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All eyes will be on you when you roll into town driving the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE. Not only is it extremely fast with its new and improved V8 engine, but the exotic Jaguar also holds some of the latest forward-thinking technological features that the automotive world has to offer. Check out these three tech-savvy elements found in the 2016 F-TYPE that boost the car's performance and handling. The Electronic Active Differential not only informs the driver of wheel spin, but also predicts grip levels based on the driver’s input and varies the power delivery to each wheel to keep the car stable. When the Dynamic Mode is turned on, this feature can remap the vehicle’s software to sharpen throttle response and perform gear shifts faster at higher engine speeds. Offering instinctive all-wheel drive while on the move, the F-TYPE's systems monitor driving as well as the road conditions to optimize traction and handling, helping to ensure the best possible grip in a variety of situations. If you want to find out more about the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE or even take one for a spin, we welcome you to visit us at indiGO Auto Group’s Jaguar Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

One of the most exhilarating experiences a driver can have is going off-roading. It takes more than just your average vehicle when it comes to being able to maneuver and climb challenging grounds. In order to tackle the mission of veering off of the city streets, you’ll need the proper vehicle to do so. Create your own paths and discover new routes by getting behind the wheel of a Land Rover LR4. Why choose the Land Rover LR4 when there are so many other vehicles to consider? Here are the top five reasons the LR4 should be your off-roading vehicle of choice. Using today’s latest technology, the LR4 has the ability to reconfigure the engine, transmission, and throttle for various road conditions, ensuring that you as the driver will be able to operate your vehicle with ease. This vehicle also offers a split tailgate, including adjustable air suspension, to make travel more convenient. With a towing capacity of an impressive 7,716 pounds, you can effortlessly haul the extra equipment you may need for your off-roading adventures using Land Rover's Trailer Stability Assist. Driving through water won’t be problem when operating the LR4, which has a wading depth of 27.56 inches. Wondering what advanced off-road geometry this vehicle has to offer? Approach Angle: 32.2 degrees, Ramp Angle: 22.8 degrees, Departure Angle: 26.7 degrees. The 2016 Land Rover LR4 is a great selection to help you fulfill your off-roading dreams. We welcome you to come and test drive one of our exquisite Land Rovers at indiGO Auto Group's Land Rover Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus. {Blog Post by Kayla Duclos}

Of the many desirable features of the second-generation Panamera, one of the best sounding items is the vehicle’s 3D audio experience. Created exclusively for Porsche’s new model by Burmester, the speaker system is high-end, producing sounds that are crisp and smooth with a total output of 1,455 watts. According to Porsche, “With the development of the new Panamera, the aim was to further improve the benchmark-setting performance delivered by the Burmester sound system. More specifically, enhancing the emotional experience was the objective. To do this, state-of-the-art audio technologies were used, including powerful and highly efficient class-D amplifiers, intelligent algorithms to improve sound quality and the latest developments in Auro 3D processing. With these advantages, for the very first time the system in the new Panamera delivers a playback experience based on the best concert halls in the world.” We can’t wait to hear the new Burmester speakers in action when the second-generation Panamera arrives in the United States! To learn more about the new Panamera or to test drive a Porsche, stop by indiGO Auto Group’s Porsche of Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus, Porsche St. Louis, or Porsche of North Houston.

