Victory is Swede! Volvo Wins Most Safety Awards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the XC90, S80, S60, V60 and XC60 its 2016 Top Safety Pick+ Award – the most among any luxury car company. Every Volvo model tested by IIHS in the last year has received the Top Safety Pick+ Award, the highest possible award for safety in the United States.

Our vision is that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020. Our recognition as the luxury automaker with the most IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus awards is another milestone in the journey toward that vision,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.

Volvo’s ‘Vision 2020’ is a guiding principle behind the company’s engineering, development and operating philosophy, which is focused on safety, improving the environment and reducing traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas. This vision has resulted in a new, ultra-efficient engine strategy, world-leading advancements in autonomous and semi-autonomous drive and an unparalleled safety benchmark for the automotive industry.

The IIHS safety awards cap the end of a successful year for Volvo. The company last week also debuted the 2017 S90, a completely new luxury sedan that will be available at Park Place Volvo this summer.

Half profile Volvo S90 Mussel Blue
2017 Volvo S90

 

IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick+ Award winners:

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2016 Volvo S80

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2016 Volvo XC60

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2016 Volvo XC90

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2016 Volvo S60

Volvo V60 R-Design - model year 2016
2016 Volvo V60

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

The Lexus NX Just Got a Lot Cooler

Driving on ice has taken on a whole new meaning for Lexus, which has crafted the world’s first set of working wheels and tires made from ice.

True to its mission of “creating amazing” and inspired by the craftsmanship that goes into every vehicle it makes, Lexus commissioned a team of ice sculpture specialists to explore how ice could be used in place of conventional alloy metal and rubber. After three months’ research, design and testing, the finished wheels were fitted to a Lexus NX for the ultimate ice drive. The car itself was deep-frozen, stored for five days at -30°C (it started first time) before being driven off down a London road.

For the Lexus commission – the first of its kind – genuine NX wheels and tires were laser scanned and replicated using computer design and numerical control techniques. The result was an unprecedented fusing of art and engineering. The addition of in-wheel LED lighting added an extra dramatic dimension to the cutting-edge contemporary styling of the NX.

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Four sculptors worked for 36 hours to produce each wheel. The millimeter-perfect finish was achieved with hand-crafting, using Japanese steel chisels and shaping tools. Even the tread patterns on the tires were faithfully reproduced.

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The ice was made from softened water taken from a moving flow to ensure it was perfectly clear when taken from the freezer. Acrylic inserts were added to ensure the wheels could take the load of the Lexus NX.

Creating Amazing is what Lexus is about. Projects such as our hoverboard, the origami-inspired cardboard car and now a dazzling set of fully functioning ice wheels, demonstrate how we use advanced technologies and the best craftsmanship traditions to achieve outstanding results. That’s not just for eye-catching one-off projects, but for the cars we deliver to our customers, too,” said Lexus Director, Richard Balshaw.

Take a behind the scenes look at how the ice wheels were made.

The project was undertaken by Hamilton Ice Sculptors, a London-based business established for more than 35 years with world-leading experience in producing innovative and large-scale works.

For more information on the Lexus NX or to schedule a test drive, please contact:

Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078, PJaccar@10.2.54.33

Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-3130, COwen3@10.2.54.33

Bentley Wins Record Number of Awards in 2015

Bentley has won 18 awards around the world in 2015, firmly reinforcing its position as the world’s leading luxury car company.

The most celebrated model for Bentley in 2015 was the Flying Spur, which in total claimed six prizes. In the UK, readers of the Daily Telegraph voted Flying Spur the ‘Best Luxury Car’. Judges praised it for being “as enjoyable to drive as it is to be chauffeured in”.

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Bentley Flying Spur

The world’s fastest road-going luxury sedan was also well received in Russia this year, with awards including Auto Goda’s ‘Car of the Year’ and Klaxon magazine’s Golden Klaxon both emphasizing the Flying Spur’s unparalleled luxury and refinement.

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Bentley Flying Spur V8

Bentley’s pinnacle model, the Mulsanne Speed was crowned ‘Best of the Best – Luxury Sedan’ by Robb Report. The world’s fastest, ultra-luxury driving experience was praised for its “superior performance and limitless customization possibilities”.

