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A Storm’s Brewing at Maserati Dallas with the New 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo VIP Edition

When Maserati CEO Tim Kuniskis described Trofeo – the first V8 powered Levante SUV – at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, he mentioned that the Trofeo was “proof that when you play with the elements you end up in a storm.”

The enhanced engineering and delightful designs create amazing expectations for the Maserati lineup that includes five customizable models available for delivery at Park Place Maserati Dallas. 

For those who love the Levante SUV lineup, the limited edition Trofeo is an exclusive model that promises a great date with the road.  The dominant SUV can also be customized to match your personal style and instill the memories Maserati makes. 

The exclusive and limited production VIP edition in Grigio Lava Matte is currently stealing the show at Maserati Dallas.

PERFORMANCE

The launch edition Levante Trofeo delivers a resilient ride for Maserati enthusiasts who enjoy the sport tuned experience at every dramatic turn of the wheel. A 3.8L Twin Turbo V8 engine supports the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive capabilities prepared for seasonal road conditions. With a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, the 590-hp SUV is in a VIP room of its own.

An all new driving mode also adds sporty steering stability to the current driving models of Normal, I.C.E., Sport, and Off Road. Corsa improves the exhaust valves, increase gear shifting, adjusts the air suspension height, and more. The Maserati Integrated Vehicle Control also makes its Levante SUV debut to create an overall dynamic exhibition for those concerned about safety and driving dynamics.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Levante’s stout stance remains evident with the Trofeo VIP edition as either 21 or 22 inch wheels are available. Your choice of brake caliper color (red, blue, black, silver or yellow) hide behind glossy or dark colored Maserati rims. A sleek design can be coated in one of eight available colors, including the Grigio Lava paint with matte finish. The Trofeo is also sense engaging as striking front Full Matrix LED headlights illuminate the night and powerful rear exhausts pipes deliver aggressive V8 tones.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Upon entrance, a Trofeo driver will appreciate the supple leather comfort the owner and his passengers will appreciate. All natural leather seating offers supreme comfort complimented by the exclusive seat details for additional back support. Pristine stitching also provides a trail of contrasting enclosure to the interior from the dashboard to the side panels. The 1280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround system presents a crisp round of sound for all occupants to enjoy any musical performance from the Maserati infotainment system.

Carbon fiber trim adds a layer of athletic aesthetics from the informative instrument cluster to responsive paddle shifters and filtering down to the sleek center console. The small details, which include the trademark Maserati “M” with the embedded Trofeo print, creates a large impact on this SUV.

Rain, sleet, or snow, the Levante Trofeo is ready to change the forecast for future SUV models. 

For more details on how you can customize a Levante Trofeo- or another Maserati model if the SUV isn’t your style,  visit Maserati Dallas.

The exclusive and limited production VIP edition in Grigio Lava Matte is currently stealing the show at Maserati Dallas.

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What’s New at Park Place for 2019, Part 1

Last year was quite the year for product and new model launches, releasing a pretty stellar 2019 line-up from Lexus, Porsche, and McLaren. 

The purposes of this article is to give you short primer on what you can expect to see at Park Place- right now.  From SUVs , sedans, and supercars, there’s a bit of something for everyone. Maybe you’ll spot your future daily driver, weekend joy rider,  surprise gift for that special someone, or simply find your new dream car to pursue in the months and years to come.

If we have inventory or research materials, we’ll be sure to link resources and specific pages throughout the article. And if this is your first time purchasing or leasing a car, do not fret. Our team is trained and eager to assist you throughout the entire process because at Park Place, it’s our goal to make a car buying experience a memorable and proud  “yeah, Park Place is my place” moment. 

What’s On the Ground At Park Place

2019 Porsche Cayenne

The new 2019 Porsche Cayenne is already available at both Park Place Porsche Dallas and Porsche Grapevine. Learn more with this virtual test drive below featuring 335 hp in the base model and 434 horses available in the upgraded Cayenne S.  

