Park Place Dealerships

January 16, 2017January 16, 2017

A New Year and a New Look For McLaren 12C and 650S with “MSO Defined” Options

McLaren expands the range of aftermarket personalisation options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT
Available for all Qualified pre-owned McLaren Super Series models
Range now includes a wide selection carbon fibre accessories produced by McLaren Special Operations under its MSO Defined portfolio

Current and future McLaren Super Series owners can now refresh the design of their cars through a range of dramatic McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Defined accessories. Offered and installed through McLaren retailers, the options can now be widely applied to any McLaren Super Series models from the 12C to the 675LT and at any point in the car’s ownership. The accessories enhance the dramatic design of the car and in true McLaren fashion, also frequently bring a performance advantage, as a result of weight saving.

Among the exterior embellishments in the MSO Defined Super Series collection are a Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, which reduces weight and enhances airflow, and Carbon Fibre Mirror Arms which can be coupled with matching mirror casings. The range also includes Carbon Fibre Louvered Front Fenders, which take inspiration from McLaren historic race cars, such as the renowned 1970 Can-Am winning McLaren M8D to save 0.5 kilograms over the standard equivalent. They feature vented wheel arch liners, to remove turbulent air from under the wheel arches giving more grip over the front axle. Also available is a carbon fibre bonnet that is finished in visual carbon fibre for increased impact, as seen on the limited-edition McLaren 650S Can-Am model.

Interior enhancements begin with MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Vent Bezels. Carbon Fibre Sill Tops highlight the driver-focused design of the cabin, as well as protect the sills of the MonoCell structure. While likely to interest the track day enthusiasts are a Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel, which can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara®, and Extended Carbon Fibre Gear Shift Paddles.

Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive, commented: “The growing MSO Defined portfolio gives customers an opportunity to further personalize their cars and significantly expands our wider accessories portfolio. We have experienced significant interest in the MSO Defined range on Super Series cars being ordered new and we are now very pleased to be bringing these features to a wider group of customers as a retrofit choice.”

The aftermarket enhancements in the Super Series MSO Defined range are available for existing owners and new customers purchasing through the Qualified programme. For more details, please visit McLaren Dallas at the Park Place Premier Collection.

January 12, 2017January 12, 2017

Lexus Re imagines Global Flagship Sedan: the NEW LS 500

After five years of development the new Lexus LS 500 is unlike any of its predecessors. Its radical new design includes a coupe-like silhouette, with all the spaciousness of the prestige sedan. This is the fifth generation LS flagship sedan, unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. The LS’s design has a clear Japanese identity, but it’s availability in over 90 countries will make it the brand’s latest global citizen.

The Lexus LS is a new level of flagship luxury in every aspect, including an all-new twin-turbo V6 with 415 horsepower, 10 speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter-twin-turbo V6, and a front-engine, rear wheel driving platform. The wide and low design, 123 inch wheelbase is longer than the current LS model, will enhance the center of gravity height and weight distribution. The stage has been set for enhanced handling, ride smoothness, a quiet, and dynamic driving experience cabin thanks to the revolutionary GA-L architecture, chassis control technology known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), and the use of lightweight materials in building the car.

There are five wheel designs debuting with the LS, including two new 19 and three 20 inch wheel designs. Sputter, an electroplating technique is used on the 20 inch wheels to obtain a brilliant appearance. Hollow rim structures on four out of the five wheel designs reduce the resonance sound generated by the tires.

Forged from passion, the new LS 500 surpasses all luxury class expectations offering the driver a more dynamic driving experience. When crafting the all-new LS, Lexus re-imagined what a flagship sedan should be, as if launching the brand all over again. The new LS anticipate the needs of the driver and their passengers- attending to their comfort and safety. This principal is called Omotenashi, the Japanese principal of hospitality present in all LS models.

The new Lexus will arrive in the United States in the fall of 2017- signaling the ultimate rebirth of a luxury classic. Stay up to date on new Lexus LS 500

January 12, 2017January 12, 2017

The Drive Me Project: Volvo’s Real-life Autonomous Drive Research Program

The Drive Me project is a large scale autonomous driving project that puts real people behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 in real traffic. In total, the project will see about 100 autonomous cars on the roads in Sweden- the home of Volvo Cars. During the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, Volvo introduced the Hain Family from Gothenburg, Sweden, as the first people chosen to take part in a real-life autonomous drive research program.

Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, of the Volvo Car Group says that “Technology should improve the consumer experience making mobility safer, sustainable, and more convenient.” This program emphasizes that technology should make people’s lives easier, allowing a user to potentially drive in a vehicle that performs all the driving without human input. But, it all starts with the person using the technology; Volvo’s unique, human centric approach defines the technology based on the role of the driver.

