-NYC.com.

For more information on Lexus’ newest concept, visit Lexus.com

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Lexus’ All-New Luxury Crossover is a Market Changer

Lexus is determined to set itself apart and establish itself as a competitor in the luxury automotive industry. And there really is no doubt; Lexus’ strategic design choices, recent releases like the ever-iconic and ultra-luxurious Lexus LS and three-row RXL, and the intense focus on the client experience have elevated Lexus to a whole new market of consumers (cue our millennial audience).

The brand new, class entering Lexus UX Crossover closes the gap between 4 door sedan and full-size SUV, to give our drivers a more compact machine without sacrificing the space they love in traditional luxury SUVs. According to the manufacturer, the new innovative design for their first-ever crossover ‘juxtaposes bold urban design with unmistakable strength’ – clear when looking at the bold, yet aerodynamic lines in their preview imagery.

“The first-ever Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving,” said Chika Kako, Executive Vice President of Lexus International and Chief Engineer of the UX. “We designed the UX to appeal to buyers in their 30s who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles.”

Elegant, yet striking and crisp design includes a uniquely design tail lamp with an interior based on intuitive technology will not just meet but exceed the millennial seeking contemporary, youthful design, Lexus-level reliability, and seamless performance.

The all-new Lexus Crossover is available, with the UX 300 starting an MSRP of 32,000 and the UX 250h at just above $34,000. Contact your Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine Dealer today for more information.

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The Transformed 2019 Lexus ES Now At Park Place Lexus

After nearly 30 years of success, Lexus has launched the seventh-generation ES to redefine its status among entry-level executive sedans.  Among other exciting design updates, Lexus is also introducing the first ES F Sport to the line-up, giving clients a brand new level of performance in this model family. The ES-F actually borrows its grille design from the flagship LS sedan. 

Last week, Park Place launched the all-new 2019 ES at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

Key Design Enhancements

The key element to the updated design is the all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform. Because of this, the ES sedan is longer with a wider wheel base to provide sharpened performance, more spacious interior, and a quieter drive. The overall design and performance update to this 7th generation ES is perfectly in tune with Lexus previous releases of the UX and updated LS, to reach a new market of buyers.

Project Chief Designer, Yasuo Kajino, describes the look of the ES as “provocative elegance.” 

For this Generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge traditional expecatations of buyers.

Low lines and fluid shapes represent some of the major improvements to the ES; the slim headlights with a distinctive L shaped marker, the latest iteration of the brand’s iconic grille nodding to the performance of the LC, and a low hood line highlight the visual enhancements to the classic ES. 

Transformative Performance

Why simply improve on something that’s already good, when you can transform a sedan traditionally known for comfort and quietness into one that is capable of delivering dynamic handling. 

“We knew the ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation.” – Lead Engineer, Yasuhiro Sakakibara.

The all-new GA-K chassis structure gave the engineering team the opportunity to address some concerns including noise and vibrations, at the source.  One key update includes the installation of performance dampeners typically seen on Ultra Luxury and F SPORT models to reduce vibrations. 

Power and Efficiency

All ES 350s are powered by 3.5 liter V6 engines that are designed to deliver effortless acceleration and impressive efficiency.  Now the ES can adapt to high or low power moments by transitioning from the traditional Otto cycle during sporty driving or the more efficient Atkinson cycle when power demand is low.

What’s Otto and Atkinson? Otto Cycle is a thermodynamic cycle found in most automotive engines. Atkinson Cycle is a modified Otto cycle, which differs in delivering efficiency and increased fuel efficiency. 

A More Comfortable Cabin For All

No detail was left untouched for the driver and the passengers. The steering wheel on the 2019 ES is set a more natural angle, the pedal positions revised, and 10-way power adjustable front seats lend itself to a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.

The cargo room has increased versus the previous generation,  boasting 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space and additional underfloor side pockets for smaller items.

Do you remember we mentioned a lower roofline? Well, if you were worried the sleek roofline would affect your guests’ accommodations, we are happy to report that the answer is not at all. Headroom has been increased slightly through the use of a lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner.