Both the Cayenne and Cayenne S can reach 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, so if you’re looking to add some extra power while keeping a clean luxe exterior for seamless transitions from errand running, to work meetings, and date night , Porsche’s luxury SUV is the ticket. All current Cayenne inventory at Porsche Grapevine and Park Place Porsche Dallas can be viewed by clicking here.

2019 Lexus UX

The first ever Lexus Crossover is built for those with a love for adventure, without committing to a full-size SUV. Elegant, yet striking and crisp design includes a uniquely design tail lamp with an interior based on intuitive technology will not just meet but exceed the millennial seeking contemporary, youthful design, Lexus-level reliability, and seamless performance all in one.

The all-new Lexus Crossover is available, with the UX 300 starting an MSRP of 32,000 and the UX 250h at just above $34,000.  Park Place is offering a few models with upgraded accessory packages, like the UX Urban Lander Edition introduced at Park Place Lexus Plano.

Click to View all of our UX inventory at both Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine

McLaren 720s Spider

Revealed online earlier this month (and available to order immediately), the new 720s Spider combines the thrill of open-air driving with unparalleled Super Series dynamic performance and sophistication. The 2019 McLaren 720s is an exhilarating second generation McLaren, fitting for both the repeat collector and a first McLaren investor.

2019 Models are now available at McLaren Dallas and McLaren Houston. Click to View 2019 McLaren 720s Inventory

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

It’s already been called an entry-level game changer. The long-awaited Mercedes-Benz A Class will likely land a coveted spot on the modern millennial bucket list pretty quickly.  And with a MSRP of below $35,000, without concessions, on digital experience it’s pretty easy to see why.

The A-Class Sedan is equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine, 188 hp and 221lb-ft of torque, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The interior and head lamp lighting capabilities add an additional special surprise for passengers.

The technology systems integrate the new MBUX user experience with voice recognition based on artificial intelligence. Demos have arrived at Park Place Motorcars and will be available in the showroom later this month.

Are you ready to set-up your test drive and explore leasing options? Visit ParkPlace.com for more information and contact one of the four Park Place Motorcars locations (Grapevine, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington) with any questions or requests. Click to Explore Park Place Motorcars

Volvo S60

The new 2019 S60 (and all new ’60 models) are getting the upgrades from their 90 counterparts from amenities and styling. The S60 is also the first model built in the United States plan in South Carolina, sporting a slicker look and powerful engine. Car and Driver commented on the sedan as a “formidable competitor in a way that it wasn’t before.” It still represents classic Volvo design language perfectly with emphasis on intuitive technology, safety innovations, sustainable power updates, and now a “bold attitude” to match.

We highly encourage a test drive to experience the different in Volvo’s four-door ’60 sedan. Click To View Inventory

Park Place Select Premier Tier

Park Place Dealerships is expanding the successful subscription program, Park Place Select. This new fourth tier (called the Premier Tier) offers supercars to its subscribers.

The Premier tier includes the McLaren 570 Spider, Bentley Bentayga, Bentley Continental GT Convertible, Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz G63.

Learn more about this one-of-a-kind subscription-based ownership experience here.

View our current special lease offers at all Park Place locations

Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring what you can expect to either be released or hit our dealerships later this year (including the 2020 911 and Land Rover Evoque).

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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: A Top Contender in the 2019 United States Luxury Market

Mercedes-Benz is introducing a new entry-level sedan to the US luxury segment that screams accessibility without compromising brand integrity. The new A-Class Sedan is an entirely new United States offering from the German manufacturer, with a starting MSRP of below $35,000. 

The only other four-door Mercedes-Benz with a starting MSRP of below 35k is the CLA, which was their first launch in the millennial market back in 2013. Now, 7 years later, the A-Class is ready to not just make its US debut, but cause quite the uproar among millennials wanting to enter the luxury segment on a budget.

In an October Forbes article Mark Aikman, general manager for marketing services for Mercedes-Benz USA commented “It’s our gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand and will be available alongside the CLA. It will be the new entry point for the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

A Lack of Luxury Features? Hardly.

