Vehicles – Page 27 – Park Place Dealerships

July 1, 2015July 1, 2015

Porsche Ranks Highest in J.D. Power Study

Porsche is dominating the competition for the third year in a row. The brand achieved top rating in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Several of its models also won top honors in their vehicle segments. This is the first time that five Porsche models ranked in the top 3 in their respective segments.

The Porsche 911 ranked highest for the fourth consecutive year in the Midsize Premium Sporty Car segment.

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman swept the first two places in the Compact Premium Sporty Car segment.

In its first year of production, the Porsche Macan was awarded the highest rank in the Compact Premium SUV segment.
“The success of Porsche is primarily dependent on the satisfaction of our customers,” said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “We see these awards as confirmation of our strategy for high quality standards in design, development and production and in continuously offering Porsche customers a unique purchase and ownership experience.”

Porsche Cayenne and Panamera achieved third place in the Midsize Premium SUV and Large Premium Car categories.

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study measures the number of problems experienced by U.S. customers during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score meaning higher quality.

Porsche scored only 80 points on the problems per 100 scale, compared to the premium industry average of 110. The overall industry average was 112.

June 29, 2015

Local Organizations Benefitting from Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Fundraiser

Texas Rangers baseball players put on quite the show off the field. The 15th annual Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular, held recently at the Hilton Anatole Dallas, gave fans a chance to get up close and personal with their favorite players and coaches.

The annual event is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, raising more than $610,000 for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation this year. “Park Place Dealerships is proud to be part of this worthy endeavor,” said Jordan Case, president of Park Place Lexus. “The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation touches the lives of thousands of kids across our community, and that’s the real reason behind this fun evening.”

The “Big Top Bash” theme featured circus acts and carnival games such as the strongest man, ring toss, and a fire breather. The Triple Play event also featured live and silent auctions, giving fans opportunities to get unique sports and entertainment memorabilia or even secure a seat on the Rangers team plane to Seattle in August, or a trip on the owner’s private jet to Los Angeles to see the Rangers face the Dodgers.

The highlight of the evening was players going head to head in game show-style competitions. You’d think a championship series was on the line the way these guys battle each other in the fun games.

The fan favorite Fielders Feud pitted infielders Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, Adam Rosales and Prince Fielder against outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Leonys Martin, Carlos Peguero, and Mitch Moreland. The Outfielders were victorious this year.

The Rangers added Win Lose, or Draw to the lineup with hilarious interactions between Anthony Bass, Robinson Chirinos, Carlos Corporan, Ross Detwiler, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Nick Martinez, and Shawn Tolleson.

The entire Texas Rangers roster attends the event to chat with guests, sign autographs, and take pictures with fans. Each year, guests remark how much they enjoyed the personal interaction with players and coaches.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children in need and provides funding for youth in crisis, youth health initiatives, youth baseball programs, and youth education. Celebrating its 24th year, the Foundation has given back more than $13 million to help area children.

Following are some of the organizations that benefited over the past year:

o Constructed a custom-designed ball field for the Southlake Miracle League for children with special needs.

o Provided equipment and uniforms for more than 3,000 kids to play baseball in the Rangers RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) programs in Dallas, Arlington, Lancaster, Austin, and Fort Worth McKinney Little League Baseball program.

o Keller Sports Park after vandals damaged the ball fields by driving vehicles across the park.

o Donated $10,000 to Celeste High School to help install lights on the baseball field.

o The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball grant program.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 1,700 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Volvo, smart, Jaguar, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. Park Place is currently building a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Arlington, scheduled to open fall 2015. For more information about Park Place Dealerships, visit parkplace.com.

June 26, 2015July 8, 2015

Behind the Badge: Lexus

Lexus’ relentless pursuit of perfection started years before it launched its first luxury sedan in 1989.Toyota’s newly-formed luxury division needed a brand name and a logo that would evoke images of luxury. Over two-hundred names were suggested, including Verone, Chaparel, Vectre, Calibre, and Alexis.

“Finding an appropriate name proved to be a difficult exercise. It had to be elegant, but not effeminate; classy, but not prissy; bold, but not brazen. And it had to be unique.” (Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit by: Chester Dawson)

Alexis was the frontrunner, but there were a few hesitations. “The chief argument against this appellation [Alexis] was that it sounded like the name of a person, not a car.” (Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit by: Chester Dawson)

Eventually “Alexis” was shortened to “Lexis” which evolved into “Lexus” and Lexus’ identity started taking shape.

