Saturday, March 31, 2007

The Connaught Type-D H : the world's first hybrid sports coupé

The Connaught Type-D H : the world's first hybrid sports coupé Connaught's hybrid Type-D beats mainstream manufacturers in the race to produce a high performance energy-efficient sports car. The stunning four seater will deliver 140mph, 0-60mph in 6.5s, 42mpg, while still complying with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010.
Innovative and inventive engineering resulting in a 100% British sports coupé, stylish and comfortable yet practical, the Type-D embodies driving pleasure every day of the week. The Type-D lives up to the exacting performance standards and reliability of the prestigious Connaught marque of the fifties, world renowned for delivering smart engineering solutions and highly successful road and race cars.
The in-house V10 engine supplies superb performance and low emissions. This combined with the Connaught hybrid technology (18 patents pending), uses tried and tested technology in an innovative manner to provide a highly economical, world class sports coupé.
The Connaught Type-D H is a unique new concept: it is the only sports coupe on the market combining excellent fuel economy, handling and class leading performance with a comfortable four seater interior layout.

The Connaught Type-D H : the world's first hybrid sports coupé The Connaught Type-D H : the world's first hybrid sports coupé Connaught Motor Co. to Build First "Green" Performance Coupe
LLANELLI, WALES, UK, March 29, 2007-Connaught Motor Co. announced today that it will build the world's first green, high performance hybrid sports coupe at a new plant in southwest Wales. The company is also relocating its entire R&D division to a business incubator in Wales from England.
Production of the new car – the Connaught Type D – begins this year, and the first consumer models are expected to be delivered in early 2008. The first model will be the limited edition four-seater, the Connaught Type D GT Syracuse, with a V10 two-liter supercharged 300hp engine.
The Syracuse will be followed by the hybrid version – the Connaught Type-D V10 sports coupe. The coupe will be powered by a V10 hybrid gasoline/electric engine that will deliver a top speed of 150 miles per hour (mph), with 0 to 60mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and 42 miles per gallon.
It will be the world's first truly high performance hybrid sports coupe, is patent protected, and delivers a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to vehicles in its class. Unlike most startup companies, which use standard engines, Connaught has designed its own engine and power train from scratch.
The £12million ($25 million) investment will create 200 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years. The company expects to recruit thirty engineers in the first year. Connaught anticipates building 100 cars in the first year, 250 in the second year, and ultimately increasing to 1,000 in year five.
Fred Page-Roberts, chairman of Connaught, said the decision to move the company to Wales and to manufacture in-house was taken because of the high level of support from the Assembly Government and its International Business Wales team, and because of the skilled labor force, and the academic and automotive infrastructure in Wales.
"Wales has the available skill sets for the sector, a highly developed supply chain and considerable academic expertise that provides a winning combination," Page-Roberts said.
Geraint Jones, head of IBW in North American, praised Connaught as "a highly innovative, technology driven company led by an extremely experienced and talented team. The company's focus on alternative fuel technology and niche vehicle capability is of particular interest to us in Wales and has a synergy with the work already under development in this field through our automotive clusters program."
The Connaught Technical Centre, a custom designed 60,000-square-foot plant that will include R&D facilities, design workshops and office accommodation, will be built at Llanelli Gate in 2009. Until then, the company will lease temporary, and interim manufacturing space in Llanelli.
Connaught is the second company addressing a niche in the automotive industry to locate in Wales in the last two years. Narrow Car Co. is developing a two-seater vehicle designed for urban drivers that will deliver 100 mpg. Stevens Vehicles will manufacture small electrical vehicles to meet demands for zero noise and pollutant requirements.
Connaught Chief Executive Tony Martindale and his partner Tim Bishop acquired the Connaught brand in 2002 and unveiled the new vehicle in 2006, when it won the Specialist Car Manufacturer of the Year Award from Autoexpress magazine.
Throughout the 1950's, Connaught produced a series of successful and highly innovative cars that were driven on both the open road and racetrack. A Connaught car, driven by Tony Brooks, won the Syracuse Grand Prix in 1995, the first time that a British designed car, driven by a British racer, won a Formula One Grand Prix. The new Connaught cars revive that tradition in their body construction and their engine. Advanced lightweight composites and carbon/aluminum body panels keep the weight of the car below one ton.
Garel Rhys, professor emeritus at Centre for Automotive Research, Cardiff University Business School and authority on the automotive industry recalled that: "Within motor sports, the Connaught brand is not only highly regarded but also remembered with affection. Its cars were driven by many famous drivers of the day, including Stirling Moss."
Professor Garel Rhys also said that the sports coupe market had grown rapidly over the last few years and there is no direct competition for the Connaught, particularly the hybrid model designed to improve CO2 emissions and fuel economy.
connaughtmotorco.com

Suzuki Bandit Concept at AutoRAI

Suzuki Grand Vitara Bandit conceptSuzuki Grand Vitara Bandit conceptSuzuki Grand Vitara Bandit conceptSuzuki Grand Vitara Bandit conceptSuzuki Grand Vitara Bandit concept

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Friday, March 30, 2007

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible2008 Chrysler Sebring ConvertiblePRESS RELEASE
Chrysler Group Announces Pricing on All-New 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

