Vehicles – Page 13 – Park Place Dealerships

June 28, 2017July 3, 2017

Park Place Dealerships Luxury & Supercar Showcase Promises Some of the World’s Most Luxurious and Exotic Vehicles

Park Place Dealerships partners with Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas for Public Event benefiting Momentous Institute

The mere mention of luxury automobile brands Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Lotus, Jaguar and Land Rover is enough to evoke excitement in car enthusiasts. When you combine rare and unique offerings from these prestigious brands with trendy fashion and lifestyle elements, live local and regional music, and delicious food and drink, spread across the rolling hills of the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, you have a unique single day festival that also raises money for a worthwhile charity: the Momentous Institute. For one day only, Park Place Dealerships will bring all of its luxury brands together in one venue for the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, September 9.

“This year marks our 30^th year of business in North Texas,” said Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman Ken Schnitzer. “In 1987, we purchased a Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn and have been fortunate to grow our brand by offering unparalleled customer service and creating a comfortable environment for clients. For the first time in our history, the Supercar Showcase brings all of our brands together in one location for a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy and support kids in the community.”

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase event will be open to the public with tickets ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission up to $100 for VIP All Access, including the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages. Tickets are available online at www.LuxurySupercarShowcase.com

“We are proud to partner with Park Place Dealerships on this truly remarkable event in September,” said Dirk Burghartz, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Club Dallas at Las Colinas. “Four Seasons believes in giving back to the community, and we are honored to be the host venue for such an event that continues to provide charitable dollars to the well-deserving Momentous Institute – a 35-year friend of ours. I am personally excited about the future of this luxury and supercar showcase, and look forward to seeing it grow over the years.”

In addition to the incredible lineup of rare and exotic vehicles, guests purchasing VIP All Access passes will have the opportunity to sample culinary specialties from the Four Seasons’ LAW and OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, and selections from Cool River Café’s new menu featuring a collaboration of Chefs Kent Rathbun and Fernando Rodriquez, as well as other trending restaurants. VIP guests will also receive drink vouchers for celebratory sips from Absolut Elyx and Perrier Jouet along with other crafted cocktails from Pernod Ricard in the VIP Lounge. Several food trucks also will be on-site.

Within the family-friendly event will be a juried Concours Invitational Car Show featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, and classic cars from private collectors. Trophies designed by Dallas sculptor Brad Oldham, best known for the Traveling Man installation in Deep Ellum, will be awarded to Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice and People’s Choice winners. Bachendorf Crystal awards will be given to First Place winners in each of the four classes. To submit a vehicle for consideration, go to www.LuxurySupercarShowcase.com and click on Register Vehicle. The show is limited to 100 selected cars that register and are approved by the PPLSS Acceptance Committee. Registration forms must be received no later than Saturday, August 11, 2017. Once accepted, there will be a $50 entry fee per vehicle, which includes 1 VIP All Access Pass ($100 Value), Car Signage and Show Credentials. For more information on registration, email info.showcase@10.2.54.33.

The Luxury & Supercar Showcase will feature presentations and meet & greets with automobile and racing industry experts such as Park Place Motorsports driver Patrick Lindsey and his No. 73 Porsche 911 GT3R. There will also be specialty boutiques with stunning fashions and upscale offerings by retailers such as the Brad Oldham Studio Store, Bachendorf’s, Niven Morgan, Sovaro and others.

Partners include Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Absolut Elyx, Perrier Jouët, Brad Oldham Studio Store, Bachendorf’s, D Magazine, NBC 5, Celebrity Cruises, LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Frost 321, Perks & Provisions Company, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Cool River Café, and Lilium Florals.

Momentous Institute, owned and operated by Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, has been committed to building and repairing social 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. Additionally, Momentous Institute invests in research and professional training, including the annual Changing the Odds conference, to reach far more children than they could ever serve directly with trauma-informed strategies that strengthen social emotional health. More info at http://momentousinstitute.org/

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, and Maserati. Park Place’s new Land Rover Jaguar dealership opens July 1 in Grapevine. A new Park Place Porsche dealership debuts in Grapevine next year. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

About Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas is a 400-acre resort property conveniently located in Irving in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth area and just minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field regional airport. It features a 431 room hotel with golf villas, two championship 18-hole golf courses, 41,000 square feet of meeting space, expansive recreational facilities including indoor and outdoor tennis, jogging tracks, racquetball, fitness center, restaurants, three swimming pools and child care center. It is also home to the Four Seasons Golf & Sports Club, a private club inviting memberships for those interested in fitness, tennis and golf. For more information, visit us online at www.fourseasons.com/dallas and www.thesportsclubfourseasons.com. For press releases, image requests, hotel facts and more, visit our online press room at http://press.fourseasons.com/dallas/.

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017

Volvo Cars Celebrates the Human Side of Safety Technology in New XC60 Film

“Sometimes the moments that never happen matter the most.” This is the beguiling thought that lies behind Volvo Cars’ new XC60 film. But what does it mean?

Taking a typically human approach, Volvo has captured the essence of how advanced safety technology has the power to change the lives of people both in and around the car.

