The 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Shone Brightly Even in the Rain

Park Place Dealerships donates $55k Sprinter
to Salesmanship Club’s Momentous Institute


Rain or shine. Many outdoor events casually use the term, but few shine in the midst of challenges like the 2nd annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase did on October 13th at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

“It was an exciting day in a lot of ways,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of guests and we were able to execute the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase for the nearly 3,000 people who attended. Many of the private collectors brought their rare and pristine cars out to display them in the Collector’s Concours. The Porsche Club – Maverick Region came together to create an amazing Heritage Display to celebrate Porsche’s 70th anniversary. And we were able to support a wonderful charitable partner in a big way.”

The event benefitted the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services. Schnitzer presented Patton Chapman, Salesmanship Club president, with the keys to a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van to help the organization with its transportation needs for the kids.

Throughout the day, guests saw more than $100 million worth of rare and unique vehicles from manufacturers, collectors and car clubs, including the first public display of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the iconic marque’s first ever SUV. Guests also enjoyed live entertainment, incredible food and beverages, as well as a Highland Park Village fashion show produced by Jan Strimple.

Parents even watched their kids play in the rain, driving miniature electric versions of Porsche, McLaren, Volvo, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus vehicles on the pavestone path. Guests also had the opportunity to meet 16-year-old racecar driver Kinzie “Kiki” Wilson. Featured in her red, racing shirt on the right of her Corvette, the Mansfield Legacy High School Junior is also the Varsity Cheer Captain while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker helped judge the Haute Hat Contest. The Lady’s Haute Hat winner was Anna Neiman (below) with a stylish Rolls-Royce-inspired hat that included working lights.

             


As the day drew to a close, the top three award winners from the Collector’s Concours were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place,” a hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham.

  • Best of Show went to Randy Johnson for his 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C.
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – Fred Cornwall – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, originally hand-built for Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton as an engagement gift for her fiancé Georgian Prince Alexis Mdivani.
  • Salesmanship Club Award – John Kobell – 1980 BMW M1.

Other award winners included:

American Classics

1st –  1959 Chevrolet Corvette – Rocky Rainbolt

2nd – 1932 REO Royale Rumble Seat Coupe – Rob Anderson

3rd – 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe – Rob Anderson

American Modern:

1st in Class – 2009 Dodge Viper – Alan Wilson

British Classic

1st – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Limo – James Stewart

2nd – 1966 Jaguar E-Type OTS – Clark Kirby
3rd – 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II – Michael Davis

British Modern

1st – 2012 McLaren MP4-12C – Warren Huddleston
2nd – 2012 McLaren 12C – Patrick Chiu
3rd – 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith – Erick Johnson

Italian Classic

1st – 1964 Ferrari 330 GT 2 + 2 – Cory Richards

2nd – 1969 De Tomaso Mangusta – Jerry Quam
3rd – 1979 Maserati Merak SS – Betsy Crawford

Italian Modern

1st – 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – William Hale

2nd – 2005 Ferrari 430 – Derrick Blanton
3rd – 2001 Qvale Mangusta – Anatoly Arutunoff

German Classic

1st – 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Convertible – Whitney Stark

2nd – 1996 Porsche 993 Turbo – Raj Gill

German Modern:

1st in Class – 2015 Audi R8 – Brad Harslem

Supercar Classic:

1st in Class – 1993 Jaguar XJ220 – Barry Fromberg

Supercar Modern

1st – 2015 Porsche 918 Weissach Martini – John Savickas

2nd – 2013 Zagato Perana Z-One – Dave Copps

International:

1st in Class – 1972 Citroen SM – Gordon Sauer

Porsche GT:

1st – 2015 Porsche GT3 – Robert Caglia

2nd – 2016 Porsche GT3 RS – Michael Lee

 

Partners included the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.


Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

 

Mercedes-AMG Aspires to Put the HYPE in Hypercar

Not all supercars are hypercars, but all hypercars are supercars. After the Paris Auto Show Mercedes-Benz announced some big plans to put the hype in Hypercar with now named Mercedes- AMG Project ONE. The name reflects the mission to bring Formula One technology and capability, to the road, providing performance seekers with a completely performance driven, aerodynamic driving experience.


