Park Place Dealerships

July 10, 2013May 7, 2015

When Technology Meets Class: Advanced Features Available on 2013 Mercedes-Benz Explained

Mercedes-Benz’s S-class has always been a leader in technology, being the first to add subtle changes like rain gutters as well as technical leaps like traction and stability control. The tradition continues with the redesigned 2013 S-class.

Although it’s loaded with techno-wizardry, a lot of work has gone into making its use as easy and non-intrusive as possible. This means drivers and passengers alike can enjoy the car’s numerous features without them getting in the way of the traveling experience.

Active Parking Assist: Parallel Parking Can’t Get Easier

Thanks to the addition of steering control, Active Parking Assist can now park and leave parallel parking spaces with no driver intervention. Simply activate the system, and when it detects a parking space, come to stop and put the shifter in “Park:” The car does the rest. Come back later, and the car can do something no other competitor can do: drive the car backs out into the lane. Simply switch on the turn signal and shift into “Drive,” and the S-class will safely drive itself back onto the street. There’s no need to line up boxes on the navigation screen or steer as the system adjusts the throttle and brakes.

Distronic Plus: More than Cruise Control

Mercedes-Benz was the first company to introduce a radar-based cruise control system, automatically adjusting the car’s speed depending on the surrounding traffic. The same steering system, which enables automatic parking, can also help keep the car in the lane; making highway drives on some windy Texas roads less of a chore.

Stuck in a traffic jam? The system can also operate the car at low speeds, taking the annoyance out of driving through stop and go traffic.

Advanced Headlights: See More of the Road

The 2013 S-Class uses only LED lights, which means one less item that needs to be serviced. However, the real stars in this setup are the headlights. The high beams automatically adjust to aim light away from oncoming drivers, keeping them from being dazzled while maintaining visibility. Also, they change their aim to illuminate the road ahead no matter how tight the curve. If an obstacle like a pedestrian or a deer is detected, the lights can flash a spotlight at them to get the driver’s attention.

Smartphone Connectivity: Access the S-Class Anywhere

A new app available for iPhone and Android devices allows functions to be accessed remotely. Can’t remember where you parked? Fret not; the app can help you find your car. Don’t remember if you locked the doors? The locks can be operated remotely using the app.

Using Send2Benz, you can send route information from Google Maps directly from your computer or smartphone. Computer users can add a widget to copy any address and send it directly to the car’s navigation system.

mbrace PLUS: A Concierge at Your Fingertips

With mbrace PLUS, owners will get a concierge service accessible both from the car and through the app. Faced with an accident, unpredictable Texas weather or other catastrophe? The service can help there, too. Crisis Assist can help direct you away from closed roads and find emergency shelter.

Internet Integration for On the Go Planning

The COMAND infotainment system has greatly expanded Internet capabilities. Integrated social networking can help you plan meet-ups from your car. Google Local Search can be used not only to find locations, but also to call or navigate to them. Want to know where to dine in around Uptown? There’s integration with Yelp as well as a built in Zagat restaurant guide.

Top Quality Audio

The S-class comes standard with a harmon/kardon audio system designed specifically for the cabin’s acoustics, with 15 speakers and 600 watts to provide superb audio quality. Want something that will truly impress audiophiles? Buyers can get a system from Bang & Olufsen, the leaders in audio reproduction.

The Perfect Seat

Active Ventilated seats are standard, helping each passenger cool down, warm up or dry off quickly. Four zone climate control lets each passenger have their part of the cabin at just the right temperature to make them comfortable. Adjustable lumbar, shoulder and side supports give each seat a custom fit, giving the front seats a total of ten adjustments. Sound confusing? Don’t worry: Once everything is set up, the car remembers the position of everything from the side mirrors to the steering wheel angle, making driver changes a snap.

PRESAFE Plus: Preventing Accidents and Reducing Their Damage

The new system uses a series of sensors to identify possible collisions, whether it’s from the front, rear, or cross traffic at intersections. Not only can it apply the brakes, PRESAFE can adjust safety equipment inside the car to prepare for an impact. Is there someone in your blind spot? You’ll know thanks to indicators in the side mirrors, and should someone swing into that space, the car will pull it away to prevent an accident.

