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Park Place Premier Collection to Add Karma Automotive To Its Selection of Luxury Brands

Park Place Premier Collection, part of the Park Place Dealerships group, has added Karma Dallas to its selection of luxury brands on Lemmon Avenue. Karma Automotive chose Park Place because of its 32 years of luxury automotive experience as Karma looks to expand their specialized retailers in several key U.S. markets.

“Karma is an electric brand with their sights set on growing the luxury mobility experience,” said Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “The release of the 2020 Revero GT luxury electric vehicle this year and then the all-new fully-electrified global platform in 2021 will appeal to our client base who enjoy impressive engineering and design. Dallas is one of only 18 Karma dealers across the United States and is poised to electrify high-performance drivers across Dallas/Fort Worth.”

By establishing Karma in the U.S., the world’s most demanding luxury market, Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou says he believes the company can succeed anywhere.

“To win in our luxury electric vehicle niche, it’s not enough to simply offer a great product and owner experience, we must also be sure we establish distribution points in the right places,” said Zhou. “By gradually expanding our presence this way I am confident our company – and our products – will be well prepared for the world’s discerning luxury buyer of the future.”

Based in Southern California, Karma Automotive designs are rooted in the nature around them. Karma’s vehicles offer timeless design powered by electricity, fuel and the sun. Their vehicles are unapologetically conspicuous in their beauty and uncommonly light in their footprint. Which offers an unparalleled ownership experience, focused on the discerning buyer.

Karma Automotive currently offers the 2019 Revero, the ultimate plug-in hybrid sedan, at a starting price of $130k. The Revero contains a 403-horsepower electric motor and a 235-horsepower generator to charge the mid-mounted lithium-ion battery. The solar roof of the Revero isn’t just for show. It was developed to charge the 12v battery as well as the high-voltage battery, adding to the electric range. Mother Nature will provide enough power for 500-1000 miles per year.

Later this year, Karma will start delivering the updated 2020 Revero GT. The GT offers similar capabilities as its predecessor while boosting its electric driving range to 80 miles and extending to 380 miles with the highly efficient three-cylinder onboard generator.

Karma combines stunning design and a dominant presence with their electric vehicles. This is truly present in the badges of each vehicle, all of which are painted by hand and set in a precision-machined ring of aluminum. Look closely and you may notice some subtle differences between each unique piece, so every car made is truly one of a kind.

About Karma

Karma Automotive designs, engineers, and markets luxury electric vehicles, all from its Southern California base of operations. Founded in 2014 and employing nearly 1,000 people worldwide, Karma Automotive is committed to elevating and growing the luxury mobility experience for its customers and draws on global relationships and technology partners to achieve this.

 

About Park Place Dealerships

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Maserati, and now Karma, one of the most luxurious electric cars in the world. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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The Porsche Taycan: Over 300 Miles of Supreme Performance Without A Drop of Gasoline

Update July 2019: Porsche has officially announced that the Mission E is now the Porsche Taycan, which translates to “lively young horse”, referencing the center of the Porsche crest.

“The new electric sports car is athletic and performance-oriented; a car that is capable of longer distances, and represents freedom”, explains Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Here comes the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche.

The Future of Porsche Sportscars

The future of Porsche Sportscars looks absolutely stunning with the first ever purely electric sports car in the performance brand’s history showcasing a combination of revolutionary tech and a futuristic exterior- all while remaining true to the epic Porsche style of the past 70 years. The Porsche Mission E Concept project head, Stefan Weckbach, notes that Porsche expertise lies in the “complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains” similar to the iconic and truly rare 918 Spyder or 919 Hybrid.

Performance and Powertrains:

Take one look at the Mission E Concept specs and it’s unmistakably a sportscar. The exterior shows futuristic elements and upgrades to the aesthetics without hiding the iconic Porsche proportions. As with Porsche sports cars, the technology used is based on motorsports tech. For example, the two PSMs (permanent magnet synchronous motors) propel the front and rear axles,  forward and conserve energy when braking are similar to those found in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, one of the oldest endurance, sports car races.

The Mission E is a powerful concept with over 600hp that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and further up to 124 mph in less than 12.

Dynamic Driving: Avoiding the Straight and Narrow

According to Porsche, the essence of Porsche is truly experienced driving down “winding roads” and hugging tight corners. The Mission E Concept candidly agrees with that assertion.  The specs show that the battery lies flat throughout the underbody to lower the sportscar’s center of gravity and enhance lateral dynamics. The even weight distribution achieves a balance between the front and rear of the concept car, allowing the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Torque Vectoring to operate to their full potential.