With an entry level price tag, you might assume that the features would be lacking. That is quite the opposite; Mercedes-Benz wanted to not only introduce a luxury sedan the modern millennial could afford, “but also desire.”  

The A-Class Sedan is equipped with a 2.0L inine-4 turbocharged engine, 188 hp and 221lb-ft of torque, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. This new model is also available in a 4MATIC variant, which is All-Wheel Drive so all four tires does the same amount of work, which is great for Mercedes drivers who experience tough road conditions.

The technology systems integrate the new MBUX user experience with voice recognition based on artificial intelligence. This AI tech differs from the standard direct voice command because it incorporates natural language processing. The instrument panel and touchscreen multimedia screen come in a standard 7 inch display, with options to upgrade to a 10.25-inch versions.

“A-Class looks fantastic but the big story is really the technology inside of it. Mercedes-Benz is well known for launching latest and greatest technology inside S-Class or other higher-end models. But A-Class is the first vehicle in our lineup to get MBUX,” says Aikman in his interview with Forbes.

Other luxuries already included are dark tinted windows all-around and a large, panoramic glass roof.

Striking Self Confidence

The front exterior is highlighted by a deep panoramic grille tilted towards the front with vertical chrome inserts and the classic star in the center.  The headlamps actually provide another defining moment for the A-Class and the Mercedes-Benz brand. The grid structure on the inside of the headlamp ensures an easily recognizable look, with a special surprise.

The grid structure specials is coated with a UV paint that is exposed to ultra violet light. This makes the headlamps actually glow in different colors, depending on the light medium according the MBUSA press release.  For example, the daytime running lights are white.

The new lighting technology is mirrored in tail of the sedan. According the MBUSA, the new tail lamps were designed as “structural sculptures,” adding to the pleasing outer aesthetics of a road-worthy show car.

The New Millennial Bucket List

Ratings and reviews have been raving about the success of the A-Class Sedan, garnering an initial 4.5/5 rating on CarAndDriver.com and  cnet.com. But there’s an element of storytelling, or ‘doing it for the gram’ that adds to its affordable mystique.

Part of the success of the A-Class and subsequent campaign focuses on adding and checking-off “owning a Mercedes-Benz” to the Millennial Bucket list: “A lot of people think it’s not within reach for them today and they may be putting it off. That’s where we found an amazing correlation between a bucket list and putting that consideration of a Mercedes-Benz, and now an A-Class, on that list — and cross it off,” says Aikman.

Coming early this year, stay tuned to Park Place social media and communications for when the new A-Class officially arrives in our four Park Place Motorcars showrooms. To all Mercedes-Benz admirers the A-Class is ready to redefine the luxury sedan market, and Park Place could not be more excited to make your bucket-list dreams come true this year.

Share Your Story! Tag @parkplacetexas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the tag #MyPlace for a chance to be featured.

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The New Range Rover Evoque Sets Exceptional Standards

The New Range Rover Evoque sets new standards of refinement, capability and sustainability in the compact SUV segment, created from an all-new vehicle architecture. 

“When Range Rover Evoque made its debut back in 2010, it transformed the world of compact SUVs and the new model is set to continue that remarkable journey. This characterful vehicle combines refinement and fun to create that all-important emotional reaction that will turn heads and make people smile.” – Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer

Pushed to its limits by the Land Rover team, the Evoque performed exceptionally well in harsh conditions, proving it’ll be hard to disturb such a expertly crafted SUV. See how the design architecture of the new Range Rover Evoque elevates the driver experience.

 

For More information on the available 2019 Land Rover Evoque or to learn more about the  2020 Evoque , visit our Park Place Jaguar Land Rover team in person and online at parkplace.com. 

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Volvo Cars Breaks Global Sales Records in 2018

With its award dominating lineup, it’s no wonder that Volvo Cars reported a Global increase in sales for 2018.  The Swedish manufacturer grew 12.4% in global sales compared to its prior year, selling over 640,000 units.

SUV popularity in the U.S. vehicle market is just one reason behind Volvo’s sales success. In an overview of 2019 SUVs to watch out for, Business Insider shares that SUVs still account for 46% of all auto sales.

