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    cion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show. Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
    ‘Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth,’ said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. ‘This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.’
    Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals. The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors
    that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a ‘Scion’ custom tread.
    The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
    The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.
    Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
    The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area. Video monitors located on each door a


    Catering to requests from auto enthusiasts, Suzuki is taking the SX4 Crossover’s outstanding capability to the next level in performance. The SX4′s unit structure and standard all-wheel drive can handle additional horsepower, so in partnership with Road Race Motorsports, the SX4′s 2.0 liter DOHC four was upfitted with Road Race’s proprietary turbo kit, the chassis was improved with sport springs, and wheels and tires grew to 17-inch.
    Suzuki’s J20A engine is equipped with a 16G GT3 Turbo and Tial 38mm wastegate. With seven pounds of boost, the engine’s stock 143 class-leading horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque are upgraded to 221 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque.
    Helping to control this significant upgrade in horsepower are Road Race’s GRIP springs and performance brake pads. An oil filler cap and battery tie-down – in billet – are supplied by Suzuki’s in-house parts group, SWT.
    Less is more
    Simplifying some of the exterior lines and removing the roof rack resulted in a sleek, unified appearance. To stay and look cool, Road Race installed its own CarbonTrix carbon fiber hood, and provided the SX4′s roof and A, B, C and D pillars with a complimentary dark metallic gray finish. Suzuki’s Quicksilver metallic remains the primary color south of the greenhouse, visually meshing with Rota’s 17-inch five-spoke rims.
    With a subtle approach to visual differentiation on the outside, Suzuki kept the interior similarly low key. Front seats benefit from a custom bolster, and both front and rear seats are recovered, featuring new fabric inserts which continue the exterior’s silver metallic theme. To further accentuate the SX4′s performance intent, the driver’s contact points are enhanced by a sport steering wheel, taken directly from a Suzuki Swift, and SWT’s drilled pedal set.
    (more)
    The Rockford Fosgate audio system features an enhanced amp, speakers and subwoofer. And when not reaching for the audio knob, manual transmission enthusiasts will enjoy the sequential feel provided by Road Race’s billet shift lever controlling the SX4′s five forward gears.
    With a genuine boost under the hood, and the enhanced drivetrain clothed in a discreet cosmetic treatment, the Suzuki concept speaks to the ongoing desire of motorists ever