With a brand name in place, Lexus needed a logo. How do you convey luxury and sophistication of Lexus so it’s recognized with a single glance?

The Lexus logo is simple yet symbolic. The letter “L” surrounded by an oval border portrays Lexus’ timeless elegance and sophistication. The smooth, oval shape resembles the aerodynamic quality of Lexus vehicles.

Celebrity Lexus owners include Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Cameron Diaz, and Christie Brinkley.

Experience the luxury and beauty of Lexus at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

June 25, 2015June 25, 2015

Lexus Creates Hoverboard of the Future

Lexus has partnered with world leading experts in super conductive technology to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever developed.

“At Lexus, we constantly challenge ourselves and our partners to push the boundaries of what is possible,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president, Lexus International. “That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the Hoverboard project. It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.”

The Lexus Hoverboard operates using magnetic levitation to achieve amazing frictionless movement. Liquid nitrogen cooled superconductors and permanent magnets combine to allow Lexus to create the impossible.

Wrapped in a design that is uniquely Lexus, the Hoverboard features the iconic Lexus spindle grille signature shape and uses materials found in the luxury car brand, from the high tech to natural bamboo.

The Lexus Hoverboard is part of the fourth project in the Lexus ‘Amazing in Motion’ campaign that showcases the creativity and innovation of the Lexus brand.

Testing of the Lexus Hoverboard will be taking place in Barcelona, Spain over the coming weeks.

Check out Lexus’ other amazing creations at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Plano.

June 24, 2015

Park Place Motorsports- Pursuit of Victory in a Porsche

Following an impressive run that has seen the team earn a victory and a top-five in successive races, Park Place Motorsports drivers Patrick Lindsey and Spencer Pumpelly will head to this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen in pursuit of victory in their sleek Porsche 911 GT3. Currently sitting sixth in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship GT Daytona standings, the team knows it must achieve maximum points as the season nears its halfway mark.

“The Six Hours of the Glen is always a big challenge. With such a high speed circuit you’re pushing at the absolute maximum the whole time, but we feel as prepared as ever,” stated Park Place Motorsport driver and team principal Patrick Lindsey. “At Laguna Seca we proved that we had an unbeatable pace, and this track should reward a similar setup and approach. With Spencer on board we have a great shot at it, I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

While many teams will run a three-driver line up for the six-hour event, Lindsey and Pumpelly have elected to keep the lineup to just them.

Spencer Pumpelly, a former winner of this event, looks forward to the challenge ahead.

“A two-driver lineup should hopefully give us an advantage this weekend,” stated Pumpelly. “Each practice session is only an hour, and with Patrick being as quick and as fit as he is, there’s no need for us to add to the mix. Anything can happen, but we’re well prepared and this has historically been a good Porsche track, so we’ll see what happens come Sunday.”

Porsche 911 GT3

Practice for the race begins this coming Friday, June 26, with the race going green at 10:10 AM ET on Sunday, and finishing six hours later. The first four hours will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 beginning at 10:00 AM ET, with FOX Sports 2 broadcasting the remainder of the race beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Photo credit: Sideline Sports Photography

June 22, 2015

2016 Jaguar XJ- Sports Sedan Redefined

The 2016 Jaguar XJ’s all-aluminum luxury sedan is now more desirable than ever. An updated exterior design, enhanced information and entertainment systems, new available driver assistance features and greater differentiation are in the model line-up.

Subtle changes to the exterior design, accentuated by full LED headlights, add to the XJ’s already distinctive looks. Materials such as semi-aniline leather and inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment.

Matching this traditional craftsmanship is state-of-the-art technology, including a new infotainment system.

InControl Touch Pro offers features such as door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi and 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio.

The driving experience is better than ever, thanks to a V6 diesel engine which offers more power and torque and less fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, and an electric power-assisted steering system that enhances Jaguar’s reputation for unrivalled agility and responsiveness.

“More dynamic and distinctive than ever, we’ve engineered our flagship sedan to deliver even greater levels of luxury and performance.”

“Featuring our new world-class infotainment system, interior materials and finishes which create an even more bespoke feel, and with our higher output, lower emissions diesel engine, the XJ rewards drivers and passengers like no other luxury car.” Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XJ.

The new XJ features a larger, more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the outboard air intakes emphasize the car’s mature, prestigious character.