Visit Park Place Motorcars to learn more about Mercedes-Benz.

July 10, 2013May 7, 2015

Best of the Best: What Makes a Bentley So Special and How They Have Stood the Test of Time

Bentley has a long history of quality and extravagance. The company began as a builder of aircraft engines and high-performance cars designed with advanced technical features and unparalleled quality. Thanks to innovations like four valve heads and aluminum pistons, the company’s cars dominated the Le Mans races in the late 1920s, while the use of their engines in WWI planes such as the Sopwith Camel drew adventurous millionaires to the Bentley showrooms.

Like many luxury automakers, Bentley was nearly put out of business by the Great Depression. Rolls Royce purchased Bentley, and together they created a two-pronged approach to the luxury market: Rolls would continue to build cars for those who had chauffeurs, while Bentley would construct GT cars, combining the best technology available with the best craftsmanship.

Early on, Bentley developed a partnership with famed coachbuilders, H. J. Mulliner & Co. and Park Ward, eventually purchasing both companies and bringing them in-house to construct car bodies and interiors. Even after numerous ownership changes, the company’s manufacturing methods have been left untouched, allowing it to build cars with the same level of performance and craftsmanship that has drawn in customers for over a century.

What does this mean? While most manufacturers strive to cut assembly times of a car to mere hours, it takes time to build a Bentley.

The interior of a Bentley uses over 400 pieces of leather, each one cut from top grade hides by master leather workers. If a piece of hide even has a mark from a gnat bite, it’s rejected as this can result in premature wear. It takes 15 man-hours just to stitch the leather onto the steering wheel.

The Bentley W12 and V8 engines share basic engineering with Volkswagen and Audi products, but they undergo the same level of scrutiny as the rest of the car. Other automakers may have in-house builders for their high performance engines, but every Bentley motor is hand-built by a team with an average of 15 years of experience per person. These engines undergo tests from beginning to end to ensure durability, power and smoothness.

Each Bentley gets 120 layers of paint. Those layers are dry sanded to provide a flawless finish. To match the sheen of the paint, chrome pieces get 10 man-hours of hand polishing. And to test for a proper fit and finish, each car undergoes a monsoon-force spray of dyed water to ensure not one drop can get inside. Bentley also designs their own wheels, with each design undergoing 2,000 hours of salt water spray before approval to ensure durability.

Each interior uses approximately 70 square feet of burl walnut. This wood’s unique pattern is created by a fungal infection, and requires a century of growth to form. By using this natural phenomenon, Bentley is able to split the wood in a way that creates symmetrical wood grain patterns throughout the car.

Those interested in the Bentley experience can visit Park Place Bentley Dallas to talk with our Experts in Excellence.

July 9, 2013May 7, 2015

An Icon Turns 50: Porsche’s Special Birthday Plans for the 911

50 years ago, Porsche was looking to introduce a stronger, bigger, and more luxurious version of one of its earliest successful models, the Porsche 356. Conceived by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, with the first sketches drawn out in 1959, the company eventually brought its new design to the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show. No one present yet knew that the automobile presented at that show – with a non-operational engine, no less! – would become the flagship vehicle of one of the most successful and inspiring car brands in the world. Now, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 high-performance sports car.

Back at its introduction, the 911 was not called that at all: many of the parts in the car’s earliest runs contained the original model still stamped on them, 901. The name change came about when Peugeot claimed to have the rights to all three-digit car names with a zero in the middle. Rather than squabble, the car’s name was modified to the now iconic “nine eleven” and shipped off around the world, bearing a United States price tag of $6,500.

That 1964 model boasted a top speed of 131 miles per hour, thanks to its 128 horsepower, six cylinder, air-cooled engine. For most of its run, the Porsche stunned other manufacturers for the incredible performance it was able to put out with only air cooling.