The Mercedes- AMG Project ONE is set to be the top-of-the-line model- another allusion that’s logically referenced by its official name. The new hypercar is highlighted by active aerodynamics, which is going through extensive wind-tunnel testing. This technology features a multi-part, two-stage extendable rear wing for maximum downforce in race mode, all to bring racing tech to a street-legal motor vehicle.

The car itself is exciting, but the client experience to spec a Mercedes-AMG Project ONE has elevated and evolved into an exclusive Mobile Showroom titled “The Future of Driving Performance”. It’s in this mobile showroom that potential clients have the opportunity to sit the cockpit of the most recent rendition of the Hypercar and experience a demonstration of the individual equipment options. Right now, it’s only available on the Grounds of the Munich Mercedes-Benz branch, but we’ll definitely be keeping our eye on the evolution Mercedes’ contribution the hypercar circle.  Read more information on Project ONE on Mercedes-Benz.com

Update from Park Place Racing: Too Fast To Handle

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 13, 2018) – Park Place Motorsports ends its 10-hour fight after three due to an undiagnosed gearbox issue at Road Atlanta.
 
Spencer Pumpelly made heads turn as he turned determined laps when disaster struck during the Motul Petit Le Mans. The No. 73 Park Place Porsche GT3 R slowed to a stop on track. Pumpelly maneuvered the No. 73 Porsche out of harm’s way before coming to a full stop, albeit a little too well. Pumpelly was stranded out on track for nearly 30 minutes as he waited for a yellow flag and a tow back to the paddock. 
 
The time between the No. 73 Porsche stopping on track and being delivered back to the paddock caused the team to fall over 30 laps down. While the issue was fixable, the race was determined not to be, and the team decided to retire.  
 
“To start the stint the car was fantastic,” Pumpelly said. “We put a lot of work into it over the course of the stint to make it faster, but I was really surprised when I got in on fresh tires how fast it was for the first few laps. It was a car that seemed to be good over every stage of the race. We started to lose grip as the tires wore but we still were running a lot faster than the people we were chasing.”
 
“Tim (Pappas) did a great job to keep us in the hunt and on the lead lap. Suddenly coming out Turn 5 the revs skyrocketed, and I lost control and forward drive. I knew right away something had broken and I tried to diagnose it hoping it got stuck in neutral. Unfortunately, it was terminal, so we safely came to a stop out of the way and that was our day. I can’t be happier to be back with Park Place Motorsports and work with these guys. It was a fun weekend, a fantastic car and great comradery.”


 
While running, Pumpelly ran a lap time of 1:20.536, the second fastest lap of the race behind points leader Madison Snow in the No. 48 Lamborghini. Before retiring from the race, Pumpelly propelled the No. 73 through the field to the lead lap and 10th place after being put a lap down during the pit stop Pumpelly jumped in to relieve Tim Pappas. Wolf Henzler did not get track time after the recon lap before the race.
 


Park Place Motorsports finishes its partial season having run six races in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. In three of those six races, the team finished the race as the highest finishing or as the fastest Porsche in the field. Park Place Motorsports has yet to announce its plans for the 2019 season, for updates through the offseason visit http://parkplacemotorsports.com.

Woolworth Heiress Barbara Hutton’s 1933 Rolls-Royce To Be Featured at the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase

Oct 13th Luxury Lifestyle Event Benefits Momentous Institute


There’s a story behind each of the 150 unique cars in the Collectors Concours at the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase to be held 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, October 13 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Perhaps none more romantic, or ultimately as tragic, than the story behind the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental built for Barbara Woolworth Hutton, one of the wealthiest women in the world at the time.

At age 12 Hutton had inherited the Woolworth 5 & 10 fortune from her grandfather and a large share of the E.F. Hutton brokerage firm from her father, one of the co-founders. Built during the Great Depression, the luxurious carriage was the most expensive car built at the time. She gave the car to her fiancé Prince Alexis Mdivani of Georgia (now Russia) as an engagement gift. Since the Prince was a pilot, Hutton had the instrument panel designed like an airplane cockpit, including the installation of an altimeter in the dashboard.

