Chevy Camaro Convertible pace car

Chevrolet has revealed a new Camaro Convertible Pace Car for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 race.

It features a similar paint scheme to that of the 1969 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace car convertible. The exterior is Summit White with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior has orange leather and Indy 500 logo embossed headrests.

A total of fifty cars will be built and they are all 2SS models with a 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) 6.2-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. They come nicely equipped with Brembo brakes, HID headlights, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with high performance tires.




Press Release

Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible to Pace Indianapolis 500

• New Camaro SS convertible in white with orange stripes and orange leather-trimmed interior evokes classic 1969 Camaro pace car model
• One of the 50 Festival Committee cars will be auctioned for charity at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on Jan. 22
• 2011 is the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500

DETROIT - A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.

The 2011 Camaro Convertible is the 22nd Chevrolet chosen to pace "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing®" and the seventh Camaro. Adding to the rich heritage is the fact that 2011 will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500, as well as the centennial year of Chevrolet.

Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, a charity devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. David Foster, the 15-time Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization in his native Canada.

The pace car, along with the matching festival cars, features a Summit White exterior accented with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.

The color combination is similar to the design used on the 1969 Camaro Indy pace car - replicas of which have become among the most popular Camaros in the collector world.

"It's an honor for Chevrolet to pace the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, especially during this landmark year," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "This is also a great opportunity for us to build on Camaro's strong momentum, while supporting an important charity."

The auction for the commemorative edition pace car takes place Saturday evening, Jan. 22, during SPEED's live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event. The vehicle carries lot number 1284 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online by clicking this link for a 2011 absentee bidder registration packet:

"The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Chevrolet name have long been associated with one another beginning with Arthur, Louis and Gaston Chevrolet's participation as competitors in the Indianapolis 500," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus. "It is fitting in this 100th year for both brands that we reinforce that relationship through this year's Camaro pace car, which resembles what many argue is the most famous pace car in IMS history, the 1969 Camaro. We are looking forward to seeing this car on track, pacing the greatest 33 drivers in the world on May 29."

Pace car details

Equipped with a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the actual pace car for the race requires no performance modifications to perform its duty in front of the racing field.

All 50 of the Festival Committees cars will be SS convertible models fitted with the 2SS equipment package, offering the following standard features:

• Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers and hydraulic assist
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Competitive/sport mode that enhances on-track performance
• Performance Launch Control (with the manual transmission) that optimizes hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance
• Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires
• Head-up instrument display
• Center console with auxiliary gauge package.
• Along with the 2SS equipment, the cars feature the RS package, which includes HID headlamps and unique tail lamps.

Convertible refinement

The Camaro Convertible delivers coupe-like driving dynamics, with the unmatched fun of open air driving. The Convertible model contains an enhanced structure designed to eliminate the traditional compromises of open cars, such as cowl or steering wheel shake. The goal is a convertible that drives like the coupe. All the powertrain and suspension elements of the existing Camaro Coupe carry over unchanged in the convertible. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

• A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
• A transmission support reinforcement brace
• Underbody tunnel brace
• Front and rear underbody "V" braces.

The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

The regular-production versions of the 2011 Camaro Convertible will begin arriving in Chevrolet dealerships in February, opening a new chapter in the Camaro's ongoing 21st century rebirth. Even before the introduction of a convertible model, Camaro ended 2010 as the sales leader in its class in the United States for the first time since 1985.

Chevrolet's pace car heritage

Louis Chevrolet, who founded the brand with William "Billy" Durant in 1911, was a racer, mechanic and pioneering engineer. He raced in the early years of the Indianapolis 500, which also started in 1911, and served a luminary of the event in the years after he retired his racing helmet. That included driving the official Indianapolis pace car, which was developed by Indy 500 founder Carl Fisher, who believed a rolling start was safer than a standing start. The first Indianapolis 500 featured a pace car driven by Fisher.

The first Chevrolet selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car was the 1948 Fleetmaster Six. The brand would go on to lead the racing pack more than any other manufacturer. The list of Chevy pace cars includes:

1948 Fleetmaster Six
1955 Bel Air
1967 Camaro
1969 Camaro
1978 Corvette
1982 Camaro
1986 Corvette
1990 Beretta
1993 Camaro
1995 Corvette
1998 Corvette
1999 Monte Carlo
2002 Corvette
2003 SSR
2004 Corvette
2005 Corvette
2006 Corvette
2007 Corvette
2008 Corvette
2009 Camaro
2010 Camaro
2011 Camaro

2011 Aston Martin launches Cygnet special editions

Aston Martin has confirmed the full spec of its Cygnet and announced a pair of launch edition models to commemorate the start of production of the Toyota iQ-based city car at its Gaydon HQ.

Cygnet Launch Edition White, to give its full name is finished in ‘Snow White’ paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome trim and alloy wheels. The cabin features satin chrome and Pearl white leather seats with alcantara inserts.