The new sales record in 2018 underscores, according to Volvo Cars,  the strong demand for their renewed portfolio, leading with the XC60, and followed by the XC40 and XC90.  In the final month of 2018,  Volvo Cars increased SUV sales 2% from the previous year. 

Here in the U.S., Volvo Dealers earned a 20% increase in sales, again, led by the XC60. Among major regions, the United States saw the most year over year growth due to Volvo’s continuous competitive design, safety, and performance improvements. Performance capabilities are key as consumers are switching from sportscars to SUVs.

2019 is expected to continue with a high contribution of sales stemming from the United States due, in part, to the made-in-the-us  S60  cars that have already started reaching dealerships. 

Overall, the XC60, which received various awards in 2018,  was the top selling model with 180,000+ units sold. The next in-line model, the full-size XC90, received sales half of its midsize counterpart (94,182 units). 

View our newest Volvo Inventory or see how the Volvo SUVs stack up to other luxury competitors by visiting parkplace.com 

 

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Maserati Introduces Limited-Edition Edizione Nobile

To start the new year, Maserati announced a 2019 MY limited-edition Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante: Edizione Nobile. Only 150 editions will be produced; fifty for each model.

Designed for the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante − and exclusively available on GranLusso models − the Edizione Nobile package envelopes each car in the deep dark Blu Nobile tri-coat paint, new for 19MY. The exterior of the three cars also stands out with 20-inch alloy wheels and elegant silver brake calipers.

As for the interior, a dedicated badge is prominently displayed in the center console highlighting the exclusivity of these limited-edition vehicles. Additionally, they receive Sport seats – normally reserved only for GranSport models – trimmed in rich Pieno Fiore natural leather featuring a unique two-tone nero and cuoio color combination. Rear passengers will be able to relax with the comfort of heated seats while front seat occupants can enjoy both heat and ventilation. The Quattroporte and Ghibli cabins are trimmed with high-gloss Rovere wood veneer while the Levante is outfitted in a high-gloss metal net weave.

A wide breadth of additional features are included, such as:

  • Alcantara® headliner
  • Bowers & Wilkins ultra-premium surround sound audio system
  • Maserati’s Level II Autonomy Driver Assistance Package, which includes:
  • Highway assist system, 360° surround view camera, lane keeping assist, active blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, forward collision warning plus, traffic sign recognition and pedestrian recognition

Deliveries of models featuring the Edizione Nobile package will begin in December to Maserati showrooms in both the U.S. and Canadian markets.  Stay tuned to Maserati Dallas on social media and on ParkPlace.com for special edition Maserati Inventory, including the currently available Maserati Levante Trofeo VIP Edition (shown below).

Limited Edition Maserati Levante Trofeo VIP Edition available at Maserati Dallas

Maserati Dallas is located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue. View all current inventory or book a service appointment by visiting www.ParkPlace.com. 

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McLaren Reveals 5th Long-Tail: the 600LT Spider

Available now for order with a starting price of $265,000, the fifth generation McLaren Long Tail now sports a retractable hard-top for open air driving.  It’s availability is limited, but the reduced weight, increased power, optimized aerodynamics, track-focused dynamics of the long-tail family and the new convertible design will appease current and prospective McLaren drivers alike. 

“The McLaren 600LT Spider adds a new dimension of excitement to the most extreme model in the Sports Series family, while losing none of the Longtail focus. Taking full advantage of the strength of the carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis has ensured that the new Spider has dynamic abilities and performance on par with the 600LT Coupé, for a weight premium of just 110.2lbs and with no additional structural strengthening required. In addition to our weight advantage over competitors, we have also retained the top-exit exhausts that debuted on the Coupé – and I’m pleased to report that they sound and look even better with the roof or rear window of the Spider lowered!” –Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive.

