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Why Luxury Featuring the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Did you know that Carl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz), was awarded a German patent for a three-wheeled, self-propelled  “Motorwagen” in 1886- making his innovative invention arguably the first true automobile in history?  That innovation still ignites the industry today, personified in the undeniably powerful and sleek designs that make up modern-day Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The CLA is no exception, providing prospective luxury car buyers, with a seductive and time-tested option at an accessible luxury price point.

Other brands have made leaps and bounds towards producing entry-level luxury, four-door sedans, and coupes, contributing to the ultra-competitive market.  The Acura ILX has positive attributes-mainly reliability, safety, and resale value. But, when put side-by-side to a luxury manufacturer, such as Mercedes-Benz and the CLA, the differences are distinct and for an allegedly luxury vehicle, the ILX just does not measure up to its price point when compared to its luxury counterparts.

Today,  we compare the 2017 Acura ILX  and the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA  to identify what exactly sets the two apart and to further answer the question “why luxury” when entering the realm of a $30,000 plus MSRP investment.

First, the 2018 Acura ILX:

In 2016, the Acura ILX was reimagined to give the smallest sedan a much needed, but seemingly ineffective facelift in the grand scheme of things. The 2018 version remains relatively unchanged with only minor cosmetic additions. Offered at three tiers of various packages, the 2018 Acura ILX ranges from an MSRP of around $29,000-$36,000 according to Edmunds, successfully challenging many of its entry-level rivals.

For an investment of about $30,000 for the base model, you’ll receive a 2.4-liter engine, 201 horsepower, front wheel drive, and a solid 25 MPG (City), 35 (Highway), and 29 MPG combined.  This combo offers more power than some of its more turbocharged counterparts, while still scoring well in safety.

Some additional features that come standard in this base ILX include:

  • Side mounted airbags
  • Upgrade headlights
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • USB Ports
  • Heated seats and climate control
  • Backup camera
  • Sunroof

These are all features expected of a luxury vehicle, but once the vehicle hits the road, its “luxury” identifier starts to wain in performance- especially when its nested in a similar class to BMW, Audi, and of course, Mercedes-Benz.

Some common concerns include stiff ridge quality, near luxury interior, and a dual screen “infotainment” system which lacks convenience for the driver.  For amenities like navigation, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance, you will have to upgrade your vehicle to a more premium package instead of being simply “optional” on the base models. The ILX’s design elements are quality enough with three interior and six exterior colors available.

Next, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250:

Another formidable competitor in the entry-luxury segment is the CLA 250 that clocks in with an MSRP range of about $32,700- $51,400, a price tag that is not all surprising for a luxury class coupe from one of the most recognizable auto families.

At its core, you’ll receive a 2.0 liter inline-4 turbo engine, 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an ECO start/stop system.  The standard CLA 250 is front wheel drive, but a client can have the option to opt for Mercedes’ 4Matic transmission. When one upgrades the AMG series CLA, that model comes standard with all-wheel drive. A Mercedes-Benz CLA also comes with a plethora of “optional” packages or add-ons to amp-up and customize any base model CLA, if desired.

The list of add-ons, options, and standard equipment is lengthy, but the more judicious buyer guided by our Park Place experts who assist our clients in finding their version of a perfect vehicle can still successfully build a Mercedes-Benz CLA for under $40,000.

This entry-level model receives fairly favorable fuel economy similar to that of its Acura competitor (24 City/ 37 Hwy/ 29 Combined), seating five. Where the CLA really distinguishes itself is in the realm of design.  The coupe has sleek, sharp contours that are further accentuated in its AMG trim, which is available in nine exterior and seven interior colors.  Inside, you will find a singular screen adjacent to a comfortable-to-grip steering wheel, and options of quality materials to provide front row passengers with a more affordable introduction to the luxurious feel that comes standard with the Mercedes badge.

A Park Place Experience:

At each of our four Park Place Mercedes-Benz locations, you will be provided with an exceptional client experience from the moment you send the first inquiry, purchase, routine oil changes, and your complimentary car wash and luxurious loaner vehicles. 

We strive to put our clients first, and that starts with a simple, One-Touch purchasing process to make your purchase as personalized as possible.  Each Sales Manager is equipped to guide you through the process to ensure we are considerate of your time, budget, and checklist of wants, needs, and wishes. 

For our advanced service bays, we employ certified technicians who use state of the art equipment to expertly diagnose and repair your vehicle, ensuring your investment is kept at peak performance- a truly priceless asset when making an investment in a luxury automotive experience. 

