Vehicles – Page 21 – Park Place Dealerships

February 29, 2016March 15, 2016

Volvo S90 Sedan Is a Real Game Changer

The Volvo S90 has been widely praised for its stunning exterior and sumptuous interior. Its proud yet non-aggressive face, characterized by a concave grille, itself a homage to the Volvo P1800, is home to Volvo’s new Iron Mark. The T-shaped Thor’s Hammer lights deliver a powerful sense of direction that makes the S90 unmistakable on the road.

Inside this low, four-door coupé, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and raised the bar with some stunning details on the new dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.

“We created our new flagship sedan, the Volvo S90, as a real game changer. It is classy and cool. The exterior is exceptionally well surfaced with a fantastic stance and the sort of clean lines that are singularly appropriate of a Scandinavian design. The interior masters the art of blending innovative technology and natural materials into an elegant, welcoming and tasteful ambience, Swedishness at its best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

The launch of the S90 highlights the ambition of the Swedish car maker, following an $11bn investment and the recent breaking of ground in Charleston, South Carolina, where Volvo Cars will build its first North American production facility, employing around 2,000 workers. “There are strong indications that Volvo is back on track in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of the Americas at Volvo Car Group. “We expect this strong sales momentum to continue in 2016, helped by the new S90.” The S90 launches with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist.

The Pilot Assist functionality gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80 mph (130 km/h) and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo, and one which is highlighted at the show with the Concept 26 display, which envisions how a car interior could look and feel in a fully autonomous Volvo.

The Volvo S90 also introduces a world first function to City Safety – large animal detection – a feature capable of detecting large animals such as large deer, horses or moose/elk, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid or mitigate collisions with large animals.

The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator. “The S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Volvo S90

For more information please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, New Car Director at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

Explore the Volvo S90 here.

February 23, 2016

The Most Hardcore F-TYPE Ever

Introducing the next step in the F-TYPE’s bloodline: the F-TYPE SVR, the new benchmark for Jaguar sports cars, taking the acclaimed F-TYPE to even higher levels of performance and capability. The F-TYPE SVR acts as the new halo to the F-TYPE and Jaguar range alike and is quite simply the ultimate F-TYPE, the peak of road-going and track-ready performance. One measure of track capability is delivering a target lap time of the legendary Nürburgring circuit of 7 minutes 33 seconds.
As the pinnacle of Jaguar sports cars, the F-TYPE SVR comes with exclusive performance technologies and form follows-function styling.

Powered by the most powerful production Jaguar engine with 575hp and 516lb-ft, the F-TYPE SVR reaches 60mph in just 3.5 seconds enabled by significant aerodynamic and chassis improvements, with an electronically limited top speed of 200mph for the Coupe and 195mph for the Convertible.

Evolved from the successful R model, the F-TYPE SVR features aerodynamic aids, including a re-designed active rear spoiler, apertures in the wheel arch liners, unique front bumper and undertray, larger hood louvers and flat rear under-floor,significant gains in down-force are achieved compared to a standard F-TYPE R.

“The new F-TYPE SVR is the first series production Jaguar car to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision engineering, performance and design…The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system.” John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

The F-TYPE SVR includes significant design and aerodynamic development to deliver the ultimate F-TYPE. Enhancements are carried out to the front of the car, altering its appearance and lending it a more track focused and assertive look, and at the rear with an aggressive active aerodynamic spoiler and new diffuser.
The F-TYPE SVR features a new front bumper with enlarged air intakes and the hood features larger louvers that not only evoke Jaguar’s rich sporting history but also uses the flow of air over the hood to help extract more hot air from the engine compartment.

louvers

The unique side fender vents reduce the high pressure in the wheel arch area which helps smooth airflow and reduce front end lift. The drag reduction allows the car to achieve 200mph while the lift reduction improves the vehicle’s dynamic behavior and cornering speeds.