    Chevrolet is taking the no-compromise approach to the entry-level car market with the stylish and well-equipped 2004 Aveo, a small car with contemporary European design, a roomy interior, peppy performance and the backing of more than 4,600 Chevy dealers across North America.
    Arriving in showrooms in early 2004, the Aveo will be available as a sedan or sporty five-door in base or LS trim.
    Value, fuel economy, European flair and safety features go hand-in-hand with Aveo’s fun-to-drive factor. Add in Chevrolet dependability and the support of Chevy dealers nationwide, and you have a winner in the making.
    Chic and cabin friendly
    Created in Giorgetto Giugiaro’s renowned Italdesign studios in Turin, Italy, Aveo’s clean lines and short front and rear overhangs give the cars a sense of panache that is rare in cars of this class.
    Highly distinctive standard aerodynamic halogen headlamps with facetted lenses, amber side turn signal lamps, jewel-like taillamps and the gold Chevy bowties front and rear give the Aveo a distinctive look.
    The Aveo carries five passengers comfortably, and its high roof and raised seating offer good visibility and the roomiest interior among its closest competitors.
    Drivers have plenty of flexibility to select the most comfortable driving position with standard tilt §teering, a seat with standard easy manual fore/aft, recline, seat height and headrest height adjustment. A 60/40 split folding rear bench seat has integral headrests on the sedan and separated headrests on the five-door.
    Every Aveo has flexible storage, with seat back pockets for items such as maps and magazines. The rear seat of the four-door folds flat to provide more cargo room, while the rear seat of the five-door folds flat and flips forward, yielding 42 cubic feet (1,190L) of cargo area. The top of each headrest integrates a composite hook for holding/suspending a shopping bag over the backside of the seat, and the driver-side door also provides a huge storage pocket to carry miscellaneous items.
    Seat cushions and backs are constructed of high-density foam to ensure solid comfort and support, even on extended trips. Base model seats feature standard fabric, while the LS models come with deluxe cloth covering.
    A monochrome instrument panel with large, easy-to-read gauges is standard on base models, while a two-tone IP is standard on LS models. The IP includes a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge and coolant temperature gauge, with a lighting dimmer control. The IP also provides a center storage tray, cigar lighter, ashtray, extra 12-volt outlet for cell phones, digital quartz clock, lighted glove box, and knee bolsters, as a safety feature for both the driver and passengers.
    More-than-expected standard amenities
    Aveo offers a lengthy list of comfort and convenience features, including AM/FM stereo, tinted glass, a highly functional floor console with storage compartment, front roof radio antenna, two-speed variable intermittent wipers, rear window defogger, carpeting, floor mats, remote fuel filler door and trunk releases, overhead courtesy lamps, day/night rearview mirror, driver and passenger visor vanity mirror, dual front cupholders and a luggage floor mat.
    The LS models go a step farther, with standard AM /FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, power outside passenger-side rearview mirror, dual outside heated rearview mirrors and fabric door trim.
    An appearance package available on LS models includes fog lamps, bright aluminum 14-inch alloy wheels and mudguards. The appearance package on the five-door also includes a rear spoiler.
    A sliding electric sunroof and a six-speaker premium sound system are available on LS models.
    Powerful and nimble
    Aveo combines these strong new designs with a powertrain and chassis that provide refined, responsive performance and excellent economy.
    Aveo features a peppy 1.6L dual overhead cam 16-valve inline four-cylinder that delivers 103 hp (77 kw) and 107 lb.-ft. (145 Nm) of torque. A deep-skirted block, large intake resonator, dual-muffler exhaust systems and other sound-damping technologies help reduce engine noise, while roller-type hydraulic lifters, a single-belt accessory drive and durable rubber timing belt help reduce the need for routine maintenance.
    A lightweight, smooth shifting, high efficiency five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional. The automatic features a gated shifter, allowing the driver to easily shift the transmission manually, and a ‘hold’ button for second-gear starts on slippery surfaces.
    Aveo’s 97.6-inch (2,480-mm) wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride and stability. Its suspension was extensively tested in both Europe and the Ú.S. and tuned to provide a controlled ride and responsive handling. The front suspension features MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar. The torsion beam rear axle provides good camber control under a wide variety of loads. Aveo is equipped with a standard rack-and-pinion §teering system providing nimble handling and enhancing road feel.