Ever since, the 911 has been the flagship Porsche model, one of the most successful racing cars ever designed, and the baseline by which all else in its category is compared. No car is as beloved or as revered as the 911, not just for what it is, but what it inspires in the entire high-performance automobile industry. While it is one of the oldest and most venerated nameplates still in continuous production, constant development has kept it at the bleeding edge of performance and style without compromising the basic concept as dreamt up by Ferdinand Porsche so long ago.

Not one to let the heart of the brand go uncelebrated, Porsche has declared 2013 the Year of the 911 and planned a number of activities for the car’s 50th year on the road. The kickoff event was held at the Stuttgart automobile show with a display known as Retro Classics. The Porsche Museum displayed four exhibits featuring four of the most important 911 models to leave the factory. The models on display include the 911 Turbo Coupe, the 1981 911 Cabriolet concept car, the 1997 911 GT1, and a special Type 754 T7, a vehicle which precedes the first 911 but functions as an important milestone in its design

The Porsche Museum continues the festivities on June 4th running through September 29th, when they will feature an exclusive exhibition entitled “50 Years of the Porsche 911.” Attendees will not only be able to explore the storied history of the vehicle, but purchase a special commemorative coffee table book called “911×911” so they can share the experience with others and relive it themselves years down the road.

Finally, a genuine antique, perfectly restored, will tour the world in the form of a 1967 model 911. This beauty of a car will be shown across five continents and in some of the most prestigious locations known to automobiles, including Pebble Beach, Shanghai, Paris, and more. Keep an eye out for the 1967 911 at such events as international fairs and major motor shows.

There is a reason the 911 has been described by Ferdinand Porsche as the only car that is just as much at home on a rugged African safari as it is on the race track at Le Mans or an evening at the Granada Theater. Its timeless style and everyday elegance belies the power that has led it to over twenty thousand race victories since its release. With the 50 year anniversary, Porsche is sparing no expense in celebrating this model that defines not only the Porsche brand, but the entire high-end sports car market.

The entire 2013 Porsche lineup can be seen at Park Place Porsche in Dallas.

July 8, 2013May 7, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Backs Performance with Award-Winning Safety Features

Those looking for a luxury vehicle that is also backed with great performance and safety features should definitely be looking into 2013 Mercedes-Benz safety this time around. Though much of the focus is on the luxury experience, none of the models disappoint when it comes to performance or safety.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers front side thorax airbags, a driver knee airbag, front side pelvic airbags, traction control, stability control, full length curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard fare. In addition, the C-Class comes with the Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 emergency telematics that detects if the driver is acting drowsy or inattentive. The coupe model comes with rear side thorax airbags which are an option for the sedan. The Lane Tracking package also adds a lane departure and blind spot warning system.

A C350 Sport takes only 108 feet to come to a complete stop while the C250 Sport come within five feet of matching what is already an incredible halting distance. Testing gave the C-Class sedan four out of five stars for overall crash testing with five overall for side crashes. Also, it received the best “Good” rating for all standard crash tests.

In the case of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, there are stability control, traction control, front side airbags, front pelvic airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, a driver drowsiness monitor and driver knee airbag for standard fare. This line also gets the mbrace2 communications system for crash notification, a system to tell the driver when another driver has exceeded a boundary or preset speed, such as a teenager or a valet. This line also has the warning systems as options, and it rated the best possible of “Good” in all standard strength tests.

True safety comes with the 2013 Mercedes S-Class. It’s equipped with standard antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, stability and traction control, front side airbags, rear side airbags and the mbrace telematics. In addition to all of this is the PreSafe system can tighten the seatbelts and position the seats to fully protect the driver with the airbag if it senses an accident about to occur.

Depending on the trim, some S-Class owners can also get a number of optional features like a blind spot warning system and a lane departure system that comes with the PreSafe braking, infrared Night Vision Assist and automatic brake intervention. For the PreSafe braking, the system uses the radar system for the optional adaptive cruise control to detect when there will be a crash and automatically put on the brakes to try and minimize the impact.

In brake testing, the S400 trim took just 121 feet to come to a complete stop. The two AMG models stopped at an even better 111 feet while the S350 met the two halfway with its 116-foot result. The S550 and the S600 are similar to the S350 in this regard.