The Verdict:

A Mercedes-Benz CLA provides the rider with a bounty of options to enhance and upgrade the base CLA model to reflect the client’s luxury wants. When entering the luxury auto segment, there are many options, but it’s pivotal to remember that brand prestige, along with power, design, and safety specs, is included in the price.  At an MSRP of close to $30,000, an Acura ILX is a weak competitor in a saturated luxury sedan/coupe market, and a Mercedes-Benz CLA will deliver a better quality performance with more features and options for your money.

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3 Things To Know Before Your Next Park Place Oil Change

Receiving an oil change at a manufacturer certified service center has key advantages to maintaining your high-performance vehicle. While cost and service time are increased, we provide first-class quality, expertise, and additional services that clearly distinguish our premier level service experiences from a typical “oil change” job at a quick lube establishment.

At our Park Place Dealerships locations, we employ certified technicians who perform the routine services, such as your oil change, to ensure the entire process is completed to meet both manufacturer and Park Place standards of quality.

Here are three things our highly trained team of service experts want you to know before booking your next oil change:

1.An “Oil Change” service can take about 30-60 minutes depending on the manufacturer before any additional services or a courtesy car wash or additional services.

Park Place Motorcars Service Directors estimate that an oil change service that includes our complimentary services, including car washes and multi-point inspections, for our clients, can take 60-90  minutes to complete. 

At Park Place Porsche, the service can take up to 90 minutes pre-car wash. Porsche’s have a large oil capacity- up to 10 quarts on some engines. The old oil must be completely drained from the vehicle. To do this, our technicians must heat the engine up to operating temperature to thin out the oil and allow it to then drain for a minimum of 20 minutes. The next 20 minutes are spent filling the engine with oil to capacity. To do this the engine is brought up to operating temperature and filled with new room temperature oil.  Our technicians check the oil levels with a computer- a process that takes three minutes and is repeated until the engine registers full.

2. You receive more than an “oil change” when choosing to service with the manufacturer certified dealership. 

The term oil change has been used frequently in conjunction with quick lube establishments promising quick service and low cost. The dealership provides more value to the client’s experience by including car washes, loan cars, resetting computers, multi-point inspections, trained technicians, warranty repairs, a beautiful facility, and a client lounge for those who wish to wait for their service to be completed. Therefore, a Park Place dealership experience cannot be compared with a quick service only facility with the factors of time or money.

Example of Mercedes_Benz Visual Multi-Point Inspection Check List

 

3. An Oil Change is the easiest way to maintain (and save) your luxury vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.

Skimping out on routine oil changes (either by delaying your appointment or using components not recommended by your manufacturer) can be detrimental to the life of your vehicle. If you want to increase the longevity of your luxury auto, then making sure you’re on top of your oil changes should be priority number one. The oil is the life-blood and key ingredient in the engine which provides lubrication, cooling, and removal of particles and sludge.  With a squeaky clean and lubricated engine, you will also benefit from improved gas mileage. Park Place’s client lounges, loan cars, and Pick Up & Delivery programs help ease the hassle that can be associated with necessary maintenance. If you have questions regarding these offerings, contact your service advisor or coordinator and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have so that we can ensure your Park Place oil change experience is first class. 

For a once a year service, the cost and time related to an “oil change” experience at Park Place is more than worth it.   If it’s your dream to own a luxury vehicle, then protecting your investment is too important to our team to simply offer quick drain and fill service.

Have any questions or would like to start your next service booking? Click here.

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Mercedes-Benz Cast as High Performance Side-kick for “Justice League”

Mercedes-Benz will officially join alongside the league of the high-performance superheroes as their super-car of choice. Set to hit theaters globally on November 17, 2017, Cyborg, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Batman race to save the planet form a possible catastrophic alien assault, and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo and its trusty side-kick Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet play an epic role in the newest superhero feature flick of the fall.

The AMG Vision Gran Turismo’s extreme proportions, sensual contours, and impressive technology first premiered in 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California in November 2013. The car is highlighted with gullwing doors is the first of the “Vision Gran Turismo” series of vehicles and is the concept car that completely embodies the design philosophy of “sensual purity.”  While it has yet to be committed to production,  the unique design provides a sneak peek into the future of Mercedes-Benz.

A completely redesigned interior and precisely engineered technical specifications seamlessly compliment the unmistakable exterior, making this concept car (and its E Class sidekick) perfectly cast to help save the world. Does Wonder Woman, or any other members of the Justice League need a new vehicle to get around? Not necessarily, but the Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo are just too tempting to turn down.