In order to balance the front and rear lift, the F-TYPE SVR features a unique active aerodynamic carbon fiber rear spoiler. The SVR spoiler is elevated and wider than the standard F-TYPE R deployable spoiler, enabling it to act over the whole width of the car rather than just the width of the trunk lid. The spoiler operates in in two different modes: Low Drag Position: For maximum top speed, the wing is stowed, it works in conjunction with the front spoiler and other aero enhancements to bring a drag coefficient reduction of 7.5% and lift coefficient reduction of 15%. Deployed: For maximum down force and dynamic driving, the spoiler is deployed giving a drag coefficient Cd reduction of 2.5% and significant lift coefficient of 45%.

V-Max Mode: in order to achieve 200mph drivers must consciously prepare their SVR. This ensures the car is set up correctly to achieve this speed and ensures the driver is conscious of their actions. To activate V-MAX mode, driver selects Dynamic Mode and then presses the active rear spoiler switch for longer than 3 seconds. A message is displayed on the cluster stating “V-MAX mode confirmed“. A permanent symbol appears on the cluster whilst V-MAX mode is active. (V-MAX mode cannot be selected above 60mph.)

The interior has been developed with an elegant attention to detail. The SVR Performance seats are covered in premium leather, and exclusive to the F-TYPE SVR is the Lozenge quilting inspired by the Jaguar Lozenge Graphic associated with Jaguars racing history.

The backrest is embossed with the SVR logo. The new SVR branded steering wheel is available in Jet leather with four contrasting stitch colors (which harmonize with interior options).

Standard center console is finished in Dark Brushed Aluminum and features SVR branding.

A Carbon Fiber center console is also available at an additional cost.

The F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar to wear the SVR badge.

The badge is applied to the front grille and rear of the car. In addition, SVR branding is also discretely found on the titanium exhaust pipe tips and on the wheels. SVR branding is also present in the interior: on the headrests, steering wheel and center console.

There are seven color choices for SVR exterior comprised of one ‘solid’ and six ‘metallic’ options.

The launch color for Coupe will be Firesand Orange and for Convertible will be Ammonite Grey.

Coming to Jaguar Dallas and Jaguar Plano this summer.

For more information on the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR, please contact:
Steve Vankos at Jaguar Dallas, (214) 849-5358; svankos@10.2.54.33
Jason Feuerberg at Jaguar Plano, (214) 366-5819; JFeuerberg@10.2.54.33

February 23, 2016March 11, 2016

Sneak Peek at the New Maserati Levante

Levante is a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force strength in an instant. The Levante is an SUV like no other, embodying the passion, the sophisticated engineering and exclusivity that have distinguished every vehicle crafted by Maserati in the heart of Italy since it was founded in 1914. Designed to be unique and built to be heard, the Maserati Levante is destined to make an unforgettable impression offering the ultimate combination of on-road performance and off-road capabilities. The Maserati of SUVs is here.

Maserati reveals the exterior form of the Levante, the first SUV in the brand’s more than one hundred year history. The design features clear associations with the Maserati brand and its distinctive Italian character: the aggressive front introduces new, tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper headlight unit connected to the radiator grille.

Maserati’s design signature is clearly visible on the sides: the three iconic air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillar with the “Saetta” logo and the large, frameless door windows.

The rear is dominated by the very tapered back window and streamlined shape, both typical of a high-performance sports car.
At a technical level, the Levante’s chassis is designed to combine the outstanding on-road performance typical of every Maserati with unrivalled handling even on very low-grip surfaces and an excellent off-road performance and ride.

The new SUV boasts a high level of content as standard, with all versions featuring: sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated for the brand’s new SUV.

The Maserati Levante is scheduled to arrive to Maserati Dallas and Maserati Fort Worth in September.

For more information on the Maserati Levante or other Maserati models, please contact:

Malcolm Gage at Maserati Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

Oscar Restrepo at Maserati Fort Worth 817-263-3696 or ORestrepo@10.2.54.33

The new model completes the existing range of saloon and sports cars, extending the offering together with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranTurismo Covertible models.

2016 Maserati Ghibli

2016 Maserati GranTurismo

2016 Maserati Quattroporte

February 18, 2016June 16, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth

Passion for cars took him from the East coast to the West, until an opportunity landed George Johnson deep in the heart of Texas. Although he took the scenic route getting here, he’s finally home in DFW and settled into his role as the General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Fort-Worth.

George got into car sales after college at State University of New York at Albany. The industry’s high-energy and a lucrative paycheck sparked his interest. “I needed a job, so I decided to sell cars ‘till I found a real job,” said Johnson.