It’s Audi’s goal to produce cars that are not merely luxurious and powerful, but also long-lasting. To ensure this longevity, the company created the Ingolstadt Corrosion and Aging Test (INKA) to examine the wear and tear on a car over 12 years of life. This particular test is the most rigorous of Audi’s processes, and after observing the test for 100 administrations, the team at Audi knows exactly how each car will age over more than a decade of use. This INKA endurance test considers a car’s performance in five phases: The car undergoes a misting process that sprays the vehicle with salt in a climatic chamber set at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The car endures the weather in a warm tropical climate—112 degrees and 100-percent humidity. The car experiences extreme heat (194 degrees), and it must not fade or crack on the interior or exterior. The car virtually visits the arctic circle, complete with rocky road conditions and -30 degree temperatures. Finally, the car jets through pre-prepared courses (covering over 7,000 miles) intended to present an array of potential road and weather conditions. The INKA process began in 2002, and because of the its ability to reveal any potential problems in Audi models, the company is excited to continue to test their cars with this method. To sit behind the wheel of a new Audi, visit indiGO Auto Group’s Audi Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Like something out of a James Bond Movie, the Aston Martin hypercar (codenamed AM-RB 001) looks ultra modern and sleekly futuristic. To create the prototype, the luxury automotive manufacturer partnered with Red Bull Racing, a Formula One team. Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO, explained, “The AM-RB 001 is a truly remarkable project and something of which I’m extremely proud. To have Aston Martin working alongside Adrian Newey of Red Bull Racing and the invaluable assistance of project partner AF Racing AG is an extraordinary creative collaboration. One that unites the very best of road and racecar thinking. As the project gathers pace its clear the end result will be a truly history-making hypercar that sets incredible new benchmarks for packaging, efficiency and performance and an achievement that elevates Aston Martin to the very highest level.” Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, added, “Working so closely alongside Adrian and an organization like Red Bull Racing is a fabulous experience. By definition the objectives we’ve set for the car ensures there has never been an Aston Martin - or any car, actually - quite like the AM-RB 001. The shared challenge has been finding that magical tipping point where we achieve the most efficient engineering solutions and the most beautiful styling solutions without any compromises. My personal challenge has been expressing the AM-RB 001’s extraordinary performance and the unique way in which it delivers that performance. Its style reflects its revolutionary nature, while possessing the form and beauty that makes it unmistakably an Aston Martin.” The team is excited to move the car into production. There will be between 99 and 150 AM-RB 001 road models produced, including prototypes and track-only versions. Keep an eye out for this automobile of the future, hitting the roads in 2018. Everyone at indiGO Auto Group is looking forward to seeing the finished product and testing the innovative engineering on the roads of Rancho Mirage. To test drive a current Aston Martin, stop by indiGO Auto Group's Aston Martin Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Each year, Rolls-Royce’s hub of luxury—the Summer Studio in Sardinia—hosts many of the company’s finest guests and best customers. This year, the group at the Summer Studio became the first to see a new Wraith and Dawn designed to reflect the beauty of Porto Cervo, a vibrant marina located on the Costa Smerelda. Isobel Dando, General Manager of Future Retail for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, described, “Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world’s most beautiful enclaves. Sardinia, and its stunning Costa Smerelda, serves as the perfect backdrop for Rolls-Royce to host these patrons of true luxury in an intimate setting; The Rolls-Royce Summer Studio. The stunning Bespoke Wraith and emerald-embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colors of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in.” The cars’ designs and color palettes reflect this beautiful area of the world. Perhaps the most intricate element of the new design is the fine jewel display found within the Dawn. A combination of stunning emeralds, iridescent mother of pearl, and white gold adorns the car’s interior, providing a timeless representation of Porto Cervo’s charm and Rolls-Royce’s bespoke luxury. To test drive a Rolls-Royce or custom-create a model of your own, stop by indiGO Auto Group’s Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Just a few days ago, we praised Porsche for the company’s