What is Porsche Torque Vectoring: PTV Works to actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, it works by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands. For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction, and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.

The Taycan is race track ready with an equipment closet containing an active suspension derived from the 911 chassis. According to Porsche.com, expectations are high for this full-electric sportscar concept to lap the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes.

What is the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring? A 150,000 person capacity motorsports complex located in Germany with four track configurations including the Nordschleife, which is 14.73 miles long. Porsche broke the lap record earlier this year with Timo Bernhard at the helm, clocking in at 5:19.55 driving a Porsche 919 Evo.

Everyday Practicality in 15 Minutes

Not only has Porsche doubled the standard charging voltage to 800 volts, but they have subsequently reduced the charging time. The Lithium-ion battery powers the car for more than 300 miles on a single charge, and only needs 15 minutes to recharge for 250 miles worth of range.  Appropriately called turbo-charging, the 800-volt technology will be installed in charging stations along German freeways.  But, do not fret if the 800-volt station isn’t available; the Mission E can be charged with the conventional 400-volt station or in its own garage.

The Taycan (formerly known as the Mission E concept) has two electric motors (1, 2). Its 800-volt powertrain enables short charging times and extended range. The lithium-ion battery (3) is integrated into the underbody, which improves weight distribution and also enables inductive charging. The conventional charging port is located in the front left fender (4) (taken from Porsche.com)

 

The Designer’s Dream

There has not been a Porsche created that doesn’t reflect the brand’s heritage, making it an instantly recognizable machine. Aptly deemed, “Thrillingly different, yet reassuringly familiar,” the Mission E Concept reflects that tradition with distinct innovations like integrated aerodynamics. Integrated air channels enhance airflow around the wheels to reduce excess pressure and the risk of lift. The new concept evokes memories of the 918 Spyder with its arrow-like front, the 911 with its distinctive front fenders, and the 911 GT3 RS with broad recess runs from the overlapping front hood over the roof.

What’s new? Even more discreet design. The Matrix LED headlights hover within the air intakes. The four points surround a flat sensor used for driver assistance systems, with a border that serves as a turn signal. The flow of surfaces is not disturbed by side mirrors; instead, cameras are mounted on the sides. The handles on the rear doors are integrated with the shell, and a continuous arc of red light connects the rear fenders with a back-lit Porsche insignia located below it in black glass.

Move inside, and the dashboard shows ingenuity based on the cockpit design of the very first 911. A passenger can activate the holographic display with the wave of the hand, while either the driver or the front passenger can operate the radio, navigation system, climate, phone, and apps in a touch-free form. Every played charades? Well this a game of intuitive gestures detected by sensors inside the Taycan.

With the Porsche Taycan, the future is electric…and fascinating, indeed.

 For more information visit Porsche.Com

For Park Place Porsche Inventory or Inquiries Visit ParkPlace.com

 

 

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Lexus Introduces 2020 LS 500 with Dramatic New Look

Color and emotion are uniquely tied together (check out our post on the Power of Color)  and the right shade or hue can elevate any already polished and luxe experience to a higher level. Cue the Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series demonstrating the true power of color with a limited-production interior and exterior combo.

Only 300 units of this LS Inspiration series will be produced.                                        

 The 2020 LS 500 is set to arrive this fall, featuring a deep Garnet Color for the first time (see photos).  This is the fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, but the LS 500 is the first sedan to have this exclusive treatment. The Deep Garnet exterior is a deep, metallic shade of red. 

To compliment this lustrous red are standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Similar to the body color, the wheels will catch the sunlight for a hint of glimmer, all while retaining a polished look that accentuates the elegant features of the LS.

Interior Details

The interior begins with standard White leather trim on the seats, center console, and door panels.  The dying process on the semi-analine leather gives a bright white contrast to the black dashboard, steering wheel and carpet. Kirko glass, origionally only available with the executive package, now comes standard in this limited-edition design as a trim on the door panels. 

LED dash lighting and Lexus puddle lamps welcome you at each door.

Coming this Fall

Like all 2020 LS 500s, the Inspiration Series is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that develop 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6seconds.The available AWD system features a TORSEN®limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.

Limited to just 300 units in the U.S., the 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Edition goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Contact Your Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine for more information on all new models entering our showroom this year.

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Volvo and Uber Take Next Stops Towards Self-Driving Cars

After years of research and testing, Volvo Cars, a leader in automotive safety, and Uber, the leading ride-hailing firm, today present a jointly developed production car capable of driving by itself, the next step in the strategic collaboration between both companies.