Though safety was obviously a key factor behind designing this year’s Mercedes-Benz models, there is still plenty of additional luxury and comfort to go around. For example, the compliant suspension easily cancels out the imperfections of the road while minimizing body roll. Passengers are also kept isolated with a quiet cabin akin to a library even when over old, rough pavement. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz cars bring a luxury feel to it without feeling too much in a bubble.

At the end of the day, Mercedes-Benz vehicles definitely provide more safety than anyone will hope to ever need in an accident, and it comes with all the power one would need as well, providing both a safe and exciting experience for every Mercedes-Benz driver.

Find your new Mercedes-Benz at Park Place Motorcars.

July 5, 2013May 7, 2015

Choosing the Best New Luxury SUV: The Lexus RX

Choosing a luxury SUV is no easy task. Safety, styling, and drivability are all important factors to consider. And yet, one model line leads the pack. The Lexus RX model line includes an impressive array of safety features and stylish touches including class-leading fuel economy, hybrid options and the signature Lexus spindle grill.

Updates to the 2013 Lexus RX series for the 2013 model year introduce some exciting features, while improving on Lexus’ already impressive lineup of options and enhancements. Whether you’re a lifetime Lexus driver or new to the experience, the Lexus RX will quickly become your favorite vehicle.

In 2005, Lexus introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle – the RX 400h. It continues to innovate with the 2013 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Luxury Crossover. Boasting a class-leading 30 miles per gallon, it is among the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market. If going green is important to you, this vehicle is a classy way to arrive in eco-friendly style.

The RX line offers a variety of luxury features that are both stylish and functional. For families, the folding split rear seats and easy access to the rear storage area will make traveling with kids, pets and gear much easier.

Also, one of Lexus’ most popular features, the backup camera, prevents parking lot collisions while also providing a robust in-dash visual experience. Your optional Lexus Display package includes the Lexus Enform App Suite bringing the elevated display screen to life. Including apps like Pandora, Yelp, and Bing for streaming audio and search on the go. Bluetooth connectivity provides access to your iPhone or Android device, while the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System provides an unparalleled audio experience.

Through the years, Lexus has continued to improve on its award-winning luxury crossover models and the 2013 RX crossovers are a culmination of these improvements. Lexus RX crossovers effortlessly combine style and substance. Don’t stop at just the aesthetic details – the RX is quality in more ways than one.

Click here to find your new 2013 Lexus RX 350!

July 5, 2013May 7, 2015

2013 Volvo C70 Looks Best with the Top Down

Most drivers will find that the 2013 Volvo C70 convertible looks great and performs flawlessly, whether the removable top is up or down. In this car, every trip is exhilarating for both passengers and passers-by.

With total practicality, comfortable seats and excellent styling, the Volvo C70 stands out from the competition. The beautiful exterior design, smooths out the structural lines that intrude awkwardly on the silhouettes of many hardtop convertibles. On the inside, the cabin is beautifully apportioned and offers very comfortable seats without sacrificing much room in the trunk.

The interior standard package of the T5 includes Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a trip computer, a telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, an eight-speaker sound system, driver seat memory functions and eight way power front seats. The exterior carries fog lights, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and a power retractable hardtop.

The available Premier Plus package offers rear parking sensors, keyless ignition, keyless entry and LED running lights. In addition to those features, the Platinum package provides a 14-speaker surround sound system and a navigation system. With the Inscription Edition, one can have unique 18-inch wheels, monogrammed floor mats and front seats, a leather covering for the dash, aluminum sport pedals, a more powerful engine, LED running lights, a sport steering wheel, adaptive xenon lights and a rear spoiler. The Climate package includes an automatic cabin air filter with heated front seats and the Dynamic package has a sport steering wheel, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The C70 sports a 2.5-liter inline-5 turbocharged engine capable of providing 236 pound-feet of torque and 227 horses. Equipping the Inscription Edition package brings a more powerful engine that raises the torque to 273 and the horsepower to 250. The standard options here are a five-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive.