The full LED headlights accentuate the ‘quad lamp’ design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steer- and static bend lamp functions, and auto high beam-assist. LED headlights also provide a color temperature closer to that of daylight than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility and driver comfort, and are also more energy-efficient.

The LED rear lights feature a new J-signature tail and position light graphic, making the XJ even more distinctive. The rear bumper now features a gloss black valance and a slender chrome insert. Oval exhaust finishers complete the look.

The XJ’s peerless interior design has been taken to the next level. So luxurious has it become that the outgoing Portfolio trim is now used for the Premium Luxury model. The new Portfolio gains quilted soft-grain leather seats with diamond stitching and embossed headrests, and figured ebony veneer.

The Autobiography model, new to XJ in the 2016 model year and available only with the long-wheelbase body, can be identified on the outside by chrome front bumper air intakes and 20” Mataiva wheels. Inside, there’s a unique Autobiography Intaglio, quilted semi-aniline leather seats with contrasting stitching, a leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, and illuminated stainless steel tread plates, air vents and boot finisher.

The new R-Sport model features a three-piece front splitter, deep side sills, side power vents and rear spoiler. A gloss black finish enhances the grille mesh, rear valance and, as standard in select markets, the window finishers. Wheels are 20” Venom. The interior gains sports seats, R-Sport steering wheel and tread plates, Jet headliner and piano black trim.

Coming this fall.

Check out the full Jaguar line-up at Park Place Jaguar Dallas and Plano.

June 19, 2015

Behind the Badge: Bentley

The story of Bentley begins high in the sky in the early 1900s. The now world-renowned British maker of luxurious cars started out designing and manufacturing rotary engines that were used on airplanes during World War 1.

Bentley rose to fame in the aviation industry with the Bentley BR1 aero-engine. Shortly thereafter, the company branched out into the automotive industry and Bentley Motors was born in 1919.

Bentley factory in Cricklewood, outside London in early 1920’s

Bentley showroom in Central London in 1920

Founder Walter Owen Bentley, known to everyone as W.O., was known in the automobile industry. Prior to finding success with plane engines, he worked with his brother selling cars before launching the brand bearing his name.

W.O. Bentley with his car

The Bentley logo has 2 versions – a “Winged B” and the flat “B” logo with wings on either side.

The letter B simply stands for Bentley while the wings on either side symbolize speed, as if to say the car can fly.

What’s interesting is the badge colors and the number of feathers in the wings on either side of the “B” varies depending on the type of car.

Vintage cars typically have 13 feathers on the left and 14 on the right.

Crewe cars have 10 feathers on each side.

Derby cars have 10 feathers on the left and 11 on the right, which is the most commonly used logo today.

The red Bentley logo is used to identify V8 models while the 12-cylinder models are adorned with the black Bentley badge.

The Bentley logo is made up of three main colors: white, black, and silver.

The white symbolizes charm and purity, black stands for elegance and superiority of the luxury cars, and silver is the overall sheer sophistication of the brand and the detail that goes into a Bentley.

Check out the full Bentley line-up at Park Place Bentley Dallas.

June 5, 2015June 9, 2015

Behind the Badge: Maserati Trident

Maserati logo is one of the most recognized around the world. The trident logo dates back to the days of Neptune, the Roman God of the sea. Upon launching the brand in 1914, the Maserati brothers incorporated the trident in their logo and badges on the cars to pay homage to their hometown of Bologna, Italy, which was also the first home of the Maserati factory before it moved to Modena.

Six of the seven Maserati brothers were involved in creating and building the brand, but it was their brother Mario, who was an artist, who came up with the logo for his brothers’ new automotive brand.

He drew his inspiration from a fountain in Bologna’s Piazza Netunno featuring a statue of Neptune holding his symbolic trident. Piazza Netunno was founded in 1565 to display the statue of Neptune.

Incorporating the trident into the Maserati logo, tied together the history of the city and the family that founded the brand.

The colors in the logo are also symbols in their own right. The blue symbolizes Maserati’s strength and ties back to Neptune- God of the sea. The white resembles purity and allure of the Maserati brand and its line-up.

Today, Maserati symbolizes luxury, power, elegance, and prestige.

Check out the Maserati line-up at Park Place Maserati Dallas & Fort Worth.

May 29, 2015June 4, 2015

Behind The Badge: Rolls-Royce “Spirit of Ecstasy”

The story of a secret romance is embodied in the intriguing and mysterious woman known as Spirit of Ecstasy. The widely-recognized graceful beauty with flowing hair and cape, which adorns the hood of every Rolls-Royce, was inspired by a real woman.