Uber and Volvo Cars entered a joint engineering agreement in 2016 and have since developed several prototypes aimed at accelerating the companies’ self-driving car development. The Volvo XC90 SUV presented today is the first production car that in combination with Uber’s self-driving system is capable of fully driving itself.

The XC90 base vehicle is equipped with key safety features that allow Uber to easily install its own self-driving system, enabling the possible future deployment of self-driving cars in Uber’s network as an autonomous ridesharing service.

The most important features of Volvo Cars’ autonomous drive-ready production vehicle include several back-up systems for both steering and braking functions as well as battery back-up power. If any of the primary systems should fail for some reason, the back-up systems are designed to immediately act to bring the car to a stop. In addition to Volvo’s built-in back-up systems, an array of sensors atop and built into the vehicle are designed for Uber’s self-driving system to safely operate and maneuver in an urban environment.

When paired with Volvo’s vehicle platform, Uber’s self-driving system may one day allow for safe, reliable autonomous ridesharing without the need for a Mission Specialist, the specially trained Uber employees operating and overseeing the car in areas designated and suitable for autonomous drive.

The autonomous drive-capable production vehicle revealed today is part of Volvo Cars’ 2016 commercial agreement with Uber for the delivery of tens of thousands of autonomous drive-ready base cars in coming years.

“We believe autonomous drive technology will allow us to further improve safety, the foundation of our company,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “By the middle of the next decade we expect one-third of all cars we sell to be fully autonomous. Our agreement with Uber underlines our ambition to be the supplier of choice to the world’s leading ride-hailing companies.”

“Working in close cooperation with companies like Volvo is a key ingredient to effectively building a safe, scalable, self-driving fleet,” said Eric Meyhofer, CEO of Uber Advanced Technologies Group. “Volvo has long been known for their commitment to safety, which is the cornerstone of their newest production-ready self-driving base vehicle. When paired with our self-driving technology, this vehicle will be a key ingredient in Uber’s autonomous product suite.”

Volvo Cars plans to use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its future autonomous drive cars in the early 2020s. These technologies, to be introduced on the next generation of Volvo models based on the SPA2 vehicle architecture, will include features designed to enable unsupervised autonomous drive in clearly designated areas such as highways and ring roads.

Volvo Cars believes autonomous drive can generate significant potential road safety benefits for society as a whole when all cars are autonomous. Until that moment, the technology can offer customers a better driving experience by taking away mundane tasks such as stop-start driving in traffic jams.

Stay tuned to Volvo Media or the Park Place Blog as we receive updates on the latest technologies. 

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Pricing Released for the Next Generation Mercedes-Benz GLS

The largest and most luxurious SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has raised the bar- again. Noted as the S-Class of SUVs the new GLS will come in around a $75,200, and sport the latest in intuitive Mercedes-Benz technology.

Progressive Interior Design

The new GLS includes various seating customizations, including a 6-person option with Captain’s Chairs. Clients also have the choice between a three-seat rear bench seat or two individual seats with armrests in the second row depending on your own wants and needs.  Each seating row is fully electric and adjustable to increase the already generous amount of passenger space. 

The steering wheel is “new generation” with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles, a widescreen dual 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster, 64-color Ambient Lighting, and a 12.3″ multimedia display.  Past packages including the Premium Package, Lighting Package,  and the Parking Assist package are now standard on the 2020 GLS.

And of course, the MBUX intuitive experience technology with Intelligent Voice Control, Natural Language Understanding, augmented video for navigation,  and the NEW MBUX Interior Assistant which recognizes arm and hand movements to support operating intentions. 

Sophisticated Chassis

The new Intelligent Chassis is the only system of its kind in the market and is another new benchmark for this luxury SUV segment. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension is paired with the 48-volt technology for outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling, and off-road capability. 

Equipment Highlights- Standard

      • 3.0L Inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost for smoother acceleration and increased efficiency
      • 7-seat configuration or 6-seat configuration with Captain’s Chairs
      • LED Intelligent Light System
      • Revolutionary MBUX User Interface with Voice Control and Natural Language Understanding
      • MB Navigation
      • 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster
      • 12.3″ Media Display with Touchscreen
      • Touchpad in center console
      • 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills
      • Heated front seats
      • Active Parking Assist with Surround View
      • Blind Spot Assist
      • PRE-SAFE® Sound and PRE-SAFE® Sound
      • Active Brake Assist
      • Car-to-X Communication
      • 9 USB ports and 115V household outlet
      • Nappa Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel with Touch Control Buttons
      • DYNAMIC SELECT
      • Power tilt/sliding sunroof
      • Wireless Charging
      • Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
      • Burmester Surround Sound System
      • SiriusXM Radio
      • KEYLESS-START and KEYLESS-GO
      • AIRMATIC Suspension
      • 19″ wheels
      • Easy-Pack Tailgate and Load Compartment Cover

Extreme Test Driving of the 2019 GLS:

Imagine what the off-roading capabilities could be in the new 2020 GLS if the outgoing model can handle extreme terrain testing. 

