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Inspiring Bespoke: Bentley Debuts Continental GT Number 9 Edition

Bentley Debuts Racing Model to Inspire Bespoke Creations. Book your bespoke experience at Bentley Dallas.

As Bentley produces their illustrious 2019 models to honor its 100th anniversary, the British automaker debuted a rare Continental GT to celebrate the milestone.

A jaw-dropping Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition appeared at the Geneva Motor Show early March. The Number 9 Edition pays homage to Sir Henry Ralph Stanley ‘Tim’ Birkin – one of the original ‘Bentley Boys’ of the 1920s and 1930s. Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house commissioning facility – manufactured the Continental GT that takes inspiration from the historic motorsport legacy. Only 100 Number 9 Edition models will be available this year following its hand built production in Crewe, England.

The Original No.9

The original No.9 was commissioned by Birkin, who was also a Bentley customer, investor, and racing driver. Following their use during World War I in aero engines, superchargers became more commonly tested on cars. A British designer and engineer, Amehurst Villiers, teamed up with Birkin to develop a supercharger that would increase performance. The supercharger would increase power and speed due to its positioning in front of the engine.

Nicknamed the ‘Blower,’ the 4.5L machine was raced at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hours event by Birkin, who set a lap record at the track. The first No.9, which was also driven by D.J. Benefield and Eddie Hall, finished 2nd at the BRDC 500 mile event in 1930. Amazingly, each model produced today will include a wood insert from the seat of the original 1930 No.9 race car. The centenary vehicle was an imposing green car that eventually became regarded as the legendary racing Bentley of the pre-war period.

Each Number 9 Edition will have exterior components that feature an eye-popping ‘9’ graphic in the grille as well as special badge work, paint, and wheels. Interior stylings are highlighted by an exclusively crafted dashboard and special ‘Blower’ subtleties for the door panels and seating. All 100 models will also include 18K gold plated organ stops inspired by the original No.9 ‘Blower,’ and ‘1 of 100’ treadplates.

Today’s Bentley Continental models continue to deliver a stunning appearance with every glance and turn. Park Place clients are encouraged to bespoke their own Bentley models or view inventory to find special commissioned models available for sale. Visit parkplace.com or contact a Bentley Sales Experience Manager for more details.

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Park Place Lexus and BodyWerks Grapevine Earn Certified Collision Center of the Year

Park Place is dedicated to maintaining our manufacturer’s high standards of quality- from service, sales, and to collision and body shop repair. You may not know this, but Park Place actually has three collision repair centers around DFW, one of which is Grapevine, Texas.  Park Place BodyWerks offers only Original Manufacturer parts, putting their client’s safety and overall quality first.  

In this case, Park Place BodyWerks Technicians are also Lexus Master Certified Technicians- further training that our shops require of the technicians. They hold their certifications by attending Lexus training each year. Park Place BodyWerks is one of three certified Lexus Collision Centers in the DFW area. 

Lexus officially recognized Mark Waugh, Eric McKenzie, and the entire collision repair team at BodyWerks Grapevine for their continue innovations in the way they deliver industry leading customer service.  As a result of grit and a commitment to upholding not just Park Place, but also Lexus Standards, they are officially one of two body shops recognized in 2018 for Certified Collision Repair Center of the year. And let’s just say, the competition wasn’t easy by any means. 

Park Place BodyWerks Grapevine was measured by 12 KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) throughout the year. The competition was strong and numerous withe 32 Lexus Certified Collision Centers in the country. Mark Waugh, Body Shop Manager, comments further saying “They are all great Collision Centers, so often it comes down to a point or two every year.”  This year the winner was decided by CSI to which Park Place BodyWerks Grapevine held the crown.

Mark owes this great distinction, without hesitation, to his entire team:

“I have the greatest TEAM in the country!  They are dedicated to doing the right thing every time.  When we became certified three years ago and I told my team we had a mission: to win the trophy of “Lexus Certified Collision Shop Of The Year” in our first year. We came in second place the first two years.  We won it in our third year of being on the program and no one has done that so I am very excited for the Team and honored to hang that plaque on our wall.  We are working on a repeat this year!

Learn more about the BodyWerks Process and our Lexus Certified Collision Repair Centers by visiting www.ParkPlaceBodyWerks.com.

