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Douglas Schnitzer Leads Park Place Select as Director of Operations

Douglas Schnitzer is certainly no stranger to Park Place Dealerships, but as he leads our newest revenue venture, Park Place Select, as the Director of Operations, a “get to know you” introduction was an absolute must. After going through a question-and-answer session, one thing is clear- Park Place Select is in very capable, intelligent, and extremely driven hands.

Where are you from? Born and raised in the Bayou City of Houston, Texas.

Who is your role model and why? My grandfather, Ken Schnitzer, Sr., who unfortunately passed away in 1999, remains a role model of mine to this day. He was a hard-bargaining businessman, a charismatic leader, and a generous philanthropist. He valued honesty, integrity, and loyalty, and he treated people with the utmost dignity and respect. These are also values that I hold in high regard, and I strive to emulate him in my life.

When did you begin your career at Park Place? I began my career at Park Place in 2010 as an Assistant Service Manager at Motorcars Dallas. After spending several years pursuing opportunities in other industries and obtaining a graduate business degree from the University of Texas at Austin, I rejoined the company in 2017 on the sales floor of Porsche Dallas.

What led you to join the Park Place Team? In many ways, the automotive industry remains fairly archaic and tends to abide by the mantra of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Park Place as a company encourages and rewards innovation and is constantly looking for ways to improve in order to remain at the forefront of the industry, as evidenced by the new Park Place Select subscription service. There is a forward-thinking nature that permeates the organizational culture, and that is something I wanted to be a part of.

Can you recount a specific moment or experience that led you to the automotive industry? I can remember a trip to Dallas – I was probably 15 years old – when my father brought my brother and me by the Mercedes dealership, which was still on Oak Lawn at the time. Like any kid, I was completely enthralled by all of the cool cars. We ended up test driving an SL500, and when my dad let me take it for a lap around the block, I was hooked. I have been interested in the business ever since.

What passions do you have that have driven your success at Park Place? I tend to be very analytical by nature. As you know, this is a very complex business, and I have always enjoyed the challenge of diving into the data and financials to understand what makes companies tick. I am also so privileged to work and collaborate with a group of incredibly intelligent and visionary professionals who take great pride in the success of the company as a whole. Their collective enthusiasm is a great motivating force.

How did you become affiliated with Park Place Select? In mid-February, Mr. Grossman called me and asked if I could come to his office for a meeting that afternoon. I honestly didn’t have a clue what the purpose of the meeting was, but my eyes immediately lit up when he asked if I would be interested in helping lead Park Place Select, the new subscription business, which was scheduled to roll out in early May. This was a once in a lifetime chance to be involved with a cutting-edge business concept that will be transformative to the way consumers think about their transportation needs – it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

How is Park Place Select going to be successful this year?  Park Place Select will be successful by creating memorable experiences and meaningful moments for our clients. Through a passionate focus on service, our concierges will develop a strong rapport with our clients and be able to truly understand what is meaningful to them, in order to provide personalized service that exceeds their expectations.

What’s the key component of the Park Place Select experience? The key component of the Park Place Select experience is the flexibility and convenience afforded to the members combined with an unparalleled selection of vehicles. Through the user-friendly mobile app, we are able to match members with the perfect vehicle for any occasion. You could drive a Mercedes S-Class during the work week, flip into a Porsche Boxster for a Friday date night, then flip into a Range Rover for a weekend road trip. This is truly a revolutionary service that gives members the ability to meet the changing needs of their lifestyle without owning multiple vehicles.

Any additional comments regarding new programs and initiatives that we can look forward to in 2018? We are currently evaluating the possibility of adding a “Premier” tier to the Park Place Select subscription program, which would include many of the vehicles available through the Premier Collection, among others. Exciting times!  

Edit January 2020: The Premier Tier was successfully added to the program.

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The Mercedes- Maybach S 650: The Most Luxurious S-Class on the Market

The 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S650 is full of cutting-edge technology and is the most luxurious four-door auto offered by Mercedes-Benz, coming in at an MSRP of $198,700.

