Ciento Once by GWA

GWA Tuning, a North American firm, has revealed the images of the Ciento Once. The prototype is still under development and is a revival of a famous Mercedes Gullwing prototype from the 70s. GWA has created a modern take of the same vehicle.

The Ciento Once is built upon a tubular space frame chassis, but instead of the original Wankel diesel that powered the concept car it gets aMercedes V12 with with 408 HP mounted in the middle visible through the glass hood. It is backed by a 6-speed Cima H type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust.

Wheelbase is slightly shorter than the original at 103 inches (2616 mm) and weight is similar at 1,400 kg (3086 lbs). Brakes are the same as on the S55 Mercedes-Benz.

The interior of the GWA Tuning Ciento Once offers carbon fiber seats, brushed aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills. the car has the same wheel-tire setup as the Mercedes SLS AMG (19x9 wheels with 265/35/19 tires at the front and 20x11 wheels with 295/30/20 tires at the rear.)






Exterior and Interior

The Ciento Once will come with a body made out of high-grade aluminum and an electrically operated rear adjustable wing. Other elements that will be added to this one-off vehicle include a swooping front hood, front spoiler with large air intake, a rear diffusor, and of course, those gull wing doors.

Comparing it to the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111 from which it was based on, the Ciento Once will come with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 103 inches while maintaining the same weight – around 1,400 kg – as its inspiration. The one-off car also runs on GWA Type A wheels, 19X9 front and 20X11 rears, with 265/35/19 and 295/30/20 rubber.

As for the interior, GWA Tuning gave the Ciento Once a modern take while also taking into account a vintage retro feel. Modern items include carbon fiber seats covered in plaid, an instrument panel that’s been modeled after a W120R MB, modern dashboard accents, illuminated door sills, and brushed AMG aluminum pedals.

Performance

GWA Tuning certainly made sure to give the Ciento Once an engine worthy of its one-off status. Housed in a tubular space frame chassis, the car’s power plant is derived from a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. Even better, the car’s powerful engine can be seen through a glass on the rear deck, making for some nice ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ from passersby.

Pricing

No word yet on how much it’s going to cost, but considering it’s most likely going to be a one-off vehicle, there’s a very big chance that it’s going to come with a steep price tag. How steep? Well, we wouldn’t be surprised if it punches a number north of six digits.

Competition

Scoff if you want, but if you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind Mercedes with gullwing doors to rival your neighbor’s SLS AMG, then GWA Tuning’s Ciento Once is the perfect candidate for that. Just make sure you call ‘dibs’ on the car before everybody else.

Geneva Debut: Rinspeed BamBoo concept

Rinspeed has announced plans to introduce the BamBoo concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The Rinspeed BamBoo is a 'grown-up golf cart' and as the name suggests, many of its interior components are made from bamboo fibers. However this is not some kind of weight saving measure, as the idea behind the Rinspeed BamBoo was to create an open top vehicle, light and easy to maneuver, reminiscent of the 70s for people who love the summer and the beach.

Since the vehicle is called BamBoo, it’s easy to guess that the material will be found somewhere in the workings of the car. Rinspeed states that bamboo fibers are a part of major components of the interior, but we’ll probably have to wait for Geneva to get more information. In fact, we’ll have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March to find out a lot about this open-top vehicle. The only other information we could pull from the press release is that, if produced, this vehicle will more than likely be electric for that little bit of modernization needed for this retro design.

These are about all the details released regarding the Rinspeed BamBoo concept, the manufacturer leaving room for speculation. We're sure the Rinspeed BamBoo will be completely revealed next year.





Press Release

"BamBoo" - the Pure Roots of Mobility

The names of the concept cars from Swiss car visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht are more than marketing-driven slick onomatopoeia that polls well with focus groups. At Rinspeed names often have a deeper meaning. That is also true for the latest creation from Rinderknecht. "BamBoo" is the name of his latest ‘baby' that resembles a grown-up golf cart and is bound to evokes plenty of admiration at the next Geneva Motor Show which runs from March 3rd through 13th, 2011.