• With a starting U.S. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $26,145 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is priced $645 below the comparable outgoing model with $2,965 more standard content
Chrysler Sebring Convertible delivers open-air freedom with elegant coupe styling and functionality of a year-round car
• Designed and engineered to deliver all-season driving comfort
Model line-up offers a broad range of powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain and feature combinations

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 30 -- Chrysler is raising the roof on the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $26,145 (including $675 destination), the Chrysler Sebring Convertible is priced $645 below the comparable outgoing model with $2,965 more content, including standard side seat-mounted air bags for head and thorax protection, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring system, automatic latching convertible top, standard hard tonneau cover, AM/FM stereo with six- disc CD player, six-way power driver and passenger seats and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is built on the company's new D-segment platform and offers what no other convertible on the road can: Chrysler's sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious interior that comfortably seats four adults and enough room in the trunk to hold two golf bags, even when the top is dropped.
"America's favorite convertible is now better than ever," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, agile performance, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the only retractable hard top in the segment that can pass the two-golf-bag test. The sky's the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in the marketplace."
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is the only four-passenger convertible to offer three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard power hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring Convertible provides the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible Model Lineup
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is available in the United States in three models: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited.

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,145 (including $675 destination), the Chrysler Sebring Convertible model features a standard 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N*m) of torque coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. Other standard equipment includes side seat-mounted head and thorax air bags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring system, automatic latching vinyl convertible top, hard tonneau, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering column, power windows with express down feature, power locks and mirrors, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and DVD/MP3 connectivity and play capability and six speakers, six-way power driver seat with driver adjustable lumbar, six-way power adjustable passenger seat, visor mirrors, floor mats, passenger seat back map pocket, an electroluminescent cluster with outside temperature display, Chrysler signature analog clock in the instrument panel, rear window defroster, speed control, locking glove box, sliding front center armrest, an upper and lower bin in the center console and a second power outlet.
On the exterior, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible model features standard heated power mirrors, quad headlamps with off-time delay, bright beltline molding and 16-inch tires with wheel covers.
Available options on the Sebring Convertible model include remote start with auto down windows, automatic retracting top that retracts with the press of a button on the key fob, automatic window down on the key fob, remote start, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect Hands-free Communication System with automatic-dimming rearview mirror, daytime running lamps, Smoker's Group, engine block heater, cast-aluminum wheels and a Travel Convenience Group (which includes YES Essentials(R) premium seat fabric, cabin air filtration system and theft alarm).

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring has a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,745 (including $675 destination). In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible model, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring model includes a standard 2.7-liter V-6 Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine that produces 189 horsepower (141 kW) and 191 lb.-ft. (259 N*m) of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transaxle. Additional standard equipment includes YES Essentials stain-resistant seat fabric, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, Tire Pressure Monitoring display, travel computer, Satin Silver accents and chrome interior door handles.
Standard exterior equipment on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring includes a Touring badge, heated body-color exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps and 17-inch tires with aluminum wheels.
Available options on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring model, beyond the options available on the Sebring Convertible model, include a cloth or retractable hard top convertible top, a MyGIG(TM) navigation/entertainment/infotainment system, an Electronic Convenience Group (which includes heated/cooled cupholder, remote start, single-zone automatic temperature control, automatic headlamps, cabin air filtration system, universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rear-view mirror and security alarm) and a Special Touring Group (which includes 18-inch tires and aluminum wheels, cloth convertible top, windscreen, leather/chrome shift knob, leather- wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather trimmed and heated seats and fog lamps).

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $32,345 (including $675 destination). In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Sebring Convertible Touring models, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited features a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower (175 kW) and 232 lb.-ft. (232 N*m) of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick.
Additional standard features include a cloth convertible top, leather- trimmed seats, leather shifter knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, tortoise shell accents on the steering wheel, instrument panel and doors, chrome exterior door handles, Satin Silver door handles and PRNDL bezel, premium Boston Acoustics sound system, cabin air filtration system, bright sill scuff pad, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and theft alarm.
Standard exterior equipment on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited model includes a Limited badge, fog lamps and 18-inch tires with aluminum wheels.
Options, beyond those available on the Sebring Convertible and Sebring Convertible Touring models, include a Luxury Group (which includes 18-inch tires and chrome-clad wheels, heated front seats and a windscreen) and an Electronic Convenience Group (which includes automatic headlamps, remote start, single-zone automatic temperature control, universal garage door opener and heated/cooled cupholder).

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Production
Production of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible began in the first quarter of 2007 at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant. Sebring Convertible's new 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha (Wis.) Engine Plant.