financial success in the first half of 2016, due in part to the release of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models. That fiscal victory would not be possible without the manufacturer’s ability to impress and please drivers. Just yesterday, Porsche ranked number-one in JD Power and Associates’ 2016 US Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The benchmark test has been in use by JD Power and Associates for 21 years, and it measures automobile owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement based on “ 77 attributes, ranging from the power they feel when they step on the gas to the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat.” JD Power and Associates’ APEAL study found that consumers are much more highly satisfied with vehicles that provide enhanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance. Vice President of JD Power’s US Automotive Quality division, Renee Stephens, described, “Technology-enabled safety features help drivers feel more comfortable and confident while driving their vehicles. These features are also ‘gateway technologies’ to autonomous driving capabilities, so the continued level of consumer interest in them will be a critical metric to watch as the industry evolves toward including more automation in new vehicles.” Porsche proudly claims many of these special safety features in addition to other appealing attributes, like the launch of new vehicles, a smooth transmission, and top-notch technology. These accolades led Porsche to the number-one rank in JD Powers and Associates’ APEAL study with an overall score of 877 index points (on a 1,000-point scale). The powerful luxury car manufacturer has held this honor for 12 consecutive years, and is proud to present a lineup of cars that continually excite and amaze drivers. JD Power and Associates also recognized three Porsche models at the tops of their categories. The 911 ranked highest in the Midsize Premium Sporty Car Segment, improving by 20 points; the Boxster won the Compact Premium Sporty Car Segment, up by 17 points; and the Macan took the stage in the Compact Premium SUV Segment for the second year in a row. BRAVO to Porsche for this amazing recognition in JD Power and Associates’ APEAL Study. indiGO Auto Group is proud to represent such a remarkable luxury brand in three of our markets— Houston, St. Louis, and Rancho Mirage. To test drive a new Porsche, stop by Porsche of North Houston, Porsche St. Louis, or Porsche of Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Porsche has experienced steady growth in the first half of this year, a success attributed to the release of the 718 Boxster and Cayman models. Compared to last year, sales in the United States have increased by 6%, while sales in China have grown by 4%. The luxury car manufacturer delivered over 6,000 new Caymans and nearly 7,000 new Boxsters internationally, and both cars were met by consumers with unparalleled popularity. This year, Porsche has delivered 117,963 new vehicles worldwide, up 3% from deliveries mid-year in 2015. We’re looking forward to seeing the continued growth of Porsche as they launch the new Panamera in the near future. To test drive a Porsche, visit indiGO Auto Group’s Porsche of North Houston, Porsche St. Louis, or Porsche of Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Complete customization is a trademark of Bentley Motors. Visiting the manufacturer's website, shoppers can work through the various configurations available for each model. We took a moment to experience the process, choosing the Flying Spur V8 S as our base. First, Bentley Motors offers some excellent pre-designed options from which to choose. Users can, of course, go this route and add a few modifications, or they can start from scratch. We opted for the completely custom option. The online tool allowed us to see a 360-degree rendering of the future car as we designed the various elements and added features. In the custom-design frame, we began by choosing upgrade packages, like the Convenience Specification (with cruise control, rear-view camera, and valet key), the Entertainment Specification (with rear-seat screens), and the Comfort Specification (with seat ventilation and massage capabilities). Bentley Motors offers exterior color selections from every shade of the rainbow. For a feminine look, users may choose Grey Violet or Magenta, or for a darker tone, they might like Granite or Black Sapphire. We accented the exterior of our Passion Pink concept car with a single-line pinstripe, custom wheels, and a V8 S badge. Interior options are just as vast with multiple leather colors and eight veneers. Designers can add more technology options and comfort capabilities before creating a custom brochure showcasing all selections. This brochure can be taken to a local dealership to place an order. If you’d like to build a custom Flying Spur or if you need help creating the car of your dreams, stop by indiGO Auto Group’s Bentley Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.