The film follows a young girl’s journey to her first day at a new school and shows a glimpse of what life holds for her in the coming years – growing up, travelling the world, settling down and raising a family. All of this comes to an abrupt stop as the girl steps out in front of an oncoming Volvo car. The Volvo’s safety system detects the girl and applies its autonomous emergency brake, preventing what could have been a life-changing collision. The film ends with a conclusion: “Sometimes the moments that never happen matter the most.”

Over 1.2 million people die in traffic accidents around the globe each year, but Volvo believes its vision of an injury and fatality-free future can soon be a reality.

Volvo Cars presented several new safety features with the launch of the new XC60. A steer support functionality has been added to Volvo’s City Safety autonomous emergency braking system, while a new system, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, uses steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) has also been updated with a steer assist function to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.

The new XC60 replaces Volvo’s highly successful original XC60, which was the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with more than a million units sold globally since its debut in 2008.

“This film featuring the new XC60 highlights how important active safety systems have become and reflects Volvo’s leadership in this area. We launched our City Safety autonomous emergency braking system as standard equipment in all new Volvos back in 2008, starting with the first generation XC60. Today, these systems are finally becoming an industry standard,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President, Region EMEA at Volvo Car Group.

Ninety-four per cent of all accidents are caused by human factors. By using advanced safety technology Volvo believes it can help to reduce the human factor in traffic accidents.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Volvo Cars. It always has been and it always will be. With this film we hope to remind people why we continue to focus on car safety, and how important it is for us all,” said Björn Annwall Senior Vice President Global Consumer Experience at Volvo Car Group.

In Sweden alone, Volvo has seen a decline of around 45 per cent in rear-end frontal crashes thanks to its collision warning with autobrake system.

“We have been working with collision avoidance systems for many years and we can see how effective they are. With the XC60 we are determined to take the next step in reducing avoidable collisions with the addition of steering support and assistance systems. At Volvo we take that extra step – we protect people inside and outside the car whenever possible,” said Malin Ekholm, Vice President, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

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Volvo Car Group in 2016

For the 2016 financial year, Volvo Car Group recorded an operating profit of 11,014 MSEK (6,620 MSEK in 2015). Revenue over the period amounted to 180,672 MSEK (164,043 MSEK). For the full year 2016, global sales reached a record 534,332 cars, an increase of 6.2 per cent versus 2015. The record sales and operating profit cleared the way for Volvo Car Group to continue investing in its global transformation plan.

About Volvo Car Group

Volvo has been in operation since 1927. Today, Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales of 534,332 cars in 2016 in about 100 countries. Volvo Cars has been under the ownership of the Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China since 2010. It formed part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999, when the company was bought by Ford Motor Company of the US. In 2010, Volvo Cars was acquired by Geely Holding.

As of December 2016, Volvo Cars had over 31,000 employees worldwide. Volvo Cars head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars head office for China is located in Shanghai. The company’s main car production plants are located in Gothenburg (Sweden), Ghent (Belgium), Chengdu and Daqing (China), while engines are manufactured in Skövde (Sweden) and Zhangjiakou (China) and body components in Olofström (Sweden).

June 13, 2017

The 718 Boxster: For the Sport of It

The new Boxster is the sequel that continues the 718 era. At their heart, a four cylinder turbocharged boxer engine beats the same fighting spirit that delivered countless podium finishes. In them lives the will to break away from standards. And to inspire conviction. So it is entirely appropriate that they too should bear these three digits in their name and carry the 718 legend forward.

The new 718 models were made for the sport of it. They are mid-engined roadsters that unite the sporting spirit of the legendary Porsche 718 with the sports car of tomorrow- and transfer it to the road’s of today’s world. With one goal: to take the everyday out of every day.

Compared with the previous models, the result is a new, decidedly more striking design, an even sportier chassis setup and a host of new performance, comfort, and assistance systems. And, of course, up to 350 units of turbocharged horsepower. Only one question remains unanswered: what are you still waiting for?

June 12, 2017October 24, 2018

It’s Electric (Literally) the Jaguar I-Pace Concept

Come late 2018, Jaguar is gearing up to release to their dealer network a revolutionary new concept to the world of electric vehicles (EVs), providing 516lb-ft of instant torque, 400 HP and 0‑60 mph in around 4 seconds. The Jaguar I-PACE is the ultimate electric performance SUV, designed to expertly combine the thrilling and distinctive Jaguar performance with electric vehicles. The I-PACE is a battery powered electric vehicle with two electric motors supplied by on-board rechargeable batteries- that means zero carbon emissions without sacrificing the unmistakable Jaguar driving experience. In early fall, Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW had an exclusive test drive opportunity, but come the next couple of months, more clients will have the ability to test drive the first all-electric Jaguar.

