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August 16, 2013May 7, 2015

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Enters Production

The upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With six different S-Class models coming your way, there is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Stay tuned at Park Place Motorcars Dallas to be the first to hear about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrival.

Mercedes-Benz is in the middle of the most fertile epoch in its century-long history. The premium automaker has made itself the proud parent of six all-new luxury models in recent years; it seems everyone is in Stuttgart’s crosshairs now. Nowhere is the German company’s “driving forward in the offensive” model more apparent than behind the wheel of its flagship, the S-Class sedan. Read on for all the details on the newest jaw-dropping S-Class generation.For 2014, six S-Class models are available, beginning with the S400 HYBRID, S350 BlueTEC, and S550, and on to the S63 AMG and S600. Then, of course, is the true head-of-household: the S65 AMG performance sedan.

Comfort and safety
First off the block for MY2014 is the dashing S550, which will land in the U.S. with a 455-horsepower V8 this September. The S550 will be the first to showcase the Mercedes-Benz “smart” suspensions, explaining how, as a Road & Track reviewer put it, the sedan “makes 80 mph feel like 50, yet still manages to involve its driver.” Of course, that’s also because S-Class undergoes the “toughest chassis test in the world” before it ever sees production, to ensure it maintains composure in the world’s most extreme environments. Being able to mute out the effects of such spinal antagonists as potholes and manholes is fantastic. You’re unlikely to find an automobile better equipped to smooth life’s many frictions. Along those lines, Mercedes is proud to announce the first production Mercedes-Benz series to debut its award-winning new safety recognition systems. Guided by signature “6D vision” technology, its advanced camera and radar programming preemptively maximizes safety for both S occupants as well as nearby drivers and bystanders. Whether it’s a pedestrian, bicyclist or deer in the headlights, your intelligent sedan will take swift and appropriate action.

Engine power
Lest you think all this comfort and play-it-safe comes at the expense of performance, rest assured that Mercedes-Benz has attended to the inner fire of the S-Class. It has upgraded engines across the board, not least among them the turf-abusing 6-liter, bi-turbo V-12 beast that governs the topmost S65 AMG executive. With 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, this drivetrain is all but bloodthirsty and leaves each and every driver speechless after about four seconds. Yet, the luxurious S65 will be as gentle as a lamb – if you ask nicely. The Mercedes Benz S-Class humanizes the process of transport. Model-year 2014 reincarnates one of the twentieth century’s great trendsetters with a gentleman’s aplomb.

Please visit our Motorcars Dallas, Motorcars Grapevine, or Motorcars Fort Worth sites to stay tuned for the upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrival.

August 9, 2013May 7, 2015

Affordable Luxury for Dallas in the 2013 Jaguar XF Sedan

The 2013 Jaguar XF is the entry point for an affordable luxury car, so why not visit your Jaguar dealer and check out a Lease on a new Jaguar XF or XF 3.0. Chances are you’ll find that you can finance your new XF with competitive low rates and an affordable monthly payment. Please click here to visit our Park Place Jaguar Plano site and see more pictures of the 2013 Jaguar XF.

The Cat’s Meow

Finally, there is an affordable mid-size luxury sedan that brings a smile at the gas pump and nimble on-road performance. Yep, it’s time for the cat metaphors because it’s the new 2013 Jaguar XF. It’s easier to own than ever before with a $6,000 price reduction for the base model.

The Sensible Jaguar

One of the reasons the Jaguar XF has become popular with first-time prestige sedan owners is its sensible new 2.0-liter engine. There is no reason to blow your budget on an over-the-top performance sedan just so you can brag about how fast it hits 60 mph. Smart drivers are choosing a responsive car of distinction like the Jag XF so they can choose the engine that suits their driving needs.

Many drivers are finding that the 2013 XF is surprisingly easy to afford with manageable lease payments or low finance rates. It’s one of the reasons the 2013 XF has become the prestige vehicle of choice for individuals who desire a luxury automobile without the luxury cost.

What Makes the XF Purr

The new XF base model contains a direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers 240 hp and 251 lb-ft torque at very low speeds. This translates into a vehicle that will readily respond with the acceleration you need in demanding urban traffic or when passing vehicles on the highway. This engine gives you a combined EPA city/highway fuel economy of 23 mpg, a highly respectable figure for a mid-size sedan.

Do You Need the V6?

For just $3K more, you can upgrade to the XF 3.0 with its supercharged 340 hp V6 engine and 332 lb-ft of torque. This configuration gets only a slightly lower city/highway combined mileage of 21 mpg. Even if you’re into penny pinching, you may find the upgrade to the XF 3.0 worth the extra investment. According to “Car and Driver,” it has a smoother delivery than the base XF, which made them quip: “Check the sofas; you may have another $3,000 for the V-6 in there somewhere.”