Todd Blue, Chairman and CEO of Houston-based indiGO Auto Group with award-winning dealerships in Houston, Texas, Rancho Mirage, California, and St. Louis, Missouri, is pleased to announce that Porsche of North Houston has been named one of Automotive News’ Best Dealerships to Work For™ in 2016. This is the second consecutive year that Porsche of North Houston has been recognized on this prestigious list. Now in its fifth year, the Best Dealerships to Work For™ program recognizes the top 100 employers in the retail automobile industry throughout the United States and Canada. Automotive News will announce the complete ranking of all the dealerships in October 2016. Mr. Blue said, "At the indiGO Auto Group, we’ve built a culture which invites our team to participate with ownership in community, creative customer engagement, company conversations, and creative ways to motivate one other. We spend as much, or more, time in the workplace as we do in our homes; it is important to make the indiGO environment stimulating and inspiring. We feel strongly that we have some of the best team members in the industry, so we aim to provide them with a work experience that resembles family; in this case we are the indiGO family.” The 100 dealerships were selected by Best Companies Group, which screened extensive surveys filled out by nearly 70,000 employees of U.S. and Canadian stores that applied for the distinction. Earlier this year Porsche of North Houston employees completed a detailed “Employee Engagement & Satisfaction” survey earlier this year that focused on 8 Core Focus Areas: Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement. indiGO Auto Group is so grateful for our loyal and diligently working employees in the Houston area. We’re proud to create an award-winning work environment for our team. For more information about indiGO Auto Group, visit indigoautogroup.com.

In the 22 nd annual Strategic Vision Total Quality Impact study, the Jaguar XJ wowed consumers and received the highest Total Quality score in the study’s Luxury Car segment. Total Quality Impact reviews the entire owner experience of a myriad of makes and models by studying input from actual car buyers. Jaguar XJ owners were asked to rate many aspects of their buying, owning, and driving experience. Total Quality Impact takes into account both negative and positive comments regarding reliability, operational problems, enjoyment, and more. Of this fantastic achievement, Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America, said, “We are honored that the Jaguar XJ has received this accolade by Strategic Vision. This recognition is a testament to the quality and performance of Jaguar vehicles and represents the essence of what the Jaguar brand stands for.” This particular full-sized sedan is the flagship of the Jaguar model lineup. According to Jaguar, “Receiving its mid-cycle refresh for 2016, the full-size Jaguar XJ sedan is available with three powertrain options—a 340 hp supercharged V6, a 470 hp supercharged V8 and a 550 hp supercharged V8—offered in both standard and long wheelbase lengths in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The 2016 XJ is bolder and more assertive with enhancements that include an imposing, more upright front grille, more powerful full LED headlamps and eye-catching new tail lamps. In addition, all 2016 Jaguar models come equipped with Jaguar EliteCare1 a best-in-class ownership package offering a new vehicle limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance, and Jaguar InControl® Remote & ProtectTM.” indiGO Auto Group’s Jaguar Rancho Mirage is proud to stock such an award-winning vehicle and represent such a superior brand of luxury automobiles. BRAVO to the Jaguar XJ! To test drive a Jaguar XJ, stop by indiGO Auto Group’s Jaguar Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus today!

This month, the technology team at Land Rover demonstrated a future feature of the off-road SUVs—All-Terrain Self Driving. Now, we know that Tesla has championed and created the self-driving car, but the ideas stemming from Land Rover’s research are beyond cool. The Land Rover team is aiming to create an SUV that can function autonomously not merely on the highway, but also in various off-road driving environments and in an array of weather conditions. Of this important project, the Head of Research for Jaguar Land Rover, Tony Harper, said, “Our all-terrain autonomy research isn’t just about the car driving itself on a motorway or in extreme off-road situations. It’s about helping both the driven and autonomous cars make their way safely through any terrain or driving situation.” The key to this technology’s success is the development of new sensors for the vehicle. 3D path-sensing research combines camera, ultrasonic, radar, and LIDAR sensors to provide a panoramic, full-environment view for the car. Because Land Rover desires this car to function in rough environments, it will also include overhead sensors in order to safely clear low-hanging tree branches or other obstacles. Additional sensors are needed under the automobile to understand the terrain and adjust the automatic driving style to suit the conditions. These self-driving off-road cars are just in the testing stages, but it’s amazing to see what diligent research and scientific development are capable of producing. Check out these two in-depth videos about Land Rover's newest endeavors. To test drive a current Land Rover SUV, stop by indiGO Auto Group’s Land Rover Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.