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McLaren Dallas Deliver’s Million Dollar Senna

McLaren Dallas recently delivered a McLaren Senna valued at more than $1 million to long-time client Josh Snowhorn at a private reception at Park Place Premier Collection on Lemmon Avenue.

“I was born into cars,” says Snowhorn. “In 1970 my Dad picked me up from the hospital in an Aston-Martin DB5 Vantage – the James Bond car. My first car was a ‘bass boat blue’ Karmann Ghia with a white convertible top.”

Snowhorn is founder and Chief Strategy Officer of EdgeMicro, one of the most successful Edge Data Center companies in North America.

“My love of McLaren started when a friend of mine came to Dallas for a conference. I’d already been in his McLaren and had the lust for it. He said, ‘well let’s go down to the dealership,’ and he took me to McLaren Dallas. They let me have it for an hour test drive and I was ruined. I had to have it.”

The Senna is the most track-focused road car McLaren has ever built. It’s also the lightest. While it is street legal, it is “not sanitized to suit it,” according to McLaren’s website.

“I started with a 12C and went on and on. I bought lots of McLarens. The cars are amazing – that goes without saying. Other manufacturers also have great cars. But McLaren is family. From Tony Joseph, McLaren North America’s president, to the designers and engineers, the race team and the pit crew, they’re all approachable and accessible. I challenge you to find that with any other brand. That fabric is what makes McLaren so special.”

The Senna sports a mid-engine twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, sending 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That translates into a 0-to-60 time of 2.8 seconds… 100 mph in 5.1 seconds… but with an incredible aerodynamically designed down-force to keep the beautiful beast on the pavement.

“I own or have owned a McLaren 12C, 675LT, 570S GT4, and a 600LT. I now have my McLaren Senna (chassis #264) and will soon have a McLaren Senna GTR. My McLaren 570S GT4 (chassis #003, the first one ever in private hands,) is a legitimate racecar. But it’s forgiving to a gentleman driver like me. I’m no pro. I’m just a guy having fun with my friends.”

While Snowhorn lives in Austin, he’s quick to tell you McLaren Dallas is “his place.”

“This is my original dealer. Everyone here has always been so incredibly supportive. When I need something, it’s taken care of right away. It’s sort of an extension of the corporate McLaren family I mentioned earlier. McLaren Dallas is like home.”

From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan, General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America
From Left to Right: Heath Strayhan- General Manager of McLaren Dallas, Josh Snowhorn- McLaren Dallas Client, Tony Joseph- President of McLaren North America

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place 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 and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Jaguar I-PACE Wins European Car of the Year, Drivers’ Choice Awards

It has been a year to remember for the I-PACE as the electric vehicle (EV) model has claimed 55 awards worldwide spanning multiple categories, which is quite the electric start- literally- for this 100 % percent EV leader. The introduction of the I-PACE contributed to Jaguar’s 1.2% Y-O-Y sales increase during January – December 2018. 

And as of last week this innovation in Electric Vehicle design won the European World Car of the Year at the Geneva Autoshow, a first for the United Kingdom automaker. The European Car of the Year is voted on by 60 automotive expert journalists from 23 countries and recognizes technological innovation, design, performance, efficiency, and value for money.

“For our first electric vehicle to also be the first Jaguar to win European Car of the Year gives us a huge sense of pride,” said Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover. “I-PACE was designed and engineered in the UK from a clean sheet of paper. It is the most technologically advanced battery electric vehicle. It’s a true game-changer. Winning European Car of the Year is an honour and real recognition of what our world-class team has delivered.”

The Jaguar I-PACE also won the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award in the Best Luxury Utility category and overall Best of the Year. The Drivers’ Choice Award recognizes vehicles in multiple categories based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for the dollar. 

“It is a great honor to have the Jaguar I-PACE named 2019 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Luxury Utility vehicle and Best of the Year by MotorWeek,” said Kim McCullough, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “With the I-PACE, Jaguar’s design and engineering teams created a world-class SUV that that builds upon the brand’s amazing history for innovation, design and performance.”

Other notable honors for the I-PACE include the Popular Science Best of What’s New Award in the automotive category and UK Car of the Year.

Jaguar features a 90 kWh battery inside the I-PACE that delivers an EPA estimated 234 miles on a fully charged battery with a 0-mph time of 4.5 seconds. The mid-size performance SUV also carries the sleek styling that the PACE family of SUVs has established within the automotive market.

