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The new V12 Ferrari for the first time on the road, After the great feedback generated by the FF at the Geneva car show.

With its latest supercar, Ferrari has introduced a controversial ‘shooting brake’ hatchback bodystyle, a fully redesigned 651 horsepower and 504 pound-feet of torque 6.3-liter V-12 with direct injection technology and seven-speed ‘F1’ dual clutch transmission, and of course an advanced four-wheel drive system, a first for Ferrari.  

With just a few days to go until the press is given access to the shooting brake concept, two of the four-wheel drive models have been air lifted to the top of Plan De Corones in the Dolomites. At 2,350 meters (7,710 feet) above sea level, a special ice and snow track has been constructed where journalists will test the cars under slippery conditions.




Press Release

The FF at the top of Plan de Corones at 2,350 metres

Maranello, 10 March 2011 - Only a couple of days to go for the start of the FF tests by the press, where journalists from all over the world will drive the new V12 Ferrari for the first time on the roads of the Alto-Adige region: two Ferrari four-seaters with four-wheel drive have been taken to the top of Plan De Corones in the Dolomites at 2,350 metres, where a special ice and snow track has been prepared for the cars, located at the start of the vast ski area, where the journalists will test the cars under fierce conditions.

The cars have been taken to this area, which can only be reached by the ski-lifts, with a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter from Viterbo's 1st Regiment Antares and the help of three Agusta 205 helicopters from the 4th Regiment Altair from the Italian air force in Bolzano. The cars were loaded into the transport helicopters and flown around the Dolomites, before they were carefully unloaded. In this much-anticipated event, with headquarters in Brunico, almost 200 journalists from the world's most important publications will participate over the next four weeks. After the great feedback generated by the FF at the Geneva car show now this revolutionary 12-cylinder from Ferrari is finally debuting on the road.

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Hennessey Performance Engineering is offering a 602-horsepower supercharger upgrade for the 2011 Camaro SS Convertible, This 602 bhp street monster makes its power by way of a TVS2300 supercharger system with cold air induction, stainless steel long tube headers,high flow catalytic converters, stainless steel mid-pipes and high flow fuel injectors. The suspension has also been massaged by way of a KW adjustable coil-over suspension system.

The 2011 Hennessey HPE600 Camaro convertible is a bit less potent than last year model. It is based on the 2011 Camaro SS convertible, which Hennessey added a supercharger to the V8 engine to produce 602 horsepower. That’s about 172 horsepower more than the Camaro SS production model.

The HPE600 package is priced from $15,995 (€11,470) but customers can add a variety of options including a carbon fiber body kit, an adjustable KW coilover suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Pirelli P-Zero tires.





Press Release

Introducing the 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible

SEALY, TEXAS - Hennessey Performance (HPE) introduces the company's first 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible. Pounding the pavement with a 602 bhp supercharged V8, the HPE600 is also the first 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible to hit the streets with a full treatment of aftermarket performance upgrades.

Hennessey began offering its power-addicting upgrades to the latest Chevy Camaro when the car was introduced in April of 2009. Since that time, HPE has built hundreds of Camaros with over 550 horsepower for owners across the globe.

"We were excited to receive one of the first 2011 Camaro SS convertibles from Chevrolet," says company founder and president, John Hennessey. "It was only natural that we would take the new Camaro SS convertible and upgrade it with our very popular HPE600 Supercharged upgrade. If having a 602 horsepower Camaro is cool and fun to drive then being able to drop the top takes the sensation of speed and the classis sound of American-muscle to a whole new level."

The 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible puts its additional power to the ground with the help of a lowered (1 inch) KW adjustable coilover suspension system. Combined with wider 20 inch wheels (9.5 x 20 inch fronts, 10.5 inch rears) riding on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (275/30-20 fronts, 305/30-20 rears), the HPE600 Camaro convertible is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while running through the quarter mile in 12.0 seconds @ 118 mph.