Nomen est omen - the name says it all - is immediately apparent: Many interior components are made from bamboo fibers. But the four-seater "BamBoo" takes it to a whole new level - to the Meta level so to speak: This open-top vehicle awakens the longing for sun, summer, for lightness and easiness, the desire to be at the beach. It is a reminiscence of the Seventies, of the south of France and St. Tropez. And one would expect to find Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel with playboy Gunther Sachs at her side heading towards Tahiti beach..

Anyone who might think that this is simple retro design for nostalgia's sake underestimates the boss of the Swiss concept powerhouse. Yes, Rinderknecht incorporates the automobile references of the time. But he doesn't leave it at that. He reinterprets them and evolves them into the future. And he focuses in them the yearning to get back to the roots, paired with the absolute desire to be in harmony with creation. That makes electric drive, also for the onboard foldable two wheeler for the last "mile", a must.

Anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look. "BamBoo" pushes the ‘reset' button, clears the mind for a new way of thinking. It sports simple, clean lines. No bells, no whistles. Nothing is superfluous. Plain aesthetics in their purest form. As stated before and even in a figurative sense: Nomen est omen. Simply bamboo.

Wimmer Ariel Atom

German tuner Wimmer RS has added a few extra horses to the Ariel Atom 3 that go a long way on this very lightweight car.

The vehicle has been targeted by Wimmer RS, receiving a power boost in order to deliver a top experience. The aftermarket developer has played with the turbo, fuel pump, air intake, has installed a new exhaust system that uses Rennkat components and has remapped the ECU. The vehicle’s powerplant now allows the driver to play with 340 hp and 282 Nm (208 lb-ft).

With a total weight of 469 kilos and a two-liter four-cylinder Honda engine with 300 ponies kicking under the hood, the Atom was bound to get some sort of power boost eventually. Winner RS has done that with an engine optimization software, a modified supercharger, fuel pump conversion, and sport exhaust system done together with Rennkat.

The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom is able to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom features unique internal shock absorbers, a push-rods operated suspension system, and damper struts. The Wimmer RS Ariel Atom price has not been announced.




Press Release

Extra power - high performance sports car Ariel Atom 3 300 by Wimmer RS
Wimmer RS has tuned the Atom 3 300 up to 340 hp

The Ariel Atom is one of the fastest street cars, maybe the strongest sprint 4-cylinder series car in the world. The standard Atom 3 300 is driven by a turbocharged up to 300 hp two-liter four-cylinder Honda engine. With a weight of only 469 kg, it can easily keep up not only with super sports cars - after the power increase at Wimmer RS it can put some of them in the shade.

A vehicle like a rocket: only 469 kg weight, no doors, no luxury. The Atom is equipped with the unique internal shock absorbers. The suspension is operated via push-rods - the damper struts are at the top. The tube frame replaces the body. This provides rigidity, low weight and maximum safety for corner speeds.

The power increase at Wimmer RS includes the following reconstruction measures: Wimmer engine optimization software, compressor overhaul, fuel pump conversion and sport exhaust system together with Rennkat. Whopping 340 hp and 282 Nm are the result. With such powerful Japanese engine in the rear, this 469-kg rocket accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds - Atom achieved 200 km/h in just 7.1 seconds

Direct air suction sounds like a hissing, and by this modification, exhaust system with optimized back pressure from Wimmer RS allows to hide the entire power behind the seat, so you will hear a wonderful sound.

Photos by: Jordi Miranda

For more information please contact:

Wimmer Rennsporttechnik Solingen GmbH
Löhdorferstr. 231
42699 Solingen
Tel.: 0212 - 264 3000
Fax: 0212 - 264 3488
www.wimmer-rst.de
info@wimmer-rst.de

Allard J2X Making European Comeback

The Allard J2X, the racing car for the road car that 'did an AC Cobra' more than a decade before the Cobra itself, has been revived and is heading for sale in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The original Allard J2X was a limited production road racing car which totalled only 83 cars during its original production run between 1951 and 1954. The combination of powerful American V8 power and a lightweight chassis created a formidable machine that was put to good work in the hands of drivers such as Masten Gregory, Carroll Shelby and movie star, Steve McQueen.

The J2X MKII is a handcrafted modern incarnation of the iconic British competition roadster. The vehicle is powered by a GM Ram Jet V8 unit that delivers 350 hp and a peak torque of over 400 lb-ft (542 Nm).