The only way to determine if you should go for the XF 3.0 is to test drive both variants. Many drivers may not notice the difference. The same irreverent reviewer at “Car and Driver” celebrated the “tactile steering” and “techno update on old-world opulence” in the base model’s interior.

Luxury Standards

In either the base XF or XF 3.0, you can switch to manual mode with the paddle shifters and turn your domesticated ride into a ferocious beast. Other standard features include push-button start; Xenon headlamps with LED lights; heated, leather, power-adjusting front seats; parking sensors; sunroof; and an infotainment system that includes a 250-watt 10-speaker audio system.

If the Jaguar XF sounds like your affordable luxury car, why not visit your Jaguar dealer and check out a Lease on a new XF or XF 3.0. Chances are you’ll find that you can finance your new XF with competitive low rates and an affordable monthly payment.

If you would like to see the 2013 Jaguar XF and take it for a test drive, please visit either our Park Place Jaguar Dallas or Jaguar Plano dealership.

August 8, 2013November 1, 2019

2014 Lexus IS: The A-Z Review

The exterior of the new IS may have the most radical version of Lexus’ new spindle grill, but there’s a lot more to the redesign than just a styling refresh. This new design adds a major dose of refinement, turning a competent car into a serious player in the sports sedan market.

Performance
While most of its competitors have moved to turbocharged four cylinders, the IS 250 still uses a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 producing 205 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. This trades some low-end grunt for faster throttle response and better top end performance. The IS 350 gets a 3.5 liter with 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque, letting the car go from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.6 seconds. Both cars can be equipped with either rear or all wheel drive.

The manual is gone, leaving buyers with a 6-speed automatic in the IS250, while the IS350 gets the 8-speed auto once used only in the IS F Sport. That heritage shows with rapid shifts from the paddle shifters.

The brakes are much bigger this time around with 11-inch discs on the IS250 and a combination of 13-inch front discs and 12-inch rear discs on the IS350. The result is shorter stopping distances, significantly less fade and better feel.

The revised suspension removes the twitchiness of its predecessor, providing a compliant ride with plenty of grip. The chassis remains composed at high speeds, requiring a significant effort to get the rear end to slide out.

The revised steering rack improves on-center feel and adds some heft when turning the wheel. Turn-in is quick, and the recalibrated electric power steering offers a surprising amount of feel.

Interior
Inside, the IS has an interior design unique in Lexus’ lineup with a slim horizontal dash and controls tilted toward the driver for easier access. The new seats are far more comfortable than the outgoing model, and some minor reshaping of the rear windows has improved visibility.

The F Sport
This performance package is available on both the IS250 and IS350 with either rear or all wheel drive. The powertrains remain untouched aside from the addition of a sound tube that channels some extra engine noise into the cabin. The key addition of the package is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that transforms the IS from a sports sedan into a track day-ready car. In Sports+ mode, it’s 20% stiffer than the outgoing F Sport, making the car track straight in the most difficult corners.

Inside, the seats are more heavily bolstered, while the stock gauges are replaced by a digital cluster similar to the LFA’s, letting the driver see just a speedometer and tachometer, or bring up additional information as needed.

Get behind the wheel of the newest Lexus IS at your Park Place dealership.

August 6, 2013May 7, 2015

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: A Sixth Generation in Dallas

The upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is gearing for its debut this fall, perfect for those who enjoy magic carpet rides, live in fear of assassination or have a pressing need for a spa on wheels. The all-new sixth generation of the Mercedes-Benz low-lying sedan, like its predecessors, is an astonishing achievement. There’s an S-Class vehicle for every kind of drivetrain preference, safety concern and essential creature comfort. Curious? We explain it all here. Want to be the first to know when it arrives? Please click here to visit our Park Place Motorcars website and let us know.

Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012

“S” is for safety and style

It sounds like a riddle: what can see like a human, sometimes doesn’t need a human, is well-lit without light bulbs, and comes with its own hot stone massage? A car whose length is determined by the needs of chauffeured elites, the debut of the 2014 S-Class promises models engineered to the millimeter for performance, connectivity and ride quality.

Mercedes Benz S-Class will begin its U.S. launch later this year, starting with the Mercedes-Benz S550 in September, followed shortly by the S550 4Matic in November. ‘4Matic’ is the term Mercedes-Benz uses to describe the specialized four-wheel-drive versions of its vehicles. As the core model of its class, the S550 interior pioneers a host of new features, from all-LED lighting to built-in seat massages modeled after ancient Ayurvedic stone treatments.