The Most Luxurious S-Class on the Market

The 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S650 is full of cutting-edge technology and is the most luxurious four-door auto offered by Mercedes-Benz, coming in at an MSRP of $198,700.  This year saw the Maybach undergo an exterior refresh, including a new front apron ringed in chrome, taillamps with the “Stardust” effect, and an extended body.

The Maybach S650 houses a handcrafted 6.0L V12 Biturbo engine with an output of 738 lb-ft of torque. Technology updates to the transmission, including two overdrive ratios, allow for enhanced highway fuel efficiency. 

MAGIC BODY CONTROL® ensures a proactive, fully-active suspension.  The camera-based Road Surface scan eyes the road ahead to prepare the suspension before the wheels make contact with any bumps or dips in the road.  The car can gently hug and lean into corners, much like a skiier on the slopes, thanks to its CURVE functionality. The technology reduces the force felt due to external conditions, providing each passenger with a luxury experience from every seat no matter the surroundings.

Bringing User Experience to the Highest Level

The Maybach’s most notable feature remains its elongated wheelbase, which sits nearly eight inches longer than its Mercedes-Benz S Class counterpart.

The S650 interior greets the driver with a fully digital cockpit, accented with topstitched Nappa leather, which is even included on the Maybach’s ceiling. Described as the contrast between “high-level sportiness” and “luxurious spaciousness”, the Maybach is the showcase of a luxury model. A pair of high-resolution widescreens display all virtual gauges, vital information, infotainment controls, and the realistic animations of driving systems provide an unparalleled user experience. Screens are now displayed behind a single piece of glass, resulting in a sleeker cosmetic appearance. For further user customization, approximately 300 LEDs bring a unique sense of environment to the cabin- all without the use of a single conventional lightbulb. Not only does this feature provide a unique aesthetic moment, but the lighting concept also promotes a safer and less stressful environment for all aboard the Maybach.

Determined to cut down on the headache of dealing with cables on the go, the ’18 model introduces wireless phone charging to the mix. Charging can be automatically initiated by laying a phone face up on the mat located in the center. Located in the center console, charging can be automatically initiated by laying a phone face up on the charging mat.

The Best Seat in the House

The Maybach returns one of the most comfortable backseat passenger experiences, making it the heart and soul of the model. The vehicle’s extra length increases rear seat legroom, allowing for full extension of the power-operated leg rests, and a rare spacious back-seat experience for passengers.

The rear compartment includes temperature controlled seats, built-in massage features that offer two modes with a “hot stone” treatment, heated armrests, and a two-screen entertainment system. Entertainment screens attached to the front seatbacks offer rear passengers their own set of infotainment controls, as well as individual sets of wireless headphones.

For those wanting to push the backseat options further, the Maybach offers individual seat arrangements, folding tray tables, and a refrigerated box for added luxury.

Targeting those who place value on impeccable luxury, 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.

The Maybach has officially graced the Park Place Motorcars Dallas showroom floors, so if you have any questions or inquiries regarding the most luxurious Mercedes Sedan. 

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Summer Cruising 101: How to Protect Yourself From Summer UV Rays

Imagine driving down the freeway with the top-down, feeling the shift in the wind against your skin and seamlessly embracing each and every curve on the open road. Is there anything that beats this type of driving experience on a sunny day? Not at all, but with the summer sun comes some serious risk for drivers and passengers without proper sun protection.

Park Place works with our community of local business to enhance our client experience, and provide clients with exclusive offers to enjoy because we simply appreciate that you chose Park Place as Your Place. TropicSport, a Park Place Preferred Partner, gives us the scoop on some best practices to protect your skin and the environment so your car’s top can stay down all summer long. Tropicsport is kindly offering 20% off an online order  with the code PARKPLACE20%

UVA vs UVB:  What’s the Difference?

There are 2 types of harmful UV rays from the sun:  UVA and UVB.  UVA (think A for Aging) rays have a longer wavelength and cause more long-term effects such as wrinkling and aging of the skin – and of far greater concern – skin cancer.   UVA rays are year round, they are not temperature dependent or even impacted by weather as 80% penetrates the fog and clouds.  UVB (think B for Burning) rays have a shorter wavelength and are the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer.

Don’t the Windows Protect me from UV Rays?