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2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition

2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition FORD AND FUNKMASTER FLEX MUSCLE IN HOT NEW EXPEDITION
Limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition

Limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition set to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2007.
• Funkmaster Flex breaks barriers to become one of the first African American and hip hop artists in history to have a mass-produced production vehicle.
Funkmaster Flex Edition features custom two-tone paint, a complete 3d Carbon body kit and custom interior.
DEARBORN, Mich., Mar. 30 - Ford and DJ Funkmaster Flex, the hip hop guru of car customization, are turning the Funkmaster's red hot Ford Expedition concept into a limited-edition production SUV. The stylized version of the full-sized SUV, dubbed the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, will hit Ford dealer showrooms later this fall.
In launching the Funkmaster Flex Edition, Ford is positioning itself for continued growth in the vehicle personalization marketplace with an expressive SUV that doesn't lose any of its Expedition authenticity, but highlights its style and presence.
"Once Ford and I finished the concept Expedition, we knew we had something serious! It was poppin'!" said Funkmaster Flex. "We then started showing it at auto shows, to dealers and to my fans and realized we hit on some themes that we could turn into a limited-edition production ride."
"Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers," said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. "He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver." Ford research shows that nearly half of all new-vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers – from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal. Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition. Last year, Ford opened its Dearborn design studio doors to Funkmaster Flex to look at how to customize the new Expedition. Flex went to work with Ford designers to create an expressive concept that delivered the Expedition's SUV authenticity with a unique urban style and presence.
The limited-edition run of Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, based of the existing short wheelbase, Limited model, will arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2007.

2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition
Funkmaster Flex
has strong opinions on customizing vehicles. Here, he shares some these thoughts and describes the new Expedition Funkmaster Felx Edition.
Step one is a custom paint job. "The scheme developed shouldn't be too busy or overloaded with color. You want to make a statement at a stop light with no overkill! Two-tone paint works best," says Flex. For his Expedition, he chose a two-tone Colorado Red and Black paint scheme with Orange pinstriping. The two-tone goes up and over the A-pillar into the power dome hood so that they don't distract from the most expressive part of the new Expedition, its front grille.
"Quality body kits are essential to any customization," says Flex. "They need to be expressive and distinctive without compromising drivability." Funkmaster Flex and Ford Design called upon Ford's longtime partner 3d Carbon in Newport Beach, Calif. to develop a complete body kit for the Expedition. 3d Carbon currently provides official Ford licensed body kit for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. The kit on the Expedition features an expressive custom front fascia with integrated fog lamps, side skirts, rear fascia and trailer hitch cover. The traditional roof rack has been removed.
Exterior personal touches are a must. "Make sure to add anything that you like as long as it's not gaudy. Get guidance from experts with these additions. Trust their advice. Chrome accents and custom badges can really define a vehicle," says Flex. The Expedition features custom Funkmaster Flex FMF chrome badges that accent the 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
"The interior needs to continue the theme of the exterior," says Flex. A matching Colorado Red center console bezel, shifter and switch bezels highlight the cabin. The seats feature appointed quad captain black leather skins with red-stitching and FMF red logo headrests. A red-stitch steering wheel and armrest center console accent the seats. FMF floormats rounds out the package. As an added touch, each Expedition will feature an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.
Make sure the vehicle has all the options and a strong sound system. Based on the Expedition Limited, the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition is available with the same interior standard and optional features. They include a standard 340-Watt Audiophile® Sound System, MP3 player audio input jack, Powerfold™ third-row seat, heat and cooled front seats and optional navigation system, power liftgate, air suspension and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Highlights
• 3d Carbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts
• Two-tone Black and Colorado Red paint with Orange pinstriping
Funkmaster Flex badges on fenders
• Trailer hitch cover
• SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio
• 2nd row captain's chairs Interior
• Black leather interior with contrasting Colorado red stitching
• Colorado red shifter, center stack and door appliqués/bezels
Funkmaster Flex stitched logo headrests
Limited-edition Funkmaster Flex numbered dash plaque
20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels

About Funkmaster Flex
A New York City native, Funkmaster Flex is synonymous with hip hop. For over a decade, he has reigned as America's #1 Hip Hop personality, reaching more than two million listeners a week through his popular radio show. His production talents and artist relationships have earned him five gold records for major-label mix albums.
Funkmaster Flex has successfully connected his hip hop celebrity status to the auto industry to become a guru of car customization culture. Through his high-profile custom-car club, Team Baurtwell, Flex has customized cars for attention-drawing personalities like Sean Diddy Combs, Shaquille O'Neal and Orange County Choppers. Currently, Flex features these celebrities and their cars on his hit television series "All Muscle with Funkmaster Flex" airing on ESPN2. Now in its sixth year, his nine-city "Custom Car and Bike Show" keeps him constantly connected with the latest trends and styles happening in the automotive industry.
In 2005, Ford Motor Company started a relationship with Funkmaster Flex. He is currently focused on reinventing Ford's American car customization culture for an all-new urban enthusiast. To date, he has customized over 15 vehicles for Ford. At the 2005 Ford SEMA show press conference, Flex stole the show with a tuned Ford Fusion wearing a 3d Carbon body kit. His customized Ford Fusion and F-150 were featured attractions on his car show tour.
Flex also played important roles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and the 2007 New York Auto Show International. Most recently, he made a cameo appearance in Ford's latest Fusion television and Edge radio commercials. In May, Ford will become the official sponsor of the reality television series "Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex," airing on ESPN2 and will feature Flex in a new television ad for the Ford Expedition.

