FALKEN Porsche 997 GT3 R

FALKEN Motorsports selects Porsche 911 GT3 R for 2011 Nürburgring 24 Hour

Long time participant in the Nürburgring 24 Hour race, FALKEN Motorsport Team, has signalled its intent for this year’s event (June 25th-26th) with the decision to run a highly competitive GT3 R specification Porsche 911.




The high performance tyre manufacturer’s decision to switch to the competitive Porsche follows a successful history of campaigning Japanese sports cars in the ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race and ties in with increasing activity of the brand in the region. “With FALKEN High Performance Tyres and Porsche, two premium motorsport brands are coming together. This comes at a time when we are increasing our commitment in Europe, with an intention to expand further,” says FALKEN’s Marketing Director, Satoru Ushida.

Drivers for the 2011 race, an assault that will be used to develop the next generation of FALKEN tyres, are still to be announced but in line with the team’s preparations, the selection is likely to focus on those with extensive Nürburgring experience. “It is our aim to improve our race results from the past. Last year we achieved 12th place overall and 3rd place in the SP7 class and put our performance to the test at the highest level,” adds Ushida.

The 2011 race will take place on the unique Nordschleife on June 25th-26th. With 33 left-hand and 40 right-hand curves, the famous strip of asphalt snakes through the hilly Eifel landscape. In the 2010 Long-Distance Championship (VLN) held at the track, nine out of the ten races were won by the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

About the Porsche 911 GT3 R:
The 911 GT3 R is powered by a six-cylinder, naturally-aspirated boxer engine with four litres of displacement, which generates 480 horsepower (353 kW) at 7,250 rpm. Through a six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox, the power is transmitted to the rear axle. Traction control, the electronically controlled double de-clutching function and a specially tuned racing ABS make the 911 GT3 R a highly competitive vehicle.
Wheels: Front axle: One-piece, forged, lightweight alloy wheels (11J x 18 ET 35) and 290/660R18 tyres.
Rear axle: One-piece, forged, lightweight alloy wheels (13J x 18 ET 12.5) and 330/710R18 tyres.

About the ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race:
The ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring has been held on the approximately 25km long combination of the Nordschleife and Grand-Prix track since 1970. The long lap length makes a field of more than two hundred vehicles possible, which are driven by up to approximately 700 drivers. Due to the large starting field and more than 200,000 fans that line the track, the race is regarded by some as the largest motorsports event in the world. In 2011, it will be held from the 23rd to 26th June.

2011 Fiat Freemont

Fiat has releases photos and details for the 2011 Fiat Freemont, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Fiat Freemont measures 489 cm in length, 188 cm in width and 172 cm in height and has a 289 cm wheelbase. The Fiat Freemont promises plenty of interior space, thanks to its seven seat capacity and 90 degree opening doors.

Most of Journey's exterior design has been kept,  except for the front bumper which has been redesigned, and received new fog lights. The Fiat Freemont has also received new alloys and under the bonnet the 7-seater will be fitted with either a 140 HP or a 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet engine which will send power to the front wheels.

Two different trim levels will be offered, each with seven seats as standard. Triple-zone air con, keyless entry, cruise, a tyre pressure monitoring system, fog lights and a touchscreen radio are all standard, while the top-spec model adds bigger wheels, a bigger touchscreen, a DVD player, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and auto headlights.





Press Release

Fiat Freemont, international debut

The next Geneva motor show will host the debut of the new Fiat Freemont, which will go on sale in the second half of 2011.

The Freemont built on the base of the Dodge Journey, is the first Fiat vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group. It will be produced in the Mexican plant of Toluca, where the 500 is produced for the US market.

The very name conjures up a sense of freedom, the pleasure of life in the open air, of adventure and the possibility of facing any situation that arises in daily life with equanimity.

The Fiat Freemont is in fact a 'factotum vehicle' designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time.