A notable exception is the Allard J2X, which was designed specifically for American tastes and eventually powered by a Cadillac V8. The J2X combines the front of a Lotus Seven with an aggressive rear reminiscent of the Cobra to create something 100% wonderful.

The car can be seen on display at the Premium Classic Cars stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show this weekend (the 12th to the 14th of November) in Birmingham, U.K.
Price is expected to be around £95,000/€111,550.

Source: Premium Classic Cars


Press Release

Legendary Allard J2X to live again in Europe as a modern, bespoke sports car

The Allard name will once again be seen on European roads, with the announcement that the Canadian-built Allard J2X MK II will be distributed across the continent by UK-based Premium Classic Cars Ltd.

The original Allard J2X was a limited production road racing car which totalled only 83 cars during its original production run between 1951 and 1954. The combination of powerful American V8 power and a lightweight chassis created a formidable machine that was put to good work in the hands of drivers such as Masten Gregory, Carroll Shelby and movie star, Steve Mc Queen.

Now, the Allard Motor Works has revived this legendary machine with the launch of the J2X MK II; a bespoke, modern, handcrafted version of the famed British competition roadster which integrates modern build quality and safety technology into the iconic design. Comfort, reliability and blistering performance are assured via a comprehensive mechanical specification which includes a 350 bhp, fuel injected, GM Ram Jet V8 with over 400 lb ft of torque.

Premium Classic Cars Director, Phil Dunmore says: "The Allard J2X MK II is an outstandingly good, high-quality, high-performance low-volume sports car, and its appeal will be obvious to anyone who sees or drives one. It is true to the original design but offers far greater levels of comfort, reliability and refinement. This is a bespoke, modern performance car with its roots in a glorious past and that's a recipe that will appeal to a lot of discerning European enthusiasts."

In fact, so accurate is the attention to detail and the quality of manufacturing that the official Allard Registry grants official numbering to these MK11 cars. Full specifications will be announced shortly and pricing is expected to be from £95,000.

The J2X MK II can be seen on the Premium Classic Cars stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show, stand no. ID31, over the 12th, 13th & 14th November.

For press information, please contact:

Peter Haynes

Torque PR

Tel: +44 (0) 1306 871338

+44 (0) 7738 883259

Email: peter@torquepr.co.uk

About Premium Classic Cars:

Premium Classic Cars is an independent sports car company based in Suffolk which specialises in buying and selling the finest classic cars and prepared to offer the best value for any given car at any time. All cars have been handpicked and are HPI checked and cleared for which a certificate can be provided. www.premiumclaasiccars.com

2011 Zenvo ST1 Price

Red Sea Distribution, the sole distributor for Zenvo Automotive’s ST1, confirmed that the supercar will be coming to the United States and will carry a starting price of $1,225,000. Zenvo will only produce 15 units of the ST1 annually.

The Zenvo ST1 is powered by a 7.0 liter V8 engine that develops an unbelievable 1104 hp and 1430 Nm of torque, With a top speed of 375 km/h, this supercar manages to get from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. This extreme performance levels of the Zenvo ST1 are also possible thanks to its low weight and high power-to-weight ratio of 802 hp / ton.

The car makes the run to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and 120 in under nine seconds. Zenvo plans to make 15 ST1s per year. A Red Sea Distribution representative had this to say:

“We are very proud to be appointed the official US distributor for ZENVO, as a specialist niche market distributor we offer a service to the exotic dealer that has never been seen in the US before. We look forward to appointing new dealers and giving them the status of new car dealer for the ZENVO brand.”




Press Release

Coming to America! ZENVO ST1

The ZENVO ST1 was presented to the public for the first time at Le Mans on 12th June 2009. The overwhelmingly positive response from media, customers, experts and business partners reflects the great interest of the public.

Due to the equally positive feedback from America, ZENVO has extended distribution of the ZENVO ST1 to North America this year appointing Red Sea Distribution www.redseadistribution.com as the sole distributor.

The current model is equipped with a V8 motor. With its 1104 hp, the 1376kg two-seater can accelerate to 0-100 kmh in just 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 375kmh (electronically limted).