The I-PACE’s aerodynamic hood scoop, flush door handles, and bold air ducts help the car ride efficiently through the air, maximizing the EV’s range so you can ride in class the duration of your journey. Electric vehicles provide a more refined driving experience and eliminate the need to ever visit a fuel station again. The concept of electric vehicles is not new to the automotive industry, but there are various engine/motor combos that make up the EV market today. So- what are the differences? Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) traditionally have a small battery charged by the engine and regenerative braking resulting in a small electric range. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) can be charged from an external source of electricity and typically have a larger battery with a longer range than an HEV. Both offer smaller electric-only ranges and are heavier than conventional cars, but can continue running without access to electricity because of their dual power sources. Most of all, these hybrids reduce a driver’s “range anxiety.” The I-PACE Concept is a 100% battery electric vehicle, which means it does not have a secondary power source like the Hybrid, making it lighter, faster, and more efficient- making one’s journey that much more thrilling.

Sleek, spacious, and eco-friendly to boot, this legendary evolution of performance cars can fit up to five adults comfortably in the main cabin. With no need for a traditional combustion engine or transmission, there is not just enough, but ample space to provide a practical, yet luxurious riding experience for every passenger. Looks like 2018 is going to be electric.

Stay tuned for more information from Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW on upcoming Test Drive and Order opportunities.

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017

Park Place Premier Collection Reveals New McLaren 720S

The valet in front of the DEC on Dragon Street in the Design District resembled an exotic car show as a seemingly endless parade of McLaren, Porsche, Bentley and Rolls-Royce supercars arrived with a symphony of snarling and guttural engine notes. Park Place Premier Collection recently unveiled the new McLaren 720S, the second generation model in the Super Series segment, to an invitation-only crowd.

Guests enjoyed the Speedy Kiwi craft cocktail made with Reyka Vodka and modern bites like seared ahi tuna and lobster tacos while awaiting the electrifying reveal, which was orchestrated to a pulsating light show.

Designed with a new, lighter carbon-fiber chassis and powered by an astonishing 710 horsepower twin turbo, 4.0 Liter V8, the beautiful beast can leap from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive, it will rocket from 0-to-124 mph in only 7.8 seconds, and tackles the quarter miles in just over 10 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph. And it does so with unparalleled control due to the innovative Proactive Chassis Control II, developed using advanced algorithms in a Cambridge University doctoral program. But don’t worry; it’s still ultimately driver-focused. Variable Drift Control allows the driver to determine the amount of drift and oversteer the traction control allows before intervening.

Twin-hinged dihedral doors sweep forward and up to an 80-degree angle for easy access to the stylish cockpit. The 720S generates 50-percent more downforce than the 650S, double the overall aerodynamic efficiency and 15-percent more efficient cooling. The integrated rear spoiler automatically adjusts to the optimal aerodynamic needs. It adapts to its most extreme airbrake angle in less than half a second to stop on a dime.

Starting at $289,000, driver engagement was clearly the focus for the design and technology behind the new 720S. But it also offers features to make this supercar supremely comfortable as a daily driver. Because even supercar drivers need storage, the 720S features best-in-class storage; static, adaptive headlights that follow the cars directions even on steep corners; and 360-degree park assist with four cameras, four front parking sensors and four rear sensors.

Mere words and photos are incapable of describing this stunning supercar. Stop by the Park Place Premier Collection, located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue near Love Field, to get up close and personal with this ravishing beauty.

April 11, 2017November 1, 2019

Designed in Sweden and built in Italy – the Volvo 262C turns 40

Forty years ago, Volvo turned perceptions of what its brand stood for upside down. The Volvo 262 Coupé left no one unmoved and sold significantly better than expected, despite costing more than twice as much as the basic model in the 200 series.

The Volvo 264 was presented in the autumn of 1974, and two years later it was time for Volvo’s first six-cylinder estate: the 265. But that was far from the end of it – at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1977, perhaps the most unexpected model version saw the light of day: a two-door coupé with heavily slanting windscreen pillars and the roof lowered by 60 mm. To get the car to be perceived as sleeker, the rear spare wheel pods had been removed – the remainder of the body was identical.

What really made the 262C into what it was could be found in the passenger compartment. This offered an extravagance of leather and hardwood. The seats, headrests, door sides – even the curve handles had been upholstered in leather.

When the Volvo 1800ES was discontinued in 1973, there was no natural successor to the role of top range sports model. Volvo’s CEO Pehr G Gyllenhammar saw this as a problem. It was especially important that there was a model of this kind in Volvo’s biggest export market in the USA and a luxury coupé seemed more right at the time than another sports car.

Volvo’s chief designer Jan Wilsgaard did sketches for the shapes of the prestige car, but no clay model was ever built. Instead, he used a Volvo 164 that had been used to test new interiors. It was taken to the Italian designer Sergio Coggiola’s company in the Italian city of Turin, where the four-door body was rebuilt into a two-door body with a lower roof. The roof was clad with vinyl and the wide C-pillar adorned with three crowns – Sweden’s heraldic national symbol. The three crowns were replaced with one larger one on the production car, which is one of the very few differences between it and the prototype – except the obvious one that it was based on a 164.

The engine in the 262C was initially a 2.7 litre, 140 hp V6. It was shared with all the other body versions in the 260 series and had been developed together with Peugeot and Renault. Manufacturing took place in Douvrin in France under the auspices of the Société Franco-Suédoise de Moteurs-PRV company. Volvo’s engine designation was B27E and thanks to engine blocks and cylinder heads made from aluminium, it weighed less than 150 kg.

