Category: Vehicles

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Lexus Re imagines Global Flagship Sedan: the NEW LS 500

After five years of development the new Lexus LS 500 is unlike any of its predecessors. Its radical new design includes a coupe-like silhouette, with all the spaciousness of the prestige sedan. This is the fifth generation LS flagship sedan, unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.  The LS’s design has a clear Japanese identity, but it’s availability in over 90 countries will make it the brand’s latest global citizen.

The Lexus LS is a new level of flagship luxury in every aspect, including an all-new twin-turbo V6 with 415 horsepower, 10 speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter-twin-turbo V6, and a front-engine, rear wheel driving platform. The wide and low design, 123 inch wheelbase is longer than the current LS model, will enhance the center of gravity height and weight distribution.  The stage has been set for enhanced handling, ride smoothness, a quiet, and dynamic driving experience cabin thanks to the revolutionary GA-L architecture, chassis control technology known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), and the use of lightweight materials in building the car.

There are five wheel designs debuting with the LS, including two new 19 and three 20 inch wheel designs.  Sputter, an electroplating technique is used on the 20 inch wheels to obtain a brilliant appearance.  Hollow rim structures on four out of the five wheel designs reduce the resonance sound generated by the tires.

Forged from passion, the new LS 500 surpasses all luxury class expectations offering the driver a more dynamic driving experience. When crafting the all-new LS, Lexus re-imagined what a flagship sedan should be, as if launching the brand all over again.  The new LS anticipate the needs of the driver and their passengers- attending to their comfort and safety. This principal is called Omotenashi, the Japanese principal of hospitality present in all LS models.

The new Lexus will arrive in the United States in the fall of 2017- signaling the ultimate rebirth of a luxury classic. Stay up to date on new Lexus LS 500

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The Drive Me Project: Volvo’s Real-life Autonomous Drive Research Program

The Drive Me project is a large scale autonomous driving project that puts real people behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 in real traffic. In total, the project will see about 100 autonomous cars on the roads in Sweden- the home of Volvo Cars. During the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, Volvo introduced the Hain Family from Gothenburg, Sweden, as the first people chosen to take part in a real-life autonomous drive research program.

Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, of the Volvo Car Group says that “Technology should improve the consumer experience making mobility safer, sustainable, and more convenient.” This program emphasizes that technology should make people’s lives easier, allowing a user to potentially drive in a vehicle that performs all the driving without human input. But, it all starts with the person using the technology; Volvo’s unique, human centric approach defines the technology based on the role of the driver.

The Hain family
The Hain family

The extensive research should yield a safer journey, save fuel, provide a smoother ride, and even help every driver find and successfully park in any available space. This a collaborative process; Volvo Cars recently partnered with the ride sharing company, Uber,  that will incorporate the latest autonomous driving (AD) features, as well as launching a joint venture with Autoliv, termed Zenuity, to develop bench-marking autonomous drive software and safety solutions for OEM’s.

The future cars will be able to navigate without human input, sense its surroundings and adapt to changing traffic conditions. “We want to learn more around how people feel when they engage and disengage autonomous drive, what the handover should be like, and what sort of things they would do in the car when it’s driving them to their destination” according the Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research and Development at Volvo Car Group.

 Volvo aims to have its first fully autonomous car on the market by 2021.

 

 

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The Volvo V90 Luxury Wagon to Make its North American Debut in 2017

The new Volvo V90 will make its North American Debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will be available as a model 2018 later this year.  This beautiful, new expression of luxury builds on over 60 years of wagon heritage that started with the Volvo Duett. The V90 wagon will complete the Volvo 90 range, which includes the V90 Cross Country, XC90 SUV, and the S90 Sedan.

The V90 engages the senses, transporting passengers to a light and spacious Scandinavian sanctuary.  Its interior is designed with nappa leather, natural wood, a full length panoramic roof, and the 12” Sensus Connect Touchscreen also found in the award winning XC90. Maximilian Missoni, Vice President- Exterior Design, describes the luxury wagon as “powerful and confident, but also calming. It’s a car you will drive with pride.”

Light and elegant, the Volvo V90 is a fantastic vehicle for the true wagon enthusiast. Its luxury defies standards, allowing customers to oversee every detail through Volvo concierge or Overseas Delivery.The stunning Scandinavian design combines with intuitive technology to give the rider an experience truly made for a new world.

Stay up-to-date with the new Volvo V90.

