Park Place Dealerships

June 24, 2015

Park Place Motorsports- Pursuit of Victory in a Porsche

Following an impressive run that has seen the team earn a victory and a top-five in successive races, Park Place Motorsports drivers Patrick Lindsey and Spencer Pumpelly will head to this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen in pursuit of victory in their sleek Porsche 911 GT3. Currently sitting sixth in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship GT Daytona standings, the team knows it must achieve maximum points as the season nears its halfway mark.

“The Six Hours of the Glen is always a big challenge. With such a high speed circuit you’re pushing at the absolute maximum the whole time, but we feel as prepared as ever,” stated Park Place Motorsport driver and team principal Patrick Lindsey. “At Laguna Seca we proved that we had an unbeatable pace, and this track should reward a similar setup and approach. With Spencer on board we have a great shot at it, I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

While many teams will run a three-driver line up for the six-hour event, Lindsey and Pumpelly have elected to keep the lineup to just them.

Spencer Pumpelly, a former winner of this event, looks forward to the challenge ahead.

“A two-driver lineup should hopefully give us an advantage this weekend,” stated Pumpelly. “Each practice session is only an hour, and with Patrick being as quick and as fit as he is, there’s no need for us to add to the mix. Anything can happen, but we’re well prepared and this has historically been a good Porsche track, so we’ll see what happens come Sunday.”

Porsche 911 GT3

Practice for the race begins this coming Friday, June 26, with the race going green at 10:10 AM ET on Sunday, and finishing six hours later. The first four hours will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 beginning at 10:00 AM ET, with FOX Sports 2 broadcasting the remainder of the race beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Photo credit: Sideline Sports Photography

June 22, 2015

2016 Jaguar XJ- Sports Sedan Redefined

The 2016 Jaguar XJ’s all-aluminum luxury sedan is now more desirable than ever. An updated exterior design, enhanced information and entertainment systems, new available driver assistance features and greater differentiation are in the model line-up.

Subtle changes to the exterior design, accentuated by full LED headlights, add to the XJ’s already distinctive looks. Materials such as semi-aniline leather and inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment.

Matching this traditional craftsmanship is state-of-the-art technology, including a new infotainment system.

InControl Touch Pro offers features such as door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi and 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio.

The driving experience is better than ever, thanks to a V6 diesel engine which offers more power and torque and less fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, and an electric power-assisted steering system that enhances Jaguar’s reputation for unrivalled agility and responsiveness.

“More dynamic and distinctive than ever, we’ve engineered our flagship sedan to deliver even greater levels of luxury and performance.”

“Featuring our new world-class infotainment system, interior materials and finishes which create an even more bespoke feel, and with our higher output, lower emissions diesel engine, the XJ rewards drivers and passengers like no other luxury car.” Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XJ.

The new XJ features a larger, more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the outboard air intakes emphasize the car’s mature, prestigious character.

The full LED headlights accentuate the ‘quad lamp’ design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steer- and static bend lamp functions, and auto high beam-assist. LED headlights also provide a color temperature closer to that of daylight than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility and driver comfort, and are also more energy-efficient.

The LED rear lights feature a new J-signature tail and position light graphic, making the XJ even more distinctive. The rear bumper now features a gloss black valance and a slender chrome insert. Oval exhaust finishers complete the look.

The XJ’s peerless interior design has been taken to the next level. So luxurious has it become that the outgoing Portfolio trim is now used for the Premium Luxury model. The new Portfolio gains quilted soft-grain leather seats with diamond stitching and embossed headrests, and figured ebony veneer.

The Autobiography model, new to XJ in the 2016 model year and available only with the long-wheelbase body, can be identified on the outside by chrome front bumper air intakes and 20” Mataiva wheels. Inside, there’s a unique Autobiography Intaglio, quilted semi-aniline leather seats with contrasting stitching, a leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, and illuminated stainless steel tread plates, air vents and boot finisher.

The new R-Sport model features a three-piece front splitter, deep side sills, side power vents and rear spoiler. A gloss black finish enhances the grille mesh, rear valance and, as standard in select markets, the window finishers. Wheels are 20” Venom. The interior gains sports seats, R-Sport steering wheel and tread plates, Jet headliner and piano black trim.

