The countdown continues! From an initial entry list of twenty-eight (28) new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten finalists, the top three contenders for the third annual World Car of the Year awards were announced today by the international accounting firm KPMG. The winners of the 2007 WCOTY will be unveiled during Press Preview at the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on Thursday, April 5.
The 2007 World Car of the Year top three finalists are, in alphabetical order:
-- Audi TT
-- Lexus LS460
-- MINI
To be eligible for a World Car award, the contender had to be in production, and sold, in at least five countries on two continents during 2006.
Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 44 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. Collectively, their opinions reach many millions of potential vehicle purchasers. Each juror has been appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work.
The 2007 World Car of the Year will be declared on Thursday, April 5, 2007 during a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show.
"Announcing the annual World Car of the Year awards at the New York show in April is a fitting finale to the international auto show season that begins each fall with either the Paris or Frankfurt motor shows," said Gerry Malloy, co-chair, WCOTY.
Three additional winners for World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year will also be announced during the same press conference on April 5, 2007 in New York.
The Top Three finalists for the 2007 World Performance Car title are, in alphabetical order:
-- Audi RS4
-- BMW 335i
-- Porsche 911 Turbo
To be eligible for the 2007 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new or substantially revised, in production, and for sale, in at least one major market during 2006. Either the vehicle or the green technology could be experimental or a prototype with near-future application (i.e. will go on the market soon) provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2006.
The 44 member jury chose the following top three finalists for the 2007 World Green Car award:
-- BMW Hydrogen 7
-- Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
-- Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
Cars eligible for the 2007 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates. The top three design finalists are, in alphabetical order:
-- Audi TT
-- Citroen C4 Picasso
-- Fiat Grande Punto
The World Car of the Year Awards program is initiated by, organized by, and conducted by, automotive journalists from around the globe. A non-profit association guided by a steering committee of journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America administers the awards program.
Situated in the media, financial and advertising capital of the world, the New York International Auto Show hosts a wide range of important industry events as well as dozens of world and North American new vehicle introductions each year. The Show's annual Wall Street Awards Dinner recognizes leading automotive stock performers, while the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Spring Conference attracts more than 1,200 of the nation's leading broadcasting executives. Top international automotive journalists present the World Car of the Year Awards, and IAG Research hosts the IAG Automotive Advertising Awards. It all takes place in America's largest car market at America's largest-attended auto show.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Callaway C16 Cabrio makes world debut at 2007 New York Auto Show
Callaway Cars today announced it will unveil the C16 Cabrio, the company’s convertible variant of the limited production C16 supercar, at the New York International Auto Show.
Callaway engineers integrated powertrain, brakes and suspension enhancements into the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, giving driving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience ultra-high performance levels in a convertible body style. Six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with either standard 560 or optional 616 horsepower engines.
The C16 Cabrio, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the “Callaway Look” – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Le Mans race cars to the current C16 models – Paul has created a stunning new design while retaining unmistakable Callaway lineage.
“With this car, we’ve maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous ‘Cabrio’ version, based on one of the best sports car platforms available anywhere,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “In true Callaway tradition, it incorporates our race-proven technologies, painstaking testing and validation efforts, and expert craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”
The C16’s Callaway-supercharged 6.0L engine provides world-class power, producing 560 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The optional 616 HP Performance Package raises the bar to 616 bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque, propelling the paddle-shifted Cabrio from 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds. Quarter-mile acceleration tests consistently record low 11-second elapsed times.
Maximum speed of the C16 Cabrio is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. Callaway’s warranty covers the equipment for 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Inside the C16 cockpit, door sill panels, dash pad, and steering wheel are upgraded and carry signature Callaway badging. The optional “Deutschleder” package completely retools the interior in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats manufactured for Callaway by Recaro.
Clients choose exterior and interior colors to suit individual taste. Each C16 Cabrio is built to order, serialized and identified by its build plaque.
The handling precision of the C16 is courtesy of the newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific track or road conditions. The sophisticated design provides excellent response while avoiding racecar-like rough ride characteristics.
To bring the Callaway C16 Cabrio from 200+ mph to rest, and to help negotiate the tightest tracks, the C16 utilizes a StopTech brake system engineered to Callaway specifications including 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm rotors.
Callaway/Dymag wheels weigh approximately half that of their aluminum counterparts, providing significantly reduced unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-certified wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by durable carbon fiber rims and measure 19” by 10” front and 20” by 12” rear. Another of Callaway’s technology partners, Yokohama Tire, developed their “AdvanSport” specifically for the C16 in 285/30ZR19 front and 325/25ZR20 rear sizes.