Testing showed that the Inscription-equipped C70 accelerates to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Slightly lower than others in the class, the pickup is more than offset by the impressive fuel economy. Estimated at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 miles per gallon when combined, the C70 offers performance with fuel efficiency.

All C70 models come with active front head restraints, antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat curtain style airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and a rollover bar that automatically deploys. In tests, the C70 came to a halt in 133 feet from 60 mph.

The Swedish touch is obvious in the passenger cabin of the 2013 Volvo C70. The sleek design is accented with the trademark Volvo stack panel that seems to float between the center console and the dash. The effect is accentuated by the quality materials that include aluminum and wood trim along with the leather upholstery. The front seats conform to the body and the Platinum speakers provide sound quality unmatched by other convertibles.

The front seats are very spacious and there is ample legroom in the rear as compared to others in the segment. Volvo offers a generous 12.8 cubic foot truck already, only decreasing it down to 6.0 cubic feet with the top lowered. The trunk space is reduced slightly with the hardtop down, but this is a common with convertibles and compares favorably with competitors.

Most drivers will find the C70 to be a nearly perfect ride. The supple suspension cruises along and the airflow is well managed when the hardtop is down. This car is a pleasure to drive and to own and will turn heads from South Side to Preston Hollow.

The entire 2013 Volvo lineup can be seen at Park Place Volvo Dallas.

July 2, 2013May 7, 2015

The 2013 Porsche Panamera: An Expansive Model

The luxury sport sedan by Porsche has a wide portfolio of credentials to back up its performance. The lineup now includes all wheel and rear wheel drive as well as models that are turbocharged and naturally aspirated. There is even a hybrid trim available for the 2013 Porsche Panamera.

Capable of seating four, the 2013 Porsche Panamera is a sedan style vehicle that comes with a hatchback trunk. There are eight trims available: Base, 4/S, S/Hybrids, GTS and Turbo/S.

The base Panamera comes with a V6 and includes 18-inch wheels, LED daytime lights, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof and auto-dimming mirrors. Other features include a tilt and telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, partial leather upholstery, driver memory functions and an eight-way power front seat. The 4 is the same but with all wheel drive, and the S Hybrid has similar equipment as well.

The Panamera S comes with a V8 while the 4S has all wheel drive, and both maintain the same features as the standard V6 models along with heated front seats, additional interior lighting, adaptive headlights and an adaptive suspension.

The GTS has a V8 and offers much of the features from the Turbo. The Turbo and Turbo S have a V8 along with 19-inch wheels, expanded driver memory functions, front parking sensors and heated rear seats.

As one would expect of Porsche, there are quite a number of Panamera accessories to be added to customize the cars. All of the non-engine options on the Turbo can be added to the S and 4S, for example.

Other options that can be added include adaptive cruise control, rear windshield wiper, ventilated front and rear seats, ceramic-composite brakes, eight-way power rear seats, a heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control, a rear seat entertainment system and a 16-speaker surround sound audio system by Burmester.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that can deliver 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. From a standstill, the V6 accelerates to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds. According to the EPA, the fuel economy is estimated to be 18 miles per gallon in the city, 27 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 miles per gallon when combined. On the other hand, the Panamera 4 returns 18/26/21.

The S Hybrid comes with a 3.0-liter supercharged engine paired with a 35kW electric motor capable of producing 428 pound-feet of torque and 380 horsepower. This only comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control sent to the rear wheels. The acceleration brings the S Hybrid to 60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. Naturally, the fuel economy is respectable at 22/30/25.

When it comes to safety, all trims of the 2013 Porsche Panamera are equipped with stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, rear side airbags, front side airbags, front knee airbags and antilock brakes as standard. It is optional to get a rearview camera and ceramic-composite brakes. If the typical brakes are installed, the 4S and Turbo models can come to a halt in just 109 and 112 feet, respectively, which is impressive. The Hybrid takes 112 while the GTS with carbon-ceramic requires 110 feet free of fade.

It is impossible to mistake the Panamera cabin to anything but a top notch Porsche due to its cockpit-like aesthetics and great round of available accessories.

The four seats are all similar when it comes to comfort and appearance. They are well formed and have headrests integrated with the back, offering great support during twisted turns and on long distance hauls.