Also on board are award-winning safety mechanisms that protect passengers from inadvertent traffic accidents and allow semi-autonomous driving via digital sensing systems. An S-Class vehicle can keep its lane and maintain a consistent distance between your car and the one ahead of you. Automatic braking allows vehicles like the S550 to scan for obstacles as they appear and brake if they don’t move.

The S-Class is considered one of the safest automotive classes in the world—no surprise from the German manufacturer of cars for diplomats and leaders of over ninety nations. The S-Class experience approximates that of a private jet, albeit one that won’t leave the ground.

“S” is for smooth sailing

The S550 is accident-resistant, but what about its handling under ordinary conditions? While Mercedes-Benz’s Magic Body Control suspension technology isn’t a magic carpet, the ‘smart’ dampener system approximates the sort of fluid, frictionless motion you’d expect from an enchanted tapestry.

Magic Body Control uses the Mercedes-Benz exclusive 360-degree vision—a complex camera-and-sensor circuit—to continually scan roadways for street imperfections like potholes. The system responsively adjusts the new S-Class suspension on the fly, making rocky roads feel like smooth conduits.

It’s just another way Mercedes strives to mute the noxious sources of mental and physical fatigue that plague passengers’ experience in lesser cars. If you would like to be among the first to test drive the upcoming 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, please visit one of our Motorcars locations: Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Motorcars Grapevine, or Motorcars Fort Worth.

August 2, 2013May 7, 2015

McLaren Shows Off the Goods at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Can-Am glory days
This year McLaren is showing off the Can-Am side of its heritage, a lesser-known area of the British marque’s expertise. Back in the ’60s and ’70s, the team’s rear-winged marvels won so many back-to-back Can-Am championships, they’re still considered the winningest competitors in series history.

In honor of this heritance, the world’s second-oldest racing team brought a storied lineup to the festival, including Fittipaldi’s M23, the 1988 MP4/4, the 1998 MP4-13, and the MP423, which claimed the world championship in 2008. We also caught a glimpse of the F1 GT3 ‘road car’ that famously left its purpose-built betters in the dust in the 1995 24 hours of Le Mans contest.

2014 McLaren P1
Folks at Goodwood were further treated to a live preview of ‘McLaren P1‘ – the long-awaited progeny of the legendary F1 road car of ’90s fame. Products of the ‘NASA of the car world,’ McLaren supercars are always dressed to impress and the featured P1 was no exception. Under the hood, the car is clearly an engineering prodigy, boasting a twenty-first century combination of McLaren’s Formula 1 secret sauce with state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology.

Clearly, even the most horsepower-obsessed carmakers are feeling the fuel economy squeeze. No matter; at just over 900 brake horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the supercar will have as much restraint as a rocket at liftoff. With a twin-turbo, nearly 4-liter V-8 paired with an electric motor designed in-house, the P1 will be a unique beast. Even the sensible electric components have been tweaked to enhance performance.

Britain’s most celebrated and mysterious auto maker put on a memorable show at the 2013 Festival of Speed. By the looks of the P1, we’re sure this masterpiece will be wildly fun to drive. The 2014 P1 will be a lovely addition to the list of the most impressive automobiles we’ve seen so far this century.

August 1, 2013May 7, 2015

Jaguar Project 7 – The Goodwood Festival Wrap Up

What would a race spec F-Type look like? Jaguar is answering that with the new Project 7 concept car. The name comes from the brand’s 7 Le Mans wins between 1951 and 1990, and its design shares cues from the cars that delivered those victories.

With Jaguar banking on their racing heritage, it makes sense that the concept debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event itself was created to celebrate Britain’s racing history, bringing classic race cars to the estate housing the Goodwood Circuit and hill climb courses.

Design
The overall look is somewhere between the current F-Type and the D-Type, a car that dominated Le Mans in the mid-50s.

The lightweight aluminum body gets a ring of carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements running along the bottom edge. The tall rear diffuser is aided by a low fixed spoiler.

There’s still a full cabin, but the passenger’s seat has been replaced by a holder for a helmet and the windscreen has been shortened. The fabric top has also been jettisoned: in its place, a fairing with a built-in roll cage extends behind the driver’s head for better aerodynamics.

French racing blue was chosen instead of the expected British racing green; this color was the one most often used on the D-Type.