While car windshields typically block out UVB rays, studies show that they only partially block UVA rays.  Side and back are not regulated and let these rays in. 

A study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or driver’s side of the body.  UV exposure is 5 times greater on the left arm and 20 times greater on the left side of the face!  This left-side sun exposure triggers sun damage, which can cause wrinkles, skin leathering, sagging and brown ‘age’ spots.  The more time you spend driving, the higher the risk of skin damage.  Research shows that all types of skin cancers are more common on the left side of the body. Add the right side and the top of your head, and sure, the breeze feels great but you may not realize just how strong the sun is.

Do not fret, your top-down luxury cars are still perfect for the summer. We just recommend taking some of the pointers below into account, so you and your luxury auto can enjoy the sun all summer long: 

1. Wear an SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

  • Apply sunscreen before getting into the car to your face, ears, arms, neck, scalp & hair part. 

2.  Wear SPF 30 Lipblam and Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

3. Wear a hat, preferably a wide brim, and Sunglasses with UVA and UVB filters to protect your eyes from cataracts and delicate skin around your eyes. 

  • Pro-Tip: long sleeves are a great option to protect your arms.

4. Consider closing your convertible roof between the peak sun hours of 10 am to 2 pm to avoid a major, direct sun hit.

So now you know how to protect yourself, but what will you choose to arm yourself with against the sun? We would highly recommend TropicSport sunscreen because it’s Born from Nature.  It is a natural mineral sunscreen with non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and lacks ingredients that are hard to pronounce. TropicSport is free of toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone. 

Remember, an ounce of prevention – or sunscreen, in this case – is worth a pound of cure! TropicSport is offering Park Place Clients 20% off with the code PARKPLACE20% at www.TropicSport.com

TropicSport is one of our newest preferred partners, so as a Park Place client we encourage you to visit them and take advantage of their exclusive offer of 20% using the code PARKPLACE20%

 

 

Click to view more about the Park Place Preferred Benefits Program

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The 2018 Bentley Bentayga Breaks SUV Record at Pikes Peak

The Bentley Bentayga is far from merely extravagant; it’s power and prowess, utility and sport, and the true personification of “no stone left unturned” from the stitching to the powerhouse of the luxury SUV. Similarly, Pike’s Peak 

boasts quite a record of its own- standing against the test of time as a place of hikers, campers, nature lovers, family adventurers, and now W12 engines with about 600 horses (hp).  

With almost a 5.0 rating on Google, Pikes Peak is reportedly quite the challenge for man and machine, and one that the 2018 Bentley Bentayga dominated at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The course is 12.42-miles where vehicles are challenged to climb almost 5,000 feet and attack 156 corners. The Bentayga averaged 66.5 mph, decimating the current record by nearly two minutes with Rhys Millen, a Pikes Peak Hill Climb veteran, at the helm. And no, the SUV wasn’t tricked out with upgrades and modifications to make the climb, but rather to comply within challenge guidelines, the winning SUV was as close to standard production as possible- with the front seats being replaced with racing seats and the back seats being removed among other small modifications.

 

Rhys Millen, Bentley Bentayga at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018. Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
Rhys Millen, Bentley Bentayga at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018.
Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

Speaking immediately after his run, Rhys Millen commented:

 

“What an incredible machine. To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga. I had a great run – the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I’m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that’s been involved in this project.”

The Pikes Peak Bentayga, a tangible Testament to A Brilliant Record

Bentley announced after the run on Pikes Peak, that they are releasing a Limited Edition Bentley Bentayga, the Pikes Peak Bentayga that will only produce 10 vehicles. The Pikes Peak Bentayga once again leaves no need, want, or luxury left unaddressed. Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, is personally behind the handcrafted and eye-catching creation of this achievement on wheels.

The 10 production vehicles will showcase a few exterior updates including:

  • Ether a deep Beluga black paint or striking Radium
  • 22” wheels in a bespoke two-tone finish of Beluga with Radium accents
  • All exterior chrome replaced with gloss black components
  • Carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, diffuser, and rear spoiler.