The happy newlyweds drove the car throughout Europe on their honeymoon in the summer of 1933. But apparently, the marriage wasn’t built on as strong a foundation as the car. Hutton divorced the Prince in May of 1935. Several months later, Prince Mdivani was driving the car at a very high rate of speed (reportedly over 80 mph) on a country road in France when he crashed and died. Although badly damaged, the car was returned to Rolls-Royce where it was completely restored. The current owner, Fred Cornwall of Dallas, is only the eighth owner of the historic car.

“The chance to see this magnificent car in person is truly a special opportunity,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager at Park Place Dealerships and chair of the event. “I was fortunate to see this splendid jewel recently at the Crespi Estate in Dallas. She will take your breath away.”

A few other notable cars include a 1940 Lincoln which was given to Babe Ruth by the New York Yankees; the very first 1957 Chevy 150 (body #1 serial #2); a ’64 Aston DB5; a Porsche 959; several Ferraris (including a 2005 Enzo) and a 2018 Bugatti Chiron. In total, the show will feature more than $100 million worth of exceptional automobiles.

A panel of experienced judges will select the Best of Show, Chairman’s Choice, and a Salesmanship Club Choice winner. Each of the three top award winners will be presented with a hand-crafted sculpture, created by Dallas artist Brad Oldham, best known for his Traveling Man sculptures in Deep Ellum.

Brad Oldham Sculpture and Park Place Dealerships have enjoyed a long relationship,” said Christy Coltrin, Brad Oldham’s business partner. “We both have a commitment to design, quality and artistry. The “Spirit of Park Place” award is meant to invoke iconic imagery of speed and flight.”

Tickets for the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, which sold out in its inaugural year, range from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes complimentary tastings and beverages by area restaurants. Tickets are available online at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

“Area Car Clubs will display the best of their members’ vehicles in the Car Club Showcase,” continued Shafton. “They’ll bring some extraordinary Lamborghinis, Corvettes, Shelbys, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces.”

Park Place will feature all of their luxury and exotic brands and even a few rarely seen new cars. Guests will be among the first in Texas to see the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan luxury SUV, as well as the new McLaren Senna, an ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach and the Lexus LFA, one of only 50 of the 500 hand-assembled vehicles with the Nürburgring package. 

Participating restaurants featured in the VIP lounge include LAW, OUTLAW Taproom, Dallas Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Taverna, Bistro 31, K?i, Toulouse Café and Bar, Lombardi Family Concepts, Cool River Café, III Forks Restaurant, One Sixty One Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Mirador, Carlton Provisions, Frost 321 and Make Your Life Sweeter. There will also be a great lineup of food trucks including Ruthie’s Rolling Café; Bellatrino Pizzeria; Texas de Brazil; Fast Furious; and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda.

The luxury lifestyle event benefits the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, which is committed to building and repairing social and emotional health for children. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services.

“The Luxury & Supercar Showcase is a celebration of fashion, food, music, and of course, amazing automobiles,” explained Shafton. “Highland Park Village will present a runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple. There will be live entertainment throughout the day. And the Kids’ Zone will have a 60-foot downhill Hot Wheels track and a life-size McLaren 720S made entirely of LEGOs.”

Partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|Urban, Celebrity Cruises, Highland Park Village, AT&T, Hill & Wilkinson, Irving CVB and Irving Chamber, Event Architecture, Bachendorf’s, Brad Oldham Sculpture, RideCentric, GL Seaman, Lockton, Hagerty Insurance, Perks & Provisions, Lilium Florals, Lisa R. Daniels, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture, ExxonMobil, Cox Automotive, Dealer Industries, Garages of Texas, Ratcliff Financial Services, TropicSport, Maui Jims, Jack Black, The Vineyard at Florence, Steinway & Sons, D Magazine, and NBC 5.


Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

Safety First with National Child Passenger Safety Week

For parents, nothing comes before their child’s safety. Yet according to the Center for Disease Control, 59 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, limiting their ability to effectively protect.  It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week, and Park Place Volvo Cars is devoted to upholding our manufacturer’s vision for safety. Our team couldn’t be more proud to sell vehicles we know are some of the safest in the world, providing our clients with that extra ease of mind that they and their child passengers are safe on their journeys

Of particular note, the Volvo XC60 (one of our most popular family luxury compact SUVs) is one of the most awarded vehicles in Volvo’s history, including the prestigious the overall safest car in Euro NCAP 2017 Best in Class safety awards and the ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Luxury Compact SUV’ by Cars.com.