The ZENVO ST1 offers supreme handling with comfort levels that make the car an everyday option and a generous choice of optional extras.

Red Sea Distribution www.redseadistribution.com are already in talks with select dealers and can look forward to new dealers being announced in due course. These dealers will service North America from the east to the west coast.

A Red Sea Distribution representative made the following comments "We are very proud to be appointed the official US distributor for ZENVO, as a specialist niche market distributor we offer a service to the exotic dealer that has never been seen in the US before. We look forward to appointing new dealers and Giving them the status of new car dealer for the ZENVO brand"

Numbers to be made 15 Per Year. Pricing $1,225,000.00 US Dollars

2011 RSC Raptor GT

Manufactured in Germany, RSC’s newest supercar sports a front-mid-engine design and is rear-wheel drive. The RSC Raptor GT is powered by a 2.6-liter rotary engine that's available in four versions, with power outputs ranging from 500 hp, to 1,200 hp. The RSC Raptor GT S is the base model, equipped with Dry Sump, it develops 500 hp. The RSC Raptor GT RS has a water-to-air turbocharger system and develops 800 hp and the RSR has a twin-turbo and outputs a massive 1,200 hp.

The Raptor GT will be sold with different spec-variants called the GT S, RS, RSR and N-spec. Depending on which model, engine configurations vary and include a water-to-air inter-cooled turbo or a bi-turbo system. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed RSC R-Shift transmission with a hydraulic shift mechanism which makes gear changes in 25 to 35 milliseconds.

Inside, the RSC Raptor GT is also said to feature a pair of seven-inch digital displays coupled with a five-inch tachometer, gear indicator and shift lights, the entire package supposedly weighing in at a claimed 2,425 pounds. RSC also plans an all-wheel drive, mid-engine project with similar specs, which seems like a lot to bite off while they still appear to be chewing on this one.

Depending on the model, the body is of 80% glass fiber or carbon fiber and differs in details in the form and aerodynamics. The interior will get two 7" full-graphic-Diyplays, high-quality materials like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and various types of leather.





Press Release

Rotary Super Cars Germany is a young company with the goal of offering symbiosis of high performance vehicles and active environment to create new benchmarks in the areas, power efficiency, value for money or the use of high-tech materials.

Since there is no vehicle that meets all these requirements, the construction of the RSC Raptor GT™ started in 2009. Systems such as the VAS (variable aerodynamic system) were developed and brought to small series production. This vehicle meets all requirements or exceed them. With enthusiasm and passion of our team involved in the development and production of the Raptor GT™. We guarantee the best workmanship and highest individuality. The selective use of proven components increases the active/passive safety while reducing production costs, which ultimately benefits every buyer.

With the Raptor GT™, we give our customers the opportunity to experience the unique combination of high end components and environmental protection on the roads and racetracks of the world. The Raptor GT™ doesn't follow the standard in many areas, he goes a very unique way with his drive and approach design. Each vehicle is handmade and unique, which corresponds exactly to the needs and wishes of the owner.

Drivetrain:
The RSC Raptor ™ GT S, RS, RSR and N-Spec does not have a conventional drive system as used in most of today's super sports cars. He has a self-developed and heavily modified, based on parts of the Mazda 13B MSP, high-performance engine with four rotors (4-Rotor rotary engine) and, depending on the model, a water-to-air intercooled turbo or biturbo system. This engine is the heart of the RSC Raptor GT™ and gives him his very special temperament. The power output of a rotary engine uniformly grows with increasing rpm. The high-performance engine in the RSC Raptor GT™ has the redline set depending on the selected driving mode, up to 7,500 rpm or 9000 rpm. The fuel E85 is used, which is produced from rapeseed. By using this fuel to reduce the emissions by about 90% is feasible.

The sequential 8-speed RSC R-SHIFT transmission in the RSC Raptor GT™ is controlled by a hydraulic shift system with shift times of 25-35 milliseconds. Furthermore, each RSC Raptor GT™ has a carbon-aluminum drive shaft, and an electronically controlled rear axle differential.

The powertrain is controlled by an engine management system, specifically developed from Bosch Engineering GmbH for the RSC Raptor GT™, including a complete electronic system consisting of ESP, ABS, EBD, VAS, R-TRAC (traction control), R-DIFF (electronic differential) and a Launch Control. The RSC Raptor GT™ RSR and N-Spec also has an active suspension. All electronic systems can be easily operated via the buttons on the steering wheel.