Such a niche product, built in small numbers, didn’t fit into the Volvo plant in Gothenburg. Instead, final assembly took place at the Italian Carozzeria Bertone, who also built the 264TE limo. Kits were sent to Turin where the bodies were modified, painted and assembled into finished cars. A small badge on the lower part of the front fenders showed that Bertone had built the car.

For the first few years, the 262 was only available in silver metallic with a black vinyl roof. From 1979, it was also available in gold metallic without a vinyl roof. That year, all saloon models in the 200 series also received a new rear with a boot that went down at the rear edge. The tail lights were also new and went around the body corners. In 1980, black and light blue metallic and silver metallic with vinyl roof was phased out. In the USA, the model was sold under the name of the Volvo Coupé from 1980.

The model year that stands out the most was also its last. In 1981, the 200 series underwent a major update with new, more slender bumpers and a new headlight set up. The B27E became a B28E as the engine gained in terms of cylinder volume and had another 14 horsepower added to it. The new colour combination was a two-tone paint job in gold and nougat.

The aim was to manufacture 800 units per year, but expectations for demand had been set far too low. Apart from in 1977 when production started late in the year, and the final model year, production figures were more than double the forecast. When the final cars were sold in 1981, they were already considered to be collectibles. In total, 6,622 cars were built between 1977 and 1981.

It was only in 1985 that the successor to the 262C was presented, Volvo 780. The collaboration with Bertone continued, but the 780 was both designed and built in Italy.

Five things you should know about the Volvo 262C

1. The 262C was not the first two-door model in the 260 series. In 1976-77, 3,329 262 GLs were manufactured exclusively for the North American market. They had a standard two-door body like a 242, but with a V6 engine and the far more exclusive front from the 260 series.

2. The 262C is the only Volvo to be delivered from the factory with vinyl over the steel roof.

3. The unique prototype built by Coggiola is now part of the Volvo Museum collection in Gothenburg.

4. The independent firm Solaire built a cabriolet edition of the 262C on behalf of Volvo Cars of North America. Only five units were ever manufactured.

5. Volvo’s CEO Pehr G Gyllenhammar had a specially made 262C as his company car. It was painted red and its entire interior was also red – even the headrests! It did not feature the usual V6 engine, which was replaced by the four-cylinder B21ET turbo engine. The body frames and grill were in matte black, which heralded the high black grill that the GLT and Turbo would feature in 1984.

April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Brings Open-Air Driving Pleasure

Mercedes-Benz is completing its E-Class family with the new E-Class Cabriolet. This open-top four-seater combines puristic, sensuous design with long-distance comfort for four occupants and the latest E- Class technology. This includes comprehensive Smartphone Integration and available Inductive Wireless Charging, a widescreen cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems. A powerful engine and comfortable suspension ensure a sporty and luxurious driving experience. The Cabriolet is available with AIRCAP® and AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to enhance comfort when driving with the roof down. For the first time, E-Class the Cabriolet is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The new Cabriolet is the newest member of Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class family, which has been entirely renewed within the last year. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz brand is continuing its tradition of high-caliber cabriolets with a classic fabric soft top. “The passion for extraordinary vehicles, which we share with our customers, is reflected in our new E-Class Cabriolet in a unique way. It is a car that lets people enjoy comfort and luxury in the open air,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

When the soft top is up, the E-Class Cabriolet has a silhouette similar to that of the E-Class Coupe and displays the same expressive proportions. The close ties between the two models are likewise apparent in the pure design with an emphasis on surfaces with clean lines and sensuous forms. The “hot and cool” design idiom represents both elegance and intelligence, and shapes the appearance of the Cabriolet, which nevertheless exudes a unique character – especially when the soft top is down.

A striking front section with a low-positioned diamond-block grille and centrally located star, LED headlamps (or optional LED Intelligent Light System), a drawn-out hood with power domes and fully retractable side windows underline the sportiness of the Cabriolet. The tautly-stretched soft top flows harmoniously into the muscular-looking rear. Its elongated, sensuously sculpted shoulders and two-piece, extremely slim LED taillamps emphasize the sporty character of the four-seater. In addition to this, the taillamps exude a glow reminiscent of that given off by a jet engine. As a new feature with the optional LED Intelligent Light Sysem, the taillamps also put on a special light show for the driver when they approach or leave the car.

Suspension that is 0.6-inches lower than that of the Sedan likewise emphasizes the luxuriously sporty character of the E-Class Cabriolet. The car thus demonstrates its sporty credentials even with the standard 18-inch wheels.

Premium-class fabric soft top

Available in dark brown, dark blue, red or black, the fully automatic acoustic soft top comes as standard. Its multi-layered structure with sophisticated insulation reduces wind and driving noise, which makes it easy for the occupants to hear each other talk, even when driving at higher speeds. The soft-top structure has an equally positive effect when it comes to climate comfort and makes the Cabriolet suitable for use all year round.