The awards speak volumes that with every new model that is released and all improvements or updates made to the new model years that Volvo Cars is well on their way to meeting their Vision 20/20: Our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.”    


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash and many times deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. The effects of an improperly installed car seat are all too real, which is why you’ll typically find that if a dealership or service does not have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, they will forgo reinstalling car seats and recommend a certified tech to do so after a service.

This Saturday ends National Child Passenger Safety week with Car Seat Check Saturday, where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, will at the bare minimum check your car seat for free. The Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician will educate parents about choosing the right car seat for a child, installing a car seat correctly in their vehicle, and using the car seat acceptably every time. They can also discuss the importance of registering the car seat with its manufacturer, and what to expect if the seat is subject to a safety recall. 

Park Place Volvo works closely with many locations who have a Certified Technician available in the Dallas area and highly encourage that you make an appointment or show up to a location nearest you to have your car seats. checked.  For a list of locations to get your car seat checked Saturday (or any time) visit http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked

“Car seats matter and having the right car seat installed and used correctly is critical, ” says Donny Lambrecht, general manager of Park Place Volvo.  In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Improving child safety in Volvo vehicles has long been a guiding principle with the manufacturer. Did you know that Volvo Cars played a key role in the development of rearward-facing child seats and introduced the world’s first booster cushion in 1978? Today, the company continues to innovate using technology and expertise to build the safest cars.

For more information on a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician near you, please visit: http://cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked 

 

Bentley Celebrates Centennial with 100 Year Details in All New Models

News from Bentley Motors: Bentley is honoring its 100th year by introducing a special Centenary Specification for all of its models.


Inspired by celebrated models and events from the company’s illustrious past, the Centenary Specification will feature on all Bentleys built at the factory in Crewe, England, between January and December 2019.

Centenary badging, distinctive seat embroidery, unique treadplates, and other special details will identify each car as part of the celebrations – ensuring they become true collectors’ items.

Founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, the company has been guided by a simple principle to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”.

Through decades of expertise and innovation, Bentley has designed, engineered and built the world’s most desirable Grand Tourers with a unique combination of luxury and performance. 

 

Centenary Specification: A Mark of Distinction

The Centenary Specification is a collection of exquisite detailing that reflects the attention to detail and unrivaled levels of skilled craftsmanship from the brand. 

Unique Centenary Gold front and rear badging will match the special wheel center badges and treadplates with a ‘1919-2019’ display. The steering wheel badge, key fob and gear selector all feature a similar use of the celebratory design.

A special centenary welcome light will greet passengers and bespoke seat embroidery has also been created, with Centenary Gold headrest logos and Centenary Gold Contrast Stitch or Cross Stitch available on these special models.

Inspired by the exquisite metalwork found on vintage Bentleys – such as EXP 2 of 1919 and the 1929 ‘Birkin’ Blower – Centenary Gold is a refined metallic gold, honoring the company’s rich heritage and racing triumphs while interpreting for the modern day with an elegant warm tone and a deep fluid shadow.  

The color has been specifically crafted to shine and reflect light like jewelry. It will be used in Bentley’s Centenary logo and will be synonymous with Bentley’s celebrations.

The First 100 Extraordinary Years

Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineer enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.

Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.

The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions. For Full Details on Bentley’s Centenary visit www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years


Contact Bentley Dallas and Visit ParkPlace.com to view currently Bentley’s available.

 

Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts of a Luxury & Supercar Showcase

“A car show is like a museum- the same rules apply.”


Come October 13th, Park Place Dealerships, Car Collectors, and local partners will come together at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas to celebrate the rare, the exotic, and the high-performance at an event that puts the “SUPER” in supercar.

