Why Luxury Featuring the 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

Toyota Motor Corporation has mastered the art of offering the masses the bare minimum of exactly what they want to purchase and then finding a way to offer an “all that and more” in their amped-up, luxurious Lexus lineups. In this installment of our “Why Luxury” series, we compare two popular members of the mid-size SUV segment, the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and the 2017 Lexus RX F Sport.

If you did not know already, Lexus is a child brand of the Toyota Motor Corporation and it’s certainly no wonder. One of the most reliable and highly rated luxury brands in the market shares commonalities with arguably the best all-rounder economy brand in build, reliability, safety, and maintenance. In 2017, Lexus and Toyota individually earned top marks with KBB in resale value; Toyota as a brand, and the 2017 Lexus GS by make. Simply put, Toyota Motor Corporation has mastered the art of offering the masses the bare minimum of exactly what they want to purchase and then finding a way to offer an “all that and more” in their amped-up Lexus lineups.

A client’s roadmap to upgrading their daily driver (say a Toyota) to a statement luxury auto (a Lexus) has never been so straightforward and thus begs the question “why should I upgrade?” In today’s “Why Luxury” we will be comparing stats of two dominating bodies in the mid-size SUV segment the top of the line 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2017 Lexus RX F to provide some insight into why the luxury option is a solid investment.

A few notes on mid-size SUVs:

Since 2015, the midsize SUV segment continues to attract buyers of all ages who desire to indulge in a more space and cargo capacity, without entering the realms of “too much.” The midsize SUV is a medium sized SUV, providing less cargo space and seating than a full-size SUV similar to a Range Rover. Consistently low gas prices (think below $3.00 a gallon on average) have also added enticement for prospective buyers to choose the larger vehicle.

It’s a consistently dominating body style in both affordable and luxury segments since 2016, with global sales projected to increase by 5.65% (or over 23 million units) in 2020 per a 2016 Market Trend Analysis. In the month of October 2017, the RX saw a 4% gain in U.S. Sales– helping make October the sixth straight “best-ever month” for Lexus utility vehicles, according to Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Jeff Bracken.

Baseline Specs:

The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum SUV is the top of the line, fully-loaded model with an MSRP of $49,534 and an average price paid of around $46,000 according to Edmunds. Admittedly, that high price tag for a Toyota brand car raises some eyebrows, but it does have some advantages surrounding one specific detail: space.

All models have an extra third row (total seven seats available), a longer roof, and roughly 140 more cubic feet of space than its in-house competitor which comes standard. The interior of this supped up Highlander offers Toyota’s finest leather, woods, and aluminum to make the time spent inside the vehicle a bit more aesthetically pleasing than other variances of the SUV.

The 2017Lexus RX 350 F Sport comes in at an MSRP of around $54,423, with the average price paid of $50,403- less than $1,000 more than the MSRP of the Highlander. A third row is a non-existent option in this model and it dotes a bit less interior room at 108 cubic feet. This difference, though, is nominal if you aren’t toting teams of children or mounds of grocery sacks on a regular basis.

If that extra cargo room and the extra seats are a deal breaker, the 2018 Lexus RXL, which includes a third row of seats, has been confirmed to debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

Under the hood, you’ll see that the Highlander and Lexus RX F share similar specs including a 3.5 liter V6 engine similar fuel economy. The Highlander provides a combined fuel economy of about 28 mpg, but has a lower fuel capacity by a couple gallons. The RX shares an almost similar fuel economy of 22 mpg, but a larger tank capacity by two gallons.

The Luxury Difference:

Lexus provides clients with a better warranty than that of its Toyota counterpart- a four year, 50,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year, 70,000 drivetrain warranty. Additionally, Lexus includes a 4-year/ unlimited mile, roadside assistance versus the Highlander’s 2 years of roadside assistance.

The RX F Sport sends 295 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque for a more powerful driving experience. The F-Sport series also provides clients with a revised suspension, cross-hatched spindle grille, and darker trim bits to add a touch more horsepower to this mid-size luxury SUV.

The aesthetics of your Lexus can be more personalized, with 10 interior and 10 exterior colors available versus the Highlander Hybrid’s four and eight respectively. When choosing to venture into the world of Lexus Luxury, you can certainly be confident that your vehicle will reflect your striking and unique style with meticulous detail that begins on the factory line; the Lexus final product takes longer to produce per task on the assembly line due to master precision, build quality, and higher-end interior choices that are difficult to match at the economy class segment.

