Originally featured on ntxe-news.com on December 13, 2018

Social media was buzzing December 1 – 3 with unusual sightings across North Texas. Reports of a large SUV with a massive Rolls-Royce-style grill spotted around the Crespi Estate in Dallas. It was said to be unusually quick and extraordinarily nimble. 

There were reports of it rambling off road at the D’Vine Grace Vineyards in McKinney, all four wheels gripping the uneven terrain as it scaled hills like a gazelle. 

Then, it was spotted regally wafting down the Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth,  sparkling like the rare diamond for which it was named.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas confirmed it was the source for the remarkable sightings of the Cullinan, Rolls-Royce’s first all-wheel drive, high-bodied vehicle. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars invited guests to drive the “Rolls-Royce of SUVs” both on and off the road.

After an exhilarating drive, guests relaxed with margaritas made with Uno Por Favor Tequila at the Crespi Estate; a glass of Whispering Angel Rosé at D’Vine Grace Vineyards; or a taste of Fist Full of Bourbon at Park Place Bodywerks in Fort Worth.

The “Rolls-Royce of SUVs” has arrived, making the concept of “Luxury Effortless, Everywhere” a fact. The Cullinan is the only SUV capable of delivering the renowned ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ on any surface — whether paved or uneven terrain. 

This beautiful beast sports a powerful 6.75 Liter twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque to the all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering system that can conquer any challenge. Despite its hefty weight of nearly three tons, it can accelerate from 0-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Comfortably. Effortlessly. And nearly soundlessly. Its sound insulation is so superb, you have to roll down the window to hear if the engine is running. The front tires are even filled with foam to reduce road noise. 

If you wish to take the Cullinan off-road (and you certainly must) simply push the “Off Road” button and the computerized system will automatically raise the vehicle, read the terrain and select the proper gear, adjust the suspension, and continuously deliver the exact power to each wheel as needed. Effortlessly. Everywhere.

Of course, the Cullinan has the famed umbrella inside the door frame. But it also has a distinctive feature that speaks to Rolls-Royce’s attention to detail. The umbrella compartment is tied into the HVAC system. So if you return a wet umbrella into the frame, it will dry it as you drive.

While the Cullinan is a driver-focused vehicle, the rear passenger compartment offers the best seat in the house. Those in the rear sit higher on Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating, enjoying grandstand views of their surroundings thanks to large side windows and a panoramic glass roof. And if they wish, they can zero in on their location on the rear touchscreen map.

Two rear configurations are offered – Lounge Seats, which will accommodate three passengers or Individual Seating for two. In the Lounge Seat configuration, the rear seats fold down, a first for Rolls-Royce. The seats fold electronically in a number of configurations. One press causes each backrest to effortlessly fold down, while moving the headrests upwards simultaneously to avoid making an imprint on the seat. Both seat backs can be folded down completely, creating a flat load area, or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split.

The Individual Seat configuration offers two rear seats separated by a fixed center console containing a refrigerated drink cabinet, replete with Rolls-Royce glasses, decanter and champagne flutes. Each individual seat can move in a number of planes for ultimate comfort. And, of course, they are heated and vented with remarkable massage capabilities.

This configuration also creates the first “three-box” SUV. Inspired by the age when one never traveled in the same compartment as one’s luggage, a glass partition isolates the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment, creating an inner ecosystem for the occupants. In addition to enhanced silence, the sealed cabin allows the optimum temperature for passengers even when the rear hatch is open.

For the first time ever a Rolls-Royce has an opening tailgate. The Cullinan’s rear “Clasp” opens and closes in two sections.

The Cullinan comes alive at the touch of a button on the key, or by simply touching its stainless steel door handle with the key on the driver’s person. The carriage lowers itself by 40mm to make entry effortless, as the iconic coach doors stand open wide to welcome driver and passengers to their next adventure. Access to the cabin has never been easier, thanks to completely flat floors in both the front and rear compartments. 