Performance
While it may be a concept, this is a fully-functional car. A retuned version of the supercharged V8 together with a freer-flowing ceramic-finished exhaust bring power output up to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. of torque, which is 54 hp and 41 lb-ft. more than the production car. The suspension has been reworked, lowering the ride height by 10 mm and improving cornering ability.

Thanks to the lighter body, aerodynamic tweaks and more powerful engine, it can go from 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 4.2 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

Will it be built?
A race spec car seems like a no-brainer with Jaguar’s return to sports cars, and most of the Project 7’s are practical for mass production. Whether or not features like the headrest fairing make it to production will depend on how well they mix with current homologation requirements.

You can drive part of Jaguar history. Visit your Park Place Jaguar dealership in DFW today to see the full line.

Post Author: dans.

August 1, 2013May 7, 2015

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: The Ultimate in Speed and Class

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is the ultimate luxury car designed to exceed expectations and polish off the competition. And it’s available now at Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Motorcars Fort Worth, and Motorcars Grapevine.

2014-Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-Dallas-Plano-FortWorth

What Other Carmakers Don’t Want You to Know It’s amazing when a sports sedan like the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4Matic can leave some of the world’s production super cars in the dust. A glance at the refined and sculpted lines of the E63 AMG does not give away the E63’s 0 to 60 secret—an acceleration rate of just 3.5 to 3.6 seconds in the S and base model variants. As Mercedes-Benz puts it, this car remains “unmatched by virtually any other car on the road.”
How the E63 AMG Does it The E63 AMG specs clearly illustrate how such an urbane sedan can polish off the competition. After all, the AMG series is Mercedes’ top performance line, so it’s designed to exceed expectations. One of the remarkable things about this track-worthy AMG is that it comes standard with performance designed all-wheel drive. Most performance sports cars operate on rear-wheel drive for faster shift-to-torque response. The E63 AMG has a longer wheelbase and weighs more, making the 4Matic deliver terrific torque and maximum control. In fact, the computer governing all four wheels actually makes the vehicle “feel remarkably nimble,” states Car and Driver.

You Drive Your E63 AMG—it Doesn’t Drive You

The 7-speed AMG speedshift sports transmission offers four driving modes to match your mood, weather and terrain. In Sports, Sports+ and Manual modes, the driver melds more closely to the car for aggressive driving with open throttle, lighting fast gearshifts and a satisfying bass note howl from the E63’s exhaust.

One Prestige Hot Rod

You can count on the AMG Adaptive sports suspension to handle normal to rough road conditions with aplomb. While many performance enthusiasts complain about the numb feeling from their electronic steering, Car and Driver dub the new E63 AMG still worthy of being “one of the most enjoyable hot rods in the business.”

Of course, the 2014 E63 AMG received a facelift complete with dramatic new grille and front fascia. You can see the dynamic new body on the Mercedes-Benz website. But better yet, visit any one of our three Park Place Motorcars locations— in Dallas, Grapevine or Ft. Worth—to see the makeover for yourself. Slip into the driver’s seat to experience the drive of a lifetime.

July 24, 2013May 7, 2015

The Key is in the Details: The ML63 AMG

The 2013 ML63 AMG offers a beautiful synthesis between safety, function, speed and ability. This SUV is not only wonderfully styled with a sporty feel, but also offers immense comfort and luxury with sumptuous interiors to suit even the most discerning tastes, all while providing unparalleled performance and utility.

The sheer feel of the SUV is more solid and stable due to the use of advanced metals, as well as weight reduction, which allows the car to accelerate much more smoothly and quickly. Boasting a V8 engine, power is not sacrificed for fuel economy. The direct-injection engine provides roaring performance, while also easing one’s costs at the pump, improving the miles per gallon of the SUV significantly.

The sporty design is not a matter of appearances alone. The active damping and roll bars provide for far more stability in corners and allow for more speed and acceleration through turns. While sporty in nature, there is no need to sacrifice safety to get performance and luxury. The ML63 AMG received a 5-star safety rating, and it is equipped with the latest safety technology. This helps to give drivers and passengers the peace of mind that their family will be safe.

Sports SUVs are notorious for riding somewhat rough at higher speeds, but the ML63 AMG has solved this issue using active engine mounts that adjust when the vehicle is running at faster speeds, leading to a smoother ride and easier handling around corners.

While the ML63 AMG is not only easy on the eyes and safe but it is one of the most aerodynamic and efficient SUVs available on the market today. Consumers won’t have to sacrifice comfort for such compact, superior performance. The interiors are custom designed from the highest quality materials and utilize the latest in infotainment technology which makes this SUV user-friendly, high tech and full of amenities as well.