The 2020 GLS is expected to be available in the United States by the end of the year. Stay tuned to your Park Place Motorcars dealership for more info as it’s released.

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The New Porsche 718: Perfectly Irrational

Hungry for every curve and optimized for the racetrack. 

The Porsche 718 family welcomes two new members to the model family: the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder.  Poised with agility and intimate proximity to power, these sportscars will delight those who enjoy an unadulterated driving experience. 

Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spider share a technical base – a Porsche first- with a newly developed four-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine together with a six-speed manual transmission.  While this GT4 represents Porsche’s entry-level GT road model, the Spider “lends itself to all kinds of curves.” And with both models being able to accelerate 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds from stopped, it’s clear these are designed with the iconic Porsche Performance in mind.

View each model’s specs and see a preview of its performance, courtesy of Porsche. 

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The 718 Cayman GT4 produces 50% more downforce thanks to an improved aerodynamic design.  A major player in that improved design is a single-chamber arch rear silencer which creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser and ultimately accounts for 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.

  

 

Porsche 718 Spider

Porsche terms the Spider variant as a “pure machine for driving pleasure,” sporting a lightweight convertible top that can combat top speeds. Top up or down, you’ll still get the thrilling power and aerodynamic improvements, and at 120 km/h (about 74-75 mph), the rear spoiler will automatically come up.

 

 

For the full technical write-up on the 718 GT4 and 718 Spider, visit Porsche Newsroom.

 

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Patrick Long Shares 3 Professional Tips for Handling Your Porsche

Poised for the Track, Ready For the Road

“Driving events are a great way for people to feel the capability of their Porsche, no matter what they drive, you’ll see your daily commute isn’t as rough as you’d think.”

The prestige of the Porsche marque is legendary. Power performance and iconic body styles make these sports cars standout- on Dallas’ Interstate 35 and on the race track.  Professional race car driver Patrick Long is no stranger to the Marque, he began making a name for himself in 2003 as a Porsche Factory Driver. Since then his list of wins and accomplishments lends him to being somewhat of an expert on Porsche handling.

So whether you’re a true ‘track rat’ or simply someone who takes to cruising local highways, we thought imparting some of Patrick Long’s professional wisdom on the Porsche 911 could enhance your drive and help you (safely and responsibly) get the most of your Porsche experience.

Q1: Many driving tips we hear repeated like, ‘adjust your seat and mirrors’ or ‘look ahead’ that as adults we often consider as just for new drivers. Why is it actually important for anyone interested in performance driving?

Positioning in motorsport and in a daily routine, you know driving to work, are in a complete parallel

On the Track

“Positioning in motorsport and in a daily routine, you know driving to work, are in a complete parallel. Naturally, safety is number one, your protection and visibility out of the car are crucial.”

“Posture and stability in a racing seat is so key for us in surviving long hot days in a very stiff and harsh racecar. Hitting speeds close to 200mph force racing drivers to constantly be looking far ahead, as things happen fast on the track.”

On the Road

“Change that out for driving down the freeway or through a neighborhood and you’re rewarded by the same technique of awareness and visual scanning and seat position. My own preferences include sitting low so that I’m near the chassis, making sure my steering wheel hits at my wrist at the top of the wheel and I’ll have a slight bend in my leg in relation to my proximity to the pedals.”

 

Q2:  Let’s assume most people don’t take their 911 to a track day. They’re kind of missing out on seeing just how far they can push their car. For those using the 911 as a daily driver, what would you tell them about trusting the capability of the vehicle?

On the Track

“When we are fortunate enough to give customers rides on a racetrack with their street cars, it blows my mind how agile and efficient these cars are, they perform really well.”

“One thing I tell people about any Porsche is not only are they high performing, but the performance is on tap over and over. When we are fortunate enough to give customers rides on a racetrack with their street cars, it blows my mind how agile and efficient these cars are, they perform really well. I am not only referring to the 911.  A Porsche Panamera or Macan are staggeringly good.”