Even though the 2013 Porsche Panamera is definitely accomplished for a luxury car, it also delivers in high performance. Because of the wide range of engine output depending on the trim, there are more than enough options available for any kind of driver. Normal mode provides a personality for leisure while the Sport mode sharpens the experience.

The Porsche Panamera with the V8 under its hood can offer even better performance when turbocharged, on the level of what supercars offer for acceleration. Nonetheless, the power can easily be served up to perform. The PDK transmission changes gears quickly and flawlessly when the driver strikes down the pedal.

Steering the Panamera always delivers great response as it is precise and is easily comparable to much smaller sports cars outside of it’s segment.

June 26, 2013May 7, 2015

2014 Maserati Ghibli to Debut in Dallas

Overview

The Maserati Ghibli,soon to be available at Park Place Maserati Dallas, sedan combines dramatic style, sporty performance, athletic spirit and first-rate comfort for everyday inspired driving accompanied by the ultimate soundtrack from its engine. As the first mid-sized four-door luxury sedan from Maserati, the Ghibli earns its rightful place as a major milestone in Maserati history.

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli is a rebirth of the original two-door, two-seater GT that was released in 1967 and designed by famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Like its ancestor, the sedan flounces with its robust personality and sporty glamour. Reviving Maserati tradition of naming cars after winds, the Ghibli reflects its namesake, which is the collection of hot, fast and powerful winds that blow across the Sahara desert.

This elegant and sporty sedan has curves with slick cut lines that show off just the right amount of muscle. The distinctive Italian design takes a minimalist approach with immaculate lines exhibiting movement. The legendary Maserati radiator grille with concave lines gets its inspiration from the GranTurismo and the iconic A6 GCS Berlinetta.

The Ghibli shares most of its foundation with the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte including the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup. The range also gets a standard limited-slip differential. Enhancing the sedan’s sporty feel and first-class comfort are the silky leather wraparound form seats. The opulent leather highlights the delicate stitching. Complementing the seating are soft lines on the dashboard embellished with the traditional Maserati clock with a blue face.

Powering the Maserati Ghibli is a three-liter twin turbo V6 engine, an engineering masterpiece that reduces fuel consumption and emissions. And yet, it yields impressive sporty performance. The base Ghibli gets 330 hp at 5,000 rpm that allows it to leap from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 165 mph. The Ghibli S Q4 pumps out a peak 410 hp at 5,500 rpm and rushes from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 fiery seconds and achieves a top speed of 175 mph.

Maserati has an all-new lightweight all-wheel-drive system custom-made for handling and efficiency available as an option. For maximum traction and agility in all weather conditions, the system uses just the rear wheels until it needs the front wheels for extra support. And when the driver needs all four wheels in action, it only takes 150 milliseconds to shift torque from rear to all four wheels.

Extreme comfort, roomy interior, breathtaking style, sporty handling and supreme efficiency are all available in one package: The 2014 Maserati Ghibli. Connect with our team at Park Place Maserati Dallas to learn more about the sedan that excels in being different and turns thrilling motoring into an everyday experience.

Interior

This is a sampling of some of the interior features you’ll find in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli. Options vary based on the selected model.

Display: The 8.4-inch display of the user-friendly Maserati Touch Control in the middle of the dashboard surrounded by aluminum provides access to most of the information and entertainment system devices. Above the display is the traditional Maserati clock with blue face encircled in aluminum.

Seating: The seats’ wraparound form enhances the interior’s sporty feel while serving up first-class comfort. The upholstery’s soft leather has a natural grain with flawless stitching for a lavish look and feel. The leather can be optioned on the dashboard and doors as well as plain surfaces that can have two-tone combinations.

Audio system: In a partnership with the specialists at Bowers & Wilkins, the available new generation premium Hi-Fi system promises the consummate sound with 15 speakers distributed across the dashboard, doors and rear. The system has a 1,280-watt amplifier that sets new standards for in-car entertainment.