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Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2018 LC Performance Coupe

Lexus LC 500

Since the premiere of the LC 500 performance coupe last year, the most frequently asked question has been, “How much will it cost?” Today that question was answered with news that both the 2018 LC 500 and its hybrid sibling, the LC 500h, will have Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) below $100,000 when they arrive at dealerships this May.

The all-new LC 500, powered by a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, matched with the first direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission to be featured in a luxury car, delivering 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft of torque, will have a starting MSRP of $92,000. The LC 500h, powered by 3.5-liter, V6 full hybrid powertrain, delivering a total system output of 354 horsepower, will have a starting MSRP of $96,510.

Lexus LC 500

The LC is a new flagship 2+2 performance coupe with avant-garde styling achieved through an unprecedented level of cooperation between design and engineering teams. It is the first model on the new Lexus ‘Global Architecture – Luxury’ platform (GA-L), designed for new generations of front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models. As the first model to benefit from Lexus’ new Multi-Stage Hybrid system, the LC 500h delivers efficient environmental performance without sacrificing powerful driving performance.

The LC will be equipped with an array of standard features such as a glass roof, ultra-compact triple projector LED headlamps, arrowhead daytime running lights (DRL) combined with the triple-projector headlamps to create the next-generation Lexus lamp signature, three-dimensional rear lamp, Drive Mode Select, paddle shifters, next-generation Remote Touch Interface with touchpad, Lexus Premium Audio, and a color 10.3 inch TFT multi-information display. All LCs are equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+, a package of active safety features including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Intelligent High Beam.

Optional equipment on the base LC 500 and LC 500h models includes 20” and 21” forged wheels, Mark Levinson audio system, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Cold Area Package, which includes heated steering wheel and windshield de-icer.

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Review

Today we’re looking at the all new Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUV. It’s predecessor, M-class has been revitalized and redesigned as the GLE-Class. The GLE 350 upholds the Mercedes-Benz tradition of using only the highest quality materials like hand-polished wood and hand-stitched upholstery. You might not recognize the new front fascia, as it sports a new hood with power domes, sleeker front fenders, brawny bumpers, and a radiator grille with two lines accentuating the Mercedes-Benz star.

The diamond-shaped grille flows naturally from top to bottom of the front bumper for a sleek, uniform look. When you pop the hood of the GLE, you’ll find the tried and true 3.5L V6 engine that Mercedes-Benz uses in so many of its vehicles. This has been one of the most reliable and best-performing engines that Mercedes-Benz has ever produced, and it feels great when coupled with the 7-speed automatic transmission in the GLE.

All models come with Dynamic Select, which allows you to choose one of four or five transmission modes to change the characteristics of engine, transmission, and steering to deliver your desired driving style. If you want a dynamic ride, change to “Sport”. If you’re looking for a serene one, try “Comfort.” Slick weather? “Slippery” will improve handling to limit slipping or sliding, or you can create your own customized mode. Since this SUV can carry five passengers, the 11-way airbag system has everyone covered. Driver drowsiness can happen to anyone, but Attention Assist helps fight it by monitoring up to 70 parameters of driving behavior. If it detects a potential problem, the system can alert the driver.

With the ability to tow up to 7200 pounds, and a 60/40 split second-row seat that provides you with a vast 80 cubic feet of storage space, you’ll be able to effortlessly carry your gear for a long road trip or weekend adventure.

Inside the airy cabin is hand-finished wood and hand-fitted upholstery for the ultimate in elegance and comfort. The abundance of amenities includes a bigger 8-inch screen, and premium interior lighting that illuminates the center console, interior door handles, and footwells for peace of mind and passenger safety.

Of course, it’s wonderful for a vehicle to look great, but what does this vehicle feel like out on the road? Having driven the M-Class for a number of years, I can tell you that the GLE, in my opinion, was a big step up. It feels very capable on the road. It’s excellent at highway speeds. It’s a great handling car in the city, and it strikes a nice balance between sport ride and comfort ride. It’s great on virtually every road surface, and the ability to select the five different driving modes is a real bonus on this vehicle.

This stunning Sport Utility Vehicle has a bright future with its inventive modern design, cutting edge technology, and capable road handling. The GLE 350 fits right in with the hustle and bustle of Dallas/Fort Worth, and handles all kinds of road surfaces with a velvet touch. It’s classy, yet sporty style suits all occasions, whether it’s a formal evening at the Bass Hall or Winspear, or camping at Lake Texoma. It’s like the ideal outfit. It can be easily dressed up or dressed down. To learn more about the new GLE, view our Mercedes-Benz GLE inventory online, or stop by one of our showrooms which are located in Arlington, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Dallas.