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Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley’s 2015 success continued with the Continental range. The Continental GT Speed Convertible, received  high-profile accolades including ‘Best of the Best – Convertible’ from Robb Report and Digital Trends’ ‘Luxury Car of the Year’.

Continental GT Speed Convertible
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

The race-bred Continental GT3-R, meanwhile, was named ‘Car of the Year’ by Car magazine in China.

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Bentley Continental GT3-R

Bentley’s commitment to excellence in the automotive industry was further underlined in October, when the company was crowned European Industrial Excellence Champion – a first for a British brand.

For more information about Bentley or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

Bentley R-type Continental: The Evolution of an Icon

The Bentley Continental GT is one of the most iconic cars on the road today. The Continental name first entered the company’s lexicon in 1952 with the R-Type Continental – arguably the world’s first Grand Tourer.

With a top speed of 120 mph it was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its launch. Many of the 208 examples produced were coachbuilt by Mulliner – a name that is still closely associated with Bentley to this day.

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With just three strokes of the designer’s pen, the shape of the Continental comes to life – the striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line. These three elegant styling cues have remained a fundamental part of the Continental’s DNA over six decades.

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Today’s Continental elegantly fulfills the same grand-touring brief as its forebear. With immense W12 power, a top speed of 206 mph and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort, the Continental GT Speed is a truly extraordinary car.

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Experience the Bentley Continental GT at Bentley Dallas.

For more information about Bentley or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

First McLaren 570S Now Available at McLaren Dallas

The first McLaren 570S Coupe is now available at McLaren Dallas.  At McLaren, every component is there for one reason– to create a driving experience like no other. That’s where the new McLaren 570S Coupe comes in.

Prior to its arrival to McLaren Dallas, the new Sports Series from McLaren made an appearance on CNN.

The global retailer network is holding over 1,000 orders for this superb new addition to the McLaren range, the most attainable McLaren to date.

Jolyon Nash, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing at McLaren Automotive explained, “The Sports Series is targeted towards a new buyer and opens McLaren up to the sports car market that we have not served to date. The buyer of a Sports Series model will still experience the benchmark performance and driver engagement delivered by every McLaren model, but will also notice the increased usability and practicality that differentiates it from our existing cars.

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

To schedule a test drive or for more information about the McLaren 570S please contact:

Malcolm Gage at McLaren Dallas, 844-745-8538 , mgage@10.2.54.33

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

 

Lexus Takes Top Honors for the Fifth Year in a Row

Lexus was named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row that Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period by Kelley Blue Book. Vehicles that earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards.

Six Lexus models rise to the top of their classes in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards for Luxury Brand for their respective vehicle categories.

And the winners are…

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RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350 coupeBest Resale Value: Entry-Level Luxury Car

 

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ES 300h hybrid luxury sedanBest Resale Value: Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car

 

GS
GS 200t/GS 350 mid-size luxury sedanBest Resale Value: Luxury Car

 

RX hybrid
RX 450h hybrid luxury utility vehicle Best Resale Value: Hybrid SUV/Crossover

 

GX
GX 460 luxury utility vehicleBest Resale Value: Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover

 

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LX 570 luxury utility vehicle Best Resale Value: Luxury Full-Size SUV/Crossover

Find your award-winner at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Lexus Plano.

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

Patrick Jaccar at Park Place Lexus Plano, (972) 738-8078, PJaccar@10.2.54.33

Charles Owen at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, (817) 416-3130, COwen3@10.2.54.33

Porsche 911: The Best vs The Best

Your best and greatest challenger is yourself. To do better and grow, compete with the person you were yesterday. Greatness comes from within. From pitting you against you. Onto the greatest version of you. What would happen if Muhammad Ali stepped in the ring against himself? Or if Maria Sharapova faced off against herself. And if Magnus Carlsen sat across a board from himself. Only the best have a chance against the best.

What happens when a Porsche 911 meets a new Porsche 911 on the road? Only a Porsche 911 can beat a Porsche 911.

Porsche takes a look at the greatest competition and how it challenged itself to create the new Porsche 911.

For more information about Porsche please contact:

Pete Hodges at Park Place Porsche (214) 525-5408 or PHodges@10.2.54.33

First McLaren 570S Arrives in US

At McLaren, every component is there for one reason, and one reason only– to create a driving experience like no other. That’s where the new McLaren 570S Coupe comes in. The first McLaren 570S Coupe has arrived state-side and made an appearance on CNBC.