Upholstery: Three levels of customization is available and in a choice of three colors: Nero, Cuoio and Sabbia used on the front and rear seats as standards. These can be extended to the side areas above the dashboard, instrumental panel and door armrests for a two-tone combination of Nero and Cuoio.

For more luxury, an available third option adds upholstery to the entire interior including seats, dashboards and doors using finest quality leather produced by Poltrona Frau®. Here, the choices increase to five with the addition of Marrone and Rosso Trofeo.

Trim: The standard trim features a modern black finish. For a sportier character, polished Ebony or open pore Walnut, or carbon fiber is available.

Exterior

This is a sampling of some of the exterior features you’ll find in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli.

Exterior colors: These are some of the available colors, which vary based on trim. Bianco, Nero, Grigio, Grigio Metallo, Grigio Maratea, Bronzo Siena, Champagn, Nero Ribelle, Blu Emozione, Blu Passione, Rosso Folgore, Bianco Alpi, Rosso Energia, Azzuro Allergria.

Bi-Xenon front headlights

LED taillights

Heated washers

Sunroof: Standard in Ghibli S Q4 and optional in Ghibli

Auto dimming mirrors: Standard in Ghibli S Q4 and optional in Ghibli

18-inch wheels

Safety

This is a sampling of some of the safety features you’ll find in the 2014 Maserati Ghibli.

Rear View Camera

Homelink

Alarm

Performance

2014 Maserati Ghibli Vital Stats

Engine: 3.0-liter twin turbo V6

Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic

Horsepower: 345 hp @ 5,250 rpm

Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm

Top Speed: 165 mph

0-62 mph: 5.6 seconds

2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Vital Stats

Engine: 3.0-liter twin turbo V6

Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic

Horsepower: 404 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 1,750 – 5,000 rpm

Top Speed: 175 mph

0-62 mph: 4.8 seconds

June 19, 2013May 7, 2015

The 2013 Boxster Has It All – So You Can, Too

The Crazy Beautiful Boxster

When you approach the new 2013 Porsche Boxster, you can talk about things like style, performance and affordability, but most importantly, the rush, which according to one owner, will never stop. “The design of this car is crazy beautiful. Every day when I go out to the garage, it’s going to excite me,” he declared online. The 2013 Boxster is obviously a machine that must be seen and driven to be believed.

An Uncannily Efficient Car

The design of the new Boxster is not just amazing to look at; it actually works in an “uncannily efficient” way, as one reviewer put it. That is due to Porsche’s very earthy engineering smarts and unrelenting persistence in the search for excellence in design. The Boxster has been improved and upgraded nearly every year since 1997.

Impressive Fuel Economy

For 2013, the Boxster has improved torsional rigidity and a lower center of gravity. A new platform has been implemented using more aluminum than ever to produce a vehicle that is 55 pounds lighter than before. This translates into better aerodynamics and impressive fuel economy for a performance car: 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Engine Lowdown

The 2.7-liter V-6 engine delivers 265 hp with 207 lb-ft torque and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The Boxster S houses a 3.4-liter V6 engine that packs a roaring 315 hp and 266 lb-ft torque and an amazing 4.8 second 0 to 60 mph acceleration rate. You can choose from the tactile six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

How it Handles

Stability in the Boxster has been improved, thanks to a new wider platform. As one reviewer remarked, this “makes it very, very easy to drive quickly, and overall cornering stability is improved.” Another improvement, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), maximizes the efficiency of rear brakes for turning and cornering. PTV operates independently of stability control, giving drivers a lighter hand for enhanced handling.

Extra Roomy

The Porsche Boxster is one of the few sports cars that can accommodate tall drivers, and thanks to an overall longer wheelbase, there is more space to stretch out. There is also more room for cargo due to the way the retractable roof folds into its own compartment, leaving plenty of cargo space in the trunk.

The Affordable Porsche

The entry-level Boxster is as close as you can get to a cost-effective performance sports car. The good news is you are getting unbelievable quality for a relatively small price. As one Porsche review in Car and Driver put it, “Porsche’s best car is now its entry-level one.” Another review in Autoweek states that as sports cars go, the Boxster is “one of the best you can get. That you can get a base model for $49,000 blows my mind—that is a heck of a deal.”