The Next Chapter ES

The 2019 Lexus ES ushers in a new era from one of the brand’s most popular models. In line with previous model releases, the ES sedan is meant to engage with a broader range of guests by delivering both the expected Lexus luxuries and unexpected performance that traditionally is not a character of the Lexus mark. 

More dynamic styling and performance, unique cabin materials assembled by the finest craftsmen and the latest technology add a chapter to the ES story that hasn’t been told, but that all changes now at Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine.
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Park Place Lexus Grapevine Kicks Off GRACE Christmas Cottage Toy Drive

Holiday Event Included Unwrapping New Lexus ES Luxury Sedan

 Park Place Lexus, the official “Drive For Toys” sponsor of the GRACE (Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange) Christmas Cottage, hosted the kick-off party for the 2018 toy drive collection. 

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides gifts for local children in a store-like setting and is open for a full two weeks prior to Christmas.

As guests arrived, they filled the back of several Lexus SUVs with Christmas toys.

“We’ve partnered with GRACE for many years now,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. “We are blessed to help local families through our support of the GRACE Christmas Cottage. We want to make sure every child in our community has the best possible Christmas. The GRACE Toy Drive makes it easy to participate.”

The community is invited to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for the GRACE Christmas Cottage through December 15th at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, located at 901 Highway 114 East. Or drop them off at GRACE Christmas Cottage, 3100 Timberline in Grapevine. You can also make a monetary donation to the GRACE Christmas Holiday Fund at gracegrapevine.org.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

During the event, guests enjoyed eclectic bites from DRG Concepts, including Mediterranean fare, chicken tacos with cilantro rice by Wild Salsa, and chopped beef short ribs with horseradish and onion strings courtesy of Chop House Burgers.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

Seasonal cocktails were provided by Hendricks Gin and Reyka Vodka, with celebratory sips by Dark Horse Wine and Peroni Beer. Guests danced to popular tunes by the Adrian Garcia Band, then capped the night with innovative coffee creations by Nightowl Coffee Cart, including a delicious Peppermint Latte with a sprig of mint and crumbled mint cookies on top.

Pat and Janet McCoy of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)
Alan Tracy and Karen Roberts of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides new, unwrapped gifts to families facing financial hardship due to limited income or recent emergency.  Each qualified family is given a voucher with a value based on the number of children in the family, allowing the parents to “purchase” donated toys, home goods and appliances in a private, store-like setting. This unique approach allows families to budget their resources and select unique presents while preserving the family’s dignity. More than 2,700 individuals and families are served at Christmas Cottage each holiday season.

Guests also got to see the new 2019 Lexus ES luxury sedan, featuring bold new styling inside and out, astonishing power and state-of-the-art safety and entertainment technology.

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 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

 

 

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The Gaylord Texan’s 2018 ICE! Experience Is Open Through January 1, 2018

Lexus is proud to sponsor the 2018 Gaylord Texan’s ICE! Experience, open November 9th through January 1, 2019. Experience your favorite scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brought to life in our walk-through winter wonderland.  Click the banner below or scroll for more information on the Lexus Exclusive Discount

This year’s display includes:

  • 2 million pounds of ice sculptures hand-carved by 35 artisans from Harbin, China
  • 6 ice slides
  • colorful ice sculptures depicting the story of Rudolph
  • Crystal clear ice sculpture scene of the Nativity

Best of all? Lexus is gifting all Lexus owners with exclusive discounts to last you the entire holiday season. See below for details:

Discounted Tickets for Lexus Owners:

Receive a Lexus Owners Discount for Adult, General Admission ICE! Tickets by using the code PARKPLACELEXUS at GaylordTexanTickets.com

Valet Parking

You’ll automatically receive a $10 discount on valet parking when driving your Lexus to ICE!. Please note that you MUST be driving your Lexus to the actual event to receive the discount.

Complimentary Self- Parking 

Enjoy complimentary self-parking in either the garage or Lot R when driving your Lexus to ICE! Simply take a ticket upon entry and present it along with your Lexus key to the box office cashier to get your ticket validated prior to departing. Again, you must be driving your Lexus to the actual event to receive the discount. 