"The new convertible Camaro is about 250 lbs heavier than the hardtop," states Hennessey CEO, Don Goldman. "But when you add nearly 200 horsepower, it more than makes up for the increased weight. When you are cruising down your favorite road with the top down, the combined sound of supercharger and exhaust makes it all worth it!"

The base cost for the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible is $56,495 (base Camaro SS convertible MSRP of $40,500 plus $15,995 for the HPE600 Supercharged upgrade). All HPE600's come with a 3-year / 36,000 mile powertrain warranty from Hennessey. All-in, the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible with upgraded wheels, tires, suspension and CarbonAeroTM carbon fiber front splitter and side sills costs $74,950 plus tax, title and license.

Camaro hardtop and convertible owners can send their vehicles to Hennessey facilities located near Houston, Texas and Lake Forrest, California. New vehicles can also be purchased through authorized Hennessey dealers such as Parkway Chevrolet (www.parkwaychevrolet.com ) in Tomball, Texas.


2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible
Vehicle Specifications

Power:

• 602 bhp @ 6,300 rpm
• 605 lb-ft torque @ 3,800 rpm

HPE600 Supercharged Upgrade Includes:

• TVS2300 Supercharger System (Black)
• HPE Cold Air Induction System
• Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers
• High Flow Catalytic Converters
• Stainless Steel Mid-Pipes
• High Flow Fuel Injector Upgrade
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey & HPE600 Exterior Badging
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• Hennessey Premium Floormats
• Hennessey Embroidered Headrests
• HPE Modified Engine Cover
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Options Include:

• CarbonAero Front Splitter (real carbon fiber)
• CarbonAero Side Sills (real carbon fiber)
• Hennessey / KW Variant 1 Suspension Upgrade (lowered 1 inch)
• Hennessey Blue Hood Stripes
• Hennessey 3-Piece Alloy Wheels (20×9.5 in. front, 20×10.5 in. rear)
• Pirelli P-Zero Tires (275/30-20 front, 305/35-20 rear)
• Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates

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Brabus has unveiled the new model 800 Widestar. the 2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class 800 Widestar Black Edition with 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW. Visually the power off-roader sets itself apart with its WIDESTAR wide-body equipment and 23-inch BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” forged wheels.

The Brabus 800 Widestar is loaded with a massive V12 twin-turbo engine, delivering 800 horsepower. To cope with the power, Brabus outfitted the 800 Widestar with a reinforced transmission, a new four-wheel drive system plus an active suspension for a comfy ride. From a standing start to 60 mph takes just four seconds – not bad for a boxy bruiser with a luxurious interior.

The Brabus 800 Widestar’s interior is custom-tailored to suit the individual owner’s taste and the especially soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara is available in a multitude of colors. Moreover, they can also provide the wood elements to the especially exclusive yachting design.

The equipments in the cockpit includes a sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h (182-mph) dial and stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo. The owner also has the option to choose from a range of upholstery designs and the wood trim in any desired color. 

In addition, Brabus swapped out the stock brakes for much larger, vented rotors and equipped the G-Class with their adjustable sport suspension, offering a lower stance and enhancing handling capabilities. On the inside, the luxury is accented with a sport steering wheel, redesigned instrument cluster, stainless steel scuff plates and owners are able to personalize their leather upholstery and trim.




Press Release

BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR
The World's Most Powerful Off-Roader

It's all in the name: The BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR, the world's most powerful off-roader, is powered by a twelve-cylinder bi-turbo high-capacity engine with a rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW. It takes the crown from its predecessor made by the same company, the BRABUS G V12 S with 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW. Visually the power off-roader sets itself apart with its WIDESTAR wide-body equipment and 23-inch BRABUS "PLATINUM EDITION" forged wheels.

BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) builds the five-door vehicle by hand based on the current Mercedes G-Class. Like all special models from BRABUS, recognized by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency as a car manufacturer, the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is available with an extensive luxury equipment package.