Body/Chassis:
Depending on the model the body of the RSC Raptor GT™ is of 80% glass fiber or carbon fiber and differs in details in the form and aerodynamics. Furthermore a wide range of special equipment is available. Starting with the rims, complete body equipment packages up to the painting - the customer has no limits.

The RSC Raptor GT™ also has the RSC VAS™ (Variable Aerodynamic System), a system that changes the aerodynamics and the aerodynamic properties of the RSC Raptor GT™ to generate more downforce at high speeds. This system include SBS (Speed Brake System).

Interior:
The RSC Raptor GT™ has two 7" full-graphic-Diyplays, where various telemetry data such as speed, mileage, temperatures, pressures, and the chosen vehicle settings and many other data, are available. These displays create exciting visual effects that show the high-tech genes of the RSC Raptor GT™. They are placed on the left and right of the large 5" tachometer with digital gear indicator and shift light. The driver is always looking at the relevant information and driving a RSC Raptor GT™ becomes a special experience.

The cockpit offers an unique combination of high-quality materials like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and various types of leather. Many interior equipment packages are available. There also no limits for the customer.

Production levels of the RSC Raptor GT range from the base 500 hp 2.6L 4 rotor rotary to 800 hp turbo and 1.200 hp twin turbo variants. The cars are built in Germany. They are available in left- and right-hand drive configuration.

VelociRaptor:
The second car which is currently in the construction phase. The main facts: Mid-engine, AWD, 8-speed sequential RSC R-SHIFT transmission, RSC VAS, 90% carbon fiber, over 1.200 hp and a weight under 1.100 kg.
This car will set new benchmarks...

Rotary Super Cars Germany
(+49)1511 75 500 98

2011 RSC Raptor GT

Manufactured in Germany, RSC’s newest supercar sports a front-mid-engine design and is rear-wheel drive. The RSC Raptor GT is powered by a 2.6-liter rotary engine that's available in four versions, with power outputs ranging from 500 hp, to 1,200 hp. The RSC Raptor GT S is the base model, equipped with Dry Sump, it develops 500 hp. The RSC Raptor GT RS has a water-to-air turbocharger system and develops 800 hp and the RSR has a twin-turbo and outputs a massive 1,200 hp.

The Raptor GT will be sold with different spec-variants called the GT S, RS, RSR and N-spec. Depending on which model, engine configurations vary and include a water-to-air inter-cooled turbo or a bi-turbo system. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed RSC R-Shift transmission with a hydraulic shift mechanism which makes gear changes in 25 to 35 milliseconds.

Inside, the RSC Raptor GT is also said to feature a pair of seven-inch digital displays coupled with a five-inch tachometer, gear indicator and shift lights, the entire package supposedly weighing in at a claimed 2,425 pounds. RSC also plans an all-wheel drive, mid-engine project with similar specs, which seems like a lot to bite off while they still appear to be chewing on this one.

Depending on the model, the body is of 80% glass fiber or carbon fiber and differs in details in the form and aerodynamics. The interior will get two 7" full-graphic-Diyplays, high-quality materials like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and various types of leather.





Press Release

Rotary Super Cars Germany is a young company with the goal of offering symbiosis of high performance vehicles and active environment to create new benchmarks in the areas, power efficiency, value for money or the use of high-tech materials.

Since there is no vehicle that meets all these requirements, the construction of the RSC Raptor GT™ started in 2009. Systems such as the VAS (variable aerodynamic system) were developed and brought to small series production. This vehicle meets all requirements or exceed them. With enthusiasm and passion of our team involved in the development and production of the Raptor GT™. We guarantee the best workmanship and highest individuality. The selective use of proven components increases the active/passive safety while reducing production costs, which ultimately benefits every buyer.

With the Raptor GT™, we give our customers the opportunity to experience the unique combination of high end components and environmental protection on the roads and racetracks of the world. The Raptor GT™ doesn't follow the standard in many areas, he goes a very unique way with his drive and approach design. Each vehicle is handmade and unique, which corresponds exactly to the needs and wishes of the owner.