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Park Place Porsche unveils new 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition

Park Place Porsche is the only Flagship Exclusive Dealership in Texas

Park Place Porsche recently hosted a party on the expansive lawn of the Camp House at Dallas Arboretum to unveil the new 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. But like this eagerly anticipated new sports car, this exclusive event was not your average garden party. For starters, guest had a choice of a Patrón margarita served sweet, spicy, herbal or fruity. The Krish Coffee bar allowed similar customization for hot beverages. You could choose your pasta cooked exactly how you wanted it — with your hand-picked ingredients — prepared personally for you by III Forks Restaurant’s executive chef Chris Vogeli. And, as the sun set over White Rock Lake, the cover was pulled back to reveal the bold new Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition in Etna Blue with the Porsche logo and stripe glistening in white gold metallic along its sides.

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“We wanted the party to reflect the customization options available for our clients,” said Patrick Huston, General Manager of Park Place Porsche. “As one of only a dozen Porsche Exclusive Flagship dealers in the country, and the only one in Texas, we can offer our clients an unprecedented level of personalization for their cars. Options go well beyond a choice of leather or paint colors. We can sit down with a client and select from dozens of different options to make any Porsche model uniquely their own. And we can show them how the options work together in real time on our computer. They can even compare pricing as they design the car of their dreams.”

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The new Porsche 911 Targa 4 comes standard with a 350-horsepower, 3.4-liter flat-6 engine that starts at $102,595. The 400-hp, 3.8-liter flat-6 Targa 4S is $117,195. But, consider MSRPs as merely suggestions as you can configure your Targa any way you want it. For instance, a seven-speed manual gearbox is standard, but the optional PDK gearbox allows you to roll through gears even faster. You can even choose air vents that match your car’s upholstery. Or you might prefer chrome vents. Again, the options are only limited by your creativity. However you outfit your car, it can leap from 0-to-60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. Don’t worry. It’s wide stance and all-wheel drive grips the road even in tight curves.

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Following assembly, all vehicles are hand-finished on the Porsche Exclusive production lines in Zuffenhausen, Germany. For 30 years, Porsche Exclusive has strived to deliver individuality straight from the factory and boasts a long-standing tradition in the creation of limited vehicle projects. With each vehicle, the customer receives a specially designed indoor car cover as well as a bound photo album in graphite-blue leather, which documents the development process of their car and features its specific vehicle identification number (VIN).

Park Place partnered with III Forks Restaurant, Patrón Tequila and Lakewood Brewing Co. on this fantastic event. Other sponsors included Verona Privé Maison, which provided sophisticated lounge groupings for guests’ comfort during the sunset reveal.

Located at 6113 Lemmon Avenue, near Dallas’ Love Field, Park Place Porsche was selected this year as a Porsche Premier Dealer for the 19th time. Over the years, Park Place Porsche has been recognized by Porsche Cars North America as the most consistently winning dealer in North America.

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From the World’s Most Demanding Racetrack–The New Mercedes-AMG® GT R

The Nürburgring race track is easily the most famous in Germany, if not the world. Nicknamed “the Green Hell” in the late ’60s due to its difficulty, Nürburgring features plenty of punishing twists and turns, and any vehicle that can master it can take on anything. That’s why the 2018 Mercedes-AMG® GT R impresses us so much here at Park Place Dealerships. Never before has Mercedes-AMG® put this much motorsport power into a production vehicle, and it shows.

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As Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, says:

Our sports-car and performance brand AMG has its roots in motorsport and, ever since its formation, has repeatedly faced up to the competition on the racetrack. These genes are particularly prevalent in the new AMG GT R. Boasting a wealth of technological innovations, the new top-of-the-range model is proof of the close collaboration between our constructors of racing cars and road-going vehicles.

The new AMG® GT R spent much of its development time at the Green Hell, and every aspect of the vehicle reflects its motorsport origins. The heart of the beast is, of course, its transaxle, biturbo V8 engine, one that’s rated at an impressive 577 horsepower. Paired with its aerodynamic and lightweight construction, the new AMG® GT R practically flies. Keeping you in perfect control throughout the ride are an active rear-wheel steering, a nine-way adjustable traction control system, as well as an adjustable coil-over suspension (with additional electronic control).
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The team at Park Place Dealerships is extremely excited about the AMG® GT R, and we’re not the only ones. Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, calls it “the next level of driving performance,” saying:

This road-going sports car with motor-racing genes and innovative technical solutions offers an ultimate driving experience that allows people to feel our motorsport origins in every fiber. It combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT. Those with gasoline in their veins will be thrilled by the radical longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the precise turn-in and the sensational grip. We have modified all performance-relevant components and linked them together intelligently for maximum driving dynamics.