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Ford F-150 Foose Edition

Ford F-150 Foose EditionFord F-150 Foose EditionFord F-150 Foose EditionFord F-150 Foose EditionFord F-150 Foose Edition PRESS RELEASE:
FORD, FOOSE CREATE ULTIMATE STREET TOUGH F-150 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition
• Chip Foose, star of TV's "Overhaulin'", designs first factory product – the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition that interprets his hot-rod style through America's favorite pickup.
• The Hot Rod Hall of Fame's youngest inductee and Hollywood regular, on TV and as a custom vehicle builder for hit movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds.
Foose's design visually lowers the truck in the boulevard-cruiser spirit while maintaining the Ford F-150's Built Ford Tough pedigree.
• The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the most powerful half-ton truck on the market with a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 delivering 450 hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque.
DEARBORN, March 30, 2007 – The Ford truck team sat down with hot rod celebrity Chip Foose last year at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) convention in Las Vegas – the heart of the red-hot $34 billion auto aftermarket industry – and issued a daunting challenge:
"We asked Chip Foose to design a tough, muscular street rod based on the Ford F-150 FX2 Sport pickup that will knock the socks off even the most hard-core boulevard cruiser fan," says Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "And let's make it available in less than a year before the 2007 SEMA show."
Less than five months later, Ford and Foose are revealing the low-slung, production-intent Ford F-150 Foose Edition show truck, a precursor to the truck that will bow in the fall of 2007 as the most powerful and fastest half-ton production truck on the planet.
But right at that table, the seven-time winner of "America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award" waved his wand – in his case a No. 2 pencil – and sketched out a conceptual offshoot of America's favorite pick-up that looked like a true boulevard cruiser with design elements that visually lower the truck.

Hot rod magic
It started where the Ford F-150 Foose Edition meets the road, the big 22-inch original wheels that fill the wheel wells with larger flares, causing the pickup to look lower. Foose also designed and fabricated a custom rocker panel that enhances the lowered look even though the truck was only slightly lowered.
"How the vehicle sits and how the wheels are proportioned to the body is the first essence to give it the illusion of something lower than it is," says Foose.
Wide, bold racing stripes further accentuate the planted stance. They start at the leading edge of the hood, helping to flatten it out. The striping thins out, stretches down over the front fenders, and runs the length of the vehicle above the door handles and across the tailgate for a streamlined look from the side. Then it widens again at the tailgate for an exclamation mark.
Foose also has replaced the Ford F-150 FX2 Sport's dark billet grille and bumper opening with a new grille design with horizontal bars that makes the frame look shorter. Then, he has surrounded the design with lower rocker moldings that seemingly further drop the pickup.
The process was easier than it sounds, Foose says, because he had a great canvas – the Ford F-150 – to work with. It was also a labor of love. Chip Foose's personal primary ride is a souped-up 2005 Ford F-150 Lariat.
Ford engineers then took over by first creating computer renderings of Foose's sketches. "Chip sketches on paper; he doesn't like to use computers," says Karen Gietzen-Stewart, business strategy manager, Ford Advanced Product Creation.
The Ford truck team analyzed these renderings to ensure the Ford F-150's tough images was maintained. A concept truck was built and then, in early 2007, Foose flew to Detroit where he made final finishing adjustments to the design.
Foose touches are carried into the interior, with Chip Foose signature headrests and floor mats. A unique, leather-wrapped center console features a Foose-designed serialization plate with vehicle identification number (VIN) and build-sequence numbers mounted on the ashtray door.
To match its muscular look, the Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the most powerful and fastest half-ton truck on the market. The intercooled, supercharged Triton® V-8 pumps out 450 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 500 pounds-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm.
"The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the fastest truck period," says Matt O'Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. "And it's the only performance vehicle to offer the flexibility of the pickup bed."

Ford F-150 leads huge customization industry
The Ford F-150 was named the "most accessory friendly pick-up" by SEMA, the trade group that keeps tabs on the aftermarket – an industry that has grown eight to 10 percent the past 10 years. Customers also prefer the Ford F-150 for personalization as they currently spend nearly $1,700 each to customize it – more than double the rate in 2004 and more than any other competitive truck.
"The Ford F-150 lends itself to accenting because it's so recognizable as America's favorite pickup. It's already widely accepted because it comes in the most varieties and customers spend more on it than any other truck to personalize it even further," says Foose. "And it's clean, too. That's why I drive an F-150 – it's great looking, powerful and yet very minimalist in its design."
Ford's overall customization business grew 50 percent in 2006, far outpacing all other automakers, and is expected to double by 2008. This growth has been driven by full factory-customized vehicles – such as the Harley-Davidson™ and FX2 Sport F-150 model – versus individual parts sales.
"This is really a fashion industry," says SEMA's Peter MacGillivray. "Consumers want to put their personal stamps on everything they buy – from personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear – and everybody knows that 'you are what you drive.' The Foose Edition is a fantastic collaboration between Chip Foose and Ford.
"It's a vehicle that will be embraced by all kinds of buyers – not just the hard-core enthusiast who really knows the Ford F-150's heritage and Chip's track record, but also people who are just into cool cars and trucks. Couple that with Chip's celebrity and broad appeal – there are millions of excited consumers from his TV show – and I think Ford's got a real winner here."
The Ford F-150 already offers the most models and configurations – five series and 60 major variations – of any half-ton truck. Ford also continues its long-time truck heritage of building specialized models to appeal to the growing number of niche customers. Poore says the F-150 has led the trend of pickups going mainstream.
"Chip Foose is similarly reaching beyond traditional automotive audiences and will help Ford trucks reach an even broader audience with the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition," says Poore.
The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition will begin life as an FX2 Sport model from the Kansas City Assembly Plant. The unique Foose elements will be customized at a modification center before being shipped to Ford dealers. The truck will go on sale by early 2008.