Pricing for the C16 Cabrio starts at $128,765 USD. Callaway C16 components are also available individually for 2005 - 2007 Corvettes through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.
Callaway engineers integrated powertrain, brakes and suspension enhancements into the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, giving driving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience ultra-high performance levels in a convertible body style. Six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with either standard 560 or optional 616 horsepower engines.
The C16 Cabrio, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the “Callaway Look” – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Le Mans race cars to the current C16 models – Paul has created a stunning new design while retaining unmistakable Callaway lineage.
“With this car, we’ve maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous ‘Cabrio’ version, based on one of the best sports car platforms available anywhere,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “In true Callaway tradition, it incorporates our race-proven technologies, painstaking testing and validation efforts, and expert craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”
The C16’s Callaway-supercharged 6.0L engine provides world-class power, producing 560 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The optional 616 HP Performance Package raises the bar to 616 bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque, propelling the paddle-shifted Cabrio from 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds. Quarter-mile acceleration tests consistently record low 11-second elapsed times.
Maximum speed of the C16 Cabrio is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. Callaway’s warranty covers the equipment for 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Inside the C16 cockpit, door sill panels, dash pad, and steering wheel are upgraded and carry signature Callaway badging. The optional “Deutschleder” package completely retools the interior in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats manufactured for Callaway by Recaro.
Clients choose exterior and interior colors to suit individual taste. Each C16 Cabrio is built to order, serialized and identified by its build plaque.
The handling precision of the C16 is courtesy of the newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific track or road conditions. The sophisticated design provides excellent response while avoiding racecar-like rough ride characteristics.
To bring the Callaway C16 Cabrio from 200+ mph to rest, and to help negotiate the tightest tracks, the C16 utilizes a StopTech brake system engineered to Callaway specifications including 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm rotors.
Callaway/Dymag wheels weigh approximately half that of their aluminum counterparts, providing significantly reduced unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-certified wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by durable carbon fiber rims and measure 19” by 10” front and 20” by 12” rear. Another of Callaway’s technology partners, Yokohama Tire, developed their “AdvanSport” specifically for the C16 in 285/30ZR19 front and 325/25ZR20 rear sizes.
Pricing for the C16 Cabrio starts at $128,765 USD. Callaway C16 components are also available individually for 2005 - 2007 Corvettes through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
PKV Racing Strong During First Day Of Champ Car World Series Spring Training Testing
PKV Racing had a another strong testing session during today’s first day of Champ Car World Series Spring Training at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.
Driver Neel Jani, in the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone car, concluded the first day third on the speed charts with a fast lap of 66.707 seconds (120.703 mph). Recently signed second driver Tristan Gommendy, in the #22 PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, was 16th on the practice report with a time of 70.229 seconds (114.722 mph) on the historic 2.38-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca permanent road course. A total of 18 Champ Car drivers turned laps during the first day of testing.
In morning practice Jani ran 44 laps, the sixth most and topped the practice report with a time of 67.152 second (119.979 mph). Gommendy, who was making his debut in a champ car, spent much of the first session familiarizing himself with the car and the team, but still managed to log 34 laps with a best time of 70.887 seconds (113.657) placing him 16th on the practice report.
During the afternoon session both drivers improved their times. Jani ran another 36 laps, the fifth most in the afternoon, which tied him fifth most for the day. He posted his fast time on the last lap and sat on top of the speed charts when stopped with 20 minutes left in the session.
“The morning session was good for the Red Bull PKV Racing Team,” Jani began. “We tired a lot of things, but we had to be careful because we could only run a limited number of miles on the engine. With that in mind, we decided to go for quality over quantity with our work,” Jani explained. “In the afternoon session, it was the same thing. We made a lot of changes and tried a lot of different things. Our job tonight is to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, so we can put it all together tomorrow.”
Jani concluded by saying, “Overall, I am happy. This was my first time at Laguna Seca. I like the track. It has more up and down sections than I am used to, but it is much more like the European tracks I grew up on. The whole Red Bull PKV Racing Team did a great job today and I am looking forward to making more progress tomorrow.”
Gommendy ran 30 laps in the afternoon, giving him 64 for the day, the ninth fewest, as he continued to adjust to Champ Cars and work with his new team. His fast lap came on the 27th of the session and 61st overall.
“This was my first time in a Champ Car, so today was a day to learn about the car and get to know the team,” Gommendy said. “I really like the Champ Cars. They handle well and have plenty of power. The whole PKV Racing Team has made me feel very welcome and I am looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow and continue to learn.”