The interior matches the grandiose specifications for the outer shell, including:

  • Key lime accents with Beluga leather
  • Alcantara inserts in seats and doors
  • Eliade cloth headliner
  • Pikes Peak logo on the carbon fiber fascia

Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing, Chris Craft, comments:

“This record proves the outstanding dynamic ability of the Bentayga – demonstrating again how Bentley Motors is the only automotive company in the world that can combine pinnacle luxury and breath-taking performance. Congratulations to all at Bentley Motorsport and to Rhys Millen and his team.” The Pikes Peak Bentayga will be available for order from August for clients in the US and Europe. A V8 Version of the standard SUV is set to release in 2019. For more information on this Pike’s Peak Feat, visit the Bentley Newsroom.

 

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Porsche Marks 70th Anniversary with Epic Celebration in Dallas

Park Place Porsche hosts Cattle Baron’s Ball members and Porsche enthusiasts

From the first Porsche, the Porsche 356 “No. 1” Roadster introduced in 1948, Porsche has pushed the limits to design the ultimate sportscar. But Porsche was never meant to be enjoyed alone…it was designed for two. So Porsche dealerships worldwide recently celebrated the 70th anniversary with a Sportscar Together Day.

Park Place Porsche invited the Porsche Club of America – Maverick Region to bring a wide range of Porsche 911s representing every year from 1967 to 2018 to the Lemmon Avenue dealership for a celebration of the best of German design and engineering. And the best in food, drink, and music as well, of course.

 

Guests enjoyed Monkey Shoulder Whiskey cocktails mixed by a special industrial-sized mixer in the form of a stylized concrete mixer truck. In addition, Park Place’s partners served craft beers by Unlawful Assembly, bourbon from Hudson Whiskey, and beverages including the Reyka Stuttgart Mule with grilled bratwurst by Degenhardt’s Brat Haus. Sunnyland Outdoor Furniture provided comfortable lounges for guests to relax in. Additional partners included Frost 321, Garages of Texas, and TropicSport.

Cattle Baron’s Ball members were on hand to promote the upcoming October 20 event to be held at Gilley’s Dallas. Since 1974, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has raised more than $77 million for cancer research, making the Dallas event the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Looking forward to the future of Porsche Performance, the new Mission E will combine the “distinctive emotional design of a Porsche, exceptional driving performance, and forward thinking with everyday functionality.” It will match a 600 horsepower engine with a range of about 310 miles, and acceleration from 0 – 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds.  This all-electric Porsche will feature a charging time of 15 minutes for approximately 80% capacity, combining time-saving value with electric vehicle mobility.

Park Place Porsche is located at 6113 Lemmon Avenue, near Love Field. Park Place will open its 17th dealership on July 23 with the addition of the new Park Place Porsche Grapevine.

The second annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, benefiting the Momentous Institute, is scheduled for 10 am – 4 pm October 13 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Within the family-friendly event will be a juried Collectors Concours featuring rare classic, luxury and supercars from private collectors. The event will also feature a fashion show by Highland Park Village, live music, specialty boutiques, and a Kid’s Concours area. Park Place will also showcase some of the latest models of their coveted brands, including Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lotus. For ticket info, or to submit a vehicle for consideration, go to LuxurySupercarShowcase.com.

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 16 full-service dealerships. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Introducing Park Place’s Path to Purchase

In world full of “click to buy” goods and services, it was only a matter of time before the automotive purchase experience evolved to meet modern shopping expectations. The automotive dealership landscape is changing, and our goal is to provide clients with a seamless path to purchase in the dealership or online.

Park Place Dealerships is no exception and proud to introduce Park Place’s “Path to Purchase.” High-Performance purchasing is as simple as ‘click to buy’ with our newest digital retailing tool.  In a matter of minutes, you can start your purchase online from the comfort and convenience of your own home, desk, or favorite coffee shop. After you complete the 6 online steps, all that’s left is for you finalize your purchase and pick up your keys with one of our team members. It’s another way we are striving to make our Park Place home, your place. 

Let’s walk through the steps of Park Place’s Path To Purchase, to hopefully answer any looming FAQs about the new digital retailing experience:

  1. Select Your Vehicle:

First, choose your model after browsing our extensive selection of luxury vehicles- or click straight to your dream car. Once you’ve landed on the make and model of your dreams, click or tap the “Click to Buy” button.