Memorable Aura and Visual Drama with a Hard Top Roof

Switching to and from open air touring is “as easy as a push of a button”  at speeds of 25mph or less.  The retractable roof not only offers the physical sensation of wind in the hair, but opens the door to a memorable aura and visual drama of the rooftop exhausts that are unique to the 600lt. The hard top roof is more secure and wear-resistant than a fabric roof, offering the closed coupe cabin refinement when not activated.  McLaren incorporated successful tech from teh 650S, 675LT, and 570S Spiders to create a this secure hardtop roof in the new long tail unit.

Performance Enhancements

The upgraded powertrain enables the driver to exploit the 600LT Spider’s carbon fibre monocoque chassis to the full, aided by a dual-clutch, Seamless Shift seven-speed Gearbox (SSG) that features Ignition Cut in Sport mode to facilitate faster changes whilst delivering a dramatic aural crack from the top-exit exhausts, plus Inertia Push in Track mode to optimize acceleration. The 600LT Spider will reach 60mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds, with 124mph achieved in just 8.4 seconds – a near-indistinguishable 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupé. The maximum speed is 201mph with the roof raised, or 196mph with it lowered.

Performance is further enhanced by the lightweight carbon fibre bodywork that creates the Longtail silhouette and the same design of fixed rear wing as the Coupé which – despite the aerodynamic challenges posed by a convertible body – generates the same 220.5lbs of downforce at 155mph.  Ultra-precise, track-focused handling is supported by a forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension system with recalibrated dampers, firmer engine mounts and a lightweight braking system. The 600LT Spider is fitted with bespoke, track-focused Pirelli P- Zero™ Trofeo R tires and the driving experience is further enhanced with quicker steering and sharpened responses from throttle and brake pedals.

Thriving Reputation

The new 600LT Spider is the fifth model to carry the coveted LT badge, joining the illustrious bloodline that began in 1997 with the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, of which only a development prototype and nine examples were built. Victorious in five of the 11 rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship, the original Longtail also finished first and second in the GT1 class at Le Mans, almost 30 laps ahead of the opposition. McLaren Automotive revived the legendary Longtail name at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, with the launch of the 675LT Coupé, a limited-volume model that rapidly sold out. In response to customer demand, a 675LT Spider followed, all 500 examples of which were sold within two weeks. The fourth model to bear the Longtail name, the 600LT Coupé, was revealed in July 2018 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has since been hailed by critics as one of the finest cars in its class – an accolade that will now be challenged by its new Spider sibling.

For A Limited Time

Like it’s coupe counterpart, the 600LT Spider convertible will be available for a limited time. The 600LT Spider starts at $265,000 and is now available for order from McLaren Dallas or McLaren Houston .

Learn more:  https://cars.mclaren.com/sports-series/600lt-spider 

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McLaren Sales Up 29 Percent Locally While Manufacturer Hits Record Globally

DALLAS (January 8, 2019) – McLaren Dallas finished 2018 with a robust sales increase of 29% over the previous year spurred by demand for new models.

“We delivered our first of the new Ultimate Series cars, the McLaren Senna, in 2018,” said Heath Strayhan, general manager of Park Place Premier Collection. “Each of these vehicles contained highly bespoke McLaren Special Operations content.”

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) undertakes special vehicle commissions and customization. More customers are now choosing to add unique, personal touches to their vehicles, which has caused MSO orders to triple over the past year.

Global sales for McLaren Automotive were up 43.9 percent. McLaren has increased sales every year since its formation in 2010. North America, which represents McLaren’s largest single market and over a third of global sales, surpassed 5,000 cars sold since sales started in 2011. McLaren enjoyed another year of record growth.

The company celebrated building its 15,000th car last summer at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey, England, where all its cars are hand-assembled. The plant consistently built more than 20 cars per day with exports to over 30 markets.

The MPC also built its most varied mix of products yet, including examples from each of the company’s now firmly established Sports, Super and Ultimate Series lines. In addition to the McLaren Senna and 600LT, the company launched the first two of 18 new products under its Track25  business plan: the fully deposited Speedtail and the 720S Spider.