Inside an I-PACE are innovative tech developments highlighted by the dual combination of touchscreens, in which the I-PACE became the first Jaguar to incorporate the Jaguar InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Its human-machine interface (HMI) is designed to reduce driver distraction by separating information and interactive controls but still creating a physical connection between car and driver.

You can become one of the first local Jaguar drivers to enjoy the worldwide phenomenon by purchasing your I-PACE at Park Place Jaguar DFW. Visit https://www.parkplace.com/ to search for your 2019 I-PACE vehicle within our available inventory. You may also contact our Sales team to learn more or schedule a test drive about the electric SUV.

 

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The Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase is Set to Return on September 28, 2019

IRVING, Texas (March 4, 2019) – The 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event, will return this fall to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019.

“The community has come out in force to support this event the last two years,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The third annual event will again showcase some of the most exotic and exciting vehicles that will please enthusiasts of all ages. What began three years ago as an engaging opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary has quickly turned into the foremost luxury lifestyle and automotive event in this region.”

Park Place Dealerships represents some of the most coveted brands in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar which will all be featured at the event.

In keeping with a true lifestyle event, Park Place will expand its fashion, food and retail offerings within the Porsche Pavilion. There will be music performances on the Lexus Live Stage and beverages at The Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden on the lush Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course.

Within the event will be a juried Collectors’ Concours, featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, vintage and classic cars from private collectors.  The motoring festival also will include a Car Club Expo powered by Park Up Front as well as the beloved Kid’s Zone. 

Iconic luxury shopping and dining destination, Highland Park Village, will present a runway show produced by Jan Strimple Productions for the second year. The fashion show will feature looks from prestigious brands presented exclusively in the climate-controlled pavilion on the resort grounds, with retail pop-ups for guests to shop the day of the event.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will return to judge the 2019 Haute Hat Contest on The Million Air Stage with categories for stylish men and women. Guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble.

Ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages from dozens of the area’s finest restaurants, tickets are on sale at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com. VIP Tickets are limited and have sold out the previous two years.

In 2018, the top Collectors’ Concours award winners were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place” hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham:

  • Best of Show – 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
  • Salesmanship Club Award – 1980 BMW M1

A Thank You To Our Returning Sponsors

Returning partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, VIP Lounge Sponsors Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|URBAN, Captain’s Lounge Sponsor Celebrity Cruises, The City of Irving, Hill & Wilkinson, Hagerty, Event Architecture, AT&T Business, AVSD Productions, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades Décor, Brad Oldham Sculpture, D Magazine and NBC 5.

Restaurants featured in the VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

Additional sponsors include Lilium Florals, Perks & Provisions, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Furniture, RideCentric, iDesignMeetings, Marquee Event Rentals, Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Maui Jim, Renegade Cigars, Tito’s Vodka, Peroni Beer, Waste Management, GL Seaman, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Thermal Printing, and MarineMax Yachts.

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 in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Racing Jargon: Things to Know Before Watching Park Place Racing Compete

Park Place Motorsports (Park Place Racing) are gearing up for another race weekend in Florida come March: the Super Sebring.  As their sponsor (and might we suggest their number one fan too), we thought it appropriate to share some of their race lingo so that all Park Place members, especially those new to the racing circuit, can expertly cheer on their very own Motorsports team.

First Off, the Cars:

IMSA WeatherTech Championship GTD: The No. 73 in GTD is referred to as the No. 73 Park Place Motorsports Porsche for all races except the Sebring 12 Hour, the Watkins Six Hour and the Petit Le Mans in which it will be referred to as the No. 73 de Boulle Park Place Motorsports Porsche.

IMSA MICHELIN Pilot Challenge GS: The No. 7 is referred to as the No. 7 VOLT Lighting Porsche.

Track Terms:

Safety Car: Also known as a pace car, it is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a caution period such as an obstruction on the track or bad weather.

Pitlane: Pitlane is an access road for getting on and off the track usually parallel to the front straight. Teams are each granted a spot on the pitlane used to service the car during a pitstop.

Paddock: A large open area here the team sets up their workspace. The paddock houses everything from the sanctioning body trailers to hospitality areas.

Technical Inspection (Tech): Tech is located in the paddock and run by the sanctioning body. Each car mush go through this inspection in order to make sure

Pass Around: Always performed under a full course caution, a pass around is awarded to cars not on the lead lap. It allows them to drive around the field and the safety car, gaining back one single lap.