Although you can purchase an ultra-reliable vehicle with some amenities, the dealership experience at Lexus aims to be that of a luxury hotel with first class client lounges complete with Wifi, group and individual workstations, a calm, quiet environment, and exceptional client service so that even the on-the-go professional can have their Lexus serviced with peace of mind.

The Verdict:

The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX 350 F Series, are both fantastic options for anyone vying for the SUV market- as proved through their various high ranking achievements among other competitors. But, when both economy and luxury price tags hover in the realm of $45,000- $50,000, choosing Lexus style, comfort, performance, and dealership experience, all while retaining the value and fuel efficiency already offered promised by Toyota Motor Corporation, makes the most sense.

Check out our Intro to Luxury and Why Luxury: Featuring Mercedes-Benz for our other installments of this series.

November 16, 2017November 16, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Cast as High Performance Side-kick for “Justice League”

Mercedes-Benz will officially join alongside the league of the high-performance superheroes as their super-car of choice. Set to hit theaters globally on November 17, 2017, Cyborg, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Batman race to save the planet form a possible catastrophic alien assault, and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo and its trusty side-kick Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet play an epic role in the newest superhero feature flick of the fall.

The AMG Vision Gran Turismo’s extreme proportions, sensual contours, and impressive technology first premiered in 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California in November 2013. The car is highlighted with gullwing doors is the first of the “Vision Gran Turismo” series of vehicles and is the concept car that completely embodies the design philosophy of “sensual purity.” While it has yet to be committed to production, the unique design provides a sneak peek into the future of Mercedes-Benz.

A completely redesigned interior and precisely engineered technical specifications seamlessly compliment the unmistakable exterior, making this concept car (and its E Class sidekick) perfectly cast to help save the world. Does Wonder Woman, or any other members of the Justice League need a new vehicle to get around? Not necessarily, but the Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo are just too tempting to turn down.

https://youtu.be/9qF4pcq7RCU

November 7, 2017

Debuting the Volvo XC40- The Newest Compact SUV

A small SUV that is big on innovation, space, and luxurious design. The Volvo XC40 is the new type of Volvo that’s designed around you. Make your life more enjoyable and less complicated, and relive the live reveal of the newest compact SUV from the Volvo Studio in Milan. The XC40 is now available for order at Park Place Volvo Cars- reserve Your XC40 with one of our Park Place Volvo experts.

For the first time in its history, Volvo Cars has three new, globally available SUV’s in what’s been dubbed the fastest growing segment of the automotive market. The Volvo XC40 is the first model of a new modular vehicle architecture, which will serve as a basis for upcoming cars in the 40 Series- including fully electric vehicles, and will be the first Volvo model to be available with Volvo Cars’ new 3-cylinder engine.

According to Hakan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, the Volvo XC40 “represent a fresh, creative, and distinctive new member of the Volvo line-up.” The newest small premium SUV offers Volvo’s award-winning safety features, connectivity, and infotainment technologies in the new 90 and 60 Series cars. The XC40’s full repertoire of technology highlight the transformational effect in-house developed technologies have had on brand and profitability.

Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off-Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and a 360 degree Camera all work in harmony to help the driver manueuver effortlessly on the road and into tight parking spaces.

Although smaller in size, the XC40 offers a new approach to storage with an ingenious interior design. The drivers will have more functional storage spaces in the doors, under the seats, a special space for phones including inductive charging, a fold out hook for small bags, and a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.

For more information on the newest Volvo addition to the small premium SUV segment, visit here.

The XC40 is now available for order at Park Place Volvo Cars. Reserve Your XC40 Today.

October 30, 2017November 16, 2017

Engines 101: The Combustion Cycle

In the second installment of our Engines 101 series, a deep-dive into the technical side of automobiles, we’ll cover the big bang that moves nearly every vehicle down the road. We discussed several types of internal combustion engine configurations available in Park Place cars in our last Engines 101 article, and this time we’ll cover the Combustion Cycle that makes each of them work.

The internal combustion engine involves several major systems that work together to transfer potential energy from gasoline, to kinetic energy to move a vehicle. These systems include the fuel injection system, cylinders and pistons, intake and exhaust valves, and the ignition system. Let’s walk through the 4-step combustion process and discuss how each system works together to produce power.

The combustion cycle begins as the piston moves downward in its cylinder. This creates a vacuum, which draws in air and fuel from the fuel injection system as the intake valve opens.