  1. Negotiate Pricing

Choose Lease or Finance and all available incentives will be applied automatically, including optimal lease and finance terms, taxes and fees.  If you’d rather just make us an offer, that’s an option too. It’s quick, easy, and transparent.

  1. Sort Finance Solutions

Provide your credit score to pre-qualify for financial solutions that fit your needs and our online experts will assist you in selecting the best option for you.

  1. Value Your Trade

Kelly Blue Book will give you an instant offer, and the value of your trade-in redeemable with or without purchase. There’s no pressure, we just want to give you the tools.

  1. Options

Do you want an extended warranty, service warranty or contract, wheel and tire protection, or guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance? You can accomplish this with Step 5.

  1. Finalize

Click or tap submit and your information will cruise straight to your Park Place dealership.  Schedule a time to meet with a dedicated Sales Experience Manager to finalize your purchase and pick up your keys. Or, even better, let us deliver to your home or office.

It’s like Amazon meets luxury automotive, and your vehicle purchase experience couldn’t be any more seamless. At Park Place, we are here to serve you- even if that means you would rather stay in the comfort of your own home.  If your interested is sufficiently piqued, visit ParkPlace.com to get started or visit ParkPlace.com/Path-to-Purchase for more information on the newest way to purchase a vehicle with Park Place.

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Porsche Celebrates 70th Anniversary

“In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.”  – Ferry, Porsche

1948. The year the first vehicle to bear the Porsche badge was produced. The year the name of one of the world’s greatest contributions to sports car history debuted. The year the Porsche brand was born.

For the past 70 years, Porsche has represented sports car construction, performance, and design at the highest level becoming not just another luxury manufacturer, but rather an icon in the sports car space. Ferdinand Anton Ernst, or Ferry Porsche, said: “In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.” He inaugurated the Porsche Type 356 “No.1” Roadster in 1948, which was actually the accumulation of sports car technology created by none of other than Porsche Ferry himself.

His pre-Porsche Type 356 accomplishments include building an electric car with a wheel hub drive (the Lohner-Porsche) and creating a template for hybrid vehicles by developing a mixed petrol-electric powertrain in the year 1900. About thirty years later he founded his own engineering office and showcased the “Berlin-Rome Car” in 1939, which was the foundation of his Porsche sports car vision and the 1948 Type 356 (on the left in the photo below).

Porsche 70th Anniversary Featuring the Mission E and the 1948 Type 356

In 1963, Ferry’s son, Ferdinand Alexander, designed and debuted the Porsche 911. Since then the flagship sports car has been built over a million times. Oliver Blume, current Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, commented on the original 911 at an earlier event, “As the centrepiece of the brand, the 911 has become the sports car of dreams, winning the collective heart of enthusiasts all over the world.” Park Place Porsche emulated this piece of sports car history as a focal point of their part of Sports Car Together Day, showcasing nearly every model year of the iconic Porsche 911s at the celebration in Dallas.

As we look forward to the future of Porsche Performance, our focus turns to the Mission E. The Mission E combines “distinctive emotional design of a Porsche, exceptional driving performance, and forward thinking everyday functionality.” It comes equipped with 600hp, a range of 500km (about 310 miles), and accelerates 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds.  This Porsche is electric- literally, and with a charging time of 15 minutes for around 80% capacity, the Mission E provides time-saving value to electric vehicle mobility.

The past, present, and future of Porsche is purely epic, from the 1948 Type 365, the Porsche 911, and the upcoming Mission E.  Porsche’s 70th Anniversary Sports Car Together Day is an international event bringing Porsche fans together to celebrate to the legendary brand that’s defined ‘sports car’ for the rest of the industry. It’s was toast to heritage, tradition, Ferry Porsche, and the enduring legacy of Porsche performance.

 

 

 

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Jaguar Celebrates the Original ‘Experimental Jaguar’ with the Limited Edition XJ50

After 50 years of making their flagship Sedan, Jaguar is celebrating half a century of tradition with the launch of the Jaguar XJ50.  On this limited edition, a passenger will note unique front and rear bumpers, as well as ‘purposeful’ 20-inch wheels with Gloss Black Diamond Turned Finish. Unique badging arms the rear and side vents, to accent four striking paint options include Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue, and Rosello Red.