Drivetrain:
The RSC Raptor ™ GT S, RS, RSR and N-Spec does not have a conventional drive system as used in most of today's super sports cars. He has a self-developed and heavily modified, based on parts of the Mazda 13B MSP, high-performance engine with four rotors (4-Rotor rotary engine) and, depending on the model, a water-to-air intercooled turbo or biturbo system. This engine is the heart of the RSC Raptor GT™ and gives him his very special temperament. The power output of a rotary engine uniformly grows with increasing rpm. The high-performance engine in the RSC Raptor GT™ has the redline set depending on the selected driving mode, up to 7,500 rpm or 9000 rpm. The fuel E85 is used, which is produced from rapeseed. By using this fuel to reduce the emissions by about 90% is feasible.

The sequential 8-speed RSC R-SHIFT transmission in the RSC Raptor GT™ is controlled by a hydraulic shift system with shift times of 25-35 milliseconds. Furthermore, each RSC Raptor GT™ has a carbon-aluminum drive shaft, and an electronically controlled rear axle differential.

The powertrain is controlled by an engine management system, specifically developed from Bosch Engineering GmbH for the RSC Raptor GT™, including a complete electronic system consisting of ESP, ABS, EBD, VAS, R-TRAC (traction control), R-DIFF (electronic differential) and a Launch Control. The RSC Raptor GT™ RSR and N-Spec also has an active suspension. All electronic systems can be easily operated via the buttons on the steering wheel.

Body/Chassis:
Depending on the model the body of the RSC Raptor GT™ is of 80% glass fiber or carbon fiber and differs in details in the form and aerodynamics. Furthermore a wide range of special equipment is available. Starting with the rims, complete body equipment packages up to the painting - the customer has no limits.

The RSC Raptor GT™ also has the RSC VAS™ (Variable Aerodynamic System), a system that changes the aerodynamics and the aerodynamic properties of the RSC Raptor GT™ to generate more downforce at high speeds. This system include SBS (Speed Brake System).

Interior:
The RSC Raptor GT™ has two 7" full-graphic-Diyplays, where various telemetry data such as speed, mileage, temperatures, pressures, and the chosen vehicle settings and many other data, are available. These displays create exciting visual effects that show the high-tech genes of the RSC Raptor GT™. They are placed on the left and right of the large 5" tachometer with digital gear indicator and shift light. The driver is always looking at the relevant information and driving a RSC Raptor GT™ becomes a special experience.

The cockpit offers an unique combination of high-quality materials like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and various types of leather. Many interior equipment packages are available. There also no limits for the customer.

Production levels of the RSC Raptor GT range from the base 500 hp 2.6L 4 rotor rotary to 800 hp turbo and 1.200 hp twin turbo variants. The cars are built in Germany. They are available in left- and right-hand drive configuration.

VelociRaptor:
The second car which is currently in the construction phase. The main facts: Mid-engine, AWD, 8-speed sequential RSC R-SHIFT transmission, RSC VAS, 90% carbon fiber, over 1.200 hp and a weight under 1.100 kg.
This car will set new benchmarks...

Rotary Super Cars Germany
(+49)1511 75 500 98

2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans

Entrepreneur Don Panoz, founder of the American Le Mans Series, has unveiled his latest automotive creation, a limited-edition 600-horsepower exotic car called the Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans. The first of a limited run of 81 cars is slated to be delivered in 2013.

The hand-built Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will be built with an engine that produces over 600 horsepower (447 kW / 608 PS) and up to 590 ft-lb (799 Nm) of torque.  Developed by American niche manufacturer Panoz, the car will be limited to 81 vehicles, and is guaranteed to be street legal in Asia, Europe, Middle East and South America.

Only 81 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will see the daylight, for which production will stretch on the next three years and all of the future customers will get their cars delivers at the Le Mans circuit where the automaker is also throwing in a free driving course.

The 2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will introduce the a three-stage TRIFECTA COOLING technology that improves engine performance and efficiency. The body of the 2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans is built using the REAMS material technology - or Recyclable Energy
Absorbing Matrix System - that promises to offer environmental, performance and structural advantages.