 

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Park Place Celebrates 21 Years at the Cattle Baron’s Ball with New Vehicle Donated to Raffle

Park Place Dealerships and the Cattle Baron’s Ball have a now 21-year relationship that has resulted in yet another successful event at Gilley’s Dallas, all for the pursuit of a cure for cancer.  The Cattle Baron’s Ball is one of the largest one night fundraisers, and Park Place is proud to provide support through what we know best- and that is luxury cars.

For our 21st year, Park Place donated the choice of a brand new 2018 Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, Porsche Macan, or Range Rover Velar, to the winner of the raffle.

As a core tenant of Park Place’s mission, giving back and community involvement is never overlooked but rather, constantly adapting and changing so that we can make a greater impact year after year.  As leaders in the automotive industry, Park Place has been honored with the opportunity to give to the Cattle Baron’s Ball to benefit the American Cancer society, leaders in cancer research, for 21 years now.

Since 1974, Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised over $77 million for cancer research- which they cite happens mostly here in DFW. True to “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” mantra, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has proven year after year, that they in partnership with the community, are the world’s largest sing-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Cattle Baron’s has provided more than 30,000 services to cancer patients in North Texas, rides to and from treatments, and wigs free of charge. The American Cancer Society is the beneficiary of the event whose mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.  

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The 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Shone Brightly Even in the Rain

Park Place Dealerships donates $55k Sprinter
to Salesmanship Club’s Momentous Institute

Rain or shine. Many outdoor events casually use the term, but few shine in the midst of challenges like the 2nd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase did on October 13th at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

“It was an exciting day in a lot of ways,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of guests and we were able to execute the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase for the nearly 3,000 people who attended. Many of the private collectors brought their rare and pristine cars out to display them in the Collector’s Concours. The Porsche Club – Maverick Region came together to create an amazing Heritage Display to celebrate Porsche’s 70th anniversary. And we were able to support a wonderful charitable partner in a big way.”

The event benefitted the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services. Schnitzer presented Patton Chapman, Salesmanship Club president, with the keys to a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to help the organization with its transportation needs for the kids.

Throughout the day, guests saw more than $100 million worth of rare and unique vehicles from manufacturers, collectors and car clubs, including the first public display of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the iconic marque’s first ever SUV. Guests also enjoyed live entertainment, incredible food and beverages, as well as a Highland Park Village fashion show produced by Jan Strimple.

Parents even watched their kids play in the rain, driving miniature electric versions of Porsche, McLaren, Volvo, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus vehicles on the pavestone path. Guests also had the opportunity to meet 16-year-old racecar driver Kinzie “Kiki” Wilson. Featured in her red, racing shirt on the right of her Corvette, the Mansfield Legacy High School Junior is also the Varsity Cheer Captain while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker helped judge the Haute Hat Contest. The Lady’s Haute Hat winner was Anna Neiman (below) with a stylish Rolls-Royce-inspired hat that included working lights.

             

As the day drew to a close, the top three award winners from the Collector’s Concours were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place,” a hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham.

  • Best of Show went to Randy Johnson for his 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C.
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – Fred Cornwall – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, originally hand-built for Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton as an engagement gift for her fiancé Georgian Prince Alexis Mdivani.
  • Salesmanship Club Award – John Kobell – 1980 BMW M1.

Other award winners included:

American Classics

1st –  1959 Chevrolet Corvette – Rocky Rainbolt

2nd – 1932 REO Royale Rumble Seat Coupe – Rob Anderson

3rd – 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe – Rob Anderson

American Modern:

1st in Class – 2009 Dodge Viper – Alan Wilson

British Classic

1st – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Limo – James Stewart

2nd – 1966 Jaguar E-Type OTS – Clark Kirby
3rd – 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II – Michael Davis

British Modern

1st – 2012 McLaren MP4-12C – Warren Huddleston
2nd – 2012 McLaren 12C – Patrick Chiu
3rd – 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith – Erick Johnson

Italian Classic

1st – 1964 Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 – Cory Richards

2nd – 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta – Jerry Quam
3rd – 1979 Maserati Merak SS – Betsy Crawford