In our 2nd Annual Showcase, we have an expanded Concours with 10 classes of vehicles to tickle your fancy- including Supercar, International, Race Cars, and American Muscle.  We are elated to welcome you on the Concours for an experience like none-other in Dallas-Fort Worth. So whether you are a car show pro or an infrequent goer to such events, we want to ensure you are prepped and ready to enjoy your Concours Experience to fullest while keeping our Collectors’ Cars in pristine condition throughout the day.  

We consulted with industry experts and Collectors for the top 3 Concours Commandments for guests to follow for an elevated supercar showcase and concours experience:

First, Don’t Touch Without Permission From the Collector.

This is quite possibly the most important commandment for guests and collectors alike. The cars that will be featured on the Concours are not just a car, they are pieces of art and history and should be treated as such.  Sean Walker of Hagerty Classic Cars likens a show field to that of a museum- “the same rules apply.” Leaning on or trying to sit in the cars, while seemingly harmless, should be avoided out of respect for the cars and their collectors.

Additionally, this commandment extends to being mindful of your accessories. Whether it be a metal belt buckle, bangles, a refreshing beverage, or a savory bite from our local chefs- all these items can be the source of unintentional scratches, grease marks, or spills. Simply be mindful, and you’ll be just fine. 

But, Do Treat the Cars Like Works of Art and Ask First

Our collectors may be perfectly fine with you snapping a quick photo or opening the door to get a close-up view of their pride and joy, but it’s key to ask their permission first. Brian Ratcliff of Ratcliff Financial Services INC., and seasoned collector, suggests a distance of 2-3 feet from the vehicle.

Second, Don’t Not Ask the Collector Questions

Remember the rule of a double negative? Well, this don’t is actually a do: Do ask questions. With so much history congregated on our Concours, it’s pertinent to indulge your car curiosity and our collector’s pride in their submissions. Every car has a story and most likely, the Collector will be more than delighted to share it with you. Remember that these cars are typically the result of a requited passion, and each person may have a different reason as to why they became a collector or what sparked their interest.

But, Do Ask Questions and Permission for Photos

With repetition comes emphasis. “It’s not just a car- there’s a story behind every single one of them,” says Walker. With over 100 collectors, there’s something new to learn about your favorite American Muscle car or sleek Italian driving machine. Get the full story by asking the person behind the plaque, and then ask their permission for a photo so the memory can be shared.

Finally, Don’t Skip, but Do Attend the Awards Ceremony.

The Collectors’ Concours is being evaluated by a panel of highly qualified judges to name Best In Show and Best In Class. This year, the awards will be presented on our Lexus Live stage, making it an exciting and energetic apex of the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Keep these three Concours Commandments in mind, and you’ll be set for an exceptional showcase experience, so reserve your VIP experience via the link below. 

 

We’ll see you on the Concours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Park Place Gathers Some of the World’s Finest for the Supercar Showcase

A High-Performance Line-Up You Can Experience

Between an Expanded Concours and Park Place Dealerships bringing in some the world’s finest vehicles, there will be no shortage of “oohs & ahhs” on the Luxury & Supercar Showcase Concours. While the first rule and 

tenant of a car showcase (see Do’s and Don’ts of the Supercar Showcase Blog Here) is to look and not touch unless specifically told by the Collector, at the Park Place tents, guests can and are highly encouraged to explore, touch & feel, and ask questions about our Park Place featured lineups by brand. Below is just a smattering of what exceptional machines will be available throughout the day at our showcase event…and you’ll want to read all the way down. We have some breaking news!

Rolls-Royce Cullinan:

 Under the Cullinan’s hood is a 6.75 liter, twin-turbo V12 pushing out 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine Rolls-Royce uses for its iconic Phantom, which also shares the SUV’s aluminum-intensive platform. The famous “magic air ride” feel that rendered the Phantom peerless has also been re-engineered by adding larger air struts with greater air volume, and by strengthening the drive and prop shafts to cushion blows from the toughest terrain. Featuring all-new, all-wheel drive and an all-wheel steering system — the first in Rolls-Royce history — the Cullinan reaches a top speed of 155 miles per hour.  Approach the Cullinan and it lowers roughly 1.5 inches for easy entry, rising back to normal position upon startup. The air suspension has adaptive damping and was built specifically with a degree of off-road luxury in mind — but a Rolls-Royce kind of off-roading, with a spotlight on smooth transitions. A lone off-road button is all it takes to prep the vehicle for whatever terrain you can throw at it, and it will even ford over 21 inches of water if needed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the incredibly capable off-roader in person at the 2018 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, 

