Vehicles – Page 16 – Park Place Dealerships

July 29, 2016July 22, 2016

2016 smart Car Review

Built with the ultimate respect for our earth, smart cars are the zenith of fun relaxed driving. Parking, turning, driving, all couldn’t be more enjoyable as you can hop into any park space with ease. With the tightest turning circle in the industry, smart cars can make city driving a snap. The cabin, front and rear are all wider with increased spaciousness resulting in a more modern, suave looking smart car. Four inches wider than previous models, the driver and passenger have more hip and shoulder room than ever. The passenger seat folds forward almost flat to create extra storage space. The smart car comes with 100-lb feet of torque and a 5-speed manual transmission that sits in the rear to optimize the car’s compact design. With a smart car, you can go far, averaging 32 mpg in the city and over 39 mpg on the highway for a combined average of 36 mpg.

The rear of the smart car has a split tailgate for effortless loading and unloading. The cargo and rear storage area is actually rather impressive and boasts space that can hold over 6 carry-on sized suitcases. For more stowing area and space, the passenger seat can be pushed down to 90 degrees. With the seat down you can transport items up to 5 feet long. Inside the spacious cabin area, you are provided with tons of options for your listening and entertainment pleasure with AM/FM radio, CD player, USB and AUX inputs to connect your smartphone or other device to play your music. smart car’s shell protects everyone inside as it acts similar to that of the shell of a walnut. The tough shell contains 8 airbags within it to protect both the driver and the passenger. The in-lock braking system make sure the wheels retain traction on the road to prevent them from locking up or skidding. When parked on a hill or steep road, hill start assist makes sure the car does not roll away. All vehicles also have crosswind assist, a huge benefit for a vehicle of that size. For a car so small on the outside, it really has a good amount of space on the inside and it is apparent the engineers really focused on maximizing that interior space.

smart’s substantial makeover delivers more of everything- more room, more agility, more options, more entertainment, more safety and a lot more fun. You can experience one of these fuel sippers at one of our two DFW locations, smart Center Dallas or smart Center Fort Worth. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our smart inventory.

July 28, 2016July 22, 2016

2016 Lexus RX Review

Since it’s launch, the new 2016 Lexus RX 350 luxury crossover SUV has been a best-seller, and for very good reason. The latest model has a new design inside and out that takes the elegance up to a new and impressive level. The most notable changes to the body are the addition of vivid creases and sharp crisp edges that have the RX standing out from a sea of SUV competitors. Lexus’ signature spindle grill has undergone an evolution as it now has a full chrome plate from top to bottom. Three new colors have been added and all models wear a scratch-resistant, self-storing coat in the body paint to keep the crossover looking as glossy as the first day you drove it home.

A new advanced 3.5L V6 engine, new 8-speed automatic transmission and variable valve timing with intelligence system up the performance. The 2016 RX has more horsepower at 295 and straight line stability to serve up a polished ride that’s fine tuned for fuel efficiency and low emissions. Never before seen in a Lexus vehicle the new RX has blacked out C pillars that give the illusion that the roof is floating. Wrapping around the side to the rear are L-shaped taillights with a full length chrome strip that runs between them. Boasting more cargo space than any other vehicle in it’s class, the RX can store 4 large suitcases, multiple sets of golf clubs or some of each. New in this model and a Lexus first is the touch-free power rear door. This allows you to open the rear door without digging out your keys. Just wave a hand by the Lexus emblem and the hood opens.

Possessing more charisma, more driving aids and more convenience features, the fearless and elegant new RX continues to blaze the trail for premium luxury crossovers. After driving one for the past couple of days, I can confidently tell you experiencing it in person is a vastly different experience than seeing one on the road. Discover why the RX makes a top-seller at Park Place Lexus Grapevine or Park Place Lexus Plano. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our RX inventory.

July 26, 2016July 22, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Review

Every part of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is enhanced for handling, comfort, durability, and visibility. This SUV may be compact but it’s surprisingly ample on the inside. You can fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split to easily create up to 43.5 cubic feet of space for people and things. All models come with an ECO start/stop button that automatically shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stopped to maximize fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz is, of course, well known for its safety innovation. Collision prevention assist plus keeps the vehicle at a safe distance from vehicles in the front to lower the chance of a rear end collision. Attention assist monitors for driver drowsiness and sends alerts when it detects the possibility of a sleepy driver.

The base model of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes equipped with a 208-hp engine that provides the driver with enough acceleration to feel like one is in a sporty car without being too firm. The mid-size SUV also comes equipped with a very efficient A/C system that is able to cool the car off in just minutes, a must-have in the heat of summer. Some models come with new features such as lane change assist which helps the driver stay alert and aware if there is a car or object in the blind spot. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, there’s not much better you can do than the GLA.