The vehicle combines flexibility and practicality with its own distinctive and original style. The dimensions (length of 489 cm, width of 188 cm and height of 172 cm) guarantee outstanding interior roominess, aided by the best wheelbase in its category (289 cm).

The Fiat Freemont guarantees maximum roominess, comfort and versatility due to its 7 standard seats with a genuine third row of roomy seats that is easily accessible because the doors open to 90°. The seats of the third row may be folded down with one simple movement to disappear completely below the floor and create a regular load platform. The seats of the second row are fitted higher than those at the front while the third row is raised in relation to the second allowing all occupants maximum visibility.

The second row can also be fitted with the innovative child booster system: booster seats are used to make sure that children on board are sitting correctly, optimising the seatbelt geometry and guaranteeing greater protection, practicality and comfort.

On-board comfort is also assured by a high driving position, new roomy and ergonomic seats, a host of storage compartments, a generous luggage area with two compartments and a flat load platform for an overall capacity of up to 1461 litres.

The vehicle's very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers and grille. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights.

The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a strikingly good-looking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen.

To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two outfits will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both outfits is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the 'Fiat fair price' strategy.

Both outfits will offer 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include 17" alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4" screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.

The Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4x4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT- Fiat PowerTrain.
The vehicle's dynamic performances have also been improved with the aid of Fiat engineering, which has developed and introduced a special suspension and steering configuration for greater accuracy and directness. Driving comfort is further guaranteed by significant improvements to passenger compartment soundproofing.

Safety is top level with 7 airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder and electronic roll mitigation (ERM) as standard on all vehicles.

Chevrolet Camaro SS Black Cat

FELGE German aftermarket specialists reveal their upgrade program on the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

The standard 6.2-liter V8 unit develops 432 horsepower and 569 Nm of maximum torque, but after receiving a compressor kit (EUR8,999) by Speed Box, the Camaro produces some impressive 625 horsepower.

In the 22-inch realm, a staggered approach is used, with 265/30ZR22 tires on 10-inch wide rims and 295/25ZR22 meats over11-inch rims out back. This kind of image is backed up with appropriate chassis mods, including a coil-over conversion from H&R along with their sway bars.

It's a performance-oriented package but Speed Box also offers that 'Black Cat' matte body paintwork for the Camaro SS priced at €3,500.





Press Release

BLACK CAT - 22 "by www.FELGE.de and 625 HP
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro SS

The reinvigorate rated economical crisis after the U.S. car industry has born some kind of cars during its remarkable history. The made by GM Chevrolet Camaro SS is with good reason that is represented in this category. Comparisons with the legendary Ford Mustang are not at all far-fetched, they are even a matter of intention.

Herten, Germany, you can find the Speed Box car workshop. And it is even there such a Camaro that has been chosen to make all neighbors to have a look at this kind of vehicle.

The dominant power dome on the engine bonnet gives justified reasons for speculations, because the 6.2 liters V8 engine produces 432 HP at a max standard. torque of 569 N / m. After having passed a cure power with compressor kit (€ 8,999.00) by Speed Box, the Camaro impressionating produces 625 HP.
The BORLA stainless steel exhaust system helped (999.00 € without tailpipe) has its own full up sound. The matte black body paint work under the lines of the Chevy catlike manner, available starting from € 3.500.

The top of the pops is this phenomenal wheel / tire combination named Rhino out of the seemly endless wheel model pool of Schmidt Revolution (www.felge.de) Bad Segeberg, Germany. For this type of care have been used equipped with 265/30-R22 and 295/25-R22 tires 10x22 "and 11x22" wheels, wheel arch without crimping. The wheel set price incl tires is of € 3,399.00. In addition, the high quality rims from Rhino Schmidt Revolution have especially weatherproof stainless steel face plate, that can be replaced in case of damage in a cheap and quick way to thanks to optimized installation. The Rhino light alloy rims are available in 9x20 ", 10x22" and 11x22 ".

Additionally, Speed Box Spends H & R coilovers for 1,272.00 €. H & R stabilizers are optional for another € 530.00, Which improves the driving dynamics sensibly.