Coming this fall.

Check out the full Jaguar line-up at Park Place Jaguar Dallas and Plano.

June 19, 2015

Behind the Badge: Bentley

The story of Bentley begins high in the sky in the early 1900s. The now world-renowned British maker of luxurious cars started out designing and manufacturing rotary engines that were used on airplanes during World War 1.

Bentley rose to fame in the aviation industry with the Bentley BR1 aero-engine. Shortly thereafter, the company branched out into the automotive industry and Bentley Motors was born in 1919.

Bentley factory in Cricklewood, outside London in early 1920’s

Bentley showroom in Central London in 1920

Founder Walter Owen Bentley, known to everyone as W.O., was known in the automobile industry. Prior to finding success with plane engines, he worked with his brother selling cars before launching the brand bearing his name.

W.O. Bentley with his car

The Bentley logo has 2 versions – a “Winged B” and the flat “B” logo with wings on either side.

The letter B simply stands for Bentley while the wings on either side symbolize speed, as if to say the car can fly.

What’s interesting is the badge colors and the number of feathers in the wings on either side of the “B” varies depending on the type of car.

Vintage cars typically have 13 feathers on the left and 14 on the right.

Crewe cars have 10 feathers on each side.

Derby cars have 10 feathers on the left and 11 on the right, which is the most commonly used logo today.

The red Bentley logo is used to identify V8 models while the 12-cylinder models are adorned with the black Bentley badge.

The Bentley logo is made up of three main colors: white, black, and silver.

The white symbolizes charm and purity, black stands for elegance and superiority of the luxury cars, and silver is the overall sheer sophistication of the brand and the detail that goes into a Bentley.

Check out the full Bentley line-up at Park Place Bentley Dallas.

June 15, 2015

Summer in a Lexus: Teacher of the Year Winner Shares Her Adventure

Park Place Lexus Plano is also a proud supporter of Allen and Plano Independent School Districts. Each year, two lucky Teacher of the Year winners from each district get to spend a summer in a Lexus, attend a Texas Rangers game, and spend the day at the Dallas Arboretum all courtesy of Park Place Lexus Plano.

Jamee Little, Allen ISD 2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year winner shares her adventures in a Lexus from Park Place Lexus Plano.

Her journey starts here:

“What an amazing day to get an amazing car! The people at Park Place Lexus Plano were phenomenal and their customer service was the highest of quality. They answered every question with a genuine smile and were truly happy to help me through this process. Take it from someone who doesn’t own a Lexus, YET…you can see why customers come here and keeping coming back! Thanks Park Place Lexus Plano !!

Driving my Lexus home for the first time was….AWESOME! There is nothing like the smell of a NEW car! My sweet little 2015 Lexus RX 350 is so fun to drive! The ride is smooth and the car handles like a dream. (I swear I am a different driver in this thing!)

Good Morning Beautiful…..I love waking up and walking out to a new car!

She might look small but she is mighty!! Went on a quick shopping trip and there is room to spare!

Took the 2015 Lexus RX350 out to the Rolling Stones concert with some great friends. Love this car!”

Check back for more of Jamee’s Summer in a Lexus adventures.

June 15, 2015June 15, 2015

Park Place Recognizes Teachers of the Year with a Summer in a Mercedes-Benz

Park Place Motorcars Grapevine is proud to support the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. Each year, two lucky Teacher of the Year winners get to spend a summer in a Mercedes-Benz. This year, Julee Vorachard of Cannon Elementary and Kristinia Haney were named 2015 Elementary & Secondary Teachers of the Year.

Julee Vorachard (middle) Kristinia Haney (2nd from right)

Kristinia Haney, a teacher at Collegiate Academy picked out a shiny red Mercedes-Benz GLK350 to drive for the summer.

On top of spending the summer in a Mercedes-Benz, the winners get tickets to a Texas Rangers game, passes to the Dallas Arboretum, and cool Mercedes-Benz grab bag with other goodies all courtesy of Park Place Motorcars Grapevine.