Italian Modern

1st – 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – William Hale

2nd – 2005 Ferrari 430 – Derrick Blanton
3rd – 2001 Qvale Mangusta – Anatoly Arutunoff

German Classic

1st – 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible – Whitney Stark

2nd – 1996 Porsche 993 Turbo – Raj Gill

German Modern:

1st in Class – 2015 Audi R8 – Brad Harslem

Supercar Classic:

1st in Class – 1993 Jaguar XJ220 – Barry Fromberg

Supercar Modern

1st – 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach Martini – John Savickas

2nd – 2013 Zagato Perana Z-One – Dave Copps

International:

1st in Class – 1972 Citroen SM – Gordon Sauer

Porsche GT:

1st – 2015 Porsche GT3 – Robert Caglia

2nd – 2016 Porsche GT3 RS – Michael Lee

 

Partners included the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, 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, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.

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 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

 

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Park Place Gathers Some of the World’s Finest for the Supercar Showcase

A High-Performance Line-Up You Can Experience

Between an Expanded Concours and Park Place Dealerships bringing in some the world’s finest vehicles, there will be no shortage of “oohs & ahhs” on the Luxury & Supercar Showcase Concours. While the first rule and 

tenant of a car showcase (see Do’s and Don’ts of the Supercar Showcase Blog Here) is to look and not touch unless specifically told by the Collector, at the Park Place tents, guests can and are highly encouraged to explore, touch & feel, and ask questions about our Park Place featured lineups by brand. Below is just a smattering of what exceptional machines will be available throughout the day at our showcase event…and you’ll want to read all the way down. We have some breaking news!

Rolls-Royce Cullinan:

 Under the Cullinan’s hood is a 6.75 liter, twin-turbo V12 pushing out 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine Rolls-Royce uses for its iconic Phantom, which also shares the SUV’s aluminum-intensive platform. The famous “magic air ride” feel that rendered the Phantom peerless has also been re-engineered by adding larger air struts with greater air volume, and by strengthening the drive and prop shafts to cushion blows from the toughest terrain. Featuring all-new, all-wheel drive and an all-wheel steering system — the first in Rolls-Royce history — the Cullinan reaches a top speed of 155 miles per hour.  Approach the Cullinan and it lowers roughly 1.5 inches for easy entry, rising back to normal position upon startup. The air suspension has adaptive damping and was built specifically with a degree of off-road luxury in mind — but a Rolls-Royce kind of off-roading, with a spotlight on smooth transitions. A lone off-road button is all it takes to prep the vehicle for whatever terrain you can throw at it, and it will even ford over 21 inches of water if needed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the incredibly capable off-roader in person at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, 

2019 Mercedes Maybach:

“It is impossible to outdo an S-Class — except when the S-Class surpasses itself. ” -MBUSA. The Mercedes-Maybach sets the bar for “exclusivity and individuality”, celebrating the blend of luxury comfort and perfect craftsmanship, and the illuminated door sills serve to remind any who enter the vehicle, of the kind of luxury experience they’re about to embark on. From its elongated body and wheelbase, the extra space not only enables supreme comfort within but represents an iconic, more imposing form beyond. According to MBUSA, the 2019 model instantly cuts a more elevated figure than before. The grille, inspired by a pinstripe suit, strikes a note of sheer exclusivity. A two-tone exterior paint finish — now available in nine different colors — conveys the vehicle´s classic pedigree. An optional double clear coat lends an unsurpassed sense of elegance to darker paint options — with the second coat hand-applied by trained specialists. The 2019 Maybach will be available for interaction at the Mercedes-Benz Tent at the Luxury & Supercar Showcase.