The global retailer network is holding over 1,000 orders for this superb new addition to the McLaren range, the most attainable McLaren to date.

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

The start of production of the new Sports Series heralds a new chapter in the short history of McLaren Automotive. When the full Sports Series family is complete by 2018, it is forecast to more than double the annual volume of McLaren Automotive to more than 4,000 cars per year. The Sports Series is priced from $184,900 for the 570S Coupe.

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

Jolyon Nash, Executive Director – Sales and Marketing at McLaren Automotive explained, “The start of production of the new Sports Series cars is a pivotal moment for McLaren Automotive. In our short history, we have produced a range of supercars and hypercars targeted at a core, enthusiast buyer. Since 2011, our sales have increased year-on-year with corresponding developments in revenues and profits. The Sports Series is targeted towards a new buyer and opens McLaren up to the sports car market that we have not served to date. The buyer of a Sports Series model will still experience the benchmark performance and driver engagement delivered by every McLaren model, but will also notice the increased usability and practicality that differentiates it from our existing cars. In addition, the Sports Series will make a significant contribution to the long-term sustainability of the company.”

For more information about the McLaren 570S please contact:

Malcolm Gage at McLaren Dallas, (214) 849-5355, mgage@10.2.54.33

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

McLaren 570S Coupe Launch 2015 Portimao

Maserati Expands 2016 Portfolio

The 2016 Maserati line-up has two powerful new additions in its latest product portfolio. The Italian automaker is now offering an S version of its Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans, each equipped with a high-powered V6 410 HP rear-wheel drive variant. Maserati also introduces new enhanced safety and convenience features to its expanded range of sedans such as Start & Stop System, Blind Spot & Rear Cross Path alert, Power Trunk Lid/Hands Free feature, premium Harman Kardon 900 watt audio system, Clari-Fi on Bowers & Wilkins sound system, SIRI Smart Personal Assistant and a new wheel collection.

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Other product highlights include exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna specially fashioned interior trim package now available on both Ghibli and Quattroporte models. Designed in collaboration with the legendary Italian fashion brand, these silk interiors are specially outfitted and woven, much like a fine Italian suit. Available in three color variants (Nero, Cuoio and Rosso), this tailored interior option is now available on the 2016 Maserati sport sedans and will later extend to the full Maserati range.

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Maserati continues to offer its range-topping GranTurismo coupe and convertible models. The GranCabrio Sport and GranTurismo MC Centennial Edition feature an exceptional degree of personalization for clientele to pair with its vigorous naturally aspirated V8 engine and signature drive. The GT line is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s design ethos, combined with the purest of driving pleasure.

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As Maserati expands its offerings, it continues to strengthen its position and grow its share in the luxury segment. The Company persists, pushing the cusp of design innovation to stay its course on the cutting edge of the automotive industry.

For more information about Maserati please contact:

Malcolm Gage at Maserati Dallas, (214) 849-5355; MGage@10.2.54.33

Oscar Restrepo at Maserati Fort Worth, (817) 263-3696; ORestrepo@10.2.54.33

Volvo XC90 Wins SUV of the Year. Again.

No stranger to accolades, the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 is the Motor Trend SUV of the Year. “Everyone at Volvo Cars is exceptionally proud to win the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award,” said Lex Kerssemakers, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. “The all-new XC90 is a strong indicator of things to come at Volvo.”

The new Volvo XC90 with the T8 engine driven in Tarragona, Spain.

When it was introduced in 2002, the original Volvo XC90 won Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year as it redefined the seven-passenger SUV segment.

To judge contenders for the award, Motor Trend’s editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking, and handling. Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. An off-road section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In the third phase, the judges debate and deliberate.

The new Volvo XC90 T6, exterior

Developed from the ground up on Volvo’s unique Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), with a 316 horsepower, supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine featuring an EPA rating of 25 mpg highway, a tablet-like Sensus control system, and understated Scandinavian design, the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 sets a new standard for the luxury SUV segment.

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With its full suite of IntelliSafe features and two more world firsts for safety. The all-new Volvo XC90 is also the safest Volvo ever, earning top safety rating from the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

xc90 crash test

For more information about the Volvo XC90 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