    power, dynamics and fit and finish that hits the bulls-eye for today’s customers. In typical Mazda fashion, MAZDA3 will offer standard and optional equipment simply not found on other cars in this class – exactly what buyers looking for more value and less bulk want.
    This 2010 edition stands on tall shoulders: the first-generation MAZDA3 earned 90 major awards from expert critics and achieved a 1.8-million sales volume during its five years serving customers all over the world. One in three Mazdas sold is a MAZDA3. Even at the end of its build life, the first-generation MAZDA3 continued to earn accolades as a leading consumer magazine recently named this car as one of the most reliable compact sedans money can buy.
    MAZDA3 Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda established ambitious goals for Mazda’s most popular car line, “We were determined to advance the Zoom-Zoom driving experience to new heights because that unique feeling lies at the very heart of Mazda. On the heels of the original MAZDA3′s success, we aimed to again exceed the expectations of customers all over the world by a wide margin. This meant providing drivers with a sense of exhilaration whether they were in motion, seated in the MAZDA3′s cockpit, or enjoying its appearance from outside.”
    On what it takes to develop a true “world car,” Maeda added, “The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed. That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals. Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the MAZDA3′s renewal effort and the development of the company’s new world car.”
    EXTERIOR DESIGN
    RECOGNIZABLE AS A MAZDA3 BUT MORE EXPRESSIVE AND DYNAMIC
    Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu’s mission was to remain faithful to the MAZDA3′s existing visual identity while evolving its appearance with richer, bolder design strokes. Infusing each subsequent new model with more emotional aesthetics is a longstanding Mazda tradition. The key MAZDA3 exterior design highlights are:
    * A move toward a more unified Mazda global “family face”
    * A reinforced frontal identity which integrates the lower air intake with a more emphatic and instantly recognizable five-point grille
    * To stress power and dynamism, major design elements focus on or flow toward the vehicle’s central axis. At the front, fascia lines converge on the center-point at the bottom of the grille. At the rear, the decklid’s surface has a distinctive center crease
    * The compact cabin, high deck surfaces, and flowing C-pillar features were inspired by the classic coupe profile, as seen on the 2009 MAZDA6
    * Hood and side surfaces are shaped to reflect light and physical surroundings
    * Subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines shared with other Mazda models give the MAZDA3 a strong sense of impending motion-like a predator poised to strike
    * A new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps has been added as standard on Grand Touring models. The MAZDA3 is the first compact offered for sale in the US with such an advanced lighting system
    * Exterior design elements contribute to the car’s function by minimizing aerodynamic drag and lift while providing the powertrain, chassis, and interior with adequate air flow for cooling and climate control
    * To supplement the four-door sedan introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a five-door hatchback MAZDA3 will arrive later
    INTERIOR DESIGN
    HIGH QUALITY, SOPHISTICATED, AND SPORTY
    Inside, the new MAZDA3 offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin. As if taut muscles lie within, the dash sweeps dramatically from its center to the cabin’s sidewalls. The large gauge cluster and center stack are positioned to tightly link the driver’s limbs and senses to the car’s instruments and controls.
    The slant of the instrument panel optimizes operating efficiency while providing an attractive focal point. Range of motion studies helped position all controls at an ideal reach. Key knobs and switches are positioned at the same level as the steering wheel and the shifter. The interior of the 2010 MAZDA3 is based on Mazda’s Human Machine Interface concept.
    All the information a driver needs is readily available in one concentrated area that minimizes lapses of concentration on the road ahead. A Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the center portion of the instrument panel to further minimize distraction. Navigation, audio, and trip computer information is provided in this handy and easy-to-view location.
    Front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch compared to the outgoing car in order to provide improved thigh support. Backrests are 1.4-inches taller and recontoured for improved driving posture. For the higher grade models, the upper side bolsters have been canted inward for heightened torso restraint during aggressive cornering. A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats – another first for the segment, and not offered at any price on any competitors’ compact car. Upon approach to the car, the left-front seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognizing the code of the key fob.
    To provide a top-quality cockpit appearance, the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture. An interactive lighting system enhances the cabin’s ambience and sense of tranquility. Upon entry, illumination rises in intensity in a programmed manner. Occupants are welcomed by foot-well and door-handle lamps. Next, instrument cluster, center stack, audio and climate controls brighten. When a driver or front seat occupant touches an audio or AC switch, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.


    n celebration of its continuing domination of Formula 1 and in memory of the Ferrari founder, the super car is called the Ferrari Enzo. It is the ultimate modern day embodiment of the marque’s passion for performance, technology and dramatic style.
    The Ferrari Enzo Chassis

    Never before has the styling of a Ferrari by Pininfarina been so directly derived from its function. The nose section of the Ferrari Enzo is heavily influenced by Formula 1 and the entire body is shaped to ensure optimum airflow for cooling the engine and brakes, while generating unprecedented levels of grip-enhancing downforce with minimal aerodynamic drag.

    The under-car ground effects are so efficient that the large rear wing required by many supercars is not needed on a Ferrari Enzo. The aerodynamic balance of the car is maintained at speed by automatic adjustments to the position of twin front flaps and a single rear spoiler.