Pit Stop: When a car enters the pitlane to be serviced. This includes taking on fuel, changing the tires or changing the driver. Multiple pit stops will be performed throughout the race.

Debrief: Following a driver’s stint they will all with the engineer to discuss the car. This includes talking about how the car performs on track, track conditions, and possible changes they feel should be made.

Morning Warm-Up: A 20-minute practice the morning before a race. This allows the drivers and teams to test out any last-minute changes and to get acquainted to that days track conditions.

Qualifying: A 15-minute session in which drivers compete to see who can achieve the fastest. This determines where the drivers will start the race from.

Kinds of Flags (and What They Mean):

Green Flag: Signals the start of the race or a restart.

Full Course Yellow (FCY): Signals an incident on course. Cars must assume safety car speed and fall in line behind the safety car. Competitors may not race or pass for position under a FCY.

Local Yellow: Signals a minor incident or piece of debris on course. Cars must only reduce speed through the turn in which the flag is flown. Upon exiting the turn, they may resume full speed racing.

Rolled up Black Flag: Signals an issue related to you or your car. This represents a warning. If you do not correct the issue you will be issued a penalty.

Black Flag: Signals you are receiving a penalty and should head to the pits. This is issued in accordance following a rolled up black flag.

Red Flag: Signals for all cars to assume safety car speed and head into the pits. A red flag stops the race, but does not stop the running clock. Red flags are most often thrown for weather conditions or severe on-track incidents.

Checkered Flag: Signals the end of the race.

 

Hopefully this helps you prep for the Super Sebring races mid March. If we missed any terms or you have any questions, send them to social@parkplace.com. We’ll get our experts (like Team Principal, Patrick Lindsey) to help us respond.

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A Storm’s Brewing at Maserati Dallas with the New 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo VIP Edition

When Maserati CEO Tim Kuniskis described Trofeo – the first V8 powered Levante SUV – at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, he mentioned that the Trofeo was “proof that when you play with the elements you end up in a storm.”

The enhanced engineering and delightful designs create amazing expectations for the Maserati lineup that includes five customizable models available for delivery at Park Place Maserati Dallas. 

For those who love the Levante SUV lineup, the limited edition Trofeo is an exclusive model that promises a great date with the road.  The dominant SUV can also be customized to match your personal style and instill the memories Maserati makes. 

The exclusive and limited production VIP edition in Grigio Lava Matte is currently stealing the show at Maserati Dallas.

PERFORMANCE

The launch edition Levante Trofeo delivers a resilient ride for Maserati enthusiasts who enjoy the sport tuned experience at every dramatic turn of the wheel. A 3.8L Twin Turbo V8 engine supports the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive capabilities prepared for seasonal road conditions. With a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, the 590-hp SUV is in a VIP room of its own.

An all new driving mode also adds sporty steering stability to the current driving models of Normal, I.C.E., Sport, and Off Road. Corsa improves the exhaust valves, increase gear shifting, adjusts the air suspension height, and more. The Maserati Integrated Vehicle Control also makes its Levante SUV debut to create an overall dynamic exhibition for those concerned about safety and driving dynamics.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Levante’s stout stance remains evident with the Trofeo VIP edition as either 21 or 22 inch wheels are available. Your choice of brake caliper color (red, blue, black, silver or yellow) hide behind glossy or dark colored Maserati rims. A sleek design can be coated in one of eight available colors, including the Grigio Lava paint with matte finish. The Trofeo is also sense engaging as striking front Full Matrix LED headlights illuminate the night and powerful rear exhausts pipes deliver aggressive V8 tones.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Upon entrance, a Trofeo driver will appreciate the supple leather comfort the owner and his passengers will appreciate. All natural leather seating offers supreme comfort complimented by the exclusive seat details for additional back support. Pristine stitching also provides a trail of contrasting enclosure to the interior from the dashboard to the side panels. The 1280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround system presents a crisp round of sound for all occupants to enjoy any musical performance from the Maserati infotainment system.

Carbon fiber trim adds a layer of athletic aesthetics from the informative instrument cluster to responsive paddle shifters and filtering down to the sleek center console. The small details, which include the trademark Maserati “M” with the embedded Trofeo print, creates a large impact on this SUV.

Rain, sleet, or snow, the Levante Trofeo is ready to change the forecast for future SUV models. 