“By the fourth quarter of 2018, we began deliveries of the Longtail version of the 600LT,” explained Strayhan. “We recently delivered a McLaren 570S GT4, a high performance track car, to a McLaren Dallas client. Powered by the Sports Series’ twin-turbo V8, the GT4 features a new wide body with a high-level rear wing. New for 2019 will be the highly anticipated 720S Spider, which will begin delivery this quarter. Our clients are very excited about all the options available and the ability to customize their car to be one of one.”

In November, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Crown Prince of Bahrain opened McLaren’s second ever facility, the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region.

It will help the company to innovate and produce lightweight carbon fiber ‘tubs’ that will enable it to deliver the lightest in class products and win what McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt has described as the new ‘lightweight race’ versus the traditional ‘power race.’ 

“We now have greater control over our core component – the carbon fibre chassis at the heart of all our cars that gives them – and our customers – a unique performance edge,” stated Flewitt. “Our new MCTC facility ramps-up to full production later this year as we move to full hybrid for our sportscars and supercars by 2025.”

McLaren Dallas, located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue, is part of the Park Place Premier Collection, which includes Maserati Dallas, Bentley Dallas and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

 

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McLaren Automotive Introduces the New 720s Spider

Revealed online earlier this month (and available to order immediately), the new 720s Spider combines the thrill of open-air driving with unparalleled Super Series dynamic performance and sophistication.

“The new McLaren 720S Spider offers an unparalleled blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury, driver involvement and daily usability – all with the additional exhilaration of open-air driving whenever required. As the most accomplished convertible supercar ever, the new Spider delivers across a remarkable spectrum of abilities to outstandingly high levels, and as lightest in class with an increase of just 108lbs over the 720S Coupé, moves us even further ahead of our competition in the weight race.”- Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

McLaren’s engineering ingenuity, underpinned by the inherent strength and rigidity of carbon fibre, means that despite the removal of the fixed roof there is no need for additional strengthening; even the unusually slim but incredibly strong windscreen A-pillars first seen on the 720S Coupé remain. To provide enhanced rollover protection for occupants, fixed carbon fibre structural supports are integrated into the rear of the Monocage II-S, additionally providing the main anchor points for the roof system and the seatbelts. In the first-generation Super Series, steel supports featured and the switch to carbon fibre has contributed to the Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) in the 720S Spider being 15lbs lighter than in the 650S.

Overall, the new 720S Spider is just 108lbs – or less than 4% – heavier than the 720S Coupé. The increased weight is primarily associated with the RHT and tonneau system. With a lightest dry weight of 2,937lbs, the 720S Spider is comfortably the lightest car in its competitive set, at 194lbs less than the 3,131lbs dry weight of its closest rival. The low weight is the foundation for the dynamic, performance and efficiency benefits that McLaren is so adept at exploiting for the greater enjoyment of its customers.

The canopy-like design of the 720S Coupé is recognized for the sense of 360-degree vision it provides, allowing light to flood into the cabin and setting a new benchmark for visibility. This philosophy of unrivalled vision is central to the second-generation Super Series and the new Spider moves the game on again, with unique, glazed flying buttresses further aiding driver visibility as well as adding visual drama to the car.

The leading edge of the buttress features an aerodynamic carrier to guide airflow, before dramatically tapering off to expose darkened glazing; the design and the use of glass delivers a 12% improvement in over-the-shoulder visibility compared to the previous McLaren Super Series Spider.

Power and Performance: Nothing Shorting of Phenomenal 

Acceleration is nothing short of phenomenal, with 0-60mph covered in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph achieved in just 7.9 seconds – just 0.1 seconds off the pace of the Coupé. The standing quarter mile sprint is dispatched in 10.4 seconds – again, only 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupé – and where conditions allow, the 720S Spider will continue accelerating to a Coupé-matching top speed of 212mph with the roof raised. Even with the roof lowered, maximum speed remains extraordinary at 202mph. The minor variations in performance arise from differing aerodynamics and the additional 108lbs the Spider carries.

