The New Bentley Flying Spur Is Coming

According to Bentley, the new Flying Spur brings a level of choice that is nearly non-existent among most automotive manufacturers and allows owners of this incredible vehicle the opportunity to truly make it their own.

Bentley remained tight-lipped about many of the new Spur’s features before the vehicle’s launch, but that suspense was worth the wait as the company has excited Bentley enthusiasts all over the world from the auto show in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2014 Flying Spur offers Bentley’s 6.0 liter W-12 providing 616 horsepower with a maximum torque output of 800 Nm. This impressive power accelerates the new Flying Spur from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph.

Bentley was extremely careful to avoid revealing too much of the car’s exterior prior to the big event, but even their preview video revealed some beautiful changes. By removing the Continental from the Spur’s name, Bentley could be attempting to distinguish the line more.

The most unexpected exterior difference is undoubtedly the car’s horizontal taillights, which is a striking facelift not seen on a Bentley offering in over a decade. A squared-off front end gives the sedan a more powerful stance than the sleek Continental GT and is appropriate for a four-door Bentley offering. The hood has been reshaped and new front and rear fascias were added. Newly redesigned side mirrors, “shoulders” over the rear wheels and a revised door design give the new Flying Spur a fresh, modern look while retaining the classic, beautiful style of the brand.

The interior remains an amazing testament to the attention and experience of Bentley’s fine craftsmen. Magnificent, highest quality leather hides are selected and hand stitched to create a supple interior that truly must be seen for yourself to be truly appreciated. Approximately ten square meters of hand polished and fitted wood trim encircles occupants in unmatched luxury, while a new twin-sealing system and additional door insulation eliminate unwanted road noise at even the highest speeds.

Find more information at www.NewFlyingSpur.com, or like Park Place Dealerships on Facebook for the latest updates.

Tags: Bentley Dalla, Bentley Flying Spur, New Flying Spur

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 Drops Weight and Price With a New Powerplant for a Sportier Ride and Increased Efficiency

Bentley has a new large, luxurious coupe for the 2013 model year in the Continental GT V8, a car both lighter and more efficient than the V12 model that was the standard Continental through the 2012 model year. Although the brand-new direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V8 sheds a full 2 liters of displacement over the V12, power output and acceleration performance are at similar levels.

As is the custom with Bentley, the Continental GT V8 still comes with world-class luxury and convenience features despite its new lower price point. Pricing starts at around $200,000.

When the Bentley Continental line debuted, a V12 engine came standard, providing smooth, effortless power but at the expense of price and gas mileage. For the 2013 model year, Bentley adds a brand-new engine choice to the Continental lineup: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with cylinder deactivation technology. This motor outputs an even 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 487 foot-pounds of torque at just 1,700 rpm, outstanding figures for an engine at this displacement. Mated to a ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time AWD, the Continental GT V8 is, in many respects, a stronger performer than the V12 base model, thanks to its rev-happy engine and lower curb weight.

Zero to 60 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds, while top speed rings in at 188 mph. Bentley pulled no punches in designing this engine, and it shows as the car pulls hard throughout the rpm range. The eight-speed is perfectly suited to this engine, as shifts are snappy and right on the money when the driver chooses to row the gears himself, while the car has a luxurious, laid-back demeanor when left in fully automatic shift mode.

As the Continental has gained refinement and cut engine displacement, so too has weight been trimmed down by a significant margin. The 2013 GT V8 weighs in at 5,060 pounds with standard equipment, a loss of more than 60 pounds over the V12 model. With less weight comes a lower center of gravity, and better performance when the roads get twisty. Fuel efficiency is drastically improved, now ringing in at 15 city, 24 highway and 18 combined mpg on the EPA cycle, an improvement of 3 combined mpg over the 2013 Continental GT V12. This helps the car avoid that pesky gas guzzler tax, shaving thousands from the true cost of purchase.

Bentley has wisely fitted such a high powered car with the brand’s latest electronic stability and traction control technologies. Using engine power modulation, brake pressure and variable torque applied to the front and rear wheels, the stability control system keeps many driving  mishaps in check while improving the car’s high-speed stability.

Seating four passengers in a large, spacious grand touring coupe body style, the GT V8 comes with a full complement of cutting-edge interior technology. Leather, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood trim and knurled metal give the car cabin styling that can be tailored to a near-infinite degree to suit individual owner tastes. Leather seating surfaces come standard, of course, available in Beluga, Newmarket Tan, Porpoise or Imperial Blue in a unique design that extends to nearly every visible interior surface. The total cabin impression is one of coddling luxury, with rear legroom approaching that of larger Bentley models like the flagship Mulsanne sedan.