The XJ50 remains true to its Jaguar core, representing the heritage of the XJ Sedan with a “balance of design, intelligent performance, and indulgent luxury”- according to Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design.  It’s a cornerstone of Jaguar design and it’s a model worth celebrating. Below we travel back to the beginning of the XJ legacy at the Paris Motor Show, to see what lead to the creation of a limited edition XJ.

The debut of the XJ

1968 XJ Series 1

1968 marks the year the Jaguar XJ debuted as an ‘eXperimental’ project for the luxury manufacturer at the Paris Motor show, and later named ‘Car of the Year’ by Car Magazine. Jaguars of the late 60’s, including the XJ6 Series 1, were marked with a low seat back because Sir Williams Lyons insisted that the top of the seats should never be seen above the belt line. This feature specification disappeared in the coming years, but still represented Lyons’ forward thinking mentality with Jaguar and specifically, the XJ.

 

XJC Series 2

Series 2 Launches

The Series 2 launched in 1973 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. While reminiscent of its predecessor, Jaguar now also offered the XJ in an exciting two-door coupe design. The designers took five years of learnings to implement key changes like a long, more luxurious wheelbase in the sedan versions, reserving the short wheelbase for the Coupe. Come 1977, the coupe was discontinued after reaching just over 10,000 units in completed production. 

A Classic Update

XJ Series 3

When it was almost time for a Series 3 model to launch, Jaguar looked outside their design circle for the restyling. The famous Italian house of Pininfarina delivered a classic update that brought instant acclaim to the Series 3. A new vertical bar radiator grille, a new roof, new door handles, and improvements to the interior helped propel the redesigned XJ to one of Jaguar’s most successful models.

February 1985

Despite retiring in 1972, the co-founder of Jaguar still maintained his presence in the styling studio. The last vehicle he had any influence over was the XJ40, which unmistakably resembled the ‘80s in its styling and featured a new rear suspension with double wishbones. Sir William Lyons, known as ‘Mr. Jaguar,’ passed away in his home in 1985.

Softer Shapes and Four Headlamps

In the early 1990s, the XJ40 was redesigned into the X300, which sported softer shapes and rounded headlamps on the front end- a trend starting to make its way back in the 90s. In 1994, the revised XJ6 went on sale and the curved headlamps made another welcome appearance.

Redefining Automobile History

When the new millennium hit, Jaguar braced for a fresh start producing XJ’s that looked and handled exceptionally well. The 2002 XJ was a first for the auto industry, inciting revolution by having most of the 2002 model’s parts made from aluminum. This resulted in lighter, stronger, and more agile vehicle serving up a dynamic driving experience.

50 Years later:

After years of redesigns and Jaguar XJ vision, 2018 still proves to welcome the likes of the XJ to the luxury market. The limited edition XJ-50 is a fitting tribute to the legacy and performance spanning over five decades of the Jaguar brand.

For more information on the history of the XJ, click here: https://www.jaguar.co.uk/about-jaguar/jaguar-stories/xj-heritage.html

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Preferred Partner Guest Blog: Jack Black’s Two Tips for a Well Groomed Summer

As a Park Place client, you have a repertoire of local luxury partners who offer exclusive perks and benefits to thank you for choosing Park Place as Your Place. As Mother’s Day approached, we introduced our premier florist, Lilium Floral Design, and now as we move closer to warmer months, we turn to an additional for insights into a “well-groomed” summer with some tips from Jack Black, the #1 best-selling men’s skincare brand and a Park Place Preferred Partner.

Tip #1: Black Jack is one of our favorite go-to’s for Father’s Day gifts, and well-groomed dad is a happy dad.

You can’t deny the look of pride when he gets a new haircut, or a close shave without a single battle wound to show for the victory. This Father’s Day, Jack Black recommends gifting that special person in your life with something that can last for more than 24 hours, like the Jack Black Grand Tour set.