Foose's quick ascent
Ask his fellow auto designers and fans – from J Mays to Jay Leno – about Chip Foose's artistic style and you'll hear the words "clean" and "minimal styling" a lot.
"It's sweet and juicy, pared down and minimal, but it pops with that quintessential Southern California hot-rod flavor," says Mays, Ford Motor Company Group Vice President, Design, and Chief Creative Officer. Chip Foose, the driving force behind Foose Design, based in Huntington Beach, California. His legacy began at the age of seven when Chip began helping out his father, Sam Foose, himself a hot rod legend, at his project design firm. By age 12, Chip had painted his first car.
But it was a chance meeting with famed Tucker and former Ford Motor Company designer Alex Tremulus that inspired Chip to attend the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, from which he graduated with honors in 1990.
Working for several designers and fabricators in the 1990s, Foose was instrumental in designing and building signature street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for such films as Blade Runner, Robo Cop and Gone in 60 Seconds.
In November 1990, Chip began his association with legendary customizer Boyd Coddington at Hot Rods by Boyd, where he was responsible for many internationally known vehicles, including Roadster, Sportstar, the Boydster I and II and Boyd Air.
In 1998, Chip left to form Foose Design with his wife, Lynne. His career includes numerous industry honors, including being the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame (at age 33) in 1997.
In 2002, Foose went mainstream when he was featured on the Discovery Channel's "Rides" documentary that aired repeatedly on The Learning Channel in early 2003. The show featured many of Chip's award-winning vehicles and allowed viewers to watch him conceptualize and re-design a 2002 Ford Thunderbird called "Speedbird" that debuted at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and received Ford's "Best of Show" award. Today, Chip and his Foose Design crew star in the popular series "Overhaulin'" that airs on The Learning Channel and has captured the imagination of not only automotive fans, but the general public, because of its humor and humanity. The premise is to "steal" a wreck from an unsuspecting owner and then return it as a completely tricked-out Dream Car.

Leaders of the trade
Ford F-Series trucks recently marked 30 years as the best selling truck in America and 25 years as the best selling vehicle in America. 2007 also marks the introduction of the new 2008 F-Series Super Duty with Ford's newest, most capable truck arriving at dealerships now.

Quick Specs
Powertrain 5.4-liter Triton V-8, intercooled and supercharged
Iron block, aluminum cylinder heads
450 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 500 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Four-speed automatic transmission
Chassis
Wheelbase: 138.5 in.Length: 224.0 in.
Height: 70.5 / 73.5Track (f/r): 67.0 / 67.0 in.
Suspension modifications
Front tuning: Eibach coil springs, Sachs dampers, jounce bumper
Rear tuning: Eibach leaf springs, Sachs dampers, jounce bumper
Wheels/tires: 22-inch forged, polished Foose wheels and P275/45R22 Pirelli tires
Exterior modifications
Ford Racing exhaust system
Foose designed and fabricated wheel flares, lower side and front rocker moldings
Unique front fender badges
Foose-designed stripe package
Foose-designed upper and lower grillesInterior modifications
Embroidered headrests with Chip Foose autograph"Foose" embroidered floormats
Unique, leather-wrapped center console with personalized build sequence badge.

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2008 Shelby GT500KR

MUSTANG FORD SHELBY GT500KR 2008MUSTANG FORD SHELBY GT500KR 2008MUSTANG FORD SHELBY GT500KR 2008MUSTANG FORD SHELBY GT500KR 2008MUSTANG FORD SHELBY GT500KR 2008

MORE MUSTANG POWER: FORD SHELBY GT500KR 'KING OF THE ROAD' RETURNS IN 2008
2008 Shelby GT500KR
• Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby collaborate on a new 'King of the Road' Mustang with the 2008 Shelby GT500KR.
Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning.
• Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.
Shelby GT500KR arrives in spring 2008 in an exclusive run of only 1000 units.

