The Abruzzi will be unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

[Ackmann]

Interesting rear end design. I wonder how the doors will open. Looks likes they may open up and out like a SSC Ultimate Aero or Mclaren. Silver looks sharp with these lines.

Cant wait to see it!!!!!!!!!!!

[LeManns67]

Ok, I have to admit that I am excited.

[PanozBob]

I have mixed feeling about the rear end. I'll need to see it before I can decide. I just hope the back end doesn't look like a Crossfire.

[PanozGTLM]

The recurring rumor is now put to rest. Don Panoz, the founder of Panoz Auto Development and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, made it official today with the announcement of an exciting new and exclusive Panoz super sports car – the Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans.”

The formal unveiling will take place next month in France at the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race, an event the Panoz brand won in the GT2 class during 2006.

“We wanted to wait until Le Mans to release official photos of the car, but today we are providing a ‘teaser’ image of the Abruzzi ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ that hints at what the final car will be like,” Panoz said in making the announcement. “After seeing numerous illustrations posted on the Internet claiming to be the ‘Panoz Abruzzi’ – none of which have been accurate – I thought it was important to provide some factual information in advance of the actual unveiling.”

Panoz, who with his Panoz Motor Sports Group owns one of the most diversified motorsports companies in the world, also controls one of the few remaining small-volume sports car manufacturing companies – Panoz Auto Development. “We are truly excited about the Panoz Abruzzi – not only about the design and performance of the car – but by the whole concept it represents,” Panoz added. “The styling is inspired from a classic era when racers would literally drive their own cars to Le Mans to compete and then drive back home. However, the technology of the Panoz Abruzzi ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ is absolutely leading-edge. We will provide many more details about the concept and some very special elements surrounding this exciting new car next month at Le Mans.”

In making this announcement, Panoz referred to several groundbreaking technologies employed in the design and construction of the new vehicle. The unique body is constructed using “REAMS”® material technology – “REAMS®” standing for Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System. This advanced body construction material and process has never before been utilized in a road car and offers unprecedented environmental, performance and structural advantages.

The Abruzzi also introduces a three-stage “TRIFECTA COOLING”® technology.
“TRIFECTA COOLING”® is an innovative development that improves both engine performance and efficiency. In addition to a typical high-efficiency radiator, there are stage two and stage three cooling systems that lower coolant temperature on both the inflow to and the outflow from the radiator. The Abruzzi also extensively employs LED lighting technologies, both functionally and stylistically.

The Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” is currently undergoing early homologation and production testing, and the car will be unveiled at its “spiritual” home at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France during race week in June. By special arrangement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the car will occupy center stage in the “village” at the track from June 7-13. Prior to the public unveiling, international media representatives will be invited to a preview approximately two days in advance of its introduction.

The Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” is being produced by Panoz Auto Development, located in Hoschton, Ga. “We are no strangers to pioneering new and unique concepts and materials in building great sports cars,” added Dan Panoz, President of Panoz Auto Development. “We are well known for 20 years of manufacturing and selling exclusive, limited-volume, high-performance automobiles.”



Panoz Auto Development produces leading-edge, fully certified automobiles and is best known for the first US-manufactured AIV (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) - the Panoz AIV Roadster. The Panoz Esperante body and chassis also extensively employs aluminum for performance, safety and efficiency. The Panoz Esperante GTLM earned world-famous stature as a race car by winning the GT2 category at both the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a single year – 2006.

I want some credit yours is a repost, look above yours. . .

(chuckle)

[Ackmann]

I want some credit yours is a repost, look above yours. . .

(chuckle)

YES,Yes, yes. Full credit as you were the first to give a heads up on the press release. Keep it coming as the Abruzzi is the funnest news from Panoz in quite awhile.

[Ackmann]

Fast Lane Daily Video of the Panoz Abruzzi Teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovKu7OXqqlQ

[Ackmann]

Will Isobutanol be the fuel for the Abruzzi

Listened to this and think Scott is saying this is a fuel that can be used in place of gasoline. If so, will the Abruzzi be introduced with this fuel?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVXOlbrRXt8

[99panoz]

Unless the engine had a "dual" setup for both fuels (Gas & Isobutanol), I would have to say I would be at the least, highly perturbed if I couldn't fill up my new "Supercar" at my local Texaco station.

[Boxer]

Any idea who the engine supplier is?

[99panoz]

Just strong "rumors" that it is General Motors (LS) based.

[LeManns67]

Any idea who the engine supplier is?

I thought was confirmed at Le mans that the engine is going be the LS9 Corvette ZR1 engine with panoz own Custom Exhaust and tuning package. Speed won't be the issue. NOW LOOKS, WELL!!!!!!

[Rarity]

well now that the cat is out of the bag

Just strong "rumors" that it is General Motors (LS) based.

The Abruzzi has a starting base of a ZR1, just like over 10 years ago Panoz started with a Ford Cobra set up, at that time they had the best program.
Chevrolet and the ZR1 program is the best right now. Match that up with the racing talent of Panoz and this should be one bad GT2 car. If you are one of the lucky ones to own one of the 230 plus Esperante's you have a car designed over 10 years ago, but still can keep up with most GTs on the road today. Panoz and the Abruzzi program have put everything on the line with this design. You might not like what it looks like, but with that much down force this thing may be like a roller coaster ride. If the car does well on the track in the next few years watch how many manufactures pick up on some of the design elements.

[Boxer]

Just strong "rumors" that it is General Motors (LS) based.

Looking at the specs on it, seems to be very very similar to the LS7

[Rarity]

Looking at the specs on it, seems to be very very similar to the LS7

Yes on ROIDS

[Boxer]

Yes on ROIDS

Moslers use the same base engine.