 

https://youtu.be/9qF4pcq7RCU

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Why Luxury Featuring the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

When comparing base luxury models with an economy class, the differences lie in the details. At first glance, the two vehicles seem comparable in price and size, with subtle, yet impactful nuances distinguishing the 2018 Mercedes C 300 from your average mid-size car. In this continuation of our Why Luxury series, we are comparing the highly rated 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum with the new 2018 Mercedes Benz C 300, a bold entrance for anyone entering the luxury automotive segment. 

Luxury Perks: the 2018 Mercedes C 300 vs. 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum
The MSRP for the 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum comes in at $40,340, with the average price paid between $37,034 and $39,482 per data from both Edmunds and Cargurus. The Nissan is Front Wheel Drive, 300 hp, contains a 6 cylinder engine, and with 21 and 30 MPG, city and highway fuel economy, respectively.

The base 2018 Mercedes C 300 is a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, boasting 24 MPG (city) and 33 MPG (highway). The C-Class sedan’s base MSRP begins at $40,250, and offers a similar average price paid range to the Nissan Maxima Platinum for the base model at $37,083 and $41,618 (per Cargurus and Edmunds respectively). This base model has just under 250 hp with a 4 cylinder turbocharged engine.   The new C 300 boasts an athletic and sleek design based off the S-Class, making the prestige of luxury a bit more attainable for a larger market of drivers.

So what’s the difference? The vehicles are essentially comparable when only referencing these basic statistics. The C 300 is wider and has a couple more inches of passenger leg room, while the 2017 Nissan Platinum is longer and has more leg room available for the front passenger and driver. So besides badge appeal- what differentiates the new C-Class as luxury in comparison to the highly rated Nissan Maxima?

More Options for a Customizable, Luxury Experience

The 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum is the second generation of Nissan’s newest body style and the interior metal scimitar finisher claimed to be a Nissan first, as they attempted to exude a vehicle design a couple classes above Nissan Standard. The Platinum receives Alcantara seats, but if a consumer were to purchase a lower grade model of the 2017 Maxima, they would be left with standard, cloth seats.  Albeit with a “sophisticated pinstripe cloth pattern.” The challenge in incorporating design items previously marked as “luxury” or “ultra-luxury” is remaining cost-effective while still adding a unique exotic flare.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz C Class interior is appropriately described as “lovely” in a recent Kelly Blue Book expert review.  The array of wood and aluminum finishes and clutter free layout allow the C 300, even at a base price, to feel elegant. The additional packages, like a fragrance diffuser that integrates with the AC system, are available to further classify this model as truly upscale and customizable for the individual client.  There are over 10 exterior color options available, similar to that of the Nissan Maxima, but the array of optional packages trumps the two K10 and W10 packages available to customize the Platinum edition Maxima according to Cargurus.

Optional packages to customize your 2018 C-Class include:

  • LED Headlamps
  • AMG Line Upgrade
  • Advanced Lighting
  • Leather Seating Package
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
  • Panorama Sunroof
  • Multi-Media Package
  • Black leather steering wheel with Burl Walnut Inlays
  • Black Nappa Leather design combos

Manufacturer Warranty and Service Experiences:

A new 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum comes with a basic 3 year/36,000 mile manufacturer warranty, a 5year, 60,000 miles drivetrain warranty, and a 3year/36,000 mile cap for roadside assistance. 

In comparison, a new 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 comes standard with a 4 year/50,000 miles basic warranty, a 4 year/50,000 mile Drivetrain warranty, and unlimited roadside assistance. Additionally, at a Park Place Motorcars location, all clients are privy to a first-class ownership experience, including a team of service experts to maintain your vehicle’s performance capabilities, technologies, and keep the exterior looking pristine with complimentary car washes, far after the initial purchase.

Price Tag: Is it worth it?

The 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum provides a buyer with the illusion of luxury and has been recognized as a fantastic move for the Nissan brand, but the 40k plus price tag could be viewed as a bit pricey for the badge its associated with, despite its upgrade in features.

One of the obvious benefits of owning a luxury vehicle is the prestige and high-performance experience that pair with the iconic badge. When purchasing a Mercedes-Benz 2018 C-Class, it is a sign that you very well might be on your way towards S-Class heights…even if your wallet doesn’t allow for it just yet.  While true one has to pay for the optional packages, it’s the ability to essentially bespoke your entry-level luxury vehicle with additional first-class materials and technology that stands out above the economy brands. 