Check out the high-spirited GLA at one of our various Park Place Motorcars Dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and Arlington. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our GLA inventory.

July 25, 2016July 21, 2016

Behind the Badge: Porsche

A Porsche never fails to grab the attention of anyone who passes by one. Porsche’s elite reputation wasn’t just formed overnight. For over 80 years, Porsche and its vehicles have been continuously evolving. In 1931, Porsche Automobil Holding SE was founded by a Czech engineer named Ferdinand Porsche after being commissioned to design automobiles for other companies. While Porsche has been globally recognized for its name and beautiful design, another symbol that represents Porsche is the badge on the hood of every car. Prior to this symbolic seal, Porsche cars only bared the name of the automaker, “Porsche.” It wasn’t until 1953 when Porsche first placed a badge on their cars. What isn’t agreed upon is the origin of the idea behind the badge and its design.

Americans contend that the badge was thought up in 1951 when Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferry, came to American to meet with an American Porsche distributor named Max Hoffman. Hoffman believed that the Porsche brand needed a symbol, or a mascot, to be more recognizable and accessible in the minds of consumers. Apparently Ferry ended up sketching something up on a napkin in the restaurant in which they met, then bringing it back to Germany with him to put into production.

Germans believe in a little different story behind the badges creation, contending that an engineer named Franz Xavier Reimspiess worked with Ferdinand before his death in 1951 to create a lasting image for the Porsche brand. Regardless of the two different beliefs behind the badges conception, it began to appear on the company’s automobiles in 1953.

The badge consists of a horse inspired by the Stuttgart city seal, the town Porsche calls home, and the antlers and red and black stripes which were taken from the state crest of Württemberg where the city of Stuttgart is located. Porsche views the wild animal in their badge “as an expression of the company’s forward-thrusting power.” (The News Wheel)

July 25, 2016July 25, 2016

2016 Jaguar XF Review

The stunning new Jaguar XF sedan has been redesigned and is a prime example of Jaguar’s mission to create vehicles which combine superlative road manners with confident handling and eye-catching design. The XF is a motorcar that blends sportiness with premium sedan comfort, all built-in to an elegant and vibrant design. A suite of innovative technology shares a host of information letting the driver know what’s going on inside and around the XF for a heightened and safer driving experience. Let’s take a closer look at the rest of this beautiful new entry from a manufacturer renowned for its elegant and sensual designs. The redesign begins in the front of the XF with a more upright grill that supports the same mesh pattern as the F-type, Jaguar’s superlative sports car. The sculpted hood contains deeper lines creating a V-shape look that’s capped by a very amplified center. The headlights are flushed to the bumper for greater aerodynamics and visual aesthetics.

The 2016 model year offers two supercharged V6 engines, one with 340-hp and one revved up version which boasts 380-hp. Both are also available for either RWD or AWD. Everything from the front suspension to the front of the rear seat uses a lightweight aluminum which makes up 75% of the XF. The extensive use of aluminum improves body stiffness by 28% to take handling to even higher levels. The increased rigidity is quite noticeable on the road and creates a very confident feel. A new suite of standard and optional advanced technologies support the driver and enrich the XF’s road manners for the driver as well as everyone else inside. Another F-type inspired feature are the tail lamps of the XF, which feature dual crescent lighting and a thin LED stoplight across the top of the rear window. Every feature on the body has been engineered to limit drag at higher speeds to maximize aerodynamic and efficiency. From the inside out the XF is filled with luxuries, amenities and space.

The 2016 XF reflects the best of previous models but it adds greater sophistication as it offers enhanced efficiency, comfort, space and technology. To see the contemporary craftsmanship and intelligent engineering please visit Park Place Jaguar Plano. Or visit us online at parkplace.com. Click here to view our XF inventory.

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016

McLaren P1 LM Revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed

McLaren’s P1 GTR is the fastest hypercar made by McLaren yet it can’t be driven on the road, limiting its use significantly. To combat this problem, McLaren released another vehicle similar to their GTR this past weekend at Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new McLaren P1 LM is packed with the power and the capabilities of vehicles that are street illegal yet its new design by Lanzante has deemed it legal for use on the roads. After stripping almost 60kg of weight from the original GTR and making some modifications to the structure and material used to build the car, Lanzante was able to build a beast of a car. The engine inside the LM remains unchanged from the GTR as the 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 and electric motor produces over 987 horsepower. With regards to the interior, only a few changes were made one of which included the new Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, which also appeared in the F1 car Lewis Hamilton drove to the Formula-1 world title in 2008. The car also comes equipped with standard air-conditioning which may come as no surprise for a car priced in the seven figures. In total, five McLaren P1 LM’s will be made in addition to the grey model debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The remaining four will be painted in McLaren’s signature orange color.