Retractable Hard Top

The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) of the 720S Spider is a completely new design, with a one-piece, carbon fibre roof panel as standard. The hardtop maintains the distinctive silhouette and aerodynamic purity of the 720S Coupé and provides a full carbon fibre upper structure when the roof is closed. The folding mechanism for McLaren’s new RHT is electrically rather than hydraulically driven and the system is the fastest-operating convertible roof in the supercar class, with the retractable hard top lowered or raised in just 11 seconds – six seconds quicker than the 650S Spider. The combination of e-motors and the strength and light weight of the carbon fibre RHT enables a maximum vehicle speed during operation of 31mph – a significant increase from the 18.5mph of the 650S. With these performance statistics, it is no surprise that McLaren has registered three worldwide patents for the roof system.

The active rear spoiler, which automatically activates to either decrease drag or increase downforce and can also act as an airbrake to enhance vehicle balance under heavy braking, can rise at lower speeds and to a higher position overall in the Spider application, optimizing downforce and balance to ensure that performance and driver engagement is on par with the 720S Coupé. And while the rear spoiler is identical on both Coupé and Spider, the deployment mapping is bespoke to each body style, the aero settings differing depending on whether the Retractable Hard Top is raised or lowered and the vehicle electronics being automatically aware of which condition it is in.

Three specifications, two new exterior colors, return of one heritage color

The new 720S Spider is available in the same three specifications as the Coupé, with Performance and Luxury trims extending above the standard model. Two new exterior colors – Belize Blue and Aztec Gold – have been introduced for the new Spider among a palette of 23, one of which is Supernova Silver, a Heritage color that was first available on the McLaren 12C. 

The McLaren 720S has established a reputation in Coupé guise for its ground-breaking design, cutting-edge technologies and ferocious pace, complemented by a breadth of ability and sophistication that delivers everyday usability belying its extreme performance status. Available for order now. Contact McLaren Dallas for details. 

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Volvo’s Vision for the Future of Travel: the 360c Concept

Imagine a fully mobile work space that not only made your commute hassle free, but let you actually work or relax while going from point A to point B. Imagine if this fully functional work space could eventually be offered by employers or even on subscription basis.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well not for Volvo Cars who’s mission makes the automotive experience easier and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers alike. Much of this can attributed to their overall design approach, putting the human before any technology advances or upgrades- ensuring it’s executed in a way to positively influence an experience, rather than merely stay up-to-date for the sake of well, staying up-to-date. 

Volvo Cars released the 360c Autonomous Concept earlier this fall as a tangible view of the company’s vision for the future of travel. The concept itself reflects the ever-changing structure and design by which people live, something any retailer or automotive manufacturer alike can struggle to achieve.  By transforming unproductive or boring commutes into useful and enjoyable minutes (or hours) on the road, then yes, Volvo Cars has the ability to possibly transform the well-being of their riders with four scenarios built in: sleeping space, mobile office, living room, and entertainment space. 

“The 360c explores what becomes possible when we remove the human driver, using new freedoms in design and recapturing time – it’s a glimpse at how autonomous drive technology will change the world as we know it. The possibilities are mind-boggling,” said Mårten Levenstam, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Volvo Cars. 

Fully autonomous and electric travel offers a range of advanced safety and environmental benefits, such as less pollution, less traffic congestion, and related health and lifestyle advantages for those living in cities. It also opens up possibilities for more residential freedom, reduced pressure on real estate pricing and more affordable home ownership.

“People becoming less reliant on proximity to cities is just one example of the impact of removing the burden of unproductive travel time,” said Mårten Levenstam. “The 360c driving office makes it viable for people to live at greater distances from crowded cities and use their time both in a more pleasant and more effective way.”

The 360c is based on a fully autonomous, electric car without a human driver. It reimagines how people travel, how they engage with friends, family and contacts, and how they can recapture time while travelling.

This is just the start, but Volvo Cars President comments this design concept is just the conversation starter as more ideas and answers make their way to the Volvo team of engineers and designers. 

 “It will have a profound impact on how people travel, how we design our cities and how we use infrastructure. But we are just one of many stakeholders, so we expect and invite a broad discussion as society learns how to make the most of this revolutionary technology.” – Marten Levenstam