    Generating and Transmitting the Ferrari Power

    The Enzo is powered by a new, ultra-light, 6.0-litre V12 engine, which has a number of unique technical features. The performance goals for the engine were very high power – 110 bhp per litre – with generous torque from low revs and a driveable nature. More than 383 lb-ft of torque is generated at 3,000 rpm and variable inlet and exhaust valves, together with electronic management for each row of cylinders and a drive-by-wire throttle, eike an F1 car, the gearbox in the Enzo is coupled directly to the rear of the engine by a casting that doubles as the engine oil tank. The six-speed gearbox adopts triple cone synchronizers on all ratios to ensure smooth changes, which are entrusted entirely to an electrohydraulic system activated by the driver using paddles behind the steering wheel. A fully automatic option is not offered.

    Tailor-Made Cockpit

    The new three-spoke, 350 mm diameter steering wheel has a flat-top complete with a row of LEDs indicating engine revs and three controls each side of the air-bag linked to the main car control functions. Grouping essential controls around the steering wheel grip leaves more room for the twin paddles behind the wheel, which operate the electronic gear selection. The view through the wheel is dominated by a central rev-counter, flanked by the 250 mph (400 km/h) speedometer and a graphic screen on which a variety of displays can be called up.

    Buyers will be invited to the Ferrari factory to have the cockpit of their car tailored to their specific needs. There will be a choice of four width fittings for both the cushion and backrest of the leather trimmed multi-adjustable Sparco seats. The position of the accelerator and brake pedals can be adjusted fore and aft – and sideways to accommodate drivers who prefer to use left-foonsures that the engine is extremely responsi


    he TRD Tundra Street Concept is based on the 2007 Toyota Tundra and incorporates a host of features specially developed for this model by TRD (Toyota Racing Development), providing significant styling and handling revisions and a more powerful, supercharged engine designed to peak the interest of any serious performance enthusiast.
    The stock 5.7-liter DOHC VVTi V8 engine is equipped with TRD supercharger and intercooler package featuring an Eaton roots-type supercharger with an integrated air-to-liquid intercooler. Air flow is enhanced with a TRD cold air intake, matched with stainless dual rear exhaust.
    The suspension has been revised for a lower ride height. A new TRD braking system has been added with larger calipers and 16-inch drilled rotors for enhanced stopping performance. A set of 285/45 tires ride on TRD 22×9 inch forged aluminum wheels.
    Outside the TRD Tundra Street Concept sports a revised front grille and lower fascia with restyled rear valance and bumper. The tow hitch has been concealed and there’s a power tonneau cover with integrated spoiler. It’s topped off by a High Impact Red paint treatment. Inside, the seats are covered by custom fabric with leather center console and door trim.


    Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new special edition of the iconic Defender – the SVX.
    The Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled for the first time by Zara Phillips at the British Red Cross Ball in London earlier this evening. The world’s first SVX has been donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to auction at the ball.
    ‘The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary,’ said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. ‘We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa.’
    While most of the 25,000 Defenders produced each year are working tools for everyone from farmers and foresters to aid agencies, the SVX is the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced.
    Special Edition Features
    With metallic black paintwork and subtle satin black graphic decals, the Defender SVX will be available in both 90 soft-top and 90 station wagon versions. Distinctive exterior features have a contrasting silver finish, such as the unique ‘Defender’ and ‘SVX’ badges, tubular side-steps, and the bold surround for the front grille and new, clear-lens headlamps. All vehicles will also feature new, ‘diamond turned’ five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminium front undershield and clear LED rear lights.
    To bring the SVX interiors right up to date, they are equipped with custom-designed Recaro front seats, distinctive alloy gear knobs, a new audio system (with subwoofer and USB socket), iPod cradle and Garmin satellite navigation. The soft-top models are especially eye-catching, with a metallic silver tubular cage that supports a tailor-made, removable black fabric hood. This encloses a flat load-space and a spare wheel stowed behind the front seats, reminiscent of the very first open-top Land Rovers. Each SVX model for the UK will also come fitted with an individually numbered plaque, i.e. 001.
    ‘The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it’s still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere,’ says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. ‘The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover’s 60th birthday.’
    A total of 200 SVX vehicles will be made available in the UK- 140 two-seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. Production of the Defender SVX will start in Spring 2008, with deliveries to customers starting from early summer for soft-tops and later in the summer


