MANGUSTA - MODENSE INNOVATION FROM THE TOP DOWN
For driving enthusiasts, exotic Italian sports and grand touring cars remain at the forefront when defining high performance, artistry and style. The new 2000 Mangusta 2+2 sports car continues the tradition. It delivers performance, innovation, and exclusivity in a package that evokes the best of Italian style and design. Famed Italian designer Marcello Gandini, who penned the Lamborghini Countach and Diablo, created the Mangusta’s arresting stance and unique styling. Gandini’s vision was to create an automobile whose aesthetics equaled the potential beneath the hood, and to re-define the Italian sports car. The new generation Mangusta delivers on both counts.
Frankfurt Motor Show Updates For the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mangusta has been refined from its original concept. Styling changes range from the subtle to the not so subtle and include a re-work of the signature Gandini rear fender upsweep, a new tail light treatment, and re-defined grille work on the nose and side openings. Additional improvements include bright work on exterior door handles, gearshift, clock surround, and seat belt attachment bezels, plus a brushed aluminum shifter bezel and a brushed aluminum surround for the center console instrument stack.
Powertrain The new generation Mangusta is a classic front-engine, rear-drive configuration. However, underhood, in the tradition of the original, a Ford-supplied V8 engine powers the new Mangusta. Its double overhead cam, 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8, rated at 320 horsepower, powers the Mangusta to a top speed near 160 mph and 0-60 mph times in the 5.0-second range. Peak horsepower is delivered at 6,000 rpm while 314 lb. ft. of torque arrives at 4,800 rpm. Multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection, twin throttle bodies, a Mangusta-specific cast-aluminum intake with equal-length runners, and dual stainless steel Ansa exhaust complete the system. The Mangusta’s V8 engine drives through a rugged five-speed Borg Warner T45 gearbox, offering rapid acceleration~ durability, plus smooth and quiet operation. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a BTR speed- and torque-sensitive hydraulic, limited-slip differential that enhances cornering stability and eliminates the need for supplemental traction control.
RototopTM Roof System The Mangusta offers more than performance in a uniquely styled package. It redefines the convertible genre with its innovative, three-position roof arrangement. No other car m its class offers this versatile, inventive technology. The three-position RototopTM roof can be "converted" from standard coupe form with the center roof section in place, to a targa configuration with the center roof section removed leaving the rear roof and window in place. Or, if desired, the targa section and window can be lowered at the touch of a button converting the Mangusta to a true roadster. No soft top is required.
Body and chassis The Mangusta features a superbly designed exterior. Its body is constructed from composites, using a resin transfer molding (RTM) process, which makes the Mangusta exceptionally light, stiff and impact resistant. The body panels, produced by Stratime Cappelo Systems in Villers Cotterets, France, offer excellent durability with superb fit and finish. The paint, supplied by Rome, Italy-based Scott Warren/Rovercoat, is exceptionally long-lasting and features elastic properties that enhance depth and maintain luster. With a galvanized boxed steel chassis designed by Modena-based Vaccari & Bosi, under direction from ex-F I designer Enrique Scalabroni, the Mangusta provides a platform that is torsionally stiff and balanced. In addition, a specially designed multi-link all-independent wishbone suspension with A-arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear has been tuned to provide the Mangusta with exceptional ride and handling characteristics.
Wheels and Tires Michelin Pilot SX tires (225/45/ZR17 front, 235/45/ZR17 rear) complement the Mangusta’s 17-inch Antera cast-aluminum five-spoke wheels, while four-piston Brembo brakes with ventilated rotors provide excellent stopping power.
Interior Mangusta’s interior combines New World technology and innovation with Old World craftsmanship and artistry. Its high-specification interior is the direct result of a strategic alliance with Visteon Automotive Systems, taking collaborative engineering to new levels and shortening time-to-market by nearly 70 percent. Top-grade Connelly leather wraps the car’s aggressive, specially designed sport seats in one of three optional colors, Black, Tobacco, or Cappuccino. A Visteon Premier audio system, with user-friendly display, is standard equipment. Using Visteon’s latest "super-integrated" design approach, the interior has been created as a complete system, rather than being developed in stages to meet different feature requirements. The integrated sections include the instrument panel and cluster, the center console, seats, door panels, climate control, advanced powertrain control system, and the Visteon Audiophile system, equalized to fit the vehicle’s interior. Nothing is added as an afterthought, creating an attractive, but also a very functional and ergonomically friendly interior package.
Production and Sales Production of the Mangusta will begin in late September 1999. Sales initially will begin in Europe, with vehicles on sale in the U.S. beginning in early 2000. The Qvale Automotive Group is projecting future sales of approximately 800 cars per year, split between Europe and the United States. Initially, U.S. cars will be sold factory-direct, through a network of factory stores located m Beverly Hills, San Francisco, and surrounding areas near Detroit, Miami and Baltimore. Additional outlets and locations will be added as needed. The price of the Mangusta has not been finalized, but is targeted in the $75,000 to $80,000 range (U.S.).
For further information: www.detomaso.com For further information, contact: Cynthia Claes North American Public Relations 20630 Harper Avenue Suite 116 Harper Woods, MI 48225
|