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Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Makes Its Global Debut

The show car is the highlight of AMG’s 50th Anniversary- an apt assertion as it produces over 1,000 hp and reaches speeds beyond 217 mph. Truly, the Mercedes-AMG Project one is a first of its kind, combining exceptional racetrack performance with the day to day suitable Formula 1 hybrid technology and impressive efficiency.

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE made its global debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.  This two-seater supersports show car incorporates some of the very latest, fully fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology seamlessly from the track to the road. The show car is the highlight of AMG’s 50th Anniversary- an apt assertion as it produces over 1,000 hp and reaches speeds beyond 217 mph. Truly, the Mercedes-AMG Project one is a first of its kind, combining exceptional racetrack performance with the day to day, suitable Formula 1 hybrid technology and impressive efficiency.

This AMG GT Concept supersports show car is a glimpse into the future of high performance-hybrid drive strategy of the Mercedes-Benz sports car brand.

 

Blending the world of motorsports and racing technology with everyday driving is a dream turned reality for engineers.  “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval. Our highly efficient hybrid assembly stems from motor racing and the electrically powered front axle generates a fascinating mixture of performance and efficiency. ”Ola Källenius says, Member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Some of the technical specs of this new powerful concept are below:

  Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car
Rear-wheel drive 1.6-liter V6 with direct injection, four valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts and electrically boosted single turbocharger, electric motor connected to the crankshaft
Engine capacity 1,600 cc
Rear-wheel drive output > 500 kW
Front-wheel drive output 2 x 120 kW
System output > 740 kW (> 1,000 hp)
Electric range 25 km
Drive system Variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with hybrid-drive rear axle, electrically driven front axle and torque vectoring
Transmission Automated AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed manual transmission
Acceleration 0-200 km/h < 6 secs.
Top speed > 350 km/h

Beauty Meets Formula 1 Beast

The show car is undoubtedly inspired by the world of motorsport, but most importantly, it still illuminates the Mercedes-AMG principle that fascination is linked to function. Each part. Each design decision has a purpose, resulting in a mid-engine concept.  The proportions are muscular; the cockpit is forward with large wheel arches, a wasp waist, and an extended rear end.

“The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the hottest and coolest car we have ever designed. It combines our design philosophy of Sensual Purity with the performance of our Formula 1 racing cars and is the perfect embodiment of Performance Luxury,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “This hypercar’s extreme design marks a milestone in design – there are no lines, and the interior is stripped down to the essentials.”

The Future of Driving Performance

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE brings Premier class racetrack performance and a full day to day riding stability in an ultimate driving machine. The future of AMG cars is powerful as Project ONE will help engineers obtain priceless findings of performance-oriented plug-in hybrid drive technology, suspension layouts, and onboard electronics for the benefit of the series production AMG cars. The future of Project ONE is exciting, and the team is working hard to bring this vision onto the road.  

For full Mercedes-AMG Project ONE specs click here.

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Engines 101: A Myriad of Power Options Found In Luxury Vehicles

If you are new to the automotive scene, haven’t taken the opportunity to look under your hood, or simply want to know more about what makes your vehicle ‘vroom’-  the engine options available for your luxury car can be daunting. In our first installment of Engines 101: A Technical Overview of Luxury Autos,  we will take a quick look at the basic terms you need to know to make your next automotive purchasing experience easy to understand inside and out. 

Often, one of the first descriptions that you will hear of a vehicle will be the type of engine it has. This is usually described by the number of cylinders in the engine and their configuration. A cylinder is simply a circular tube that contains the combustion process (when fuel, air, and heat combine to make power; more on that in a later post). Inside the cylinder, a piston moves up and down to transfer power to the rest of the drivetrain. The cylinders’ configuration could be “Inline”, a “V” formation, or often in the case of one of our popular brands, Porsche, a “Boxer” configuration. There is even a “W” configuration if you are courageous enough to wield it.

Inline-Four Engine

Inline-4 Engine

Starting with one of the most common engine layouts today, the inline-4 engine is lightweight, efficient, and compact. With 4 cylinders arranged in a straight line, usually across the car’s engine bay, this configuration allows great fuel economy in a small package, cutting down on expense in more ways than one, and allowing for more room in the vehicle to be dedicated to creature comforts. These days, you will frequently find the inline-4 paired with a turbocharger option, which allows more power to be made from a smaller engine, making this a more attractive configuration than ever before. You will find this engine configuration in many Park Place vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz C 300 and GLC 300, the Lexus IS and NX, the Jaguar XE and XF, and even the new Volvo XC60 to name just a few.