For more details on how you can customize a Levante Trofeo- or another Maserati model if the SUV isn’t your style,  visit Maserati Dallas.

The exclusive and limited production VIP edition in Grigio Lava Matte is currently stealing the show at Maserati Dallas.

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What’s New at Park Place for 2019, Part 1

Last year was quite the year for product and new model launches, releasing a pretty stellar 2019 line-up from Lexus, Porsche, and McLaren. 

The purposes of this article is to give you short primer on what you can expect to see at Park Place- right now.  From SUVs , sedans, and supercars, there’s a bit of something for everyone. Maybe you’ll spot your future daily driver, weekend joy rider,  surprise gift for that special someone, or simply find your new dream car to pursue in the months and years to come.

If we have inventory or research materials, we’ll be sure to link resources and specific pages throughout the article. And if this is your first time purchasing or leasing a car, do not fret. Our team is trained and eager to assist you throughout the entire process because at Park Place, it’s our goal to make a car buying experience a memorable and proud  “yeah, Park Place is my place” moment. 

What’s On the Ground At Park Place

2019 Porsche Cayenne

The new 2019 Porsche Cayenne is already available at both Park Place Porsche Dallas and Porsche Grapevine. Learn more with this virtual test drive below featuring 335 hp in the base model and 434 horses available in the upgraded Cayenne S.  

Both the Cayenne and Cayenne S can reach 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, so if you’re looking to add some extra power while keeping a clean luxe exterior for seamless transitions from errand running, to work meetings, and date night , Porsche’s luxury SUV is the ticket. All current Cayenne inventory at Porsche Grapevine and Park Place Porsche Dallas can be viewed by clicking here.

2019 Lexus UX

The first ever Lexus Crossover is built for those with a love for adventure, without committing to a full-size SUV. 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 all in one.

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.  Park Place is offering a few models with upgraded accessory packages, like the UX Urban Lander Edition introduced at Park Place Lexus Plano.

Click to View all of our UX inventory at both Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine

McLaren 720s Spider

Revealed online earlier this month (and available to order immediately), the new 720s Spider combines the thrill of open-air driving with unparalleled Super Series dynamic performance and sophistication. The 2019 McLaren 720s is an exhilarating second generation McLaren, fitting for both the repeat collector and a first McLaren investor.

2019 Models are now available at McLaren Dallas and McLaren Houston. Click to View 2019 McLaren 720s Inventory

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

It’s already been called an entry-level game changer. The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz A Class will likely land a coveted spot on the modern millennial bucket list pretty quickly.  And with a MSRP of below $35,000, without concessions, on digital experience it’s pretty easy to see why.

The A-Class Sedan is equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine, 188 hp and 221lb-ft of torque, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The interior and head lamp lighting capabilities add an additional special surprise for passengers.

The technology systems integrate the new MBUX user experience with voice recognition based on artificial intelligence. Demos have arrived at Park Place Motorcars and will be available in the showroom later this month.

Are you ready to set-up your test drive and explore leasing options? Visit ParkPlace.com for more information and contact one of the four Park Place Motorcars locations (Grapevine, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington) with any questions or requests. Click to Explore Park Place Motorcars

Volvo S60

The new 2019 S60 (and all new ’60 models) are getting the upgrades from their 90 counterparts from amenities and styling. The S60 is also the first model built in the United States plan in South Carolina, sporting a slicker look and powerful engine. Car and Driver commented on the sedan as a “formidable competitor in a way that it wasn’t before.” It still represents classic Volvo design language perfectly with emphasis on intuitive technology, safety innovations, sustainable power updates, and now a “bold attitude” to match.

We highly encourage a test drive to experience the different in Volvo’s four-door ’60 sedan. Click To View Inventory

Park Place Select Premier Tier

Park Place Dealerships is expanding the successful subscription program, Park Place Select. This new fourth tier (called the Premier Tier) offers supercars to its subscribers.

The Premier tier includes the McLaren 570 Spider, Bentley Bentayga, Bentley Continental GT Convertible, Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz G63.

Learn more about this one-of-a-kind subscription-based ownership experience here.

View our current special lease offers at all Park Place locations

Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring what you can expect to either be released or hit our dealerships later this year (including the 2020 911 and Land Rover Evoque).