Derived from the S-Class Cabriolet, the soft top also meets high quality standards in terms of durability and operation. It can be fully opened and closed in 20 seconds when travelling at a speed of up to 30 mph. After opening, it folds down quietly and precisely and is stored in the soft-top compartment in the trunk. A retractable cover separates the soft top from the remaining trunk space. Thanks to the fully electrical control included in the available Cabriolet Comfort package, the driver does not have to stop to operate the trunk separator manually. The trunk capacity offers all the right ingredients for a high level of everyday practicality. The all-new 50:50 folding rear seat backrests create a through-loading feature in the interior – another advantage when it comes to everyday practicality.

Interior – sophisticated style and sporty luxury

The interior of the new E-Class Cabriolet has a clear basic form. The upper section of the dashboard appears to be hovering and rests against generously proportioned trim elements which flow sensuously into the front doors. The exceptionally high- quality materials and finish emphasize the car’s sporty, stylish character and exude outstandingly high-class appeal.

A 12.3-in COMAND® display is equipped as standard. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is optionally available–a unique selling point in this segment–and is merged beneath a shared glass cover creating a widescreen that appears to be floating in thin air while simultaneously blending in smoothly between the upper and lower sections of the cockpit. The driver can choose from three different styles for the virtual instruments in the instrument cluster: Classic, Sport and Progressive.

The driver has multiple options for operating the instrument cluster, multimedia system and other functions: Touch Control Buttons in the steering wheel, a touchpad that recognizes handwriting and the controller in the center console, voice control and direct-access buttons for controlling functions such as the air conditioning and activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems.

Distinctly sporty highlights include air outlets in Silver Shadow with a shape inspired by turbine engines.

The luxurious seats for all four occupants have a sportily sculpted individual-seat character. The sport seats feature sturdy side bolsters, organically integrated head restraints and available AIRSCARF® neck-level heating. Standard-fit automatic belt presenters for the front seats help the occupants to fasten their seat belts. The rear seats now provide a through-loading feature, further enhancing the car’s suitability for all-year-round use and its claim to be a fully-fledged four-seater.

High-grade materials and contemporary color landscapes come together to create a sporty, contemporary luxury. The attractive appointments in Yacht Blue in combination with Macchiato Beige lend the Cabriolet a cool, exclusive yachting look. Leather upholstery, available in four different colors, is equipped as standard, while optionally available Nappa leather comes in three different colors. There are seven different trim options to choose from, including two Natural Grain wood trims.

The interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. The same applies to the enhanced ambient lighting with 64 colors and a special feature in the shape of a rear light in the roof liner of the Cabriolet soft-top.

Summer heat a constant companion

Customers opting for a cabriolet like to drive with the top down as often as possible. Maximum open-air comfort is possible in the E-Class Cabriolet thanks to the available AIRCAP® and the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating, which make the fresh air much more enjoyable even at low outside temperatures. The AIRCAP system was developed specifically for Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and consists of an electric wind deflector module inconspicuously integrated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. At the press of a button, this system reduces the interior turbulence for the rear passengers, too. The combination of AIRCAP and AIRSCARF neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger allows enjoyment of open-air driving by circulating warm air around the neck area when temperatures are low outside.

Larger and more luxurious

Compared with its predecessor, the new E-Class Cabriolet has grown in length, width and wheelbase: with a vehicle length of 190-in, a width of 73.2-in and a height of 56.2-in, the new E-Class Cabriolet is by far the larger model. The principal beneficiary of the wider track, with 63.3-in at the front and 63.5-in at the rear, is the driving dynamics. Its considerably larger footprint benefits passengers in the rear in particular. On each of the four high-quality seats – which all feel like individual seats in their own right – the driver and all passengers can all enjoy true comfort even on long journeys.

Powertrain

With a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine, the new E-Class Cabriolet will be available for the first time as a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive vehicle. Equipped as standard with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, the new Cabriolet allows for faster gearshifts and lower engine speeds.

Suspension: sporty, agile and comfortable

The suspension on the new E-Class Cabriolet is designed to offer agile driving pleasure as well as a highly comfortable ride. A sporty, lowered suspension with adjustable damping is available as a stand-alone option. With this suspension, the driver can modify the vehicle’s damping characteristics using the switch for the DYNAMIC SELECT system. There is a wide range of adjustment options available between the Eco, Sport and Sport+ modes, as well as an Individual mode.

AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension

The Cabriolet also has the option of AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension, as already seen on the E-Class Sedan and Wagon. Thanks to three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle, the driver can control the firmness of the suspension in three stages. In this way, the occupants enjoy soft basic suspension, along with the secure feeling of good handling stability at higher speeds.

The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by an electronically controlled adaptive damping system. It adjusts the damping at each individual wheel automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive maneuvers or on rough roads. The system therefore delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.

Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can also select different suspension characteristics in combination with the AIR BODY CONTROL system: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

DYNAMIC SELECT – choose your own driving characteristics

The DYNAMIC SELECT system not only makes it possible to select the suspension characteristics in combination with AIR BODY CONTROL, it also enables the driver to influence other vehicle settings – such as the throttle response, ECO Start/Stop function, shift points of the automatic transmission and more. Depending on the equipment level, DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. “Individual” allows the driver to configure their own preferred transmission settings.