The Black model has ‘Magic Black’ metallic paint with a deep sea green effect, matt black bonnet vents and chrome trim. The seats are trimmed in black leather with a diamond pattern and other trim pieces are in dark chrome.

The exterior is reworked, with a distinctive Aston-style grille and lights; along with redesigned body panels - there's certainly no mistaking this car for a Toyota.

Inside, both the cars are equipped with Garmin Nuvi satnav systems; integrated stereo with 3.5mm jack input and steering-wheel mounted stereo controls. The Cygnet's not for everyone, but it's certainly the most luxurious compact car we've ever seen.

The two editions will be offered with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time. For the interior they will get a choice of unique materials and colors. Also both of them will be offered with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set that includes glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.




Press Release

Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions; White and Black

• Aston Martin confirms launch details for new Cygnet city car
• Two special launch editions to commence production of city car at company's Gaydon headquarters in the UK
• An Aston Martin Tailor-Fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 20 January 2011: Aston Martin announces the arrival of the ultimate city car, a Tailor-Fit solution for urban driving in the contemporary metropolis, with two strictly limited Cygnet launch editions.

To celebrate the commencement of production, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, each exemplifying the highly bespoke nature of this unique car. The two Cygnet Launch Edition models; White and Black, are available with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time.

Cygnet is a bespoke luxury commuter car, designed to take you into the heart of the city, with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. These efficiencies are paired with the manufacturing and craft skill that is closely associated with Aston Martin.

Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterise each Cygnet, and the extremely high levels of interior finish are exemplified by the choice of materials and colours on these two unique models.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin's attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

Cygnet Background

Cygnet has generated a huge level of interest amongst both existing Aston Martin owners and customers new to the brand. High tech, compact and built to the same exacting standards and levels as Aston Martin's acclaimed range of sports cars, Cygnet has already become the perfect addition to a V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide, DBS or the forthcoming One-77 as the ultimate means of metropolitan transport.

Cygnet benefits from highly sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small cars. Cygnet delivers everything the city driver needs, from essential equipment like ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors to a luxurious interior specification, including keyless entry and start, heated seats, and satellite navigation, all packed into a car that is just three metres long.

Despite its compact but neatly-proportioned form, Cygnet is clearly recognisable as an
Aston Martin. The marque's characteristic design language, including signature details such as the metal grille, elongated side strake and inverted rear lights, establish a distinguished, solid form with strong road presence.

Cygnet is the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art Gaydon facility since 2004, and is assembled in a new dedicated facility by the same skilled local workforce of technicians and craftspeople that create Aston Martin's award-winning range of sports cars. Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, supported by a strong local supplier network providing the finest materials and components. As a result, Cygnet's build quality matches its discrete styling, the richly detailed interior and exterior forming a visual and tactile delight.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a car without compromise, as dedicated to urban functionalism as its sporting siblings are to driver involvement, dynamics and long-distance comfort. With space for up to four adults, Cygnet is light, compact, safe, efficient and highly manoeuvrable.

Launch Edition White and Launch Edition Black epitomise Cygnet's qualities; craft and skill in a luxurious but compact package, with heart, soul and personality Tailor-Fit for the modern city.

Cygnet production commences in April 2011 and is initially on sale now through
Aston Martin's European dealership network, with the company actively working on expanding market availability by 2012. Prices start from £30,995

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda is primed and ready to go to the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, called Minagi.

The new model will be one of the first Mazdas to use the brand’s newest design language, Kodo, which was previewed on the Shinari concept. This new language means “soul of motion,” and should not be confused with the alien from The Simpsons, Kodos. (For starters, Kodo is Japanese, while Kodos is from Rigel VII.) The sketches show a nice evolution of Mazda’s basic crossover silhouette, as well as the disappearance of the controversial smiley-face grille.

The Minagi is a showcase of Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies, the brand’s designation for its new engine, transmission and safety packages. Mazda will show some Skyactiv hardware in Geneva, including a direct-injection gasoline engine, a clean turbocharged diesel and two transmissions.

Despite being labeled as a concept, the company hinted the Minagi "is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products." This seems to imply we could be looking at Mazda's version of the Ford Vertrek concept, which will go into production, possibly as the CX-5, to the replace the current Escape and Kuga.




Press Release

Mazda MINAGI Concept to Showcase Mazda's All-new SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO Design at the Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its new MINAGI compact crossover SUV concept car during the press days of the 2011 Geneva motor show, which is being held from March 1-13, 2011. The Mazda MINAGI concept fully embraces Mazda's new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO - Soul of Motion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies - which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance - with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Mazda's stand at the Geneva show will also feature new SKYACTIV technology exhibits and the Mazda SHINARI design concept car, among a wide range of products.

Officially titled the 81e Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the show's press days are March 1 and 2, and the public days are March 3-13, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 1.