 

“V” Configuration

V-Shaped Engine

Next up, we’ll discuss the “V” configuration. This is usually used to denote an engine with 6 or 8 cylinders, but there are also road-going cars produced with even 10 and 12-cylinder variants of this configuration. The “V” formation is produced by angling opposing banks of cylinders away from each other. In the case of a V6, this means that there are 3 cylinders on the right, and 3 cylinders on the left, forming a “V” shape. Arranging cylinders in this fashion allow you to pack more power into a shorter engine block. If you attempted to make an 8-cylinder engine in an inline formation, the length of the engine would make it impractical. You will often find these powerplants in mid-sized and larger vehicles, where drivers can use some extra power to maneuver a more spacious car or SUV. This larger engine is also frequently an upgrade option in vehicles that come standard with a 4-cylinder, but drivers may opt for a more powerful experience. Examples of some automobiles with this engine configuration are the Lexus GS and RX 350, the Jaguar XJ, the Porsche Macan GTS, and several AMG performance versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. You’ll find a V12 engine powering such commanding vehicles as the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Phantom. 

Flat Configuration

Four Cylinder Flat Engine

The Boxer or Flat configuration is unique, in that rather than a “V”, two banks of cylinders sit directly opposed from one another. Think of pumping your fists directly out to your sides, and you’ll have an idea of how the Boxer configuration works. The manufacturer most notable for this configuration is Porsche, who specialize in high-performance vehicles with a low center of gravity. The Boxer configuration excels in this area because arranging cylinders to the sides produces a very flat engine package, which makes sense when you learn that the “Boxer” is also known as a “Flat” configuration. You will find a “Flat-6” in cars like the incredible Porsche 911 and a turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer in cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. 

“W” Configuration 

VW W-12 Engine

Last, but certainly not least, the almighty “W”, which might as well stand for win. In reality, the “W” configuration is tough to explain without visual aids (see image to understand why). Available in 12 and 16-cylinder offerings, the “W” is like taking 2 “V” motors and stacking their cylinders on top of each other, producing enough power to make even the most experienced adrenaline-junkie’s heart race.  You will find a twin-turbocharged W12 powering the new Bentley Continental, and topping out the list with the world’s fastest production road-car, the Bugatti Chiron boasts a quad-turbocharged W16 engine.

 

 

 

We hope this overview has equipped you with more helpful knowledge the next time you start talking ‘powerplants’ for your next set of wheels. The best thing about Park Place is that we are always here to help you get the most out of your purchasing experience. If you have any questions about your engine options, or any other option available in the car of your dreams, just reach out to your nearest Park Place Dealership and our Sales Experience Managers will be happy to answer any question you can think of.

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The 2017 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase In Retrospect

The Inaugural Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase and Park Place’s 30-year celebration is over, yet we cannot help but smile with gratitude for the accomplishments and memories created on September 9th.  2,750 ladies and gentleman of all ages dressed to the nines in their take on ‘concours casual’ wear, accenting the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas with brilliant hues, statement hats, and luxurious fabrics.

 

Of course, the star (or should we say stars) of the show were the 134 vehicles, valued at roughly 50 million dollars, on display from Collectors and our own Park Place Dealerships. At this years event, there were four categories: vintage, classic, contemporary, and exotic/supercar.  100 vehicles and their Collectors were competing to see if their days, hours, and years of hard work and dedication would win them the distinction of either Best in Class, Chairman’s Choice, Salesmanship Club Award, and Best in Show in the showcase’s inaugural year.

The 2017 Collector’s Showcase winners include:
Best In Show
1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
John Wampler (with his dog Lady Jane):

Chairman’s Choice Award
John Ridings Lee – 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante
Salesmanship Club Choice Award
Corky Helstrom – 1952 MG Roadster
Best In Class – VINTAGE
Jeff Wildin – 1933 MG Magna L-Type Racer
Best In Class – CLASSIC
Michael Mann – 1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Best In Class – CONTEMPORARY
Paul Grussendorf  – 2009 Aston Martin DBS
Best In Class – EXOTIC/SUPERCAR
Eddie Lee – 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR

Park Place also featured some of their very own showroom vehicles, allowing show-goers the rare opportunity to interact with some of the most powerful, reliable, and show stopping vehicles in the world from brands such as Lotus, Bentley, Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, Range Rover, Lexus, and Bugatti. The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase attendees received an exclusive look at the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom, which made Dallas,TX, its priority stop after unveiling at Pebble Beach the week before.  The McLaren 720s Velocity, featuring a 100% bespoke design and MSO paint job, also made a bold statement with its two pearlescent hues of red and carbon fiber parts amongst the ranks of its high-performance counterparts. 