And if after all the well-disposed spectator fevers to get the key to make an extended test drive, the tuning experts will have reached their aim ...

2011 Smart Fortwo Nightorange Limited Edition

Smart has unveiled the new ForTwo NightOrange special edition.

The new NightOrange edition combines an exclusive orange metallic finish with black insertions on the headlamp trims, black mirror caps, and roof. The same black and orange theme continues on the interior with a mix of leather and fabric seats in black with an orange sport stripe in the middle, black door trims, a black instrument panel, and a black 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and gear knob.

The interior is using same color theme with the black seats in a mix of leather and fabric sporting an orange stripe in the center, as does the knee pad in leather look. Contrast components such as the instrument trims are painted in pearl black, while the 3-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and the gear knob are covered with black nappa leather.

2011 Smart Fortwo Nightorange Limited Edition customers can choose from three petrol versions, two versions of 71HP and 84HP and 54 HP diesel models to produce economic and two body styles, coupe or convertible.




Press Release

At dealers from February 2011 - New special edition: smart fortwo nightorange

Sindelfingen - smart is ringing in the spring with a fresh colour: the new limited special edition smart fortwo nightorange combines bright orange with elegant black. The striking two-seater can be ordered now and will roll to dealers from 22 February 2011. Customers can choose between three variants: two petrol versions and a diesel version and a coupé or cabrio body.

Colour psychologists regard orange as active, confident and trendy, whilst black is seen as resolute, elegant and strong-minded. The limited special edition fortwo nightorange is an exciting mix of both colours and is bursting with urban chic. The most striking feature of the exterior is the exclusive orange metallic finish combined with a black tridion safety cell and black 3-double-spoke alloy wheels fitted with tyres in size 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the rear. The special edition also features black painted headlamp trims, black mirror caps and nightorange logos in the mirror triangles. The smart fortwo nightorange cabrio has a black soft top.

The interior takes up the colour concept of the body with a design that is both sporty and chic: the black seats in a mix of leather and fabric have an orange sport stripe in the middle, as does the knee pad in leather look. They provide a dramatic contrast to the black door trim and black instrument panel. Contrast components such as the instrument trims are painted in pearl black. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and the gear knob are covered with black nappa leather. The audio system basic (RDS radio with AUX/USB interfaces and two loudspeakers) is already on board as a standard feature of the smart fortwo nightorange, as are dashboard instruments (cockpit clock and rev counter).

The new smart fortwo nightorange is based on the passion coupé and passion cabrio. Among other features the passion equipment line comes with softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind. Options include electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart surround sound system with six loudspeakers or the audio system navigation / multimedia with touchscreen display.

The fortwo nightorange can be ordered with a 52 kW (71 hp) petrol engine with micro hybrid drive technology, a 62 kW(84 hp) petrol engine or a 40 kW (54 hp) diesel engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter.

Here are the prices for the new smart fortwo nightorange in Germany:

Engine/power	Engine type	Engine capacity	Price in € (incl. 19% VAT)
smart fortwo nightorange coupé
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	13,995
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	14,565
0.8 l (40 kW/54 hp) cdi diesel with diesel particulate filter	3-cyl. common-rail turbo engine	799 cc	15,255
smart fortwo nightorange cabrio
1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd	3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine	999 cc	17,086
1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol	3-cyl. in-line turbo engine	999 cc	17,655
0.8 l (40 kW/54 hp) cdi diesel with diesel particulate filter	3-cyl. common-rail turbo engine	799 cc	18,345

2011 MINI Cooper Matt Edition

MINI launched on the French market the MINI Cooper Matt Edition which will be sold in 250 units.

Dubbed the Matt Edition, the car features a matt black exterior wrap, checked mirror covers, unique side vents, and an individually-numbered key ring.

The new limited-edition will be available with all engines available across the standard lineup, including the 1.6-liter with 118 hp, the 1.6-liter turbo with 208 hp and the 1.6-liter diesel with 110 hp, as worldcarfans.com wrote.