    longstanding player in the small car segment, Renault has sold more than 2.4 million Twingos since the model’s launch in April 1993. The release of New Twingo, which will go on sale in June 2007, forms part of Renault Commitment 2009 and the introduction of 26 new cars, including 13 aimed at conquering new markets. New Twingo boosts Renault’s presence in the small car segment alongside Clio Campus, Modus and Clio III. Thanks to its chassis derived from the B-segment and a powertrain range featuring the new TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) 100hp petrol engine, which offers class-leading performance and fuel consumption, New Twingo’s superior dynamics set it apart from its predecessor. New Twingo also targets a broader, more international clientele thanks to the distinctly dynamic styling of the GT version and the robust lines of the other versions, plus the availability for the first time of right-hand drive models for the British market and the introduction of a benchmark 1.5 dCi diesel engine.
    New Twingo stands out as a further illustration of Renault’s know-how in the domain of optimizing cabin space and interior versatility, by making full use of the car’s compact dimensions (length: 3.60m). The interior is extremely modular thanks to its four independent sliding seats. Meanwhile, New Twingo’s boot volume is the biggest in its segment, ranging from 165 to 285 litres (VDA) with all four seats in place and extendable to a full 959 litres with a two-seater layout. With the front passenger seatback tipped forward, New Twingo can even carry loads of up to 2.15m in length.
    Communicative and occupant-friendly, New Twingo features an Audio Connection Box (in UK we will be calling this system ‘multi-functional TunePoint’) which enables personal music collections stored on USB keys, portable MP3 players or iPods® to be played through the car’s audio system and operated via the steering wheel-mounted controls. Twingo is also available with hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls complete with ‘hold’ function for safer motoring.
    In keeping with the ‘my Twingo’ philosophy, buyers can customize their new car – inside and out – thanks to a range of decorative decals for the exterior and a selection of innovative accessories such as the Organizer Box and Makeup Box for the interior. Safety was at the forefront of the New Twingo design team’s priorities. Their work covers all aspects of this key area, from positive, predictable roadholding and accident prevention systems to occupant protection in case of impact. New Twingo’s robust construction, braking and suspension performance, ergonomics and equipment from the next segment up put the car at the top end of the small city car segment in terms of safety and ensure its ability to pass even the most stringent crash tests. Numerous comfort and safety features not previously available for Twingo have also been introduced, including lateral airbags, automatic climate control, cruise control/speed limiter, height-adjustable steering wheel and automatic headlamp activation, etc. New Twingo is nonetheless very affordable, both to buy and to run. Powered by the 1.5 dCi engine, it combines miserly fuel consumption and equally low CO2 emissions of 113g/km. Indeed, CO2 emissions do not exceed 140g/km even with the most powerful engine and New Twingo makes a valuable contribution to the ’120-140g/km of CO2′ pledge of Renault Commitment 2009.
    New Twingo is the first model to be renewed within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009 and had to meet an extremely exacting brief in terms of quality and profitability. The new car will be produced at the Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia.
    New Twingo: the saga continues…
    As a volume carmaker, Renault has been actively present in the small car segment for several decades. Since its launch in April 1993, Twingo has won over some 2.4 million buyers who form a highly diversified clientele. Today, New Twingo features all the necessary qualities to ensure that its success story continues by appealing to an even
    broader, more international customer base.
    Renault – a big player in the small car segment
    As a volume carmaker, Renault has long been recognized for the quality and inventiveness of its products in the small car segment and New Twingo is no exception. Since its unveiling at the 1992 Paris Motor Show, Twingo has revolutionized the world of city cars. In addition to its universally acclaimed features, Twingo also made an indelible mark thanks to its innovative and arresting advertising campaigns which contributed to forging its strong ersonality. In response to shifts in customer demand across the span of its 14-year life, Twingo took the form of seven different collections and a long list of striking special and limited editions.
    New Twingo – a complementary addition to Renault’s A/B-segment line-up