But what exactly determines a ‘real job’? George worked hard in sales; it was as real as it gets to him, being fresh out of college, getting a taste of the real world. He fell in love with the business almost immediately. The excitement of helping people realize their dreams, the high-energy and fast pace coupled with unlimited potential for success; the sky was the limit and George seized on the opportunities provided. All the hard work eventually translated to career growth and recognition.

Fast and furious is one way to describe the ‘80s for George. His career blossomed in the 10-years he spent working with a dealer group in New York, where he moved up quickly from sales to management. Years later, a move to Northern California provided growth and further success on a career path that was initially deemed a ‘not so real’ job. George got the attention of a dealership group in Redwood City, California that offered him the position of a General Sales Manager. In this position, he represented 5 different brands for the dealer group. No small undertaking, to say the least.

Fifteen years in the San Francisco Bay area set George on a path that eventually brought him to Park Place. In 2006, George Johnson took over the helm as General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Fort-Worth. “It was the prestige brands, the trajectory of the company, and the leadership that made me want to work for Park Place.”

George’s leadership style has evolved over the years, “We let the managers run their department and I continue to support them and guide them. It allows them to grow and learn. I will always pitch in to help, work alongside and guide them, but they take full responsibility for their actions. There are no walls between departments, everyone works as a team to support one another and in turn we are able to provide an extraordinary client experience.”

This is evident in the accolades that continue to pour in for George and his team. Mercedes-Benz recognized Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth with the prestigious “Best of the Best” award 7 of the last 9 years. [The Best of the Best award is awarded annually to the top performing Mercedes-Benz dealerships for demonstrating superior performance in customer satisfaction and across all departments.] The dealership was also ranked one of top 7 in the nation in 2015 Service Customer Satisfaction Index.

Community involvement and giving back to the community is also top priority for George and his team at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. Just recently he challenged the members (employees) to donate canned-goods for charity and he would personally match their donations. At the time there were only a handful of donations but the team rallied beyond anyone’s expectations! True to his word, a trip to Wal-Mart and $900 later, they donated nearly 2- tons of food to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. [Read the story here: Friendly Competition Benefits Tarrant Area Food Bank].

Several causes are especially near and dear to his heart, including Jewell Charities and several cancer related charities. “I love my kids more than anything so being able to help [Jewell Charities] means a lot to me and our team. And cancer affects so many lives each year; most people we know have had some kind of exposure.”

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth has donated over $750,000 to Cowtown Ball Charities and cancer research in the last 10 years.

At the end of the day, “This is a very rewarding business,” said George, “There’s plenty of opportunity and Park Place Dealerships is, by a mile, the best Automotive Group I have experienced in my 33 years in this business.”

At Park Place, our success has been built upon our continuous commitment to client service excellence. We strive to achieve the very best for our clients and exceed expectations in the showroom, on the service drive, and in the community. In the communities where we work and live, Park Place continuously gives of its time and resources for the betterment of our neighbors. Whether it is a blood drive in a time of need or the sponsorship of a local charity event, we stand behind our communities.

When he’s not hard at work at the helm of the “Best of the Best” Mercedes-Benz dealership, George enjoys spending time with his family. Sightseeing around the world, skiing, and fishing help him unwind and reenergize. Golf, gym, and “Game of Thrones” are also at the top of the list.

February 15, 2016February 22, 2016

The New Volvo V90 Built on Over 60 Years of Volvo Heritage

The eagerly-awaited stylish and versatile Volvo V90 is the latest in the premium car maker’s top-of-the-line 90 series sitting alongside the award winning XC90 SUV and the recently-launched S90 premium sedan. Building on Volvo Cars’ indisputable heritage in the estate segment, that began over 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 takes the premium estate a clear step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the ultimately practical nature of any true estate

Volvo V90 Steel cage with text — Volvo V90 Steel cage

“We have provenance in the estate segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive at Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand stands for much more than just estates, we will proudly carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”

Few car companies can claim the same pedigree as Volvo Cars when it comes to the design and manufacture of family estates. The V90 is a car that benefits from over 60 years of estate building heritage that started with the Volvo Duett which was launched in 1953 – the first car to meet the combined needs of drivers’ active leisure time and practical professional lives.