 

As attendees made their way to the Porsche Pavilion to enjoy sensational bites from Cool River Café, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, and Outlaw Taproom, they were met face to face with the grill of the rare 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante that escaped demolition during Mussolini’s war effort by being smuggled across the border in boxes under the cover of darkness. John Ridings Lee, winner of the Chairman’s Choice Award, and owner of this piece of history shared his story – telling us that he found the boxes and dedicated years of his life to personally restore this piece of automotive history. Sitting next to its vintage ancestor, was the powerful Bugatti Veyron, and the newest member of the family, the three million dollar, Chiron, was based across the Concours with the rest of the supercar line up from the Park Place Premier Collection. 

PC: Michael Ainsworth

Highlighting the private collection cars was a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, ’54 Jaguar Xk120SE, ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, a one of a kind ’99 BMW M Roadster, and 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR which hosted the attention of showgoers and fellow collectors alike. The rolling hills adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas were transformed into a spectacle of timeless luxury for the 2,750 attendees of this first-time event. 

 

In 1987, Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships– and 30 years later, we celebrated success, heritage, and our commitment community with an unparalleled lineup of super luxury vehicles and a $30,000 donation to the Momentous Institute of Dallas. Owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, the Momentous Institute is committed to repairing and building social, emotional health for all children so that they can achieve their full potential.

 

 

 

 

The expectations were high, and Park Place Dealerships in accordance with the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas Las Colinas, delivered what some young enthusiasts dubbed a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ not like any other in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  We are pleased to share that plans for a 2018 show are underway, and collectors, vendors, and Park Place members could not be more excited to have the to opportunity cruise down the Luxury & Supercar Showcase road once again.

‘Best in’ Awards created by Brad Oldham (PC: Michael Ainsworth)
Ken Schnitzer, Chairman and Founder of Park Place Dealerships, with Brad Oldham, Sculptor and Designer of the 2017 ‘Best in” awards. (PC: Michael Ainsworth)

 

Thank you for sharing in the experience, and for taking part in an exceptional memory 30 years in the making.

 

 

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Father and Son Share Their Luxury & Showcase Story

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase attracted 2,750 car and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts from around the country. From the Kid Concours featuring a show case of mini, battery powered McLarens and Bentleys, luxurious bites and drink, to the rows of collector’s showcasing their vintage, classic, modern, and exotic vehicles, the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase was an event for all ages to enjoy.

PC: Michael Ainsworth

The inaugural event was also an opportunity for the various generations of car enthusiasts to converse and exchange ideas, stories, tips, and of course, luxury car ownership dreams. For some, this was an opportunity to see a bounty of pretty awesome vehicles in one location, for others- especially our pint-sized car enthusiasts- the Luxury & Supercar showcase was an opportunity to interact with cars they’ve only seen on TV, featured in a movie, or written about in an article, and further rev their inspiration to one day purchase and drive their very own.

Prior to the showcase, Park Place Dealerships requested clients and others who have had a Park Place experience to share why Park Place was their place, for an opportunity to attend the inaugural event.  The winning story, shared by Robert Green of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, read:

“My son loves cars. We drove down for his birthday just to see your cars. He loved every minute of it and thank you for making his day.”  

Robert’s son, Gavin, could not have been more excited for the chance to see an even larger lineup of exotic vehicles first hand, choosing to sacrifice his first soccer game of the season to claim his ticket. Even his soccer coach was ecstatic for Cade to have this opportunity, providing his blessing to miss the first game of the season for what he declared a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”                                                    

After consulting with the Park Place team, Robert even took Cade shopping to find the perfect “concours casual” outfit, which was expertly fashioned head to toe.  The morning of the event, this father and son pair arrived promptly to get the first look- and Cade’s enthusiasm was contagious. “He loves exotic cars, and dreams of owning one someday,” said Robert, “My favorite part of this whole experience was watching him smile and listening to him talk about all the cars how rare some of them are.”

The highlights of the show? Robert’s favorite feature vehicle was the Bugatti Veyron, which sat adjacent to a 1938 vintage Bugatti. As an added bonus, he was able to snap with Richard Rawlings, founder of Gas Monkey Garage and personality on the show Fast N’ Loud. 