DEARBORN, Mich., March 30 - Ford and Shelby Automobiles are at it again, this time in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR. To be unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR-the most powerful Mustang to date-will once again mark Mustang as 'King of the Road.'
"I'm proud to once again be a part of an historical moment, bringing back the 'King of the Road' Mustang, and collaborating with Ford SVT and Ford Racing" said Carroll Shelby. "I'm committed to continuously upping the ante when it comes to performance, and it's great to be doing it with Ford." "The return of the Shelby GT500KR further establishes Mustang as the true king of the pony car segment," said Robert Parker, manager of Ford Car Brand. "With the unveiling of the new KR we are staying true to the promise we made our loyal Mustang fans to continue Mustang's prowess by bringing new, exciting and more powerful Mustangs to market."
Forty years ago, at the 1967 New York Auto Show, Ford introduced the most powerful Shelby Mustang ever. Like every Mustang that bore the name 'Shelby,' the GT500KR carries with it its own unique story.
The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR was a mid-year introduction, based on the 1968 Shelby GT500. Ford added 'Cobra' to the Shelby's moniker to help usher in the beginning of a new performance era at the company. The Cobra name referred to the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was planted under the KR's custom fiberglass hood. It was the engine that would once again vault the Mustang to the head of the pack.
Ford conservatively rated the 428 CJ at 335-horsepower, but in reality it made more than 400-horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. The KR model was also equipped with a modified suspension and was offered both in fastback and convertible models. Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968, 1053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles.
While the name 'King of the Road' may have been the perfect fit for the world's most powerful Mustang, it also provided Shelby the chance to steal the thunder from cross-town rival General Motors. As the legend goes, Shelby learned that GM was planning to introduce a high-performance model and call it 'King of the Road.'
Since he had always wanted to use the name, and as one to never miss an opportunity, Shelby set his organization in gear, registering the name and designing new badging for the Cobra Jet-powered Mustang, christening it the GT500KR, and bringing Ford's 'King of the Road' to market before GM ever got a chance to apply the name to their product.

Thoroughbred Pedigree
Just like its 1968 namesake, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR builds on the strong foundation of the Shelby GT500. Packing 40 more horses under its custom-designed carbon composite hood, the GT500KR is the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced.
The modern Shelby Mustang line-up started with the 2007 Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible. With the recent launch of the 2007 Shelby GT, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR becomes the third production high-performance Mustang brought to market through the relationship of Shelby Automobiles and Ford. Ford and Shelby Automobiles also partnered up with Hertz to produce a special limited run of 500 Shelby GT-H "rent-a-racer" Mustangs available only for rent.
The 2007 Shelby GT500 has been one of the most successful vehicle programs in the 14-year history of Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and that success has opened the door for more performance collaborations with Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing. Working together, these three performance powerhouses are driving Mustang momentum on the street and on the racetrack. Dealers cannot keep the cars on their lots, customers are clamoring for more, and racers are bringing home championships.
Shelby Mustangs have already achieved some impressive highlights showcasing an enthusiast demand that is unmatched in the business:
• The first 2007 Shelby GT500 available to the public sold for $600,000 dollars at the 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.
2007 Shelby GT VIN1 also went for $600,000 at charity auction, this time at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction (and the winning bidder also took the opportunity to purchase VIN2 at MSRP).
Shelby GT-H coupes auctioned off to Ford dealers after completion of Hertz rental duty consistently average $50,000, with high auction bids of $90,000.
The Shelby GT500KR will be produced in an exclusive run of 1000 units and will begin arriving in Ford dealers in the spring of 2008.

Crowning the New "King of the Road"
Doug Gaffka, Ford SVT chief designer, and his team worked closely with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to make certain the new KR was crafted in the spirit of the original Shelby muscle car.
"This was a great effort between Ford and Shelby Automobiles," said Gaffka. "The Shelby team and I were in constant contact melding Carroll's classic design cues with some modern concepts and ideas and finessing them into the design of the new KR."
Gary Davis, vice president of production and product development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in defining the look of the custom designed carbon composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation of the original's bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.
Side stripes are true to the original KR right down to the font used for the 'GT500KR' lettering, while the classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center of the car has been deleted between the leading forward edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood, accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive face. "That was Shelby's idea," said Gaffka. "It's a special touch that adds some down-the-road differentiation. There will be no doubt that it's a 'King of the Road' Mustang that's filling up your rearview mirrors."
The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed 20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber. Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of the design.
Each KR model is identified by special 40th Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.
The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

The KR's 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 2008 'King of the Road' packs a walloping dose of Ford performance power under its massive composite hood scoops. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft.-lbs., thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.
Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500's 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.
Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the KR's suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby's own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.
"The production Shelby GT500 was maximized to deliver the perfect balance between ride and handling," said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer, Ford SVT. "In that same ride versus handling continuum, the KR will lean heavier towards all-out handling while still making it drivable on the street."
Chassis engineers worked closely with the engine department in a holistic approach to the development of the KR, tuning the suspension to best optimize the engine enhancements.
"We aren't fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole," stated Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for Shelby Automobiles. "The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note, and handling should all gel together to deliver a total driving experience."
The GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.

Mustang Momentum Cannot be Stopped
Unwilling to wait for the impending pony car war to heat up, Ford is extending Mustang's leadership position by feeding the enthusiast demand for more models, features, performance parts, and special editions. Ford has committed to at least one new Mustang 'feature' vehicle per year. For 2007, it is the Shelby GT, and for 2008, there will be at least two including the Shelby GT500KR and the previously announced Mustang Bullitt. Ford's 'Steed for Every Need' strategy currently offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 for a 240-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a 500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.
Ford has also introduced several special packages on Mustang further increasing its unique offerings, including the Pony Package and the California Special. In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing Mustang FR500C race car.
As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that perfectly fits their need.
About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. In 2007, the company partnered with Ford Motor Company to launch the new Shelby GT, which is based on the Mustang. For more information about Shelby Automobiles and to see the build of a 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, visit www.shelbyautos.com.