A selection of iconic estate models have shaped Volvo’s history. These include:

Duett

Launched in 1953, the Duett went on to become one of the most loved models ever, it was one of the first Volvos to be exported to the United States and it was immortalized in 1997 by getting its own Swedish postage stamp.

Amazon

The Duett was followed in 1962 by the Amazon, or the 221 as it was officially known.

The Amazon was a significantly more elegant and refined estate than the Duett, which had its origins as a delivery van, while it also offered more space in the boot.The S model, which offered a full 115 hp, was an incredibly sporty car by the standards of the 1960s. The boot door was an American-style two-split version – a solution that would return 40 years later on the original XC90.

1800 ES

A refresh of the 1800 sports coupe, the 1800 ES was known in England as a Shooting Brake: a sporty estate with space for hunting gear or golf clubs in the back. The 1800 ES was introduced in the autumn of 1971, and its most exciting feature possibly being the huge rear windscreen that had no bezel whatsoever. Hinges and handles were fixed directly to the glass, which was very modern in the early 1970s.

Since only a little over 8,000 1800 ES were built, it has become one of the most sought-after classic Volvo models. The 1800 ES was also a clear source of inspiration for the Volvo Concept Estate, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 as a precursor to a new family of Volvo estates.

245

In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245 – a car still strongly associated with the brand. It remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive edition – the 265 with a V6 engine.

The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine.

960

The Volvo 960 was the final rear-wheel-drive estate car produced by Volvo as a development of the 700 series from the 80s. It was introduced in 1990, featuring smoother body lines and a brand new 6-cylinder engine. In 1996, its name was changed to the V90 – a name that now returns exactly 20 years later. It was one of the most elegant estate cars in Volvo’s history.

850 T5-R

With its intense yellow paint job, 240 horsepower and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, the Volvo 850 T5-R was an estate car like no other ever seen before. Launched as a limited edition, model year 1994-only version of the 850, the T5-R became an instant collector’s item.

The Volvo 850 also caught the eye on the race track. It took Europe’s racing scene by storm in 1994 when it debuted in the prestigious British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) as the first factory-entered racing estate.

February 15, 2016

Jaguar Plano #1 In the Nation Once Again

Park Place Jaguar Plano is the proud recipient of Pride of Jaguar award for the 5th year in a row. This is also the 3rd consecutive year Jaguar Plano won the Marque of Distinction Award as the #1 Jaguar dealership in the country- this is the highest honor a Jaguar dealer can receive. No Jaguar dealership has ever won this award 3 years in a row. Pride of Jaguar winners are chosen based on performance in customer advocacy, sales, and business excellence. Marque of Distinction is awarded to the dealer that exceeds all expectations within Jaguar’s measurements of success.

Jaguar Plano is proud to be recognized for its ongoing commitment to excellence—from sales and service to the ownership experience.

We are so thankful for our customers and their support and loyalty to us and to the Jaguar brand.

February 9, 2016March 16, 2016

Best Luxury Compact SUV for You and Your Wallet- 2016 Lexus NX

Quality and value combined in one award-winning 2016 Lexus NX. The luxury compact SUV was just named U.S. News’ Best Car for the Money in its respective category.

“Since its launch in 2015, the NX has helped broaden the appeal of the Lexus brand,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus. “It was important the NX go beyond utility with striking design and exciting performance. Beyond awards, the customer reaction to this vehicle is helping cement its reputation while enhancing the brand’s desirability for the next generation of luxury consumers.”

2016 Lexus NX

2016 Lexus NX interior

The 2016 Lexus NX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and can be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or as a hybrid model with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The NX is also available as an F SPORT model, featuring a bolder grille and more aggressive styling, bolstered sport seats, and other upgrades such as drilled non-slip aluminum pedals and Active Sound Control (ASC) to enhance the auditory experience.

2016 Lexus NX F Sport

2016 Lexus NX F Sport interior

Covering 23 automotive categories, the U.S. News Best Cars for the Money awards highlight a single vehicle in each class that provides consumers with the best combination of quality and value.