Drivers will be treated to the brand’s latest in navigation and infotainment technology, including a touchscreen in-car control system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive preloaded with complete United States and limited international maps. The hard drive features usable space for MP3 files, which can be played through the eight-speaker surround sound system featuring eight channels of audio. Among luxury coupes, the Continental line has an overall impression of craftsmanship that no other vehicle can match at any price point. From hand-stitched Bentley logos adorning the seats, to the available rear-seat mobile office setup, the Continental GT V8 is the perfect vehicle with which to tackle some back roads, or be driven while enjoying ample space and comfort.

Find out more about the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 at Park Place Bentley Dallas.

Tags: Bentley Continental, Bentley GT V8, Continental GT V8

Park Place Dealerships Named a 2013 National Top Workplace

Luxury automobile dealership group ranked #4 in the U.S. in the largest survey of American workers of its kind

DALLAS (January 31, 2013) — Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships has been named one of America’s Top Workplaces by WorkplaceDynamics. Park Place was ranked #4 nationwide among 872 organizations with more than 1,000 employees that participated in regional top workplaces programs.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of America’s top workplaces,” said Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “We have invested in hiring the best team to take great care of our clients and they do an incredible job. We value our team and we do everything we can to create an exceptional work environment.”

The National Top Workplaces list was determined solely by feedback gathered through an objective employee survey. The survey was conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, the leading on-demand employee survey provider, in conjunction with 30 leading regional newspapers. Park Place Dealerships participated in The Dallas Morning News’ Top Workplaces 2012 program.

The survey uses a proprietary set of 22 questions to rank companies. The survey data showed that employees most want to work at companies with high levels of organizational health. Companies that set a clear direction for their future; execute well; and bring real meaning to work are the healthiest.

“We have the support of the leadership team at all levels of our organization,” said Sherry Miller, vice president of human resources at Park Place Dealerships. “This enables us to implement workplace initiatives that create an environment where our employees are recognized and rewarded for their knowledge and skills, where their opinions are heard and valued, and where they can learn and further develop in their careers at Park Place.”

The Top Workplaces program accurately reflects the opinions of employees through measurement of engagement, organizational health and employee satisfaction. The survey is utilized year after year by human resource professionals and C-suite executives nationwide as the gold standard in internal measurement of organizational health and employee satisfaction.

Founded in 2006, WorkplaceDynamics is the fastest-growing employee survey provider in the United States. Based on their “on-demand” employee survey, last year they surveyed more than 5,000 organizations, polled 1.7 million people and handled over a million employee responses.

Details about the National Top Workplaces, a full list of the Top 150 companies, the survey methodology, and factors that drive organizational health are available at www.topworkplaces.com.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 by Ken Schnitzer with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Park Place currently operates 15 full-service dealerships representing Bentley, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, smart, Volvo and Rolls-Royce. In addition, the dealership group includes two Park Place Bodywerks locations. For more information about Park Place Dealerships, visit parkplace.com.

Tags: Park Place Awards, Top Workplaces

The 2013 Mulsanne: Bentley Keeps the Legend Alive With This World Class “Driver’s Car”

For those who got a peek at last year’s Mulsanne, the delicate blend of elegance and power characterizing Bentley’s latest 2013 flagship model will come as no surprise.

The reinvention of a paradox, the 2013 Mulsanne creates an experience of effortless power for drivers. It’s the result of combining performance and efficiency technology with the classic 8-cylinder configuration developed a half-century ago at Crewe, Bentley’s home in the British highlands. Starting at $296,000, the Mulsanne makes for the grandest turismo: eminently comfortable, with huge amounts of horsepower on tap for those beautiful stretches on the open road.

So, what does effortless power look like?

The inch-perfect tourer has been described as a “corner office on wheels”—a nod to Mulsanne’s custom, digitally well-furnished “Executive Interior.” High-def TV and DVD, an optional rear refrigerator complete with handmade crystal champagne flutes, and handy drop-down iPads are among the features meant to enhance  one of the most fashionable passenger coaches on the market. The car is even equipped with its own Wi-Fi hotspot. These accoutrements become natural extensions of a car, which can cruise, master corners and deftly accelerate without disturbing the occupants within.

For 2013, the Adaptive Cruise Control has been integrated with an ESC Premium safety system. This mechanism helps preempt accidents by scanning the road for possible collisions. Radar sensors automatically trigger increased brake-line pressure when it’s needed most—before an emergency occurs. This means drivers can go from 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds and they can stop on a dime when the time comes.

Despite the built-in luxury for passengers, the real focus of Mulsanne  is experienced in the driver’s seat. Mulsanne earns its title as the “driver’s car” de luxe with its dynamic sense of balance, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and ultra-sensitivity to a driver’s intentions. Drivers are in total control whether they are cruising at 20 or 120 mph.