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR – Specifications and Design Highlights
5.4-liter supercharged V-8 producing an estimated 540-horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of torque
Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack featuring revised calibration and cold air intake system
6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
Ford Racing performance exhaust system
• Unique performance suspension tuning: springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars
Shelby-designed 'GT500KR' 20-inch wheels (18-inch version for production)
Ford Racing short-throw shifter and front strut tower brace
• Unique carbon composite hood featuring classic Shelby 'KR' design
• Front brake cooling ducts
'Shelby' lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid
40th Anniversary badges on the front quarter panels
Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats
• Official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate

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Honda Civic Type R Japan

Honda Civic Type R JapanHonda Civic Type R Japan
Honda Civic Type R JapanHonda Civic Type R JapanHonda Civic Type R JapanHonda Civic Type R JapanHonda Civic Type R JapanHonda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30.
This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.
Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit.”

Key Features of the Honda Civic Type R
Exterior Design
The exterior employs a pure sports one-motion form design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly developed aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance.
• Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders.
• Specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design.
Type R red Honda emblem front and rear.

Interior Design
• The overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance, bringing the driver closer at one with the car.
• The front bucket seats are specially designed for Type R. Separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates help hold the body in place, helping the driver concentrate on driving.
• The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.
• Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.

Engine
• A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW (225PS) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm.
NSX production methods contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow.
Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output.
• Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.

Transmission
• A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is matched to the Type R engine.
• Optimized gear ratios offer superior accelerations at high speeds, providing exhilarating performance.
• New features include a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds.
• A short stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.

Highly Rigid Yet Lightweight Body/Chassis
• The highly rigid Civic body and its advanced layout serves as the basis for an even more highly rigid, yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50% more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006.
Specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch tires, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, large disc brakes for improved fade resistance and other performance-enhancing features contribute to higher cornering performance and stability for an exciting, racecar-like driving experience.
• The specially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability.
225/40R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.
17-inch disk brake with Brembo 4-pot aluminum front calipers.
Specially-tuned ABS/EBD system.
Special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.

Safety Performance
• Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a body with a crash safety performance that is among the best in the world, withstanding a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision.
• The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a high level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles.
• The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.
• The front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with E-pretensioners.
• Front-seat occupants are further protected by standard driver/front passenger i-SRS air bags.
ISO FIX compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether belt anchor plates are standard on the rear seats.

Environmental Performance
• The Civic Type R complies with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport emissions regulations for 2005.
PVC and Cr6+ use have been eliminated from interior and exterior components and wherever possible throughout the vehicle to achieve over 90% recyclability*.
* Honda calculations

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

2007 New York Auto Show: Official 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX images
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMGPRESS RELEASE:
CL65 AMG: THE NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE COUPE
Also Available as "40th Anniversary" Limited Edition Model
Two special events make 2007 a particularly significant year for Mercedes-AMG: the arrival of a new top model – the CL65 AMG high-performance coupe with its 450 kW /612 hp V12 engine – which rounds off the unique AMG range and which also, in "40th Anniversary" limited edition guise, marks a special anniversary: the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group (MCG) celebrates its 40th birthday in 2007.
Another dream car has joined the AMG model range in the form of the new CL65 AMG. The powerful AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine familiar from the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG twelve-cylinder models delivers a truly impressive driving experience in the exclusive high-performance coupe. Its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton meters are reflected in its outstanding performance data: the CL65 AMG attains 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 200-km/h mark in 13.3 seconds. Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Standard features include AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG forged wheels, the unique AMG interior and highly advanced technology, such as AMG sports suspension, based on the Active Body Control system, and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. The AMG high-performance brake system with new double-frame sliding calipers offers maximum deceleration without fading: under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2.

"40th Anniversary" Edition with AMG Alubeam Paint Finish
In order to mark the 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG – the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group – in suitably glittering style, the CL65 AMG is also being offered as a "40th Anniversary" limited edition model. A new type of paint finish reflects the special status of this exclusive version, which is restricted to just 40 vehicles for the whole world. This exceptional AMG coupe is the very first series-production Mercedes to feature AMG Alubeam, a unique paint finish which has previously only been seen on a handful of Mercedes show cars.
A world first, this new process causes the paint to gleam like liquid metal. The color, which seems to be stretched over the vehicle body like a metallic skin, emphasizes the compelling lines of the large Mercedes coupe more effectively than any other paint finish while the light plays on them in a way calculated to make them even more vivid. This is made possible by the use of pigment particles which measure just 30 to 50 nanometers and are therefore able to be incorporated in the surface of the paint much more evenly. As a result, the light is reflected much more intensively and the luster of the paintwork is enhanced. To put this into perspective, conventional paintwork pigments measure between 100 and 300 nanometers.
This fine pigment structure calls for a perfect body surface which the Mercedes experts achieve by means of an elaborate preparatory process before the actual painting stage. It goes without saying that AMG Alubeam also has a clear coat with enhanced scratch resistance which offers greater protection from environmental influences.