                                                 

For Cade, his favorite memory was to see the McLaren 720 S up close and personal. As we look to the future of this event, it is no doubt this is not the last we have seen of Cade Green. Thanks to his passion for exotic autos, his father’s support,  and fervent determination to fulfill his dream of owning his very own McLaren, there’s a good chance we might see Cade on the conours as a collector in the future.

Do you have a story from the Supercar Showcase you’d like to share? Visit us at www.YourParkPlace.com, and scroll to the bottom of the home page. Fill out the Your Story form and submit a photo for an opportunity to be featured on the website.

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Why Luxury: A Glimpse into Why Luxury Autos are a Good Investment

Why Luxury Banner 2

Whether it’s the Porsche 911, Mercedes AMG GT, Bentley Bentayga, Jaguar F-Type, or a Lexus LS, there is something about luxury vehicles that captures attention and demands a market.

The luxury vehicle market is expansive with base vehicle models starting around $40,000, making the opportunity to choose to cruise in a luxury vehicle a viable option for young and seasoned professionals alike.  While 40k isn’t a modest sum in the least, the buyer can be confident that they are receiving a first-class machine in exchange for the price tag.

 

We understand that a vehicle is one of life’s most practical investments, and choosing to purchase a luxury brand is a bold statement of enhanced design, safety, and performance unchallenged by the affordable vehicle segment.

Car Trio

In this series, we will investigate the key differences between a luxury model and their affordable counterpart for our various brands including Volvo, Lexus, Porsche, and Jaguar, addressing the pros, cons, and frequently asked questions when a client is deciding whether or not to dip their toes into the luxury automobile segment. But first, why luxury?

  1. Luxury brands offer enhanced performance within their entire line-up of cars.

Acceleration and fuel economy are continuously improving year over year among the luxury segment. From base models to bespoke, you as a consumer will have increased high performance options at your fingertips when purchasing a luxury vehicle. Looking at the new 2017 Land Rover Discovery, it has four models available ranging from base MSRPs of $49,990 to $73,950. Each ticket price allows the client to benefit from key features

Discovery 2017

The base SE model offers 340 hp, 19″ 5 split-spoke allow wheels, key less entry, leather seats, 10 speakers, an 8 inch color touchscreen, and rain sensing windshield wipers. The First Edition (base MSRP of $73,950) offers that and then some, including 21″ 10 split spoke alloy wheels, all terrain progress control, Windsor leather seats, a surround camera system, and a Meridian Sound System with 10 speakers, subwoofer,  and 10 inch color touchscreen. The quality is consistent throughout, and a luxury vehicle consumer will receive more at the base model than some economy class counterparts.

  1. Consistent quality throughout the entire hardware and software of the vehicle.

State of the Art equipment and safety features are standard among luxury vehicles. For example, the 2017 Lexus GS offers the Lexus Safety System+, fit with a Pre-Collision System, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Steer Assist, All-Speed Dynamic cruise control. These features are now standard across Lexus, increasing their brand’s value on the second-hand market and further distinguishing it among economy class options.

Certified Pre-Owned programs and manufacturer-backed maintenance are also perks of luxury ownership because you are not just a consumer or customer, you are a client and should be treated as such throughout your luxury new and pre-owned ownership experience.

  1. Crisp design, beautiful contour, and insane comfort cohabitate peacefully in luxury models.

The manufacturer’s designers and engineers pay close attention to not only the overall aesthetic of the vehicle but also the fine print details of each element that makes up a luxury vehicle. The quality of materials used are just as important as the way they look when pieced together- an attention that can only be appreciated at the luxury level of vehicle ownership. For example, Bentley Motors offers a limitless spectrum of color so that Bentley clients have millions of possible color and trim combinations to make their luxury vehicle extraordinary. Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, offers the perfect solutions-like state-of-the art color recognition software-to attain the perfect hue for a truly bespoke creation.

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  1. Luxury vehicles can have a high resale value.

According to Forbes, new cars lose immediately about 20% of their value as soon as the new owner drives it off the lot. Fast forward five years later, and certain models will depreciate faster than others (some up to 80%). Since depreciation is the single largest cost to vehicle ownership, it’s important to choose a brand and model that’s been engineered to retain its value for years after it leaves the lot.

Say you decided to purchase a brand new 2017 Lexus GS at an MSRP of $52,590. Five years from date of purchase, you decide to sell. Odds are that the Lexus GS will depreciate less over 5 years than your budget friendly models and thus will result in a higher resale value. According to Kelly Blue Book’s 2017 Best Resale Value Awards, the 2017 Lexus GS will retain 42% of its value 36 months post purchase, and then 31% at 60 months- making it the winner of “Best Resale Value” in the luxury segment.