Mclaren 600LT: 

The arrival of the new 600LT, which is built to excel on roads and race circuits alike, marks both the beginning of the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (LT) story and the setting of a new benchmark for super-sportscar performance. The new McLaren 600LT epitomizes the McLaren philosophy of producing lightweight super-sportscars that deliver extreme performance and are exceptionally rewarding to drive. With the engine management system of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 recalibrated and less back pressure from a top-exit exhaust system that is even shorter and more extreme than that of the McLaren Senna allowing the engine to breathe more freely, the 600LT can call on peak power of 592bhp at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque output of 457lb ft at 5,500-6,500 rpm. These outputs deliver astonishing levels of performance: 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds, matching the acceleration of the revered McLaren 675LT Super Series model (0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds). 0-124mph is achieved in a remarkable 8.2 seconds and the 600LT can continue gathering speed to a top speed of 204mph.

LFA Nürburgring Edition:

Only 50 of the 500 LFA hand-assembled were sported with the Nürburgring package, making this unit an exciting addition to our Lexus space at the Supercar Showcase.  At its release, it was valued at over $450,000 with 562 Horsepower and quicker gear changes; the specific package features a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels, and a larger from spoiler & a fixed rear wing for improved speed and downforce.  The unit making its way to the Luxury & Supercar Showcase is white, which perfectly accentuates the Nürburgring Race Car Influenced Styling and Performance.

Porsche 918 Spyder:

An exclusive plug-in hybrid sports car that’s nothing less than a showstopper.  We’ll keep this one short and sweet because the 918 speaks for itself. At its top end, it reaches speeds of 211 mph with 877 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. 

Last but certainly not least, we are excited to share that a McLaren Senna has been confirmed for our showcase, and will be viewable at all ticket levels. 

 

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Park Place Brings Real-World Experience into Lewisville ISD Classroom

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.

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Help Raptors by Stuffing a Lexus Trunk at Park Place Lexus Plano

Park Place Lexus Plano collecting items for Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

When you hear Park Place Lexus Plano is helping raptors, you might think it’s a tie-in with the latest Jurassic Park movie.  But these raptors are even more awe-inspiring. The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas rescues orphaned, sick and injured raptors – birds of prey such as eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, owls, kites and vultures. It treats the injured raptors, rehabilitates them, and then releases them back into the wild.

Founded in 2004, the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is located on Lake Lavon in the 66-acre Brockdale Park. It is home to a permanent collection of 18 education raptors (birds who can never be released back into the wild due to the nature of their injuries,) an 8,000-square-foot flight cage, and a clinic to house up to 800 patients per year.

“I attended Blackland Prairie’s annual Ribs n’ Raptors fundraiser last fall,” said Greg Duerr, Park Place Lexus Plano Parts Manager. “I bid on a ‘Release the Raptor’ experience in the auction and had the opportunity to release a Red-tailed Hawk. It was such an incredible experience, I wanted to do more to help the organization. I talked with our leadership at Park Place Lexus and we came up with this Stuff the Trunk event to provide some basic materials the center needs on an ongoing basis.”

Park Place Lexus is collecting items through the end of July that includes: brooms, scrubbing pads, laundry detergent, bleach, hand soap, cotton balls & swabs, disposable exam gloves, paper towels, Ziploc bags, pill dividers, flashlights & batteries, leather gloves, safety glasses & goggles, box cutters, five-gallon buckets, wire snips, pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, 18v cordless drills, drill bit sets, deck screws, rakes, shovels, 25-foot tape measure, staple gun & staples, clamps (all sizes), WD40, heavy-duty hoses, copier paper, permanent markers, and more.

Donations are being collected daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday until the end of July at the Lexus dealership: 6785 Dallas Parkway (W. Spring Creek Parkway at Dallas North Tollway) in Plano.

“Our largest expense is food for the raptors,” said Erich Neupert, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center Executive Director.  “We spent more than $30,000 last year on food. People can donate online at bpraptorcenter.org/donations/or through the AmazonSmile program. Just select the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center as your designated charity while shopping on AmazonSmile.com and we receive a portion of every purchase.”

The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is open to the pubic the first Saturday of every month at 1625 Brockdale Park Road (off FM3286) in Lucas. Ribs n’ Raptors will be held in November 2018. More information is available at http://www.bpraptorcenter.org

 “If you find a baby bird on the ground, the best thing to do is just leave them alone,” explained Neupert. “If they look injured, give us a call at 972-442-7607.”

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. For more info, visit parkplace.com.