Superb Interior Ambience with Special Appointments
The superbly styled interior also makes an impressive statement: the CL65 AMG "40th Anniversary" features two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-Nappa-leather upholstery with a diamond pattern, a color-coordinated Alcantara roof lining and embossed V12 logos on the front head restraints. The airbag unit of the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel is also finished in Nappa leather. High-quality trim elements made from genuine carbon add a decidedly sporty touch.
The "40th Anniversary" lettering on the center console confirms the exceptional character of the new coupe and at the same time serves as a reminder of the incomparable history of AMG. Further evidence of the car's highly exclusive status is provided by the "ONE OUT OF 40" badge on the hand rest of the COMAND controller.
Designed by the specialists of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, which was set up in 2006, the "40th Anniversary" CL65 AMG belongs to the exclusive "Editions" category of vehicles whose distinctive look and feel differentiate them from the series-production models and give them their special appeal.

V12 Biturbo Engine: Dynamic Performance at the Highest Level
The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpm while the maximum torque of 1000 Newton meters (electronically limited) is available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. These impressive engine data are the key to exceptional performance and superbly assured driving dynamics. But the powerful AMG twelve-cylinder unit is also in its element when cruising effortlessly in high gear. Its superbly responsive character is as impressive as its smooth, low-vibration running qualities which guarantee the high level of touring comfort typically associated with Mercedes.
The twelve-cylinder biturbo engine of the CL65 AMG features the very latest technology from the world of motorsports. Highly resilient components and materials guarantee consistently high power and torque levels, even at extreme operating temperatures. A case in point is the charge-air cooling system which uses an air/water heat exchanger and a particularly large low-temperature radiator at the front of the vehicle. The maximum charge pressure is 1.3 bar.
The characteristic AMG twelve-cylinder sound is ensured by the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes. Catalytic converters with tri-metallic coating provide a faster response from a cold start, more efficient exhaust-gas aftertreatment and a longer service life. The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG complies with the EU 4 emissions standard as well as specific requirements of the US market.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-Speed Auto with Steering-Wheel Shift Paddles
The drive power of the new CL65 AMG is transmitted to the wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. An "S/C/M" mode button in the center console allows the driver to choose between the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" driving programs. As well as changing the transmission characteristics, these modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. Gears can also be shifted manually at any time by means of the silver-colored aluminum shift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

AMG Sport Suspension Based on Active Body Control
The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG negotiates bends of every type with a greatly reduced roll angle while body roll during fast avoiding maneuvers is effectively suppressed. In this way, the AMG V12 coupe not only opens up new dimensions of dynamic handling, but also offers noticeably enhanced comfort.

AMG High-Performance Brakes with Innovative Twin Sliding Calipers
The polished 20-inch AMG twin-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey also contribute to the superb roadholding of the CL65 AMG. At the front, the 8.5-inch-wide wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR 20 tires, while 275/35 ZR 20 tires equip the 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear. With their filigree spokes, they offer tantalizing views of a brake system, the like of which is not to be found in any other manufacturer's products. The system in question is the AMG high-performance brake system which sets new standards for stopping power, sensitivity and resistance to fading. In keeping with the innovative approach typical of AMG, the front brakes of the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG are equipped with twin sliding calipers. A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating-caliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly enhanced comfort as a result of the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-caliper brake.
At the rear, braking is handled by a large frame-type sliding caliper. Composite blind-drilled brake discs at the front and rear with respective diameters of 390 and 365 millimeters ensure the shortest stopping distances, excellent resistance to fading and outstanding sensitivity. Under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the electronically controlled dual-circuit hydraulic brake system supports numerous driver assistance functions – such as the PRE‑SAFEâ Brake system, Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS – for even greater safety and comfort.

AMG Body Styling: Powerful and Elegant Design
The advanced technology of the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle's powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. The AMG body styling and the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupe make a superbly cohesive formal statement. Large air intakes, side air outlets and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds dominate the front, as do the special AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvers and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps. Distinctive side skirts and "V12 BITURBO" lettering enhance the sides while the two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes and the muscular rear apron with its black diffuser insert make the rear of the vehicle particularly eye-catching.

Interior: Dynamic Style and the Finest Materials
Inside, too, the V12 top model impresses with its dynamic style and its use of the finest materials: the AMG sports seats have a special upholstery pattern as well as both multicontour and massage functionality; the EXCLUSIVE PASSION Nappa leather upholstery has a new diamond pattern. All four seats feature metal AMG badges. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel has a specially sculpted rim and silver-colored AMG aluminum gearshift paddles. Integrated in the AMG instrument cluster (which is calibrated up to 360 km/h and features "V12 BITURBO" lettering), the AMG main menu shows the currently selected gear and recommends when to shift up to the next gear. It also allows the driver to choose between viewing the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage as well as the "RACETIMER". Using the latter, the driver can measure lap times – when driving on a private race circuit, for example. A particularly notable highlight of the interior is the IWC-design analogue clock. Fine poplar wood trim elements as well as AMG door sills and the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel complete the picture.