“Maximum driving dynamics” sounds pretty great to us. If that sounds good to you too, contact us at Park Place Motorcars in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, or Arlington to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG® GT R, or any of our other new Mercedes-Benz models.

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2016 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible

Bentley engineers have taken inspiration from past Continental icons to create a reborn motorcar that features modern technology and contemporary lines. The classic, self-confident front of the Bentley Continental GT introduces more pronounced fenders, a smaller grill and a more open look to intensify its assertive attitude. The 520-hp V8 engine is a performance dream, moving this 5,000-lb vehicle from 0-60mph in an astonishing 4.3 seconds and reaching a top track speed of 198mph. It out-performs many smaller and lighter sports cars with its speed capabilities. Another striking feature for the 2016 model is the chrome strip that runs along the bottom edge of the vehicle whereas in previous models it stopped at the back end of the vehicle, it now continuously flows around the vehicle. Virtually no other car on the planet has more customization options than the Continental. There are 17 exterior color choices, 17 interior choices and 8 different selections for the top.

The rear of the Continental flows from top to bottom beginning with the LED tail light and the more pronounced trunk spoiler which travels down to the full-width chrome strip that spans the wide rear bumper. Beneath the bumper, long twin oval exhaust tailpipes meld with the elongated groove. The updated interior still maintains Bentley’s signature look and the ride is quiet, confident and refined. High quality and comfortably soft leather surrounds everyone inside and adds to the elegance portion. It’s underscored by a choice of wood or carbon fiber. The dark orange analog dials illuminate the dashboard at night it is crystal clear. From the refined exterior to the sumptuous interior, everything about the Bentley Continental says class.

No other car epitomizes the spirit of life in a grand tour more eloquently than the Bentley Continental does. Come experience this exquisite masterpiece at Park Place Bentley Dallas or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to see the Continental GT Convertible inventory.

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Review

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC looks like a classy sedan when you view it straight on and it has the refinement and comfort of a sedan but with the room and flexibility of an SUV. A responsive and clean breathing 241-hp turbo 4 engine with direct injection, multi-spark ignition, and the fuel saving Eco start/stop system develops 273 pounds of torque at a wide range of RPM’s. Simply put, it’s quick to go yet it’s gentle on the planet and has superb overall dynamics. Also contributing to the steady ride is the crosswind assist. This stands on alert watching for a sudden gust of wind and it keeps your vehicle on its intended path.

In the GLC you have more storage possibilities and load capacity with the folding rear seats. The luggage compartment is 52 inches long and more than 43 inches wide, almost 6 inches wider than the previous model. The all-new interior reflects a modern purity as the hand-crafted luxurious material on the dash board and the center console present a clean natural flow. The Mercedes-Benz brand takes the key fob to new lengths as you can now remote start the car through your smartphone via M-brace. Everything about the interior is set up to be ergonomically correct so everything is right at your fingertips in the cockpit of the vehicle.

Come put the new GLC to the test at one of our Park Place Motorcars Dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and Arlington. Or visit us on the web at parkplace.com. Click here to view our GLC inventory.

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2017 Lotus Evora 400 Review

So what happens when Lotus asks their engineers to build the fastest Lotus ever? The Evora 400 is what happens. It is a massive amount of fun guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your adrenaline racing. This is one of the best cars one the road and from a performance standpoint it is absolutely flawless, and we haven’t even had it on the track yet. When behind the wheel of the Evora 400 one will notice that it is a track car that has been civilized for street use and perhaps as an everyday car. The Lotus feels like a very stable car which has been elegantly designed to balance from the front to the rear. The Lotus engineers designed the car for maximum down force to have a vehicle with zero lift. It’s quite amazing how confident the new Evora 400 feels on the road. The muscular stance, the angular lines and just the pure aggressiveness of this vehicle when you look at it, it all springs to life when you turn the key and push the start button.

If you’d like to experiences the Lotus Evora 400 in person, we invite you to visit us at Lotus of Plano or online at parkplace.com. The Evora 400 is worth the trip of any length.