“L’Esprit du Mans.”
The latest high performance super sports car from Panoz Auto Development (PAD) was officially unveiled at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. The hand-built Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” captures the history of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race that tests the limits of man and machine, and recalls a time when racers would race their cars at Le Mans then drive it back home.
The new Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” will be hand-built in Hoschton, Ga. and showcase new advancements in automotive technology and design. “These are advancements that will open up a new era of automotive design,” said Don Panoz, founder of the Panoz Motor Sports Group. Along with boasting over 600 hp and 590 lb-ft. of torque, the Panoz Abruzzi features new Trifectacooling technology. The cooling technology utilizes stage two and stage three systems in addition to a high-efficiency radiator to decrease coolant temperature on the inflow to and outflow from the radiator.
In addition to the new Trifectacooling technology, Panoz also has introduced the R.E.A.M.S. (Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System) body system on the Abruzzi. Utilized for the first time on a road-going automobile, the environmentally friendly multi-layer composite system is shatterproof, dent-resistant, and recyclable, all while being lighter and just as strong as carbon fiber. The exterior design of the Panoz Abruzzi also uses new LED lighting technology to compliment the striking features of the super sports car.
Customers of the Panoz Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” will be treated to a one-of-a-kind buying experience. Delivery will take place at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe where owners will receive driving instruction on Le Mans’ Bugatti Circuit from professional drivers. In addition, owners will be invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race as guests of the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) and Panoz at the “Model Sportif” facility at the circuit. Owners will also be invited to the “Spirit of Le Mans” reception during race week at the Golf Des 24 Heuers clubhouse in Arnage. To complete the buying experience, owners will be given the rare opportunity to drive a parade lap on the 8.3-mile race circuit.
Only 81 of the Panoz Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans” will be built, matching the number of 24-hour races held from 1923 to 2013. Each Abruzzi will be associated with a specific 24 Hours of Le Mans race, with the initials of the winning drivers, race date, and history of the specific year incorporated into the chassis number.
Panoz Abruzzi Gallery
Panoz Abruzzi Specifications
Engine:
Mounting Position: Front
Maximum Horsepower: >600
Maximum Torque: 590 lb-ft.
Engine Cooling: Trifectacooling technology with rear radiator
Transmission:
Type: Rear transaxle
Drive: Rear-wheel
Exterior:
Body: R.E.A.M.S. recyclable body system
Lighting: LED lighting system
Source: Panoz