Press Release

PANOZ MAKES HISTORY WITH ABRUZZI 'SPIRIT OF LE MANS'

New supercar quite appropriately unveiled at Le Mans

LE MANS, France - Don Panoz again has captured the Spirit of Le Mans. This time, one of the world's most forward-thinking entrepreneurs is pairing his newest automotive masterpiece with the legacy of the world's greatest auto race. The Panoz Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" broke cover today at the Circuit de La Sarthe, an appropriate venue for the world debut of a ground-breaking automobile with a very appropriate delivery and acquisition program for its customers.

"This is culmination of equal parts time, effort and dreams," said Panoz, founder of the Panoz Motor Sports Group. "The Panoz brand always has prided itself on hand-building and delivering an exotic automobile and experience to our customers. Our new offering takes this to a completely new level."

The Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" is more than a technological masterpiece from Panoz Auto Development (PAD), based in Hoschton, Ga. It represents a new chapter in automotive production and delivery, tied into the world's most demanding auto race.

The super sports car will be offered as a strictly limited edition. Only 81 Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" vehicles will ever be produced, corresponding to the number of Le Mans 24 Hour contests between the inception of the race in 1923 and the race to be held in 2013.

Abruzzi: The Car
The hand-built Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" is a unique, front-engine, rear-transaxle and rear-radiator super sports car - road-legal in Europe and many countries of Asia, the Middle East and South America. The powertrain will deliver 600-plus HP with 590 ft.-lbs. of torque. Advanced design and aerodynamics offer astounding downforce and road-holding.

Performance is just one facet that sets the Abruzzi apart from other exotics. It also breaks new ground in environmental design and construction starting with the unprecedented implementation of the R.E.A.M.S.® - Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System - body system that offers environmental, performance and structural advantages like no other automobile body system on the planet. Never used before on any road-going automobile, the multi-layer composite system is lighter than carbon fiber yet equally strong. Unlike carbon fiber however, it is dent-resistant, shatter-proof and recyclable.

Abruzzi also introduces TRIFECTACOOLING® technology. In addition to a normal high-efficiency radiator, there are stage two and stage three systems that lower coolant temperature on both the inflow to and the outflow from the radiator.

"These are advancements that will open up a new era of automotive design," Panoz said. "Dating back to our first road car - the AIV Roadster - PAD has been a believer in efficient construction and design. This philosophy continues with our Abruzzi."

Abruzzi: The Experience
The Panoz Abruzzi harkens back to a day where drivers would pilot their cars to Le Mans, race it twice around the clock then drive back home. It essentially captures the "Spirit of Le Mans" with a never-before-seen acquisition program that sets a new standard for personalization and delivery.

Given the roots of Panoz's automotive dreams, it is only appropriate that the Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" will be delivered to its owners at the famed Circuit de la Sarthe, shipped directly there from the Panoz factory. Each automobile will be linked to a specific Le Mans 24 Hour race, with the chassis number also containing that specific race date and the initials of the winning drivers and the history of that year.

Professional drivers will instruct owners in driving the car on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans. Service and repairs also will be attended to at the ACO facilities of the Circuit 24 Hours of Le Mans.

New vehicle owners also will be invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as guests of the ACO and Panoz at the ACO's hospitality facilities in the "Model Sportif" at the circuit. New owners also will have the unique opportunity to drive a parade lap of the full 8.3-mile circuit at that year's event.

During the Le Mans race week a "Spirit of Le Mans" reception will be held at the clubhouse of the famed Golf Des 24 Heuers in the historic town of Arnage. The new owners for that year will be the guests of the ACO officials and past "Spirit of Le Mans" award winners such as Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell.

"Being associated with the ACO and Le Mans is something very special to me," Panoz said. "Being able to stand side-by-side with the heroes and legends of Le Mans gives me a sense of appreciation and passion for this grand event. I felt it was important to give our customers the same experience, and I am grateful to our partners at the ACO for helping make this happen."

Panoz Auto Development produces leading-edge, fully certified automobiles and is best known for the first US-manufactured AIV (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) - the Panoz AIV Roadster. The Panoz Esperante body and chassis also extensively employs aluminum for performance, safety and efficiency. The Panoz Esperante GTLM earned world-famous stature as a race car by winning the GT2 category at both the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a single year - 2006.