Light and safe body shell

In a cabriolet, the lack of a roof often results in reduced body rigidity. Mercedes engineers employed specific measures to counteract this during development. For instance, they made the body shell structures at the front end and on the floor exceptionally stiff, allowing a high level of driving dynamics.

Intelligent lightweight construction in aluminum hybrid design – a feature of the Coupe – has been retained. Most of the body shell components are made of die- cast aluminum and sheet steel. The front fenders, hood and trunk lid are made of sheet aluminum. The Cabriolet not only meets all current national and international crash requirements, but also the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety standards.

Safe protection

In the event of an accident, the high structural safety of the body and the extensive array of restraint systems offer optimum protection. These include:

Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all front and rear seats
PRE-SAFE® reversible belt tensioner on the front seats
Front airbags for driver and passenger
A knee bag on the driver’s side
Thorax/pelvis bags for driver and front passenger Side bags in the rear

The roll-over protection system has been developed specifically for the Cabriolet. It consists of two cartridges that are fully retracted behind the rear seats and therefore invisible. If a roll-over is imminent, these cartridges are pyrotechnically fired, whereupon they shoot out to provide a survival space together with the A- pillar.

All E-Class innovations on-board

As a member of the current E-Class family, the new Cabriolet offers all the familiar features from the E-Class Sedan, Wagon and Coupe. Active Brake Assist comes as standard and is able to warn the driver of an imminent collision, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, can also assist in applying the

brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL with Cabriolet function

MAGIC VISION CONTROL® – the intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen – is integrated into both sides of the wiper blade and supplies cleaning fluid to a point just in front of the wiper blade lip. It allows ideal cleaning of the windscreen without the familiar splash of water that can briefly disrupt the driver’s field of view. Furthermore, when the soft top is down, the Cabriolet’s electronic control system reduces the amount of water, supplying just the required amount of water, mainly on the downward stroke of the wiper arm. In this way, the windscreen can be conveniently cleaned at any speed and with the roof open – without any of the water spraying into the vehicle’s interior. The complete system, including the wiper blades, is heated when the outside temperature falls to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.

Individual highlights

The Cabriolet already comes with a high equipment specification as standard, augmented by a wide range of individualization options. The AMG Line is available to underline the sportiness of the Cabriolet with differences in the design of the bumpers, side skirts and larger wheels with AMG body styling. The dots in the diamond-block grille are chrome-plated, while the brake discs on the front axle are perforated.

Cabriolet suitable for use all year round

The E-Class Cabriolet boasts an exceptionally high level of everyday practicality. It is suitable for all seasons and all weather conditions thanks to the available AIRCAP® and the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating as well as a number of other features:

Acoustic soft top insulated to protect against heat and cold
Heat-reflecting leather in conjunction with leather appointments
Individually folding rear seat backrests with through-loading feature
Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive

Full Smartphone Integration

The standard COMAND® Navigation system heralds a new era in networking and digitalization. It enables effortless integration of the smartphone into the system by means of wireless charging for compatible mobile phones. It is possible to use Apple’s smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay® as well as Google’s Android AutoTM.

mbrace® Concierge: personalized attention

A further comfort highlight is the mbrace® Concierge Service, which is available on all carlines for customers with mbrace® Connect and mbrace® Secure. For participating customers, the range of services includes a host of personalized assistance options: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward – registered mbrace® subscribers can call up the Concierge Service either via the iCall button in the vehicle or on the Mercedes me app. The personal assistant takes care of everything else.

March 29, 2017April 3, 2017

Jaguar Reveals F-TYPE 400 SPORT Available For One Model Year Only

Every F-TYPE stands out from the crowd, but the F-TYPE 400 SPORT Special Edition is truly unmistakable. Utilizing a 400ps (395hp) version of Jaguar’s 3.0 Liter Supercharged V6 engine, this model exclusive combination rockets drivers from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds with strong, progressive power delivery, while engulfing them in unique styling cues that set this ride apart from any other.

Sharp styling in the F-TYPE 400 Sport includes premium leather performance seats, accented with distinctive Yellow or Cirrus stitching, while the steering wheel, console finisher, headrests, and treadplates carry the 400 SPORT motif. Exterior paint colors are limited to Yulong White, Indus Silver, and Santorini Black, creating a unique palate that further sets this special edition vehicle apart, while a Sport Design Pack and Dark Satin Grey finishing touches accent various points around the vehicle.

Adaptive Dynamics, 380 mm front ant 376mm rear brakes, and Configurable Dynamic Mode all come standard to amplify the driving experience to match this unique vehicle’s sophisticated style.

Learn more about the F-TYPE 400 SPORT Special Edition at Park Place Jaguar Plano.

March 29, 2017November 1, 2019

All-New Lexus LS 500h Makes Its World Premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

The 2018 Lexus LS 500h, the full hybrid version of Lexus’ new flagship sedan, was unveiled in March in Geneva.