To make the MINI even more customization, side vents and the inner insert receive a specific numbering and a numbered key ring specially created for the occasion will be given to each client.


Press Release

MINI Mat Edition : une série limitée à 250 exemplaires

Avec son look fun et indémodable la nouvelle MINI va encore plus loin dans la personnalisation en proposant une nouvelle série limitée et numérotée appelée « MINI Mat Edition ». Cette série, de 250 exemplaires seulement, sera disponible exclusivement en France sur une courte période. Plusieurs motorisations au choix : Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S et John Cooper Works. Le coloris noir Mat confère à la MINI un design incroyable qui sera encore surligné par les coques de rétroviseurs extérieurs et intérieurs en damier et une antenne sport (plus courte). Pour rendre cette MINI encore plus personnalisée, les ouïes latérales et l'insert intérieur reçoivent une numérotation spécifique et un porte-clefs numéroté spécialement créé pour l'occasion sera remis à chaque client.

Le rendu Mat est obtenu par l'application d'un film sur la totalité du véhicule ce qui présente l'avantage d'un entretien facile et la possibilité de revenir à une teinte de carrosserie classique à tout moment. Le film Mat, garanti 2 ans, et les équipements composant cette série limitée seront proposés à un tarif client de 2800€ TTC supplémentaires.

La « MINI Mat Edition » sera disponible à partir du 21.01.11 et pourra être découverte en exclusivité dans les MINI Stores de France lors des journées portes-ouvertes du 22.01.11. Elle fera par ailleurs l'objet d'un plan de communication musclé en ce début d'année avec notamment une campagne d'affichage (plus de 10.300 panneaux au niveau national en janvier) et un dispositif Internet spécifique.

Retrouvez l'ensemble des informations de la marque MINI sur : www.MINI.fr

2011 Baldwin-Motion Camaros

Baldwin-Motion has released details on a series of 5 special models based on the 2011 Camaro SS.

The 800 HP upgrade package will include a 2.8-liter Twin-Screw supercharger system, eight-rib supercharger drive assembly, unique block, 4.125-inch bore, pressed-in liners, forged 2618 Aluminum 9.3-to-1 pistons, forged 6.125-inch H-Beam Steel connecting rods, forged 4.00-inch stroke steel crankshaft, race-prepped CNC-ported aluminum heads, custom Redline R3-SC Blower camshaft, ATI/Redline damper, high-efficiency tubular exhaust system and an upgraded TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

Available through DeNooyer Chevrolet in upstate New York, customers will have a choice of cars ranging from the SS-427 (dyno-rated at 525hp), or the 427-SC Supercar (dyno-rated at 800 horsepower). The 2011 Camaro SS Phase III cars will start at under $80,000 and go up from there. It should be interesting to see how things actually run, especially since Chevrolet is working on their own 550+ hp Camaro Z/28 that’s set to debut for the 2012 model year.




Press Release

RETURN OF THE FANTASTIC FIVE:
MODERN MUSCLE CARS WITH LEGENDARY HERITAGE!

Baldwin-Motion's Joel Rosen partners with DeNooyer Chevrolet's Performance Division and Redline Motorsports to build and market 2011 MOTION 427 and 454 Camaros.

More than 40 years ago Joel "Mr. Motion" Rosen, a young Brooklyn dyno-tuner, hot rodder, street racer and national record holding drag racer, turned a simple 427 Camaro engine swap into an empire. And catapulted Baldwin-Motion and MOTION into internationally respected performance brands. Working with Baldwin Chevrolet, he was the most prolific builder-marketer of modified new big-block Chevys during the Supercar ‘60s & ‘70s. He backed up Phase III models with written money-back performance warranties! He's now passing the torch to Howard Tanner, a young dyno-tuning specialist and speed shop owner.