Read the full article here.

Click here to see our McLaren Dallas Inventory.

July 21, 2016August 1, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

With the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes aims to deliver all the things that you would expect in it’s cars. It’s high on luxury, comfort, safety, handling, and performance, with a surprisingly affordable price. With the CLA, affordability doesn’t mean sacrifice. Inside, it’s the envy of all the other cars in it’s class, with it’s modern dashboard, avante gard aluminum air vents, well balanced seven-inch display, and high-backed power front sport seats with deep side bolsters. You can make more room for cargo with the individually folding seat backs. In fact, you can have one rear passenger, and fold down the other two rear seats to load more cargo.

The base CLA has a 2.0 liter, 208 horsepower, inline 4-cylinder engine that uses less fuel, and outputs a wealth of torque while providing 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 in the city. The drag coefficient of the CLA, meaning how easily it slips through the wind, is one of the lowest, not just in it’s class, but in the entire industry. In addition to cutting wind noise, saving fuel, and maximizing airflow, it increases stability, road handling, and rough weather visibility. The seven-speed transmission that comes standard in the CLA is very smooth shifting, adding comfort to such an unbelievable value.

Come see how Mercedes-Benz can offer everything you want at an attractive price at one of our Park Place Motorcars dealerships. We have locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grapevine. Click here to view our CLA inventory.

June 22, 2016June 24, 2016

Behind the Badge: Mercedes-Benz

A shining star on a postcard led to the creation of the world-recognized symbol that represents Mercedes-Benz today.

The history of Mercedes-Benz and their vision to be “the best or nothing” extends as far back as the late 1800’s. Gottlieb Daimler originally founded Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1890 while Carl Benz began Benz & Cie in 1883. Both businesses helped lay the foundation of motorized road transportation. After Daimler passed away in 1900, chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach took over and brought-on Austrian-born businessman and racing enthusiast- Emil Jellinek as a partner. Jellinek’s daughter Mercédès– her name meaning “grace” in Spanish –was the inspiration for the brand name as Jellinek popularized her name by using it as his racing pseudonym.

In 1909, Daimler’s two sons Paul and Adolf remembered a postcard their father sent their mom nearly 4-decades ago. The postcard featured a three-pointed star marking the location of his house in Germany, with the explanation that one day the star would shine over his factory and bring prosperity. (The History Behind the Mercedes-Benz Brand and the Three-pointed Star; by eMercedes-Benz) DMG took the star as the company’s logo. At the same time, Benz & Cie trademarked its own logo: a laurel wreath surrounding the company’s name.

On June 28, 1926 representatives of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie. signed the agreement for the merger of the two oldest automobile manufacturers in the world.

This marked the birth of Daimler AG and its globally renowned trademark: the three pointed star inside a laurel wreath.

The merger created the foundation for the present-day Daimler corporation. This alone shows the sustainable staying power of the historic merger. The economic conditions in Germany after the First World War were difficult. The same applied to the automobile industry and affected even prestigious companies like DMG and Benz & Cie. – “Germany’s two oldest and largest automobile factories”, as stated in the public announcement of the merger in 1926.

The merger was symbolized by the new brand logo of Mercedes-Benz, which was registered as a new trademark in February 1925. It connected the Mercedes star of Daimler with the laurel wreath of Benz.

The two original trademarks originated in the year 1909 and were continuously further developed until 1926. This was how the two companies began to hone up their presence in the signs system of the automobile industry at an early stage. In the early advertisements and other publications of Daimler-Benz AG, the former logos were therefore frequently shown together with the new brand name of Mercedes-Benz.

So what does the three-pronged star actually represent? According to Mercedes-Benz, it symbolizes the automaker’s drive toward universal motorization with its engines dominating the land, sea, and air (three points). This emblem and symbol further promotes their vision to be the leading luxury automobile brand, perfectly characterized by their slogan of “the best or nothing.”

For information about any Mercedes-Benz models, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

June 15, 2016

Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular Another Success

The 14th Annual Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Game Show Spectacular was another great success. Park Place Dealerships is a proud sponsor of the event, which benefits the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and supports numerous initiatives including the construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex in West Dallas.

The theme for the 2016 Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play was “Fields of Dreams.”

“Park Place Dealerships has been the presenting sponsor of this event since its inception in 2002,” said Rob Sumner, Park Place Dealerships’ director of marketing. “This event has it all: celebrity sightings, great entertainment, and most importantly, an opportunity to raise funds for our community where it is most needed. Working with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation every year is a great experience and partnership as we have similar goals in helping kids maximize their potential.”