2019 Mercedes Maybach:

“It is impossible to outdo an S-Class — except when the S-Class surpasses itself. ” -MBUSA. The Mercedes-Maybach sets the bar for “exclusivity and individuality”, celebrating the blend of luxury comfort and perfect craftsmanship, and the illuminated door sills serve to remind any who enter the vehicle, of the kind of luxury experience they’re about to embark on. From its elongated body and wheelbase, the extra space not only enables supreme comfort within but represents an iconic, more imposing form beyond. According to MBUSA, the 2019 model instantly cuts a more elevated figure than before. The grille, inspired by a pinstripe suit, strikes a note of sheer exclusivity. A two-tone exterior paint finish — now available in nine different colors — conveys the vehicle´s classic pedigree. An optional double clear coat lends an unsurpassed sense of elegance to darker paint options — with the second coat hand-applied by trained specialists. The 2019 Maybach will be available for interaction at the Mercedes-Benz Tent at the Luxury & Supercar Showcase.

Mclaren 600LT: 

The arrival of the new 600LT, which is built to excel on roads and race circuits alike, marks both the beginning of the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ (LT) story and the setting of a new benchmark for super-sportscar performance. The new McLaren 600LT epitomizes the McLaren philosophy of producing lightweight super-sportscars that deliver extreme performance and are exceptionally rewarding to drive. With the engine management system of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 recalibrated and less back pressure from a top-exit exhaust system that is even shorter and more extreme than that of the McLaren Senna allowing the engine to breathe more freely, the 600LT can call on peak power of 592bhp at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque output of 457lb ft at 5,500-6,500 rpm. These outputs deliver astonishing levels of performance: 0-62mph takes just 2.9 seconds, matching the acceleration of the revered McLaren 675LT Super Series model (0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds). 0-124mph is achieved in a remarkable 8.2 seconds and the 600LT can continue gathering speed to a top speed of 204mph.

LFA Nürburgring Edition:

Only 50 of the 500 LFA hand-assembled were sported with the Nürburgring package, making this unit an exciting addition to our Lexus space at the Supercar Showcase.  At its release, it was valued at over $450,000 with 562 Horsepower and quicker gear changes; the specific package features a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels, and a larger from spoiler & a fixed rear wing for improved speed and downforce.  The unit making its way to the Luxury & Supercar Showcase is white, which perfectly accentuates the Nürburgring Race Car Influenced Styling and Performance.

Porsche 918 Spyder:

An exclusive plug-in hybrid sports car that’s nothing less than a showstopper.  We’ll keep this one short and sweet because the 918 speaks for itself. At its top end, it reaches speeds of 211 mph with 877 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. 


Last but certainly not least, we are excited to share that a McLaren Senna has been confirmed for our showcase, and will be viewable at all ticket levels. 

 

The All-New V8 Levante GTS and 2019 Model Updates

The all-new Maserati V8 Levante GTS made its global debut this past July, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed- showing off all 550 horses of one of the most powerful engines in a Maserati.  The Levante GTS’ 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is a retuned version of the unit fitted in the limited super-sport (and top-of-the-line) Levante Trofeo, which by comparison is top-of-the-line with 590 horsepower. The GTS makes the total number of Levante configurations for North America at four, two featuring at 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and two with the new Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8. 


The new Levante GTS is equipped with the staple eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and all 2019 models feature a more intuitive gearshift lever and shift pattern for shorter travel and improved operation. Shift from manual to automatic mode by shifting the lever from right to left, and the new “P” button will set the transmission into Parking mode. 

Thanks to its remarkable weight to power ratio of 8.6 lbs/hp, the Levante GTS needs only 4.0 seconds to reach 60 mph and achieves a top speed of 181 mph. These figures fairly describe a modern supercar but are disguised in a high-end SUV body thanks to the Levante chassis, which ensures outstanding levels of rigidity while providing a very low center of gravity. And as with all Maserati’s, an ideal 50:50 weight balance between the front and rear axle. In addition, the chassis has been tuned for the GTS to effortlessly handle the immense power output of its twin-turbocharged V8 engine and provides an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of long-distance comfort and active safety – two essential elements of the GranTurismo philosophy.