PKV Racing has been consistently fast in pre-season testing in preparation for the start of the 2007 season. The team previously tested the new Panoz DP01 chassis at Champ Car open tests at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, January 23-25 and at MSR in Houston, Texas, Feburary 12-13 and. PKV Racing captured the top two spots on the speed charts with Oriol Seriva placing first and Jani second in Sebring. Jani was third fastest at MSR. The team also tested with Jani at MSR, using last year’s chassis, in December.
PKV Racing will test for a second day tomorrow as the Champ Car World Series Spring Training at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California continues.
About PKV Racing
Founded in January 2003, Indianapolis-based PKV Racing (PK Racing was established in 2003 with a different ownership group) will contest its fifth season of competition during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. PKV Racing is owned by successful venture capitalists Kevin Kalkhoven, who also co-owns the Champ Car World Series, and Dan Pettit, along with 1996 Series Champion Jimmy Vasser. The team has earned one victory, by Cristiano da Matta in Portland, and one pole, by Jimmy Vasser in Milwaukee both in 2005. PKV Racing will campaign two cars during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. Neel Jani will drive the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, while Tristan Gommendy, who was announced as the team’s second driver yesterday, will pilot the #22 PKV Racing machine.
Driver Neel Jani, in the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone car, concluded the first day third on the speed charts with a fast lap of 66.707 seconds (120.703 mph). Recently signed second driver Tristan Gommendy, in the #22 PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, was 16th on the practice report with a time of 70.229 seconds (114.722 mph) on the historic 2.38-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca permanent road course. A total of 18 Champ Car drivers turned laps during the first day of testing.
In morning practice Jani ran 44 laps, the sixth most and topped the practice report with a time of 67.152 second (119.979 mph). Gommendy, who was making his debut in a champ car, spent much of the first session familiarizing himself with the car and the team, but still managed to log 34 laps with a best time of 70.887 seconds (113.657) placing him 16th on the practice report.
During the afternoon session both drivers improved their times. Jani ran another 36 laps, the fifth most in the afternoon, which tied him fifth most for the day. He posted his fast time on the last lap and sat on top of the speed charts when stopped with 20 minutes left in the session.
“The morning session was good for the Red Bull PKV Racing Team,” Jani began. “We tired a lot of things, but we had to be careful because we could only run a limited number of miles on the engine. With that in mind, we decided to go for quality over quantity with our work,” Jani explained. “In the afternoon session, it was the same thing. We made a lot of changes and tried a lot of different things. Our job tonight is to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, so we can put it all together tomorrow.”
Jani concluded by saying, “Overall, I am happy. This was my first time at Laguna Seca. I like the track. It has more up and down sections than I am used to, but it is much more like the European tracks I grew up on. The whole Red Bull PKV Racing Team did a great job today and I am looking forward to making more progress tomorrow.”
Gommendy ran 30 laps in the afternoon, giving him 64 for the day, the ninth fewest, as he continued to adjust to Champ Cars and work with his new team. His fast lap came on the 27th of the session and 61st overall.
“This was my first time in a Champ Car, so today was a day to learn about the car and get to know the team,” Gommendy said. “I really like the Champ Cars. They handle well and have plenty of power. The whole PKV Racing Team has made me feel very welcome and I am looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow and continue to learn.”
PKV Racing has been consistently fast in pre-season testing in preparation for the start of the 2007 season. The team previously tested the new Panoz DP01 chassis at Champ Car open tests at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, January 23-25 and at MSR in Houston, Texas, Feburary 12-13 and. PKV Racing captured the top two spots on the speed charts with Oriol Seriva placing first and Jani second in Sebring. Jani was third fastest at MSR. The team also tested with Jani at MSR, using last year’s chassis, in December.
PKV Racing will test for a second day tomorrow as the Champ Car World Series Spring Training at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California continues.
About PKV Racing
Founded in January 2003, Indianapolis-based PKV Racing (PK Racing was established in 2003 with a different ownership group) will contest its fifth season of competition during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. PKV Racing is owned by successful venture capitalists Kevin Kalkhoven, who also co-owns the Champ Car World Series, and Dan Pettit, along with 1996 Series Champion Jimmy Vasser. The team has earned one victory, by Cristiano da Matta in Portland, and one pole, by Jimmy Vasser in Milwaukee both in 2005. PKV Racing will campaign two cars during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. Neel Jani will drive the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, while Tristan Gommendy, who was announced as the team’s second driver yesterday, will pilot the #22 PKV Racing machine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)