The extensive research should yield a safer journey, save fuel, provide a smoother ride, and even help every driver find and successfully park in any available space. This a collaborative process; Volvo Cars recently partnered with the ride sharing company, Uber, that will incorporate the latest autonomous driving (AD) features, as well as launching a joint venture with Autoliv, termed Zenuity, to develop bench-marking autonomous drive software and safety solutions for OEM’s.

The future cars will be able to navigate without human input, sense its surroundings and adapt to changing traffic conditions. “We want to learn more around how people feel when they engage and disengage autonomous drive, what the handover should be like, and what sort of things they would do in the car when it’s driving them to their destination” according the Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research and Development at Volvo Car Group.

Volvo aims to have its first fully autonomous car on the market by 2021.

January 12, 2017

The Volvo V90 Luxury Wagon to Make its North American Debut in 2017

The new Volvo V90 will make its North American Debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will be available as a model 2018 later this year. This beautiful, new expression of luxury builds on over 60 years of wagon heritage that started with the Volvo Duett. The V90 wagon will complete the Volvo 90 range, which includes the V90 Cross Country, XC90 SUV, and the S90 Sedan.

The V90 engages the senses, transporting passengers to a light and spacious Scandinavian sanctuary. Its interior is designed with nappa leather, natural wood, a full length panoramic roof, and the 12” Sensus Connect Touchscreen also found in the award winning XC90. Maximilian Missoni, Vice President- Exterior Design, describes the luxury wagon as “powerful and confident, but also calming. It’s a car you will drive with pride.”

Light and elegant, the Volvo V90 is a fantastic vehicle for the true wagon enthusiast. Its luxury defies standards, allowing customers to oversee every detail through Volvo concierge or Overseas Delivery.The stunning Scandinavian design combines with intuitive technology to give the rider an experience truly made for a new world.

Stay up-to-date with the new Volvo V90.

January 12, 2017January 16, 2017

Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2018 LC Performance Coupe

Since the premiere of the LC 500 performance coupe last year, the most frequently asked question has been, “How much will it cost?” Today that question was answered with news that both the 2018 LC 500 and its hybrid sibling, the LC 500h, will have Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) below $100,000 when they arrive at dealerships this May.

The all-new LC 500, powered by a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, matched with the first direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission to be featured in a luxury car, delivering 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft of torque, will have a starting MSRP of $92,000. The LC 500h, powered by 3.5-liter, V6 full hybrid powertrain, delivering a total system output of 354 horsepower, will have a starting MSRP of $96,510.

The LC is a new flagship 2+2 performance coupe with avant-garde styling achieved through an unprecedented level of cooperation between design and engineering teams. It is the first model on the new Lexus ‘Global Architecture – Luxury’ platform (GA-L), designed for new generations of front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models. As the first model to benefit from Lexus’ new Multi-Stage Hybrid system, the LC 500h delivers efficient environmental performance without sacrificing powerful driving performance.

The LC will be equipped with an array of standard features such as a glass roof, ultra-compact triple projector LED headlamps, arrowhead daytime running lights (DRL) combined with the triple-projector headlamps to create the next-generation Lexus lamp signature, three-dimensional rear lamp, Drive Mode Select, paddle shifters, next-generation Remote Touch Interface with touchpad, Lexus Premium Audio, and a color 10.3 inch TFT multi-information display. All LCs are equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+, a package of active safety features including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Intelligent High Beam.

Optional equipment on the base LC 500 and LC 500h models includes 20” and 21” forged wheels, Mark Levinson audio system, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), Heads-Up Display (HUD) and Cold Area Package, which includes heated steering wheel and windshield de-icer.

November 29, 2016November 30, 2016

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 Review

Today we’re looking at the all new Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUV. It’s predecessor, M-class has been revitalized and redesigned as the GLE-Class. The GLE 350 upholds the Mercedes-Benz tradition of using only the highest quality materials like hand-polished wood and hand-stitched upholstery. You might not recognize the new front fascia, as it sports a new hood with power domes, sleeker front fenders, brawny bumpers, and a radiator grille with two lines accentuating the Mercedes-Benz star.

The diamond-shaped grille flows naturally from top to bottom of the front bumper for a sleek, uniform look. When you pop the hood of the GLE, you’ll find the tried and true 3.5L V6 engine that Mercedes-Benz uses in so many of its vehicles. This has been one of the most reliable and best-performing engines that Mercedes-Benz has ever produced, and it feels great when coupled with the 7-speed automatic transmission in the GLE.