June 15, 2015

Park Place Lexus Plano supports University of North Texas

We are proud to support the UNT Coaches Caravan as well as the Mean Green Club, Mean Green Sports, and Mean Green Football! The Coaches Caravan arrived in style to Park Place Lexus Plano to meet and spend time with UNT Alums and fans.

Coaches, cheerleaders and UNT’s mascot Scrappy the Eagle mingled with the crowd.

The coaches shared their stories and got the crowd excited for what’s to come from UNT Athletics this fall.

Thank you to Rudy’s BBQ for the amazing BBQ!

Thank you to everyone for coming out!

June 15, 2015

Lexus Named #1 Brand by Consumer Reports

Lexus continues to dominate the competition! For the second year in a row, Lexus achieved the top overall score in the annual Consumer Reports Car Brand Report Card.

Lexus vehicles performed well on the grueling road tests and posted the highest reliability rating of all brands tested.

Consumer Reports called Lexus a company “known for making quiet, plush, and very reliable cars.”
Stop by Park Place Lexus Grapevine or Plano to see for yourself why Lexus is #1.

June 15, 2015June 15, 2015

Teachers of the Year Enjoy Summer in a Lexus

Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Plano have been proud supporters of several school districts in the area.

Melody Anderson from Rockenbaugh Elementary & Denise McCrummen of Dawson Middle School are Carroll ISD 2015 Teachers of the Year winners. They will get to enjoy their summer in a new Lexus, courtesy of Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

Jamee Little, Allen ISD 2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year winner shares her adventures in a Lexus from Park Place Lexus Plano.

Her journey starts here:

Good Morning Beautiful…..I love waking up and walking out to a new car!

She might look small but she is mighty!! Went on a quick shopping trip and there is room to spare!

Took the 2015 Lexus RX350 out to the Rolling Stones concert with some great friends. Love this car!”

Check back for more of Jamee’s Summer in a Lexus adventures.

June 12, 2015June 19, 2015

The Art of Cars, Curves, and Colors

What is it about a certain color that captures our attention or even affects our moods? Color has a huge effect on our daily life. From the clothes and shoes we pick-out each day, to bright-colored handbags, even the color of the cars we drive, we all have a color-palette we gravitate to.

Think about a pair of shoes or a suit you bought. Did you try one on just like it in another color and it just didn’t look right? Either the color didn’t accent the elaborate curvature and character of the high-heeled pump or the suit didn’t look as sharp or powerful in a lighter color.

Outside of fashion, color is just as important in the automotive world.

Lexus pulled back the curtain ever so slightly to show the science and the process that goes into choosing the best colors to suit its variety of models.

Color Meister (master) Yoichiro Kitamura runs Lexus’ Color Design Department and oversees the color selection process, which can take up to 3 years.

“Obviously I’d learned about color at school, but I quickly found the science of car color to be quite different. In simple terms, we use color to bring out and maximize a car’s character – but that takes us right into the psychology of color, and how we can use depth and clarity to accentuate the shape and size of a car.”

You can probably easily imagine a sporty Lexus in bright orange or yellow, but can you imagine those same colors on a Lexus RX or an ES?

2015 Lexus RC-F Color: Molten Pearl

The process of color development is truly a global collaboration, as the Lexus brand is sold in the U.S. and other parts of the world; it needs to appeal to all consumers.

Designers, engineers, sales associates, and Lexus customers from Japan, U.S., and Europe provide detailed input into the color selection process.

First order of business is the type of car: is it a sedan or a coupe, is it sporty or luxurious, is it a crossover SUV or a large SUV.

“We have 30 main choices of Lexus body colors,” says Mr. Nishimura, an engineer in the Material Engineering Department “but the LFA has unlimited options. Even so, around half of LFA customers choose white. Black and silver are very popular Lexus choices, so more effort is going into enriching and differentiating these colors with unique textures and depths.”

To provide different texture and depth, the Color Design Department creates new colors with the use of pearl, metal, and mineral textures. This creates a new spectrum of color choices that are far more advanced than most mass-market vehicles.

You can see the Lexus color-palette and the full model line-up at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

2015 Lexus RC F Color: Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0