Intake Stroke Photo Source: Wikipedia – Four-stroke engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine

When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the crankshaft begins pushing it upwards again. At this point, the intake valve closes, and the piston begins compressing the air/fuel mixture.

Compression Stroke
Photo Source: Wikipedia – Four-stroke engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine

As the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the ignition system creates a spark to ignite the compressed fuel. As the fuel burns, the gasses expand against the piston, pushing it downward and turning the crankshaft.

Combustion Stroke
Photo Source: Wikipedia – Four-stroke engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine

When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder again, the expansion of the burning fuel is complete, and the exhaust valve opens to allow the gases to escape. The piston moves back up, pushing the remaining exhaust out, and clearing the cylinder to repeat the cycle with a new intake stroke.

Exhaust Stroke
Photo Source: Wikipedia – Four-stroke engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine

These 4 steps in the combustion process are the origin of the term “4-stroke engine” which is used in nearly all gasoline-powered modern vehicles. You will find that a similar process powers diesel engines, differing simply in their fuel type and source of ignition.

This combustion cycle repeats thousands of times a minute, in each of the engine’s cylinders, to provide the horsepower that we all enjoy. We hope this information helps you better understand and enjoy the mechanical masterpiece that your vehicle is.

To shop for your next luxury vehicle from Park Place, click here to search our vast inventory of new and used luxury cars in DFW.

October 30, 2017

Jaguar Charges Up I-PACE with all Electric Race Series

The Jaguar I-PACE, set to hit the road late 2018, represents the manufacturer’s evolution to include battery-powered vehicles in their lineup…but the innovation didn’t stop with just an every day, electric car. As the first premium manufacturer to enter FIA Formula E Championship in 2016, Jaguar expertly merges (and charges up) their I-PACE concept ingenuity with FIA Formula E power to reveal the world’s first production battery electric vehicle race series.

The Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy racecars are another step to Jaguar Land Rover’s electrified future- taking their zero emissions commitment to the world of motorsport. Supporting a 100% electric future, Jaguar has announced the new support series for the FIA Formula E Championship starting in late 2018, featuring their new all-electric racecars in a series of 10 races across the globe in cities such as Hong Kong, Paris, giving future FIA Formula E Championship stars the chance to participate in this first of its kind series.

Gerd Mäuser, Chairman, Jaguar Racing, said: “Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission ‘Race to Innovate’. With the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport, and FIA Formula E Championship. As a British team, we are proud to announce today the launch of the world’s first production battery electric vehicle championship.”

Technical specs, race calendar, and costs for the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY will be released in late 2018.

October 24, 2017December 1, 2017

Why Luxury Featuring the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

When comparing base luxury models with an economy class, the differences lie in the details. At first glance, the two vehicles seem comparable in price and size, with subtle, yet impactful nuances distinguishing the 2018 Mercedes C 300 from your average mid-size car. In this continuation of our Why Luxury series, we are comparing the highly rated 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum with the new 2018 Mercedes Benz C 300, a bold entrance for anyone entering the luxury automotive segment.

Luxury Perks: the 2018 Mercedes C 300 vs. 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum
The MSRP for the 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum comes in at $40,340, with the average price paid between $37,034 and $39,482 per data from both Edmunds and Cargurus. The Nissan is Front Wheel Drive, 300 hp, contains a 6 cylinder engine, and with 21 and 30 MPG, city and highway fuel economy, respectively.

The base 2018 Mercedes C 300 is a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, boasting 24 MPG (city) and 33 MPG (highway). The C-Class sedan’s base MSRP begins at $40,250, and offers a similar average price paid range to the Nissan Maxima Platinum for the base model at $37,083 and $41,618 (per Cargurus and Edmunds respectively). This base model has just under 250 hp with a 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. The new C 300 boasts an athletic and sleek design based off the S-Class, making the prestige of luxury a bit more attainable for a larger market of drivers.

So what’s the difference? The vehicles are essentially comparable when only referencing these basic statistics. The C 300 is wider and has a couple more inches of passenger leg room, while the 2017 Nissan Platinum is longer and has more leg room available for the front passenger and driver. So besides badge appeal- what differentiates the new C-Class as luxury in comparison to the highly rated Nissan Maxima?