Last year’s Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play event raised more than $610,000 for the Rangers Baseball Foundation. Celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation has given back more than $14 million to help area children. The Foundation provides support for youth baseball programs, youth education, youth health, and youth in crisis.

“The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy really will be a field where dreams come true,” said Karin Morris, executive director of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide children across North Texas with a safe place to play baseball and softball. In addition to providing year-round baseball and softball instruction, the Academy will host tournaments, coaching clinics, and skills camps. It will also give young students access to tutoring programs, college prep classes, college and career fairs, financial literacy and internship programs, and MLB industry alternative career workshops.”

The Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play features live and silent auctions, which gives fans the opportunity to bid on fabulous live and silent auction items such as trips to see the Rangers play at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Colorado’s Coors Field, and Houston’s Minute Maid Park, private hitting and pitching lessons with current Rangers players, and many other exclusive Rangers experiences.

One of the evening’s highlights is the Rangers’ players competing against each other in a pair of game shows. This year’s competitions saw the return of the very popular Fielders Feud and Minute to Win It.

The Texas Rangers players, coaches, and front office personnel attend the event so guests get unique access to players and management for autographs and to get a picture with a favorite player. Every year guests remark how much they enjoyed the up close and personal interaction with players and coaches.

June 14, 2016June 14, 2016

Experts in Excellence Recognize Experts in Education

It’s the award season we look forward to all year- the annual Teacher of the Year awards. From Allen and Plano to Carroll ISD, the events honoring the districts’ teachers are filled with excitement as teachers gather to congratulate and celebrate their colleagues, and share well wishes with teachers who are retiring.

Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano are proud supporters of the annual awards. To show our appreciation, the Teacher of the Year winners from each district are presented with a new Lexus to enjoy for the summer, tickets to a Texas Rangers game, and passes to the Dallas Arboretum all courtesy of Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Lexus Plano.

Amy Evans and Leslie Elkins are this year’s Carroll ISD Teachers of the Year. The ladies picked out their new summer rides at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. Amy Evans opted for the all-new 2016 Lexus RX 350 and Leslie Elkins went straight for the sporty 2016 Lexus RC.

Matt Woolsey- General Manager Park Place Lexus Grapevine; Amy Evans- Old Union Elementary Teacher of the Year

Matt Woolsey- General Manager Park Place Lexus Grapevine; Leslie Elkins- Carroll Middle School Teacher of the Year

Meanwhile in Plano. Plano Senior High School Math teacher Bryan Yee, fresh off his Teacher of the Year win, arrived to Park Place Lexus Plano with his family on a sunny Friday afternoon, to pick-up his Lexus for the summer. The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 350 was Mr. Yee’s Lexus of choice, a decision that was clearly approved by the “oohs” and “that’s cool, dad” from his two sons once they saw the SUV.

Mr. Yee isn’t the only Plano ISD Teacher of the Year winner. Park Place Lexus Plano was at the awards banquet where Erika Manning of Weatherford Elementary School took home the evening’s top honor.

Allen ISD teachers Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School and Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary are this year’s Allen ISD Teachers of the Year. Jennifer and Amanda didn’t waste any time, they arrived together early Saturday morning to pick up their cars. Little did they know they picked matching cars…silver 2016 Lexus RC 350s.

(L to R) Jennifer Clements- Spanish teacher at Allen High School; Chris Brunner- General Manager Park Place Lexus Plano; Amanda Perkins- 3rd Grade teacher at Cheatham Elementary

The next day, we received the following e-mail from Jennifer Clements: “Thank you Park Place Lexus for the BEST SATURDAY EVER! From the moment I walked in to the dealership and was greeted by Michelle and Chris, I was treated like a Queen! The tour of the dealership revealed a beautiful facility designed specifically for the customers….even bagels, coffee, computer work stations and televisions for your short wait for your car service or car wash! Everyone on staff is so friendly, respectful and genuine! And then the moment, I had been waiting for….laying eyes on my RC 350 for the first time! A gorgeous sports coupe….all mine for the summer! WOW! I am blown away by the smooth drive, comfort, and innovative technology! Jesse explained all the gadgets and bells and whistles to me…making it so much simpler and comfortable to drive! A few fun pictures, some paperwork and goodbyes….and I was off! As I drove off the lot, I was smiling from ear to ear! Free Carwashes, Texas Rangers tickets, Valet Parking, Dallas Arboretum tickets…..THANK YOU PARK PLACE LEXUS FOR LOVING TEACHERS!!!”

Jennifer, Amanda, Bryan, Erika, Amy, and Leslie, we would like to thank YOU and all teachers for the selfless dedication and contribution to the community.

Check back for more as the teachers share their Summer in a Lexus stories and pictures.