The Grand Tour contains travel-friendly selections of Jack Black’s top sellers– Beard Lube, Double-Duty, Pit Boss, Pure Clean, and Turbo Wash. For the dad that wants a day of leisure, a.k.a. couch surfing, there is the Pit Boss Antiperspirant and Deodorant.  For the dad who got the new lawn mower he’d been eyeing, the Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 will keep his brow protected. For the new father that just got a bundle of joy, the Turbo Wash for those excessive diaper changes!

Remember- Father’s Day is June 17th. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale than the mounted trout that sings “Take Me To the River” or the oversized Hula Girl necktie, The Grand Tour is the way to go!

Tip #2: No matter what your plans are this summer if it involves spending time in the sun, protect yourself with a dermatologist tested SPF.

It’s that time again! Vacations are planned, road trips have been mapped, and the pools are officially open for business. Jack Black recommends a product like Sun Guard SPF 45, to keep your skin looking fresh and protected throughout the brutal Texas summer. 

Dermatologist tested and free of fragrance and colorants, this quick-absorbing, oil-free, vitamin-enriched lotion protects the skin from the damaging, drying effects of the sun.

Advanced UVA and UVB sunscreens provide superior protection that stays put in even the most extreme conditions, offering the perfect ammunition for those outdoor enthusiasts who play hard, train hard, and everything in between.

Jack Black is one of our newest Preferred Benefits Partners, who is based out of Carrollton, Texas, and still run by the original founders. Jack Black has grown to become the #1 best-selling men’s skincare brand* because our gut feeling turned out to be true—namely, that the modern man wanted something he wasn’t getting: Nothing complicated. Nothing cosmetic. Just superior skin care.

Click to view more about the Park Place Preferred Benefits Program

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Meet the Most Powerful Levante: the Maserati Levante Trofeo

The Maserati Levante Trofeo made its world debut in Spring 2018 and is the first Levante built around a V8 engine, one of the most powerful engines ever fitted in a Maserati. Available for reservation at Park Place Maserati Dallas, the Levante Trofeo is associated with “unbridled power,”  and can accelerate from 0-60 in approximately 3.9 seconds and reach top speeds of over 300 km/h (about 187 mph).

The 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine boasts the highest output per liter than any Maserati power predecessor. While this may be a change of pace in power plants, the Trofeo’s engine, just like all other Maserati engines, is still assembled by Ferrari in Milano, Italy. Additionally, the chassis has been tuned to handle the unbridled power output and provide an exhilarating driving experience while retaining ultimate comfort. The Levante Trofeo embodies the essence of the Maserati Gran Turismo philosophy with supercar performance, so say hello to a high-performance and experiential cruise each and every time you step foot on the accelerator.

“It’s proof that when you play with the elements you end up in a storm”, says Maserati CEO Tim Kuniskis. “In the case of Trofeo, the engineers and designers in Modena knew that the driveline parameters were more than able to cope with additional power and they also knew that Maserati had access to the finest engines on earth. So, they were up to the challenge of making the finest luxury SUV also one of the fastest”.

Unmistakable Levante Design with Sporty Details

The Levante Trofeo introduces new levels of sportiness to an already stunning Levante design concept. The elegant restyling was mainly focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper and is underlined by the 22-inch forged aluminum “Orione” wheels – the largest ever fitted on a Maserati – available in both polished and matte finishes. The air intake in the lower fascia feature are also more aggressive, defined by two aerodynamic wings to visually push the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels. The rear looks more muscular due to a sharper carbon fiber horizontal element and body-color lower extractor that embrace the oval quad exhaust tips.

Power and Control

The new “Corsa” Driving mode with Launch Control functionality in addition to the existing Normal, I.C.E., Sport and Off-Road modes has been adopted to enhance the athletic character of the ultimate Maserati SUV. “Corsa” driving mode further improves engine response and opens exhaust valves in acceleration, as well as provides faster gear shifting, lower air suspension height levels, sportier Skyhook damping and optimized Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive settings and interacts with Traction Control and ESP systems to maximize driving pleasure.  

The Maserati Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system has been incorporated for the first time in a Levante, for impressive driving dynamics, better performance and a genuine Maserati driving experience, by helping to prevent vehicle instability, instead of correcting “driver mistakes” as a traditional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system does.

Learn more about the Maserati Trofeo: www.maseratiusa.com/LevanteTrofeo