Lexus GS

The available technology and safety features, fuel economy, and exceptional design of a model are also key to choosing what vehicle cost will give you the most cost benefit to fit your unique lifestyle.

This is not to say that there are no economy class vehicles that are fantastic on the road or provide their passengers with peace of mind in terms of safety, but there is an authenticity attached to luxury ownership that simply cannot be replicated.  Exceptional engineering, precise attention to detail, and an authentic portrayal of a high performance lifestyle will not disappoint for any new or pre-owned client.

Amongst all the pros and cons that will be discussed in this series answering the question of “Why Luxury”, one thing is for certain, – “you get what you pay for.” Stay tuned as we continue this series with model to model comparisons in upcoming posts.

 

 

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Inaugural Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Sells Out

Park Place Dealerships Donates $30,000 to Momentous Institute

Ladies in stylish hats and gentlemen dressed in resort attire strolled the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas September 9th amid some of the world’s most rare and beautiful automobiles.

Park Place Dealerships donated $30,000 to the Momentous Institute in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, the Momentous Institute has been committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for all children so they can achieve their full potential. Each year, the organization directly serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.

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Guests at the inaugural Park Place Dealerships Luxury & Supercar Showcase were among the first in Texas to see the new 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom, arriving straight from Pebble Beach. They also had the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with an extraordinary 1500-horsepower, $3 million Bugatti Chiron, while comparing the modern supercar to its vintage ancestor: a rare 1938 Bugatti that escaped demolition during Mussolini’s war effort by being disassembled and smuggled across the border under cover of darkness. Guests also saw Bentley’s first luxury SUV – the Bentayga, supercharged McLarens, Maseratis, a Porsche 918 Spyder and 919 Hybrid, the new Lexus LC500, Jaguar F-Type SVR, a Mercedes-Benz-AMG GTC Roadster, Volvo XC90, Range Rover SVR and many more new vehicles.

More than 100 cars from private collectors competed in a juried Collector’s Showcase, including a 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra once owned by Carroll Shelby, a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a ‘54 Jaguar XK120SE, ‘57 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, ‘60 Porsche 356B Roadster, ‘61 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, ’71 DeTomaso Pantera, ‘72 Fiat Dino Spider, a one-of-a-kind ‘99 BMW M Roadster, 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR, 2010 Aston Martin DBS, 2015 Lamborghini Huracan, and many others.

The Collector’s Showcase winners included:
Best In Show
1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
John Wampler (with his dog Lady Jane)

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Chairman’s Choice Award
John Ridings Lee – 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante
Salesmanship Club Choice Award
Corky Helstrom – 1952 MG Roadster
Best In Class – VINTAGE
Jeff Wildin – 1933 MG Magna L-Type Racer
Best In Class – CLASSIC
Michael Mann – 1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Best In Class – CONTEMPORARY
Paul Grussendorf  – 2009 Aston Martin DBS
Best In Class – EXOTIC/SUPERCAR
Eddie Lee – 2009 Koenigsegg CCXR

In addition to the lineup of rare and exotic vehicles, guests enjoyed fashions by NorthPark Center, exquisite food and beverages by Four Seasons’ LAW and OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, and Cool River Café. Several food trucks were also on-site.

Guests also enjoyed live music, specialty boutiques with upscale offerings by Bachendorf’s, Niven Morgan, Sovaro, Mulberry, Montblanc, RIMOWA, Rebecca Taylor, and even a Kids Concours presented by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, featuring a special Hot Wheels interactive area, drinks from Pecos Pete’s All Natural Tea and Soda shop, freshly popped popcorn, and big yard games.
Partners included Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Hill & Wilkinson, Celebrity Cruises, Irving CVB and Chamber, Absolut Elyx, Perrier Jouët, Peroni Italy, Brad Oldham Sculpture, Bachendorf’s, The Trade Group, Fernic Building Maintenance, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, D Magazine, NBC 5, Celebrity Cruises, LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Cool River Café, Marie Gabrielle, Frost 321, Perks & Provisions Company, Sugaire, and Lilium Florals.

Plans are already underway to grow the Luxury & Supercar Showcase into an annual event.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships 30 years ago with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Bugatti, Lotus and Maserati. Park Place recently opened a new Land Rover Jaguar dealership in Grapevine. A new Porsche dealership will debut next year in Grapevine. For more info, visit parkplace.com