More Options for a Customizable, Luxury Experience

The 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum is the second generation of Nissan’s newest body style and the interior metal scimitar finisher claimed to be a Nissan first, as they attempted to exude a vehicle design a couple classes above Nissan Standard. The Platinum receives Alcantara seats, but if a consumer were to purchase a lower grade model of the 2017 Maxima, they would be left with standard, cloth seats. Albeit with a “sophisticated pinstripe cloth pattern.” The challenge in incorporating design items previously marked as “luxury” or “ultra-luxury” is remaining cost-effective while still adding a unique exotic flare.

The 2018 Mercedes Benz C Class interior is appropriately described as “lovely” in a recent Kelly Blue Book expert review. The array of wood and aluminum finishes and clutter free layout allow the C 300, even at a base price, to feel elegant. The additional packages, like a fragrance diffuser that integrates with the AC system, are available to further classify this model as truly upscale and customizable for the individual client. There are over 10 exterior color options available, similar to that of the Nissan Maxima, but the array of optional packages trumps the two K10 and W10 packages available to customize the Platinum edition Maxima according to Cargurus.

Optional packages to customize your 2018 C-Class include:

LED Headlamps
AMG Line Upgrade
Advanced Lighting
Leather Seating Package
Head Up Display
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Panorama Sunroof
Multi-Media Package
Black leather steering wheel with Burl Walnut Inlays
Black Nappa Leather design combos

Manufacturer Warranty and Service Experiences:

A new 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum comes with a basic 3 year/36,000 mile manufacturer warranty, a 5year, 60,000 miles drivetrain warranty, and a 3year/36,000 mile cap for roadside assistance.

In comparison, a new 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 comes standard with a 4 year/50,000 miles basic warranty, a 4 year/50,000 mile Drivetrain warranty, and unlimited roadside assistance. Additionally, at a Park Place Motorcars location, all clients are privy to a first-class ownership experience, including a team of service experts to maintain your vehicle’s performance capabilities, technologies, and keep the exterior looking pristine with complimentary car washes, far after the initial purchase.

Price Tag: Is it worth it?

The 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum provides a buyer with the illusion of luxury and has been recognized as a fantastic move for the Nissan brand, but the 40k plus price tag could be viewed as a bit pricey for the badge its associated with, despite its upgrade in features.

One of the obvious benefits of owning a luxury vehicle is the prestige and high-performance experience that pair with the iconic badge. When purchasing a Mercedes-Benz 2018 C-Class, it is a sign that you very well might be on your way towards S-Class heights…even if your wallet doesn’t allow for it just yet. While true one has to pay for the optional packages, it’s the ability to essentially bespoke your entry-level luxury vehicle with additional first-class materials and technology that stands out above the economy brands.

October 19, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Makes Its Global Debut

The show car is the highlight of AMG’s 50th Anniversary- an apt assertion as it produces over 1,000 hp and reaches speeds beyond 217 mph. Truly, the Mercedes-AMG Project one is a first of its kind, combining exceptional racetrack performance with the day to day suitable Formula 1 hybrid technology and impressive efficiency.

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE made its global debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. This two-seater supersports show car incorporates some of the very latest, fully fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology seamlessly from the track to the road. The show car is the highlight of AMG’s 50^th Anniversary- an apt assertion as it produces over 1,000 hp and reaches speeds beyond 217 mph. Truly, the Mercedes-AMG Project one is a first of its kind, combining exceptional racetrack performance with the day to day, suitable Formula 1 hybrid technology and impressive efficiency.

This AMG GT Concept supersports show car is a glimpse into the future of high performance-hybrid drive strategy of the Mercedes-Benz sports car brand.

Blending the world of motorsports and racing technology with everyday driving is a dream turned reality for engineers. “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval. Our highly efficient hybrid assembly stems from motor racing and the electrically powered front axle generates a fascinating mixture of performance and efficiency. ”Ola Källenius says, Member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Some of the technical specs of this new powerful concept are below:

	Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car
Rear-wheel drive	1.6-liter V6 with direct injection, four valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts and electrically boosted single turbocharger, electric motor connected to the crankshaft
Engine capacity	1,600 cc
Rear-wheel drive output	> 500 kW
Front-wheel drive output	2 x 120 kW
System output	> 740 kW (> 1,000 hp)
Electric range	25 km
Drive system	Variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with hybrid-drive rear axle, electrically driven front axle and torque vectoring
Transmission	Automated AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed manual transmission
Acceleration 0-200 km/h	< 6 secs.
Top speed	> 350 km/h

Beauty Meets Formula 1 Beast

The show car is undoubtedly inspired by the world of motorsport, but most importantly, it still illuminates the Mercedes-AMG principle that fascination is linked to function. Each part. Each design decision has a purpose, resulting in a mid-engine concept. The proportions are muscular; the cockpit is forward with large wheel arches, a wasp waist, and an extended rear end.