Lady Eleanor Velasco Thornton was the secretary of car-enthusiast Lord Montagu of Beaulieu- who was also a friend of company co-founder Charles Stewart Rolls. Many speculate Lady Eleanor was more than just Lord Montagu’s secretary.

Legend has it that in 1911 Lord Montagu commissioned sculptor Charles Sykes to create a personal mascot for the hood of his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The model for the hood ornament was none other than his love interest Lady Eleanor. The original figurine depicted Lady Eleanor in fluttering robes with her finger pressed against her lips- allegedly symbolic of the couple’s secret love affair.

Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce vehicles didn’t have a hood ornament, so buyers attached random dolls and objects to their cars. That’s when business partners Charles Stewart Rolls and Sir Frederick Henry Royce decided to add the Spirit of Ecstasy as Rolls-Royce’s trademark ornament.

The manufacturing process today takes days of work to perfect each Spirit of Ecstasy. The symbol of class and elegance starts out as a wax figurine; it’s then dipped into melted steel and polished by hand to make it Rolls-Royce ready. No attention to detail is missed, as it takes one week to make just one Spirit of Ecstasy.

The “flying lady” as she was called by some, underwent several changes over time, but the message still remains the same. The graceful goddess is still symbolic of luxury. To everyone at Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy stands for relentless pursuit of perfection that goes into every car they produce.

The story of Rolls-Royce and its iconic leading lady, will be featured on the big screen in 2016. Director Martin Scorcese is producing the film aptly titled “Silver Ghost.”

You can see the Spirit of Ecstasy in person at Park Place Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015

Historic Win In Monterey for Park Place Motorsports

Park Place is celebrating a historic win at the races in Monterey, California. Patience and preparation put Park Place Motorsports in the top spot in the winner’s circle. The No. 73 Park Place car- a Porsche 911 GT/ Justice Brothers / Children’s Tumor Foundation Porsche 911 GT America competed at the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship during last weekend’s Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix in Monterey, California.

Drivers Patrick Lindsey and Spencer Pumpelly led the team to victory after a difficult start to the season.

“It is great to get the monkey off our back,” said Team Principal and co-driver Patrick Lindsey. “We’ve had really fast cars, qualified well, and bad luck has kept us from the top of the box. This is just the first win to get out of the way, there are a lot more to come.”

Good luck and careful management of resources contributed to a dominant performance. They weren’t off to the best start at the Sunday race, a slight balk on the start allowed a few competitors to get ahead during the opening laps.

As the race went on, momentum shifted as the competitors started pulling over for pit stops.

Team Park Place Motorcars knew the challenges ahead with the twists and turns of the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Californian Patrick Lindsey had a strategy in place: patience and managing his tires and fuel would be key to winning.

Patrick was able to pit from the lead with just over one hour remaining, handing the reigns to teammate Spencer Pumpelly for the rest of the event.

“The start was pretty bad for us,” said Lindsey. “If it weren’t for the guys on the pit box though, and our crew over the wall that executed just awesome pit stops, I would have been in a world of hurt. They gave me the chance to shoot out front, get a little bit of a lead and control from ahead. And Spencer got in the car and did what Spencer does best which is go out, run hard and win races.”

With Pumpelly comfortably in the lead, all attention turned to managing fuel for the rest of the race. The team’s calculations worked perfectly putting them first at the finish line and taking the first TUDOR win for the team in the process.

“This was a team effort from start to finish,” stated Pumpelly. “The car was fantastic all weekend. Everyone did a great job. Patrick drove really well this weekend and got his first pole. We proved we had a fast car, all we needed was good drives, good pit work and a little bit of luck that we haven’t had. Sure enough, Patrick gave me a huge lead. The guys got us on and off pit road, twice, faster than I’ve ever seen them do it. Just flawless. True team effort today!”

Up next for the team is the highly challenging Grand Prix of Detroit at the beautiful Belle Isle circuit on May 30^th. We wish the team all the best as they prepare for the race. Be safe and Good Luck!

About Park Place MotorsportsPark Place Motorsports is an extension of Park Place Dealerships.Park Place Motorsports augments the unparalleled attention its dealerships provide by offering customers a premium level of support in relation to their motorsports activities. Services include maintenance and repair, driver and racecar support, and parts engineering and distribution. These offerings are authentically promoted by Park Place Motorsports’ flagship GT Daytona team in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.