The 7-speed transmission enables increased acceleration and improved fuel performance. The ride in this SUV is further smoothed through the use of the AirMatic suspension system. This provides an adjustable air suspension that can provide optimum performance depending on the specific road conditions. This SUV is also designed to be adaptable and provide the utmost utility. The SUV includes a terrain program that allows drivers to select the type of terrain they will be driving on to allow the vehicle to self-optimize for the best performance for the selected driving conditions.

The AMG engine provides for a smooth off-road experience, and the active stability management tools make it far easier to handle when cornering, making this an excellent performer for aggressive recreational driving. Perfectly suited to take the children to school or head out on an off-road adventure. This latest Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG SUV provides a smooth, high performance ride, great acceleration, superior handling and all the amenities one has come to expect from a luxury vehicle.

Find your Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV at Park Place Motorcars in Dallas, Grapevine, and Fort Worth.

July 11, 2013May 7, 2015

Two New Luxury Crossovers That You Will Actually Want to be Seen In

Check out the following 2013 debuts to find a cutting-edge luxury crossover for hauling groceries and kids by day and cruising downtown come nightfall.

Best All-Around Crossover: 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK

If you like your COV to feel like an SUV, take the Mercedes GLK for a spin. A small SUV by North American standards, the Geländewagen defies the eggy shape of other crossovers with its signature SUV-like verticals. Its growling direct injection V6 and sports-tuned suspension guarantee there will be road muscle to back up your car’s devilish good looks inherited from the manufacturer’s full-size SUVs.

GLK has only been pounding the pavement since 2008, but has whipped up plenty of acclaim during its rookie run. Mercedes’ premium crossover has raised the bar for the whole segment by showing how to harmoniously layer agility, utility, safety, and top-drawer style.

It’s a bold claim in a competition-dense market, but Mercedes easily earns the badge with its choice GLK.

Driver’s Favorite: 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE

Engineered to perfection, the midsize Cayenne crossover developed by Porsche is hot enough for a second look. 21″ rims, performance tread and adaptive sport seats are among the bragging rights that come with ownership of a new Porsche Cayenne. This year, the company is introducing a 29-mpg Diesel for the U.S., plus the chassis-optimized GTS for speed demons everywhere.

Cayenne’s reviewers say she handles like a dream. It seems Porsche had the right idea incorporating responsive design principles into each layer of the car’s hardware.

With standard all-wheel-drive, classic Porsche-style cockpit, nimble footwork and a smooth ride, the Cayenne has earned a reputation as one of the coolest CUVs around.

July 11, 2013May 7, 2015

Guiding Luxury: Let the Lexus RX 350 Navigate While You Enjoy the Ride

Often, when a product comes to market that is pioneering, it tends to not change the game very much or it quickly falls out of its high position – regarded as a fad while rivals begin to improve the product’s ideas even further. At one point, the Lexus RX was a flavor-of-the-week idea that brought a new luxury SUV concept based on features and design. After a while, rivals created the crossover vehicle market, but the RX 350 managed to stay on top rather than be pushed aside; today, the 2013 Lexus RX 350 is still among the top of the pack as the best selling vehicle of all luxury crossovers.

It definitely helps that the RX 350 comes with a great reputation and a customer base that is devoted to the model. The competition that the RX inspired has grown fierce, but the vehicle remains relevant, which is something that most other pioneers cannot say. With a high-class interior and a smooth ride, the RX focuses on pleasing the passengers within, while handling the rigors of the road.

As an added bonus, the inside of the RX comes with the latest technology features that are put together in a brilliantly intuitive manner. For example, the navigation system uses a mouse-like controller with the Lexus Remote Touch interface that offers tactile feedback. In addition to the updates on the Remote Touch system, the RX comes with a number of tweaks to styling that give it more of an aesthetic flair. Furthermore, the F Sport model gives a sport-tuned suspension and an eight-speed automatic transmission for added precision. However, this improved precision ride is a bit more firm. Those who do not mind a firm ride and want to get a little increased precision should look into the F Sport upgrade.

The standard equipment includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear privacy glass, foglamps, automatic headlamps, eight way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED running lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather wrapped power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. With the Premium package, the car will have a sunroof, a rear view camera, power-folding mirrors, roof rails and it will even remember drivers’ seating preferences.

As an added bonus, the Comfort and Navigation packages can be tacked onto the Premium package. In the case of the Comfort package, there are xenon headlamps, automatic wipers as well as ventilated and heated front seats. In the case of the Navigation package, it is possible to get a navigation system with controls, making the drive much easier while allowing passengers to focus on the quality of the ride.

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 is available at Park Place Lexus in Grapevine and Plano, TX.