“The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the hottest and coolest car we have ever designed. It combines our design philosophy of Sensual Purity with the performance of our Formula 1 racing cars and is the perfect embodiment of Performance Luxury,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “This hypercar’s extreme design marks a milestone in design – there are no lines, and the interior is stripped down to the essentials.”

The Future of Driving Performance

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE brings Premier class racetrack performance and a full day to day riding stability in an ultimate driving machine. The future of AMG cars is powerful as Project ONE will help engineers obtain priceless findings of performance-oriented plug-in hybrid drive technology, suspension layouts, and onboard electronics for the benefit of the series production AMG cars. The future of Project ONE is exciting, and the team is working hard to bring this vision onto the road.

For full Mercedes-AMG Project ONE specs click here.

October 17, 2017

Stuff the Trunk with Park Place Lexus Plano

Park Place Lexus Plano invites the community to share in our efforts to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and to fill our Lexus trunk with new teddy bears! Through the end of the month, Park Place Lexus Plano will be collecting new, stuffed teddy bears in conjunction with the 25^th Annual Teddy Bear Ride on October 29. New teddy bears can be dropped off at Park Place Lexus Plano at 6785 Dallas Parkway and Spring Creek Parkway in Plano.

To sign up for the Teddy Bear Ride or simply find the details so you can cheer on riders the morning of October 29th, visit www.collincounty.org/teddybearride

$15/bike + new teddy bear to donate
$20/bike (inclusive of lunch from PDQ at end location) + new teddy bear to donate

Thank you- in advance- for all your support and assistance. We look forward to seeing you and your teddys at Park Place Lexus Plano!

About Park Place Dealerships:

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships 30 years ago 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 representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. Park Place’s new Land Rover Jaguar dealership opened last month in Grapevine. A new Park Place Porsche dealership debuts in Grapevine next year. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

October 17, 2017October 17, 2017

Park Place Volvo Supports The Children’s Trust to Enhance Child Life Services

For the past 17 years, Park Place Dealerships and Children’s Health have united together to serve and provide a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. We strongly support the Children’s Health mission, vision, and multiple programs that are dedicated to serving children and families across the region. Park Place has contributed more than $418,000 to Children’s Health over the past 17 years, and Park Place Volvo Cars has contributed as presenting sponsor of The Children’s Trust membership drive and hosted the annual reception. In 2017, Park Place Volvo Cars will once again be the presenting sponsor for The Children’s Trust membership drive.

Park Place’s support continues as we proudly highlight the life-changing Child Life services and patient resources offered by Children’s Health to help patients and their families cope with hospitalization and improve physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Representatives from Children’s Health Child Life services, a member of the Children’s Trust board and her son, and two pet therapy dogs had the opportunity to view the new Volvo XC60 (and experience the roomy interior perfect for dogs on-the-go), as we discussed their life-changing Therapeutic Arts program.

The Therapeutic Arts program provides patients and families the unique opportunity to engage in expressive interventions to improve the quality of life experienced during a normally difficult time in a child’s life. With the ability to serve from either bedside or in a group setting, the families and children are provided a healing environment to approach treatment holistically by acknowledging their emotional needs.

Children’s Health first offered music therapy in the 1990s, and now has the largest music therapy program in the region. Music therapists speak a universal language, helping them reach and communicate with patients in ways other therapists cannot, such as calming fear and anxiety, allowing patients to express their feelings, and easing their distress. Children’s Health’s board-certified music therapists use musical experiences to support a therapeutic relationship with patients and family members throughout the child’s hospitalization.

The Paws for Hope Pet-Assisted Therapy Program delivered by PetSmart Charities delivers the comfort of home and loving support of a fur-ever friend in what can be a stressful setting. Animals have the power to transform the unfamiliar and scary experience of being hospitalized to a positive coping environment.

Park Place is honored to continue partnering with the leading pediatric health care system in North Texas and to support the betterment of the lives of children across the community. The new 2018 Volvo XC60 is now available at Park Place Volvo Cars Dallas.

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