All models come with Dynamic Select, which allows you to choose one of four or five transmission modes to change the characteristics of engine, transmission, and steering to deliver your desired driving style. If you want a dynamic ride, change to “Sport”. If you’re looking for a serene one, try “Comfort.” Slick weather? “Slippery” will improve handling to limit slipping or sliding, or you can create your own customized mode. Since this SUV can carry five passengers, the 11-way airbag system has everyone covered. Driver drowsiness can happen to anyone, but Attention Assist helps fight it by monitoring up to 70 parameters of driving behavior. If it detects a potential problem, the system can alert the driver.

With the ability to tow up to 7200 pounds, and a 60/40 split second-row seat that provides you with a vast 80 cubic feet of storage space, you’ll be able to effortlessly carry your gear for a long road trip or weekend adventure.

Inside the airy cabin is hand-finished wood and hand-fitted upholstery for the ultimate in elegance and comfort. The abundance of amenities includes a bigger 8-inch screen, and premium interior lighting that illuminates the center console, interior door handles, and footwells for peace of mind and passenger safety.

Of course, it’s wonderful for a vehicle to look great, but what does this vehicle feel like out on the road? Having driven the M-Class for a number of years, I can tell you that the GLE, in my opinion, was a big step up. It feels very capable on the road. It’s excellent at highway speeds. It’s a great handling car in the city, and it strikes a nice balance between sport ride and comfort ride. It’s great on virtually every road surface, and the ability to select the five different driving modes is a real bonus on this vehicle.

This stunning Sport Utility Vehicle has a bright future with its inventive modern design, cutting edge technology, and capable road handling. The GLE 350 fits right in with the hustle and bustle of Dallas/Fort Worth, and handles all kinds of road surfaces with a velvet touch. It’s classy, yet sporty style suits all occasions, whether it’s a formal evening at the Bass Hall or Winspear, or camping at Lake Texoma. It’s like the ideal outfit. It can be easily dressed up or dressed down. To learn more about the new GLE, view our Mercedes-Benz GLE inventory online, or stop by one of our showrooms which are located in Arlington, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Dallas.

November 18, 2016November 30, 2016

Park Place Lexus Recognized For Best Practices In Customer Focus By Baldrige Performance Excellence Program

Texas-based Park Place Lexus has been recognized for a best practice in customer focus by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, part of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program.

“The path we started more than a decade ago to pursue the Baldrige Program has led to improved strategies and best management practices we have implemented to better serve our clients,” said Ken Schnitzer, chairman and founder of Park Place Dealerships. “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to consistently deliver a positive customer experience.”

Park Place has two Lexus dealerships in North Texas that jointly received the recognition. Park Place Lexus Grapevine, located near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Park Place Lexus Plano, just north of Dallas, employ more than 570 people. In 2005, the two dealerships received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for sustainable excellence through visionary leadership, organizational alignment, systemic improvement and innovation.

“Based on our continued improvement through a systematic approach to goal-setting, measures and reviews, we offer our clients the best automotive purchase and ownership experience,” remarked Jordan Case, President of Park Place Lexus. ”We continue to improve our processes of learning what we could do better and pushing ourselves to be the best in our industry.”

During a recent visit from Baldrige examiners, a site visit evaluation team spent several days interviewing 400 of Park Place’s nearly 600 Lexus members. Park Place Lexus was one of six organizations in the country to receive a best practices honor. The complete list includes:

City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins, Colorado—leadership
Kaiser Permanente San Diego, San Diego, California—leadership
Maury Regional Medical Center, Columbia, Tennessee—leadership
Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina—leadership and strategy
Park Place Lexus of Texas, Plano, Texas—customers
Southern Management Corporation, Vienna, Virginia—workforce

The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program raises awareness about the importance of performance excellence in driving the U.S. and global economy; provides organizational assessment tools and criteria; and educates leaders in all type of organizations about the practices of national role models. Since the first Baldrige Award recipients were recognized in 1988, 109 awards have been presented to 102 organizations (including seven two-time award recipients). The Baldrige Award recognizes the nation’s top-level performers in six categories: manufacturing, service, small business, health care, education and nonprofit.

November 2, 2016

Park Place Porsche unveils new 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition

Park Place Porsche is the only Flagship Exclusive Dealership in Texas

Park Place Porsche recently hosted a party on the expansive lawn of the Camp House at Dallas Arboretum to unveil the new 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. But like this eagerly anticipated new sports car, this exclusive event was not your average garden party. For starters, guest had a choice of a Patrón margarita served sweet, spicy, herbal or fruity. The Krish Coffee bar allowed similar customization for hot beverages. You could choose your pasta cooked exactly how you wanted it — with your hand-picked ingredients — prepared personally for you by III Forks Restaurant’s executive chef Chris Vogeli. And, as the sun set over White Rock Lake, the cover was pulled back to reveal the bold new Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition in Etna Blue with the Porsche logo and stripe glistening in white gold metallic along its sides.