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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: A Top Contender in the 2019 United States Luxury Market

Mercedes-Benz is introducing a new entry-level sedan to the US luxury segment that screams accessibility without compromising brand integrity. The new A-Class Sedan is an entirely new United States offering from the German manufacturer, with a starting MSRP of below $35,000. 

The only other four-door Mercedes-Benz with a starting MSRP of below 35k is the CLA, which was their first launch in the millennial market back in 2013. Now, 7 years later, the A-Class is ready to not just make its US debut, but cause quite the uproar among millennials wanting to enter the luxury segment on a budget.

In an October Forbes article Mark Aikman, general manager for marketing services for Mercedes-Benz USA commented “It’s our gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand and will be available alongside the CLA. It will be the new entry point for the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

A Lack of Luxury Features? Hardly.

With an entry level price tag, you might assume that the features would be lacking. That is quite the opposite; Mercedes-Benz wanted to not only introduce a luxury sedan the modern millennial could afford, “but also desire.”  

The A-Class Sedan is equipped with a 2.0L inine-4 turbocharged engine, 188 hp and 221lb-ft of torque, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. This new model is also available in a 4MATIC variant, which is All-Wheel Drive so all four tires does the same amount of work, which is great for Mercedes drivers who experience tough road conditions.

The technology systems integrate the new MBUX user experience with voice recognition based on artificial intelligence. This AI tech differs from the standard direct voice command because it incorporates natural language processing. The instrument panel and touchscreen multimedia screen come in a standard 7 inch display, with options to upgrade to a 10.25-inch versions.

“A-Class looks fantastic but the big story is really the technology inside of it. Mercedes-Benz is well known for launching latest and greatest technology inside S-Class or other higher-end models. But A-Class is the first vehicle in our lineup to get MBUX,” says Aikman in his interview with Forbes.

Other luxuries already included are dark tinted windows all-around and a large, panoramic glass roof.

Striking Self Confidence

The front exterior is highlighted by a deep panoramic grille tilted towards the front with vertical chrome inserts and the classic star in the center.  The headlamps actually provide another defining moment for the A-Class and the Mercedes-Benz brand. The grid structure on the inside of the headlamp ensures an easily recognizable look, with a special surprise.

The grid structure specials is coated with a UV paint that is exposed to ultra violet light. This makes the headlamps actually glow in different colors, depending on the light medium according the MBUSA press release.  For example, the daytime running lights are white.

The new lighting technology is mirrored in tail of the sedan. According the MBUSA, the new tail lamps were designed as “structural sculptures,” adding to the pleasing outer aesthetics of a road-worthy show car.

The New Millennial Bucket List

Ratings and reviews have been raving about the success of the A-Class Sedan, garnering an initial 4.5/5 rating on CarAndDriver.com and  cnet.com. But there’s an element of storytelling, or ‘doing it for the gram’ that adds to its affordable mystique.

Part of the success of the A-Class and subsequent campaign focuses on adding and checking-off “owning a Mercedes-Benz” to the Millennial Bucket list: “A lot of people think it’s not within reach for them today and they may be putting it off. That’s where we found an amazing correlation between a bucket list and putting that consideration of a Mercedes-Benz, and now an A-Class, on that list — and cross it off,” says Aikman.

Coming early this year, stay tuned to Park Place social media and communications for when the new A-Class officially arrives in our four Park Place Motorcars showrooms. To all Mercedes-Benz admirers the A-Class is ready to redefine the luxury sedan market, and Park Place could not be more excited to make your bucket-list dreams come true this year.

Share Your Story! Tag @parkplacetexas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the tag #MyPlace for a chance to be featured.

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The New Range Rover Evoque Sets Exceptional Standards

The New Range Rover Evoque sets new standards of refinement, capability and sustainability in the compact SUV segment, created from an all-new vehicle architecture. 

“When Range Rover Evoque made its debut back in 2010, it transformed the world of compact SUVs and the new model is set to continue that remarkable journey. This characterful vehicle combines refinement and fun to create that all-important emotional reaction that will turn heads and make people smile.” – Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer

Pushed to its limits by the Land Rover team, the Evoque performed exceptionally well in harsh conditions, proving it’ll be hard to disturb such a expertly crafted SUV. See how the design architecture of the new Range Rover Evoque elevates the driver experience.

 

For More information on the available 2019 Land Rover Evoque or to learn more about the  2020 Evoque , visit our Park Place Jaguar Land Rover team in person and online at parkplace.com.