For more information on the Lexus NX or other Lexus models please contact:
Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-313; Cowen3@10.2.54.33
Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078; PJaccar@10.2.54.33

OR visit us at Park Place Lexus.

February 3, 2016February 3, 2016

Park Place Dealerships Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series Kicks Off

The Fort Worth and Dallas chapters of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global, peer-to-peer network, recently teamed up to kick off its 2016 Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series at AT&T Stadium. Park Place Dealerships has been the title sponsor of the lecture series in Dallas for the past four years and has become the title sponsor in Fort Worth this past year. Retired United States Air Force pilot Rob Shallenberger was the guest speaker who shared his experiences as an F-16 pilot and challenged the guests to create a flight plan for life.

Pictured left to right: Don Lamont, President of the Fort Worth EO chapter; Rob Sumner, Director of Marketing for Park Place Dealerships; and Stephen LaMure, President EO Dallas.

Following the presentation, the 150 guests were treated to a self-guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys locker room and the opportunity to kick a field goal on the field. The group had a great time networking and sharpening their skills, but at the end of the evening determined Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey had nothing to worry about for challengers in the upcoming season.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn in Dallas. Today, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing the top luxury brands.

January 21, 2016

Lexus LC 500 Is Already an Award Winner

Lexus has received high accolades for the all-new LC 500 luxury coupe. The Lexus LC 500 was named 2016 EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Production Car and EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Interior Design at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Designed by Lexus Design in Toyota City, Japan, the LC 500 represents the future direction of exhilarating and progressive design for Lexus. The Lexus designers were challenged to work closely with engineers to take the LF-LC show car and make it a reality. They were seeking new ways to redefine the Lexus design style with dynamic design and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for luxury buyers.

“I am so honored to receive the EyesOn Design awards for best interior design and design excellence for the LC 500 from our designer peers,” said Tadao Mori, chief designer of the LC 500. “The LC 500 is a clear result of the passion, hard work and collaboration between the designers and engineers for the future chapter of Lexus.”

The NAIAS 2016 EyesOn Design Awards honor the best production and concept vehicles making their worldwide auto show debut at NAIAS. The awards are selected by active and retired design heads of automotive manufacturers and transportation design chairs from top art schools.

January 11, 2016

Volvo XC90 Wins North American Truck of the Year – Again

The Volvo XC90 has won the prestigious North American Truck of the Year 2016 Award from a field of strong contenders for the second time. The North American Truck of the Year Award is one of few in North America based on a jury of independent automotive journalists. The 2016 jury, consisting of 53 journalists from the United States and Canada, singled out the XC90 for its blend of innovative technology, superb comfort and driving dynamics and its outstanding design. “We are absolutely thrilled that the XC90 has won this prestigious and most respected award,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, “and there is a lot more to come. By 2019 Volvo will have a totally renewed product portfolio. By then the all-new XC90 will be the oldest car in the showroom.”

Volvo’s XC90 comes with an array of innovative technology aimed at making life easier and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers alike. Apart from launching a whole new design strategy for the iconic Swedish brand, the Volvo XC90 also comes with a range-topping T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain that takes it to the top of its class as a 7-seater. The T8 Twin Engine delivers a combination of outstanding performance and extreme efficiency unmatched in the premium SUV segment. On the inside the Volvo XC90 has set a new standard in interior design with an inspirational approach to progressive design and the use of natural materials. The XC90’s tablet-like touch display takes centre court in the dashboard and delivers a multitude of native applications and services, whilst also providing smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay.

The Bowers & Wilkins top of the range sound system with its signature ‘tweeter on top’ is a fresh approach to audio design in the premium segment.

A world class safety system is standard in the Volvo XC90. City Safety, which is Volvo’s name for its auto brake functionality, provides coverage in many different accident scenarios including potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists – day and night. The XC90 was the first Volvo to launch with a low-speed semi-autonomous drive feature called Pilot Assist. This function is now being expanded in the new S90 to work at motorway speeds of up to 130 km/h. Volvo’s leadership in the field of safety is enabling autonomous drive functionality and reflects the Swedish brand’s commitment to eliminating serious injury or deaths in its cars by the year 2020.

For more information or to schedule a test drive, please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, New Car Director at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33