    n March 2005, during the 75th International Motor Show of Geneva, Spyker officially introduced its new race car, the Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R. This race car is the race version of the production car Spyker C8 Spyder and is entirely developed in-house by Spyker Squadron.
    The Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R runs the Audi V8 engine used in all road cars. The race version of this engine has been developed in-house by Spyker Squadron’s technical team, headed by Peter van Erp and is mated to a Hewland six speed sequential gearbox.
    The company has already won two major victories with its new race model, the Spyder GT2R. This race car obtained two podium places in 2005 by finishing second in its class in September 2005 during the LMES 1000km of Nürburgring (LMGT class), Germany and in November 2005 during the FIA GT (GT class) race in Dubai.
    Inspired by the encouraged results in 2005, Spyker has expanded its 2006 race program in 2006 by entering two factory Spyker C8 Spyder GT2Rs in 10 races including Sebring, 24-Hours of Le Mans, all Le Mans Endurance series races and some FIA GT races.
    The Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R is also available to privateers. The factory provides full service to privateers throughout Europe and the United States.
    As a serious and challenging participant during the LMES and FIA GT races, Spyker Squadron offers interesting opportunities to sponsors. By becoming a sponsor, the sponsor and its guests also become members of the highly select inner circle of the world’s most renow

    The muscular Ford Mustang GT-R rekindles the legend’s road racing glory and the magic of 5.0-liter Mustangs in a stunning racing concept making its world debut today. The Mustang GT-R signals a potential future race car, while honoring four decades of performance glory just days before Mustang’s 40th anniversary.

    “The Mustang GT-R blends today’s breathtaking design, Ford Racing’s unmatched history and the most advanced racing technology into the ultimate Mustang,” says J Mays, Ford group vice president, design. “Mustang’s iconic image grew with every checkered flag so we think the Mustang GT-R is an appropriate tribute to the car’s 40th anniversary, and a hint at what’s to come.”

    The bright Valencia Orange car – inspired by the famous Grabber Orange 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans-Am race cars (the Yellow Mustangs) piloted by race legends, including Parnelli Jones – is a technological showcase that, when peeled back, reveals a number of existing or production-feasible racing parts.

    “The Mustang GT-R shows that Ford is back in road racing in a serious way,” says Jim O’Connor, Ford group vice president, North America marketing, sales and service.

    The Mustang GT-R features Ford Racing’s 440-horsepower “Cammer” crate engine that already is affordably available to grassroots racers, and can be tuned to produce more than 500 horsepower under certain race series rules. Last year, a tuned 505-horsepower version of the “Cammer” notched world-class performance and endurance credentials by powering a Focus Daytona Prototype to victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona race.

    The racecar is engineered to tackle the world’s toughest road and street courses with a stiff structure – based on the all-new 2005 Mustang scheduled for sale this fall – a collection of the most sophisticated racing parts from many racing series and a Formula One-inspired steering wheel. However, the Mustang GT-R could be easily transformed into an affordable, competitive option for grassroots teams because it uses 85 percent of the 2005 Mustang’s body components along with the same suspension setups and the already-attainable “Cammer” powerplant.

    “The GT-R is the Mustang racers would build if they weren’t bound by various road racing rules,” says Dan Davis. “We were fortunate to start with a rigid, well-balanced production Mustang that was proven on the track by some of the same people who, in previous jobs, helped Ford Racing win on Sundays.

    “The Mustang GT-R could be adapted to conform to different series and budgets but, in this variation, serves as a dream machine. We took the ‘Cammer’ engine from the Ford Racing catalog and built a race car around it with the best parts we’ve researched and tested through our unmatched global racing program,” Davis says.

    While conceptual in spirit, the Mustang GT-R is built by racers and is a capable performer with an eye on stepping up Mustang’s road-racing presence. Several racing series – American LeMans, SCCA Trans-Am, GrandAm Cup and the FIA – could easily accommodate the Mustang GT-R. For example, the car could meet some series rules with basic modifications to the brakes, wheels, tires and body parts.

    The Mustang GT-R also hints at a turnkey grassroots-racing package that could be retailed through Ford Racing’s parts’ catalog and distribution network.

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