When it comes to power, the smart craftsmanship makes the Mulsanne ride effortless. Despite its ultra-posh specs and satin-finished comforts, this machine is no limousine. After all, it’s named for the fastest stretch in the storied 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance contest. Peek under the hood and you’ll come face to face with a mighty, twin-turbocharged 6.8-Liter V8 armed with control systems for optimum engine response. Acceleration is easy in a vehicle that somehow makes three tons feel light as a feather.

To keep those pesky CO2 emissions under control, the new Mulsanne makes use of “variable displacement,” a ‘smart’ mechanism by which the vehicle runs on just four cylinders when lightly cruising—a major boon for fuel economy. Craving a little speed? Press the accelerator and you’re instantly back in V8 mode, ready to make use of 1020 Nm of torque and 506 hp bringing you to speeds approaching 200 mph.

From behind the wheel of this car, Dallas can quickly become a blur, or a work of art, depending on how you choose to experience it.

The Mulsanne name evokes a rich history of engineering genius. With the 2013 model, the winged ’B’ marque has gone further with the paradox of state-of-the-art tradition. In bringing classical Bentley touches—like that angle-free British cut—to bear on modern mechanics and chic accommodations, Crewe engineers have really outdone themselves. They’ve crafted a grand tourer de force unmatched in both heritage and stylistic expression, from powertrain to creature comforts.

How could Bentley possibly improve on the beautiful 2013 Mulsanne? The word out from this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance suggests a possible Mulsanne Convertible on the horizon—good news for Bentley devotees gazing longingly at Rolls Royce’s Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Tags: Bentley Dallas, Bentley Mulsanne

New Flagship Bentley Convertible Announced: Continental GT Speed Convertible

View original article on BentleyMotors.com.

Tags: Bentley Convertible, Bentley Dallas

Park Place Dealerships Named In Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places To Work 2012

For the third consecutive year, Park Place Dealerships is honored to be named in the Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places To Work. With more than 1400 members, Park Place took the number 4 spot in the large company category for the second year in a row, up from the number 5 spot in 2010.

This year’s field included 276 companies who agreed to participate, with surveys being sent to more than 120,000 employees. The results of those surveys make up the scoring system for the Top 100 list, and give great insight as to what it is like to work for each company on the list.

Park Place Dealerships is built upon a foundation of dedicated and talented members, who strive every day to work as a team, serving our clients and helping the organization grow as a whole.

If you are looking for an exciting career with a great team of devoted individuals in one of the top companies to work for in the DFW area, browse our current job listings on our careers site at Jobs.ParkPlaceTexas.com!

See the rest of the Top 100 list at DallasNews.com

Tags: Best Places To Work Dallas, Top Companies Dallas, Top Employers Dallas

Bentley Unwraps New Collection In Time For Christmas

As the winter nights draw in, Bentley unwraps its new collection in time for Christmas. Bentley presents a selection of desirable gifts including the timeless Bentley boys and girls range and the newly introduced racing inspired pieces.

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Bentley’s victory at the Le Mans 24-hour race, an assortment of beautifully crafted items reflecting a heritage of speed, endurance and true team spirit have been created. The success of Le Mans is celebrated from the retro leather weekend bags through to a distinctive set of espresso cups. The 4 cups are decorated with adventurous imagery and saucers carrying the two winning car numbers, 7 and 8. This gift will be a true joy for those who desire a touch of triumph under the tree this year.

True to the Bentley ethos of building bespoke and hand-crafted cars, the gifts reflect these core values and beliefs. One of the newest additions arrives in the entertaining form of a Geoffrey Parker Games backgammon set which draws on 50 years of hand craftsmanship. This exquisite item and everything it encompasses can be customised to match the specification of the customer’s beloved Bentley. From the hand-bound leather casing to the subtle Bentley wings on each knurled checker, absolutely no detail is overlooked. This bespoke piece allows family fun this season to be tailored to each and every individual household.

The quality of Bentley can be enjoyed by all ages this Christmas with the enchanting assortment of Bentley boys and girls items. Young driving enthusiasts can begin their journey behind the wheel early with the 1:12 scale model remote control Bentley Continental Supersports. Just like the real thing, although not quite reaching the 204mph top speed, this effortless driving experience will be sure to deliver excitement to the lucky recipient.

Lindsay Weaver, Director of Licencing and Branded Goods at Bentley Motors, comments, “The spirit of Bentley can be captured and wrapped this Christmas. From the smallest, most thoughtful gifts to the majestic, unique statement pieces, the latest collection enables Bentley to take pride of place not only on the driveway but under the Christmas tree too.”

For the full collection or to purchase any item from the Bentley Collection, please visit www.shop.bentleymotors.com, the Bentley Boutique at the Bentley Motors Factory in Crewe or at Bentley Dallas.