The model, which follows the world premiere of the twin-turbo gas V6-powered LS 500 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, is a further manifestation of how Lexus has reimagined the luxury sedan, presenting bold design, enhanced performance and a sophisticated appeal to capture the imagination of forward-thinking customers.

The car’s design successfully brings together the virtues of a long-wheelbase four-door sedan with a low, coupe-like profile, positioning the LS perfectly across the growing sedan and coupe segments.

The cabin has benefited from an equally new approach, focusing on “progressive comfort,” interpreting Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship traditions in the context of an advanced, luxurious and innovative vehicle interior such as the unique door trim ornamentation. Notably, the LS 500 was honored at the NAIAS with the EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Interior Design.

Conceived as the new global pinnacle of the Lexus brand, the LS goes beyond what the world expects from a luxury car. Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi explained: “Developing such a flagship model required a massive paradigm shift. Rather than being bound by the conventions that had defined luxury cars in the past, we aimed to create a car with innovative, emotional and sensual appeal that would draw customers’ eyes away from other luxury cars and provide entirely new values.”

The LS 500h is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, which provides enhanced responsiveness and linear acceleration, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. The powertrain features a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors, together delivering maximum system power of 354 hp.

The LS 500h is built on the new Lexus Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform, which is shared with the all-new LC. This platform ensures a low center of gravity and optimum weight distribution, contributing to the car’s essential stability and handling agility, which in turn deliver increased driver rewards. The fundamental high rigidity of the chassis allows the new multi-link suspension to be tuned to achieve enhanced handling performance and the supreme comfort for which the LS is renowned. The car’s dynamic performance also benefits from the coordination of braking, steering and stability systems through Lexus Dynamic Handling.

Advanced technologies are further used to deliver impressive safety performance. The LS 500h’s available Advanced Safety Package features the world’s first Intuitive Pedestrian Detection system with Active Steering within the lane.

Omotenashi, expressing the unique sense of Japanese hospitality, defines the LS 500h’s whisper-quiet and luxurious interior. Supreme comfort is provided by front and rear seats with multiple power adjustment, heating, cooling, and massage functions. There is also an optional rear seat arrangement that includes an extending leg ottoman and the most generous leg room of any LS generation. At 123 inches, the wheelbase of the new LS is in fact 1.3-inches longer than on the current long wheelbase LS 600h L.

Lexus Takumi craftsmanship also contributes to the special quality of the LS 500h’s cabin, in luxurious new trims, materials and detailing, including a new pleating treatment and Kiriko glasswork on the inner door panels.

IMAGINATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Full hybrid powertrain with 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i gas engine
The LS 500h’s Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System combines a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i gas engine with two electric motors, together delivering a total output of 354hp. The engine makes optimal use of Dual VVT-i (intelligent variable valve-timing), with timing precisely gauged in line with driving conditions, helping to secure high torque at all engine speeds. Measures to reduce friction losses and thus improve engine efficiency include the adoption of narrow, lightweight roller rocker arms and low-friction timing chains, while D-4S direct fuel injection helps create optimum combustion conditions, contributing to enhanced fuel economy.

Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System
The new LS 500h is equipped with Lexus’ Multi Stage Hybrid System, a breakthrough technology that enriches the hybrid powertrain performance experience and is also seen on the all-new LC. The system adds a four-stage shifting device to the Lexus Hybrid Drive combination of a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and two electric motors. The result is more direct response to driver inputs while maintaining the characteristic smoothness and efficiency for which Lexus hybrids are renowned.

In a conventional full hybrid vehicle, engine output is boosted by the electric motor via a reduction gear, but with the new Multi Stage Hybrid System the power from the V6 engine and the hybrid battery can be amplified by the four-stage shifting device, allowing much greater drive power to be generated when accelerating from stationary and achieving a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

The design of the system places the multi-stage shift unit immediately behind the power split device, on an axis aligned with the engine crankshaft. Although the unit has four speeds, the D range has a simulated shift control pattern that delivers the feel of driving with a 10-speed gearbox. As vehicle speed rises, engine speed increases with a linear, direct and continuous acceleration feel, free from the “rubber band” effect witnessed in some continuously variable transmissions. In the 10th gear range, the CVT control allows for high-speed cruising at lower engine revs for quiet, smooth and fuel-efficient performance.

The transmission further benefits from an improved version of the artificial intelligence shift control found in conventional automatics. This enables intelligent, optimum gear selection to be made in line with driving conditions and driver inputs, for example when going up or downhill. By reading the vehicle’s acceleration, deceleration and lateral G trajectories, the system can adjust gear shifts to suit the driver’s style and behavior, without the driver having to select a different drive mode to get the kind of performance they want from the transmission.

Thanks to the Multi Stage Hybrid System’s design, the driver is able to take advantage of an M mode to select and hold gears manually, using paddle shifts mounted behind the steering wheel – a function not previously available on a Lexus hybrid. Thanks to the coordinated control of the Power Split Device and the gear shifting mechanism, the gear shift will start instantaneously with the computer receiving the signal from the paddle shift, giving an exceptionally quick response.