“Just a Hell of a Good Sports Car”

Though you’ll have to arm yourself against love at first sight, if you are in the market for a new sports car, don’t miss out on the new Porsche Boxster. Its styling, amazing rev and budget- friendly price are definitely worth a test drive. The 2013 Porsche Boxster is “just a hell of a good sports car that’s fast, comfortable, and features terrific handling,” concludes Autoweek’s review.

See our 2013 Boxster Inventory at the Park Place Porsche website.

June 13, 2013May 7, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Has Your 6D Vision: The Safety Revolution is On

It may sound like fiction, but Mercedes is determined to haul automotive safety standards into a new era of “accident-free driving” using the power of artificial intelligence. The company’s recent technological advances in safety represent a move towards cars that can either mitigate or prevent their own collisions on behalf of drivers. A turnkey technology essential to this effort called “6D Vision” is set to debut in the next-generation Mercedes S-Class in early 2014.

The World in Six Dimensions

Mercedes-Benz; along with parent company Daimler, have a solid and enduring legacy of contributions to occupant protection. For decades, the Benz marque pioneered technologies which have become pillars of modern automotive safety, from anti-lock brakes to airbags and “crumple zones.”

Now, Stuttgart’s world-class engineers have developed a microchip-enabled platform that syncs with radar to provide real-time imaging of the car’s immediate environment. The system empowers a car to accurately ‘see’ other automobiles, drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians or any other hazard, 360 degrees in every direction.

The car’s “eyes” perceive not only three-dimensional positions, but also three dimensions of motion, including direction and speed—hence the name ‘6D Vision’. This means your Mercedes-Benz instantly knows where an object is, where it is going and exactly how fast. It can then take appropriate action within a split-second—200 milliseconds, to be precise. The car could, for instance, swerve around a child that’s stepped into traffic, or avoid a parked car’s door that swings open into the lane.

Making History

In November 2011, key members of Daimler’s research team received the Karl Heinz Beckurts prize to wide acclaim for their contributions to the science of stereo processing and recognition in the making of ‘6D.’ The award credits their development of wave imaging and original algorithms to rapidly analyze moving objects in the environment, making possible a substantial reduction in real-world collisions.

It’s the first time a vehicle has been so efficiently rigged to read risk factors and movements with such minimal hardware. The live data stream can be instantly converted into lifesaving steering and braking decisions. Mercedes believes this technology could prevent thousands of accidents a year, particularly in those low-visibility conditions in which even the most conscientious driver can make critical mistakes, from rainstorms and nighttime to blind curves and busy intersections.

2014 S-Class: Intelligence in Action

The all-new 2014 S-Class will be the first to showcase the fruits of 6D Vision with the “Intelligent Drive” platform, the luxury sedan’s fully-networked safety suite. Intelligent Drive’s integrated components include lane-keeping and blind-spot assist, infrared night navigation, high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control and drowsiness detection. Many of these functions depend on inputs from the car’s six-dimensional vision.

The S-Class is an appropriate setting for the debut of the latest advances. S-Class sedans are often the company’s choice for test driving new safety inventions like 6D. In fact, the world’s first driverless car was an S-Class, way back in the 1980s. It was also the first car in Europe to carry air bags.

Professor Thomas Weber, Head of Group Research, Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, reflects on the capabilities of the anticipated S-Class: “This unrivaled interplay of highly advanced safety technology broadens the ‘senses’ of the automobiles and increases their intelligence.”

“It makes them ‘thinking’ partners that can see, feel, react reflexively, and act autonomously in order to support the driver actively in critical situations.”

The Future of Safety: Autonomous Driving?

Good sense has long underscored the importance of the driver to automobile safety. Despite some reservations, the overall prognosis is looking sunny for high-tech, intelligent safety features like 6D Vision. As states like California and Florida move to regulate autonomous vehicles, excitement about making the safety standards of the future today’s reality is gaining momentum. Keep an eye out in the near term for more record-breaking intelligence and unreal safety advances from the folks at Mercedes-Benz.