As the name indicates, the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine is implanted into the engine bay of the G-Class. The elaborate implantation of the twelve-cylinder engine is as much a masterwork as is its design, which is based on the V12 bi-turbo engine from the current Mercedes S 600 model.

The basis for the enormous increase in power is the displacement increase. Displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches) in the state-of-the-art BRABUS engine shop with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons and corresponding cylinder bore. Additionally the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow and fitted with special camshafts.

The engine peripherals now include an entirely new intake system and the BRABUS 800 bi-turbo system with two special manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. This ensemble is joined by a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system custom-developed for the BRABUS 800. It features free-flow metal catalysts and four chrome tailpipes that exit in pairs in front of both rear wheels.

Precision mapping for engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components and ensures exemplary smoothness, maximum power yield and low emissions.

With these modifications the engine in the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR delivers a staggering rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), already available from a low 2.100 rpm. In the vehicle peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain come from technology partner ARAL.

Driving performance speaks for itself: Combined with a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the engine shoots the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). Without the limiter the high-performance off-roader would be capable of reaching 270 km/h (168 mph).

In keeping with its unique performance the BRABUS supercar also sports a delectable exterior: The BRABUS WIDESTAR wide-body version lends the classic G-Class body an even more striking and dynamic profile.

The powerfully shaped fender flares add 12 centimeters (4.7 in.) to the body width. They feature integrated air outlets for optimized venting of the wheel wells. Strikingly styled door moldings give the sides of the G-Class high recognition value. Sturdy stainless-steel running boards facilitate entering and exiting of the vehicle day and night. LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the running boards whenever a door handle is pulled or the keyless fob is operated.

The WIDESTAR fender flares create space for extremely large wheels and tires. BRABUS offers the owner of the wide-body version, which is also available for all regular five-door G-Class models, a wide range of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters between 20 and 23 inches. The most exclusive option for the 800 WIDESTAR features size 11Jx23 wheels front and back. Customers can choose from two newly developed forged wheels, the three-piece Monoblock E evo "PLATINUM EDITION" design or the one-piece Monoblock F "PLATINUM EDITION" wheel. The high-performance tires in size 305/35 R 23 come from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR version offers not just a wider track but also an even more impressive appearance. The front apron continues the shape of the flares on both sides and provides the engine and front brakes with cooling air through generously dimensioned air inlets. At the same time its sophisticated contour also reduces lift on the front axle. Six stylishly integrated auxiliary headlights optimize active safety at night. During the day the BRABUS LED daytime running lights below the main headlamps draw attention to the power-G.

The design style of the front apron with its tapered flares and stylized underride guard is continued on the rear apron. The WIDESTAR rear bumper features a centrally mounted reflector and a fog lamp and backup light on either side. The designer suite is rounded out by the BRABUS roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

For a perfect combination of sporty handling and excellent ride comfort the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR comes equipped with the innovative BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension. The BRABUS high-tech suspension system was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN, and features two-way electrically adjustable shock absorbers front and back.

At the push of an aluminum button with BRABUS logo on the center console the driver can manually choose between two setups: In comfort mode the off-roader offers exemplary ride comfort. At higher speeds or for more spirited driving selecting the firmer damper setting results in more dynamic handling and further increased safety reserves.

Additionally the BRABUS Ride Control suspension features automatic damper adjustment. When the vehicle sensors detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical situation the system automatically switches to the firmer sport setting within milliseconds. The sportier damper setup further increases the directional stability of the 4x4. The CAN control unit also detects a return to a more moderate driving style. It then automatically switches the shock absorbers back to the comfort position.

Another active safety feature is the BRABUS high-performance brake system. The front axle is fitted with six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented discs with a diameter of 380 millimeters (15.0 inches). The rear stops on four-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 345-mm discs (13.6 inches).

The cockpit of the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is exclusive and individual. The equipment list includes an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h (182-mph) dial and stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo.