On the Road

“Porsche prides itself on the DNA of its racing heritage – light, low and well-ventilated means we can hustle Porsche product on the tracks, lap after lap, with consistency. Driving events are a great way for people to feel the capability of their Porsche, no matter what they drive, you’ll see your daily commute isn’t as rough as you’d think.”

Q3: Tires are always important. Why do tires correlate so closely to your car’s performance?

You are only as good as the four contact pads connecting to the car

“Tires are so key. You are only as good as the four contact pads connecting to the car. Imagine you have all the right clothes on, but your feet are frozen, burning or hurting as you walk through extreme weather. Everything matters a lot less than your feet at that point. It’s the same with cars; don’t think that a tire is black and round and the inexpensive or old and worn is as good as the fresh and proper tire for your car and weather conditions. ”

On the Track

In motorsport, we focus on compound and construction of hundreds of models of tires. It’s shed a ton of light on the temperature of the road and how your tire’s rubber responds and either works or really struggles. I will take the proper compound of a tire over fancy tread design any day. 

On the Road

“The age of your tires has a massive effect on how they perform as well, don’t think of it only in tread depth. There is a lot of reading on this subject, but I suggest consulting your dealer for input on whether you are on an ideal type of design and compound for where you live and what type of driving you do.  Most important, seek info on the age of the tires; they will be able to tell you right away based on the markings of the sidewalls.  This is especially important for seasonal usage or collector cars where mileage might have little factor into the need to replace your tires.”

 

Learn more about how to handle your Porsche from track to road:

Follow @parkplaceracing and @parkplacetexas for more race updates and driving tips from the Park Place Motorsports Drivers. Have a question? Email us at social@10.2.54.33 and we’ll ask our professional race team for their input!

 

 

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Range Rover SUV Experiment Continues with 2019 Velar

The phrase avant-garde is defined as new and unusual or experimental ideas. Following the first edition release last year, the 2019 Range Rover Velar returns with more in store, bringing avant-garde to your luxury SUV. While Range Rover conducts another amazing SUV experiment, here’s why the Velar should be tested by you.

Interactive Design

A full 12 months after receiving the World Car Design of the Year in 2018, the Range Rover Velar has continued to age gracefully. The 2019 Velar fills a gap between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport.

For those who prefer simplicity, drivers will enjoy the minimalist skills needed to operate engaging technology inside the front cabin. Two 10 inch, high-definition touchscreens are accessible to the driver and front passenger. The two vertical screens allow for navigation guidance to be visualized on the top screen, while audio is streamed on the bottom display.

The stylish SUV also provides a unique blend of compact mid-size swagger for those needing a vehicle for daily city driving or weekend off-roading.  The Sports Command Driving Position creates enough visibility for drives needing additional clarity while driving.

Capability Rules

If traveling is important to you, Range Rover’s All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Intelligent Drive Dynamics (IDD) systems are available as standard. The duo supports engine torque distribution that provides the essential power to perform under any situation. The torque is transferred to the front and rear wheels that also create the necessary traction in a variety of road and weather conditions.

The two systems together are specifically crafted for the Velar to handle low traction scenarios such as snowy and wet grassland climates, but also offer the best performing with high terrain driving.

Land Rover also patented Hill Descent Control (HDC) to assist a driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes. An Electronic Air Suspension also adds to the Velar’s stature by adjusting the height in preparation for uneven surfaces.

Powerful Performance

An 8-speed automatic transmission optimizes the gear, fuel efficiency and acceleration while one is behind the wheel. Three engines are available beginning with a 2.0L 4 cylinder that outputs 247HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. The two V6 supercharged engines both provide 332 lb-ft of torque and over 340 HP.

If you are in the market for a new SUV, the Velar is a versatile model that is available in multiple variations. To find which model fits your needs, visit the Range Rover Velar inventory available on parkplace.com or contact the Land Rover DFW dealership for more info at (844) 362-1094.

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The Fine Art of Custom Configuration with Video Game Technology

Bespoke. Custom. Options. Specifications. Configurations. Whatever you want to call it, personalizing one’s auto during the vehicle purchase is the name of the modern ultra-luxury purchase experience.  Now enhanced with video game technology, McLaren Supercar Configurators put the power in the hands of the consumer, taking their model and making YOUR ideal supercar. 

McLaren has transformed what has previously been viewed as a “standard process” into an art form enhanced to be even more realistic for the singular production super cars.  From Speedtail Exclusivity and MARC Configuration, to the array of in-dealer options to experience, your McLaren could potentially be made up of everything you like. No Compromises. 