Tags: Bentley Dallas, Christmas Car Gifts

Forbes’ Most Beautiful Cars of 2012

The definition of beauty is a highly subjective matter, one that hinges on personal opinions and emotions, but as a whole, it’s pretty easy to agree that Forbes did a fantastic job in coming up with their list of the “Most Beautiful Cars of 2012.”

With incredible Italian, English, Danish, and German examples of automotive artistry, this “top 9” list pulls from a broad spectrum to excite your visual sense. Even more exciting, in our personal opinion, is that 5 of the top 9 most beautiful cars of 2012 can be found in a local Park Place Dealership.

For the full list, you can read Forbes’ “Most Beautiful Cars Of 2012” here, or check out the gorgeous cars on the list that can be found at Park Place Dealerships below!

Jaguar F-Type

To be perfectly honest, you can’t actually see the F-Type in our showroom yet because it hasn’t been released, but it’s easy to see why this re-animation of Jaguar’s sports-car heritage made it on the list

McLaren MP4-12C and 12C Spider

Based on styling cues and technology straight out of F1 racing, this entirely carbon fiber supercar truly is a thing of beauty, with the power to back it up. The flawless, sweeping lines of the body are completely uninterrupted as you will find a lack of hardware, with the incredibly unique dihedral doors opening with a high-tech touch interface rather than traditional handles.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

AMG took the lead in designing both the body and powertrain for this impressive, aircraft inspired, example of AMG engineering. Want to turn heads in a classically styled, modern behemoth of a car? This is a brilliant choice.

Bentley Mulsanne

The Mulsanne blends the best of yesteryear with today’s modern touches. Plush interior, supercar power, and refined design prove where Bentley’s focus stands, the pure joy of the driving experience. That is evident in this quote from Car and Driver, “As extravagant and comfortable as the Mulsanne is, its most impressive trait is its poise.”

Maserati GranTurismo Sport

If your tastes hail from Italy, this inspiring GT car is as good as it gets. With bold lines, an almost sinister style, Italian engineering under the hood, and all of the refinement you’ve come to expect from Maserati in the cabin, this is a car that can scare you and put a smile on your face at the same time.

Tags: Luxury Cars Dallas

Bentley Sports Largest Presence Ever At 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

From Bentley Media

An exciting new Bentley - the  EXP 9 F SUV concept - is set to make its international debut at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed¹ . Combining stunning performance with exquisite luxury in the Bentley tradition, the new vehicle appears both as part of the Supercar Run up the iconic Goodwood Hill and on the Bentley Motors stand. Bentley is set to have its largest ever presence at the world-famous event, running from Friday 29^th June to Sunday 1^st July, displaying a mix of contemporary and classic Bentley models.

A vision of the company’s future, the EXP 9 F SUV concept, makes its UK premiere at the Festival. EXP 9 F highlights the marque’s desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world, and the concept car combines a stunning interior at the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with a clean, muscular exterior. With an exciting range of drivetrain options under consideration, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned.

Supporting these debutants is the Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (MDS) – a new driver-focussed edition of the Bentley flagship that reaffirms its sporting credentials. Featuring sports-tuned suspension and steering settings, unique 21 inch alloy wheels, and a Diamond Quilted interior, the MDS provides an even greater degree of driving enjoyment without compromising the Mulsanne’s legendary comfort and refinement.

The new Continental GT V8 also appears on both the Bentley stand and on the Goodwood Hill. With an all-new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, this remarkable Continental combines classic Bentley power and torque with an exceptional power-to-emissions ratio in the high luxury sports car sector.

With 507 PS and 660 Nm of torque, the GT V8 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to a top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h). Meanwhile, fuel efficiency systems and pioneering cylinder deactivation technology results in outstanding fuel economy and CO₂ performance together with a range of over 500 miles on a single tank.

Joining the modern Bentley models on the Hill are two cars from the Company’s Le Mans heritage. The Bentley Speed 8, victorious at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours, makes two runs per day, as will the 4½-litre supercharged “Birkin Blower.” Fresh from completing the Mille Miglia for the third time, the car was raced extensively by renowned Le Mans winner and Bentley Boy Tim Birkin of the 1920s.

Driving duties for the past and present Bentley models will be shared by three modern-day Bentley Boys. Le Mans legend Derek Bell MBE will be joined by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen together with Guy Smith, who drove the winning Speed 8 across the finish line at Le Mans in 2003. All three star drivers will be on-hand throughout the Festival to meet visitors.

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Pictured above, Derek Bell and Juha Kankkunen with Bentley at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Tags: Bentley, Goodwood Festival of Speed

Spoil Dad This Fathers Day With Gifts From The Bentley Collection

Tags: Accessories, Bentley, Father's Day, Gift Ideas