"It's Déjà Vu all over again," said Joel Rosen, quoting the legendary Yankee, Yogi Berra. "We have re-launched the Baldwin-Motion and MOTION brands again, this time capturing the true spirit of what we did in 1967-1974: Market built-to-order, dyno-proven and warranted SS & Phase III 427 & 454 Camaros, crafted by a high-tech dyno shop and available exclusively from a single authorized Chevrolet dealer."

Specially prepared 427 and 454 engines power the latest iterations of the legendary Baldwin-Motion Fantastic Five : 2011 SS & Phase III Camaros, dyno-rated at 525 (SS-427) to 800 horsepower (427-SC Supe rcar). Howard Tanner is President of Redline Motorsports, a speed shop specializing in fuel-injected vehicles in Schenectady, NY. He and his team are the builders. Dan Carlton, General Manager, DeNooyer Chevrolet's Performance Division in Albany, NY is handling client contact.

DeNooyer Chevrolet, owned by second-generation Chevrolet dealer Jim DeNooyer, is the highest volume Chevrolet dealership in upstate New York. As a young, hands-on car guy, DeNooyer was into hot rods, customs and drag racing. He later moved up into fast boats and has held speed records since the 1990s. Sons, Joel and Tom, also high-performance enthusiasts, handle day-to-day operations.

"It's great that the folks at DeNooyer Chevrolet and Redline Motorsports have embraced the Baldwin-Motion heritage of using the latest GM 427 and 454 high-performance factory engines in their new MOTION Camaros," said Dr. Jamie Meyer, Product Integration Manager, General Motors Performance Parts.

Tanner is a highly skilled engine calibrator and dyno-tuner as well as an experienced builder of large-displacement GM vehicles, including Camaros and Corvettes. Carlton, a respected racer, successful GM of luxury brand dealerships and former Chevrolet dealership principal, has years of experience selling both imported and domestic high-performance vehicles. He is a former New York State Ice Racing Champion and currently competes in sports car, ice racing and Modified motorsports.

Every MOTION Camaro will be built to order at Redline and tuned by Howard Tanner on its DYNOmite 1,400 horsepower Eddy Current Load dyno. A full dyno report as well as official Baldwin-Motion documentation will go with each car.

Sanctioned, serialized and signed by Joel Rosen, each 2011 MOTION SS & Phase III Camaro will be delivered with custom MOTION VIN plates and complete documentation. To prevent future cloning of MOTION Camaros, Rosen and Carlton will be establishing a confidential MOTION Registry detailing VINs, vehicle specifications and original purchaser data.

In 1967-1968, Baldwin-Motion marketed its full line of 427 Chevys under The Fantastic Five banner. Advertising and marketing materials, as well the windows at Baldwin Chevrolet, screamed The Fantastic Five. And, that's how they're launching the new line of 2011 MOTION Camaros.

The 2011 Fantastic Five : SS-427 (525 HP), Phase III 427 (600 HP), SS- 454 (550 HP), PHASE III 454 (625 HP Torque Monster!) and PHASE III 427- SC (800 HP Supercharged Supercar). Complete details can be found at http://www.officialbaldwinmotion.com/

"I like to think of our 2011 SS and Phase III 427 & 454 Camaros as "modern MOTION mythmakers!" said, DeNooyer's Carlton.

When Rosen and MOTION LLC's Larry Jaworske and Joel Ehrenpreis re-launched the Baldwin-Motion and MOTION brands in 2005, they set a new standard for 1969 "continuation" Camaros. The Launch Edition two-seat SuperCoupe, powered by a front/mid-mounted, fuel-injected 540-inch aluminum big-block, won the coveted GM Design Award at SEMA 2005 and set a record at Barrett-Jackson in 2006.

"We produced extremely expensive, coachbuilt Camaros between 2005-2009. This time it's different. Our new MOTION 427 & 454 Camaros are much more affordable and drivable, starting at under-$80,000, and will be hard to beat on the street or at a show. I've ordered the first one (#001), a limited-production, 800-horsepower supercharged Phase III 427-SC Supercar," said Rosen.

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