Driver and passengers can close the doors with a touch of a button. Or touch the sensor on the exterior door handles and the doors automatically close from the outside.

Press the start button and the Cullinan rises 40mm before taking its occupants on the smoothest ride possible. 

For the first time, the central information screen is touch sensitive, allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle settings. Or one can access the portal from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller on the central console along with the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

Other cutting-edge technology that makes the Cullinan the most technologically advanced car of its type includes: Night Vision and Vision Assist, including daytime/night-time wildlife & pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution Heads-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems. All electronic devices can be charged via five USB ports around the cabin, while phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.

Starting at $325,000, options for customization of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan are only limited by one’s imagination. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas is located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue as part of the Park Place Premier Collection.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley andMaserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth general manager George Johnson with Jewel Charity Ball president Pam Pigman.

Originally featured on ntxe-news.com on January 1, 2019

Fort Worth, Texas — Thinking outside the (jewel) box in 1953, Nenetta Burton Carter and Bille Brandsford Clark sought to raise funds to meet the needs of children whose families could not afford their medical care. A committee of 15 women planned the first Jewel Charity Ball, which resulted in a $9,000 donation to Fort Worth Children’s hospital.

On December 15, 2018, the 65th Annual Jewel Charity Ball will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center. With over 625 members, Jewel Charity has raised over $71 million dollars to ensure that all children at Cook Children’s Hospital are provided the health care they need.

This year’s event will feature a silent auction and raffle prizes for everything from fine jewelry and trips abroad to the winner’s choice of a Mercedes Benz GLE or E300, donated by Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth.

“We are proud to be a sponsor of the Jewel Charity Ball,” said George Johnson, general manager of Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. “Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of the children in our community.”

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth is located at 5601 Bryant Irving Road, just off the Chisholm Trail Parkway in southwest Fort Worth.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

Park Place Dealerships President Neil Grossman; Park Place Dealerships Chairman Ken Schnitzer; Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate; Porsche Cars North America CEO Klaus Zellmer

Originally featured on ntxe-news.com on October 9, 2018

Park Place Dealerships celebrated the opening of it’s 18th dealership with a grand opening celebration of the new Porsche Grapevine store at 1280 Texan Trail off Highway 114.

More than 700 guests had the run of the two-story, 68,000-square-foot dealership, including the spacious 28 bay Service Garage. Special guests included Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate; Porsche Cars North America CEO Klaus Zellmer and COO Joe Lawrence; Director of Transplant Services at Baylor University Medical Center Dr. Goran Klintmalm; and owner of the Gas Monkey Garage and star of The Discovery Channel’s “Fast & Loud” TV show Richard Rawlings.

Guests savored tastings from some of Southlake Town Square’s finest restaurants including Brio Tuscan Grille, Del Frisco’s Grille, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, TruFire Kitchen & Bar, and Truluck’s.

Southlake Town Square merchants provided a look at fall fashions from J. Crew, Allen Edmonds, Michael Kors, Malouf’s and J. McLaughlin.

Park Place Dealerships founder Ken Schnitzer led guests in a toast with Louis Roederer Champagne as the new 2019 Porsche Cayenne SUV was unveiled. Guests also enjoyed craft cocktails by Hendrick’s Gin, proprietary wines from the Vineyard at Florence, and the Glenfiddich Scotch and Cigar bar.

Thanks to the Porsche Club of America, Maverick Region, guests delighted in a special Heritage Display of Porsche vehicles throughout the decades.

Porsche recently celebrated 70 years as an iconic brand. Currently, the U.S. is the largest single market for Porsche, with American buyers accounting for 28 percent of 911 purchases worldwide.

Looking forward, the all-electric Porsche Mission E will change the way we imagine electric vehicles with a 600 horsepower engine, a pulse pounding acceleration of 0 – 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, a battery range of more than 300 miles with a charging time of only 15 minutes for approximately 80% capacity.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.