The McLaren 600LT Marc Configuration 

This real-time configurator takes video game technology to create “unprecedented levels of realism,” according to McLaren Automotive.  Like most ordered goods, sometimes visualizing what the end product will really look like is difficult. That’s, in part, why the in-dealership/in-person experience is still very much relevant to auto contenders. You have experts guiding you and top-technology showing you.

MARC stands for the McLaren Automotive Real-Time Configurator.  It helps customers for some of their most recent releases including the Senna and 600LT, visualize their vehicle in an almost-realistic way before delivery, ensuring they are 100% happy with their choices prior to ownership. MARC uses ultra photo-realistic detail and its a mark of McLaren’s digital pioneering spirit.

Though a measure of the clear technological success of the brand, MARC brought a couple of challenges with it. 

‘Usually in a computer game when you represent a surface you represent a reflection on that surface in one way, but with clear coated carbon fibre the light reflects off the carbon fibre layer differently to the clear coat layer, almost like two reflections,’  says Doug Wolff, Partner Technology Manager at Unreal Engine Enterprise.

A bespoke client can still begin the process online choosing from different specifications on any of the McLaren Line Up.  MARC then extends that level of detail from just paint color, wheel design, and trim to customizing your brake calipers, seatbelts, or a variation of a carbon fiber upgrade. Clients can see how they work together in amazing detail to ensure that their 1/1000 permutation is exactly what they envisioned for their supercar moment.

Speedtail Car Configurator

Road and Track recently were invited to take this specific configurator, only available to the 100 or so people who have purchased the new speedtail, for a spin.  We’ve linked their full review here, but in short, the experience is “what dreams are made of.”

So are you ready to configure your supercar? Contact McLaren Dallas to learn more about our current in-dealership configuration experiences.  

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4 Reasons Why the New 2020 GLE is an SUV ‘Game Changer’

This year Mercedes-Benz has taken on a new level of luxury with game changing technology at class breaking price points. It began with release of the new A-Class with base models coming in around $32,500, and now it’s time to take that new innovative vigor to the world of SUVs. 

Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, states they are “committed to shaping a new era of mobility in which the focus is on the customer.” Introducing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, equipped with  MBUX Infotainment, elevated interior comfort, efficient performance, and an attractive exterior design. 

So here’s a short walk through, from our own Park Place Mercedes-Benz experts of 4 reasons why this SUV is worth a test drive.

1. GLE Exterior Re-Design

The GLE showcases its attractive new front fascia with striking front headlights with its ultra wide beam of the LED Intelligent Light System projecting the maximum light intensity. A terrific sight at night when leaving the office or dinner party.

As you walkaround the GLE, you will appreciate the dominant presence the mid-size SUV has from the side profile. Illuminated running boards and enhanced wheel options add fresh flavor to the GLE’s character. The rear LED taillights also had additional flare and supportive awareness for drivers.

2. MBUX Infotainment

As soon as one opens the door to a 2020 GLE, you’ll see the dramatic dashboard developments. Two 12.3 inch digital screens dominate the dashboard and invite users to engage with the widescreen technology. The instrumental cluster features two dials with informative Mercedes vehicle alerts and notifications.

The COMAND multimedia screen has now morphed into the MBUX infotainment screen that allows users to engage with a touchscreen monitor. Previous generation GLEs only allowed use of a COMAND controller or touchpad near the center console. Artificial intelligence also crafts the user experience as you can activated the voice recognition by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.”

3. Interior Comfort

A significant development for all occupants is the increase in the GLE’s wheelbase. An additional 3.1 inches have been added to the SUV as rear passengers earn significantly more legroom.

The front passengers are not ignored in the comfort arena thanks to an optional ENERGIZING Comfort system. With amazing blends of lighting, massages, and music available to passengers, one can set the mood on the drive to the gym by yourself or the drive to brunch with your date.

4. Efficient Performance

The 2020 GLE350 sports a new 2.0L Inline-4 cylinder turbo engine improving fuel efficiency and maintaining 255 HP in addition to the 273 lb-ft torque from the previous generation SUV line. Drivers will also enjoy a fluid 9-speed transmission that allows for quicker response times during a daily commute. To enjoy a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, one would have to purchase a GLE450 that upgrades performance to 367 HP and 369 lb – ft torque.

If you have interest in upgrading from your current SUV model to a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE, visit Park Place to view our current demos and stay tuned for more inventory.