“We wanted the party to reflect the customization options available for our clients,” said Patrick Huston, General Manager of Park Place Porsche. “As one of only a dozen Porsche Exclusive Flagship dealers in the country, and the only one in Texas, we can offer our clients an unprecedented level of personalization for their cars. Options go well beyond a choice of leather or paint colors. We can sit down with a client and select from dozens of different options to make any Porsche model uniquely their own. And we can show them how the options work together in real time on our computer. They can even compare pricing as they design the car of their dreams.”

The new Porsche 911 Targa 4 comes standard with a 350-horsepower, 3.4-liter flat-6 engine that starts at $102,595. The 400-hp, 3.8-liter flat-6 Targa 4S is $117,195. But, consider MSRPs as merely suggestions as you can configure your Targa any way you want it. For instance, a seven-speed manual gearbox is standard, but the optional PDK gearbox allows you to roll through gears even faster. You can even choose air vents that match your car’s upholstery. Or you might prefer chrome vents. Again, the options are only limited by your creativity. However you outfit your car, it can leap from 0-to-60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. Don’t worry. It’s wide stance and all-wheel drive grips the road even in tight curves.

Following assembly, all vehicles are hand-finished on the Porsche Exclusive production lines in Zuffenhausen, Germany. For 30 years, Porsche Exclusive has strived to deliver individuality straight from the factory and boasts a long-standing tradition in the creation of limited vehicle projects. With each vehicle, the customer receives a specially designed indoor car cover as well as a bound photo album in graphite-blue leather, which documents the development process of their car and features its specific vehicle identification number (VIN).

Park Place partnered with III Forks Restaurant, Patrón Tequila and Lakewood Brewing Co. on this fantastic event. Other sponsors included Verona Privé Maison, which provided sophisticated lounge groupings for guests’ comfort during the sunset reveal.

Located at 6113 Lemmon Avenue, near Dallas’ Love Field, Park Place Porsche was selected this year as a Porsche Premier Dealer for the 19th time. Over the years, Park Place Porsche has been recognized by Porsche Cars North America as the most consistently winning dealer in North America.

November 1, 2016November 2, 2016

The Park Place Mission Told Through Real-Life Experience

At Park Place Dealerships, our mission is “To create an extraordinary automotive purchase and ownership experience.”

It’s one thing to say it, but to see it in action is another. We are elated when our clients share their stories of how enjoyable their real-life experience has been at a Park Place Dealership, and a recent article in Business Reporter, by Keil Hubert, highlights exactly how we hope to stand out in your automotive purchasing experience. Thank you so much for the kind words, Keil, and welcome to the Park Place family.

Keil’s article dives head-first into how the automotive industry has developed over the years, and the subsequent feelings that many car-buyers have developed about the process. He goes on to tell about his experience with Park Place Porsche Dallas, and how that experience stood out among the crowd. We won’t spoil the ending for you, but we will share our favorite quote from Keil.

“This was what I’d been wanting from the car buying experience. Exactly this.”

To read Keil’s full story, please click here. http://business-reporter.co.uk/2016/10/31/american-view-ghost-protocols/

October 26, 2016

Chrysalis Ball Attendees Win A Year Of Lexus

Park Place Lexus Plano donated the use of a different Lexus each quarter for a year as an auction item at the 2016 Chrysalis Ball benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom at Embassy Suites in Frisco on October 15. Richard & Cathy Riccardi were the high bidders and will get to drive a Lexus RX, ES, NX and GS for three months each for a year. The package also included four seats to a Dallas Stars game, a Frisco RoughRiders suite for 12 people for the 2017 season including food and beverages; and four tickets to a 2017 Texas Rangers game with seats behind the dugout and complimentary parking.

Cathy & Richard Riccardi will be driving a different Lexus every 3 months thanks to the Chrysalis Ball and Park Place Lexus Plano

“We’re thrilled to help these young people who will one day shape our future,” said Chris Brunner, general manager of Park Place Lexus Plano. “The Boys & Girls Clubs does an amazing job in mentoring and challenging kids. They have a 100-percent rate of high school graduation for kids in their program. You have to support an organization that produces results like that.”

Founded in 1969 with locations in Frisco, Plano and McKinney, the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. More info at http://www.bgccc.org