The Levante’s unmistakable design reached new levels of sportiness in the Trofeo version and the new GTS has adopted a similar styling theme, which focuses on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, providing a sporty yet sophisticated presence. Available 21 & 22-inch wheels along with five different caliper colors cap off the bold Italian styling.   

Interior designers created a distinctive environment within the Levante GTS cabin providing it with standard Full Premium Perforated Leather seats, Alcantara headliner, unique instrument cluster graphics a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and available Pieno Fiore natural leather seating for the ultimate in comfort.

Alongside the two V8 models, the Levante lineup has inherited new content, such as the Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights as an option and standard Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC), which is already available on the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. Rather than simply correcting vehicle instability, the IVC function helps prevent it, providing enhanced active safety, improved driving dynamics and an even more exciting performance.

Subtle upgrades and new content for both Maserati sedans and the Levante.

All Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante versions have adopted the redesigned gearshift lever previously introduced in the Levante Trofeo, featuring a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver now has the option to use the eight-speed ZF gearbox in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new ‘P’ button effortlessly sets the transmission in parking mode.

The MTC+ infotainment system on all three models has been enhanced with updated display graphics and improved climate control system ergonomics. In their sumptuous interiors, Maserati introduces for the first time the full-grain Pieno Fiore leather, which is incomparable to any other material in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and the unique character it attains throughout the years.

Pieno Fiore is standard in the Levante Trofeo and available as an option on all Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte GranSport and GranLusso models – as well as Levante GTS – in three colors with specific stitching on the seats and double stitching on the door panels. Maserati also offers two brand new high-gloss interior veneers for the Ghibli and Quattroporte and three for the Levante.

Exterior color options have also been refreshed for MY19: There is a choice of ten colors for the Quattroporte and eleven for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Two new tri-coat colors are now available, born to enhance the design of each, the iconic Rosso Potente and the deep dark Blu Nobile. The Maserati Design Centre has also created a specific front grille and side skirts exclusively for the Quattroporte GTS GranSport.

In the wide collection of alloy wheels designed specifically for every single Maserati model, there are five brand new designs in the MY19 catalog in 20 and 21-inch sizes, two for each of the Levante and Quattroporte models and one for the Ghibli. The 22-inch Orione forged aluminum wheel – the largest ever created by Maserati – is exclusively available for the new top-of-the-line Levante GTS and Trofeo.

As for the recently introduced Nerissimo package, it has been updated for MY19. It is now available in a wider range of new model-specific colors, combining black elements with dark LED headlights, tail lights and exhaust tips, black chrome detail finishing and new wheels with dark finish.

 

For any inquiries visit Maserati Dallas.

To read more visit Maserati Media.

2019 Jaguar E-Pace: How To with the All Surface Progress Control

All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) is a low-speed cruise control that helps you to maintain optimum handling in low traction situations. I can be found in the Jaguar XE, the F-Pace, and most recently the new Jaguar E-Pace, available at Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW. 

ASPC helps you maneuver the vehicle on slippery surfaces, including snow, mud, water, grass, gravel, and sand. As explained in the video, the system can be enabled whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, when the brake pedal is fully released. This “cruise control” like system provides your Jaguar with controlled progressive assistance to:

  1. Pull away from a standstill, in a forward or reverse direction on level ground, and uphill or downhill.
  2. Perform low-speed maneuvering in a forward or reverse direction.
  3. Make progress and maintain a selected set speed up to a maximum of 19 mph (30 km/h).

You can operate the ASPC system by first selecting your driving mode based on conditions; second, select the required position for the gear selector; third, release the brakes to allow the vehicle to progress to the default speed depending on the driving mode; and finally the ASPC system maintains the default speed for descent control mode, but will exit the descent control mode if the accelerator pedal is pressed or the steering wheels’ Set+ button is pressed. Watch the video below for your ‘how-to’ on this safety system found in your Jaguar.

For more information on your safety and car systems, reach out to our team of product specialists at Jaguar DFW in Grapevine.