The BRABUS interior is custom-tailored to suit the individual owner's taste and the especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara is available in a multitude of colors. Customers can also choose from various upholstery designs and the wood trim can be manufactured in any desired color. Upon request the wood elements can even be finished in the especially exclusive yachting design.

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KIA Motor introduced their new SUV 2011 KIA Sportage SX 2000 cc Turbo, which had already been introduced in Canada, for America and other markets. Powered by the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, this sporty crossover has a base price of $25,795.

The Sportage SX gets its power from a Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Rated at 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque while managing 27 mpg on the highway, Kia says it's t he most efficient turbo crossover on the market.

Kia will also offer orange and blue interior color packages on the Sportage SX. "The orange color package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents," Kia said, while the blue color package offers a "unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents."

Kia has also adjusted the suspension to actually be firmer than the current non-SX trim levels of the Sportage. We’ve tested those versions over hundreds of miles and found the suspension to be extremely firm as-is, and it’s one of the vehicle’s few drawbacks.

The SX will also have some unique features, including its own specific style of 18-inch alloy wheels, unique grille, dual exhaust and a revised gauge cluster. There will also be some SX-specific interior color combinations, including orange and blue.

Inside the cabin, the SX gets a few upgrades, as well: aluminum door sills and a new "supervision" gauge cluster. Orange and blue interior trim packages area also available only on the Sportage SX, with the orange package adding stitching to the steering wheel, seats, and center console, plus orange accents on the door panels and air vents. The blue package adds patterned blue cloth seats and other blue interior accents.

The 2011 Kia Sportage SX front-wheel-drive model starts at $25,795, while the all-wheel-drive Sportage SX starts at $27,295. The 2011 Kia Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 176-hp and offer a fuel-economy of 21/31 mpg (city/highway).




Press Release

KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES MORE POWERFUL SPORTAGE SX TURBO CROSSOVER


New Model Offers Advanced Turbocharged Engine and Dynamic Handling

• Kia's popular compact CUV adds powerful yet efficient 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine for enhanced performance and class-leading fuel economy1
• SX model offers sport-tuned suspension and unique exterior and interior enhancements

ORLAND, Fl, March 4, 2011 - On the heels of its 2011 International Truck of the Year recognition by ICOTY jurors, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the launch of the all-new 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. As part of Kia's design-led transformation, the Sportage has become a strong player within the Kia line-up, offering power and class-leading fuel economy1. SX models take a solid foundation and up the ante with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine, exterior styling enhancements and unique interior options. The 2011 Sportage SX front-wheel drive (FWD) features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,7952 while all-wheel drive (AWD) models feature a starting MSRP of $27,2952.

The Sportage SX joins the 2011 Optima Turbo as Kia's second vehicle in the U.S to feature the powerful Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine and adds unique exterior and interior features and luxury appointments to provide consumers a high performance and high value CUV. In combination with a highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission, the new Sportage SX features up to 256 horsepower while maintaining class-leading fuel economy1 of 27 miles per gallon on the highway, better than any other turbo-equipped compact CUV on the market today. In addition to powertrain enhancements, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

"Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive."

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments adding more refinement inside the cabin, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster. Available exclusively on the Sportage SX, Orange and Blue interior color packages offer more interior color choices for potential buyers. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

More Powerful, Fuel-Efficient SX Engine

Kia Motors' Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine delivers significant performance with a powerful inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces up to 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque. The Sportage SX turbo utilizes a twin-scroll design which offers improved combustion efficiency, more available low-end power, and reduced turbo-lag as compared to more traditional single-scroll turbo systems.

The twin-scroll design features two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow through separate paths into the turbine. Utilizing a divided manifold, exhaust gasses from separate cylinders travel more efficiently into the turbocharger's turbine, avoiding possible interference. The result is a system that improves efficiency and pressure distribution, lowers exhaust and cylinder temperatures, and prevents loss of exhaust energy. The quantity of the air entering each cylinder is increased, resulting in more power.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (up to 176 hp3) and better fuel economy (22/31 city/highway4) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine.

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