Lithium-ion hybrid battery
The LS 500h is fitted with a compact, lightweight, lithium-ion hybrid battery. It is 20 percent smaller than the nickel-metal hydride unit featured in the current Lexus LS 600h, yet has a higher power density. Using lithium-ion technology has also reduced the component’s weight, helping reduce the car’s overall mass, thus supporting overall fuel economy, emissions performance and handling balance.

It is the first Lexus hybrid battery to feature a satellite construction design, in which the cell voltage monitoring function has been made separate from the battery ECU. This allows for efficient use of what would otherwise be empty space inside the battery pack to house the wiring harness and battery cooling blower, thus reducing the unit’s overall dimensions. The cooling blower itself has been made more powerful and thinner in size.

LUXURY INTERIOR INSPIRED BY OMOTENASHI
Omotenashi, the Japanese concept of hospitality, is a common thread that has run through all LS models. In the context of a luxury automobile, it means taking care of the driver and passengers, anticipating their needs, attending to their comfort and protecting them from hazards.

Takumi Craftsmanship
The quality, precision and pride in perfection that define Lexus’ Takumi craftsmanship are richly evident in the luxury detailing in the new LS, as befits a flagship sedan. Lexus has produced a unique aesthetic for the new LS which can be witnessed in elements such as the interior lighting and an exceptional attention to detail in the finish and appearance of everything you see and feel.

Inspired by Japanese culture and traditions
Natural woodwork and the application of sophisticated sliced wood and laser cutting technologies have been used to produce new interior finish options, including Art Wood/Organic, Art Wood/Herringbone and Laser Cut Special. The grain pattern of Art Wood is achieved by combining different color woods and is an original Lexus design, created using Takumi craftsmanship skills. The LS’ new cross grain finish is larger with sharper contrasts between light and dark, creating a more vibrant effect. The new Laser Cut Special trim emphasizes the contrast between precise metal lines and natural wood.

Hand-pleated door trims were inspired by origami, the Japanese art of creating three-dimensional forms from a single piece of paper. The door panels were originally rendered in paper by a skilled fabric artisan. The finished three-dimensional pattern captures the Lexus “L” motif in its intricate and precise folds, conveying a different effect when seen in daylight or the cabin’s night-time illumination.

For the ornamentation panel, the aim was to express Lexus’ Time in Design philosophy. To achieve this, the team called on the skills of Kiriko artisan glassworkers who produced hand-carved designs that capture the contrast created by light and shadow. Through painstaking trial and error, a design was chosen that looks beautiful and sensual from any angle. Although fragile in appearance, the glass has been treated using reinforcement technology to ensure it is robust for use in a vehicle interior. The hand-carved design was reproduced using advanced glass production technology, which precisely scans and digitizes tens of thousands of facets. In the next step the glass ornamentation undergoes a series of treatments such as polishing and strengthening conducted by specialized Japanese Takumi craftsmen.

February 15, 2017

Jaguar’s First Ever SUV: The 2017 F-Pace

Introducing Jaguar’s first ever SUV, the NEW 2017 Jaguar F-Pace. This stunner captures Jaguars DNA of driving excitement in a visually appealing form, with plenty of room for five. The F-Pace gives the driver both legendary performance and stunning practicality with its distinctive road presence, spacious luxury interior, and stirring performance.

The F-Pace’s dynamic look combines sporty elegance with a muscular profile, a resting grille, and rounded hood. Its stiff body structure, low friction technologies, and right size proportions increase aerodynamics and down force. This is a beautiful SUV from front to back, whether you view it from the passenger side to the driver side. It looks like a work of art in motion even when it’s not moving. The electronic power assisted steering software really makes this Jaguar, cat like on the road.

A tapered roof line along with the creases in the front and rear bumpers contribute to its striking pose and overall aerodynamics. In the back seat, the 40-20-40 room/seat configuration and front folding seats offer plenty of flexibility to keep everyone comfortable and store items with ease. On muddy, wet days, the load space floor can be flipped from durable carpet to an easy to clean rubberized surface. Premium materials and pliant leathers create a luxurious interior that can be personalized with the available configurable interior mood lighting.

A high center console with sport command driving position helps keep the driver feeling confident and connected. The large windshield, the thin roof pillars, and panoramic glass roof provides excellent visibility and a wide open feel for everyone inside the F-Pace. Everything is extremely intuitive; long gone are the days of searching around for features just to see how they work. The touch screen has a home button, allowing the passengers and driver to easily change controls from media, climate, and even the navigation system found in most F-Paces.

Jaguar engineers have created an SUV that has drivers anticipating the thrilling ride every time it growls to life and savoring it from start to finish. But if you’re more interested in the pragmatic side of the F-Pace, it also goes above and beyond in service with a best in class coverage that includes a 5 year or 60 thousand mile new vehicle limited warranty. It also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, 24 hour roadside assistance, and in control remote and protect.

If you are ready to experience a vehicle that breaks all the SUV molds, please stop by our Park Place Jaguar Plano dealership or visit us online at ParkPlace.com.