Ferrari 599XX

Chrysler rolled into the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) pretty much empty-handed, so Ferrari took pity on its corporate sibling and sent over a 599XX so there would be something worth seeing on the Chrysler stand.

Fiat, the parent company of Ferrari and Maserati, took control of Chrysler as part of Chrysler’s bankruptcy exit last year.

As for the 599XX, it is a special track-only model and isn’t approved to compete in any racing series, meaning owners can only drive it on the track, but can’t compete in racing. The car’s 6.0-liter V12 engine has been reworked to produce 700-hp at 9,000 rpm, while new aerodynamics help to deliver 612 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and almost 1,400 lbs of downforce at 186 mph.

For those whose blood doesn’t run rosso corsa, the 599XX is the most wicked track weapon the Scuderia has ever built short of its F1 cars. It was first seen almost a year ago at the Geneva International Motor Show and since Ferrari skipped Detroit this year, it’s the only thing at the NAIAS wearing the cavallino rampante. It’s based on the magnificent 599 GTB Fiorano, but is a different beast altogether. Maranello applied to this road rocket all the latest high-tech hardware from its racing department which it could gather.

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Source: wired.com and autoguide.com

Ferrari and Maserati are moving from their usual showroom floor at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to the Chrysler Group LLC stand, where they will be sharing space between Dodge and Jeep brands.

In the past, the high-end marques have leased real estate in the show’s luxury row with the likes of Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, although last year Ferrari didn’t have a display in Detroit.

But since last year’s auto show in Detroit, Chrysler formed a partnership with Italian automaker Fiat SpA, which is part of the Fiat Group that includes Ferrari and Maserati but also Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Iveco commercial vehicles, and CNH agricultural and construction equipment.

NAIAS spokesman Sam Locricchio confirmed the changes to the floor plan and the Ferrari/Maserati move to Chrysler’s stand.

Chrysler is not hosting a press conference at this year’s show, but expects the new look with the inclusion of some of the most exotic sports cars in its display to generate a lot of interest from the public.

The space is being redesigned so all the brands are presented equally as part of the new corporate Chrysler family.

A Lancia Delta midsize hatchback that will be rebadged as a Chrysler will be included in the Chrysler display. The Fiat 500 subcompact and electric version of the tiny car also will be on display.

Olivier Francois, who heads the Chrysler and Lancia brands, told The Detroit News recently that future products will be developed for both brands, which is possible because they have similar design, performance and target customers.

Conversely, Lancia in Europe will benefit from a rebadged Sebring sedan, he said.

The Fiat 500 will be the first Italian product to be sold by Chrysler when it goes on sale late next year in the U.S.

Ferrari, Maserati and other luxury brands will also be on display in a car gallery set up at the MGM Grand Detroit on Jan. 11-12, Locricchio said.

For $25, viewers can stare at these cars as well as vehicles from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Spyker.

Have you been to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)?

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Source: detnews.com

The organizers of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) did their best to stir up excitement on the first day of the show which started last Sunday, January 11th, unveiling the winners of the North American car and truck awards of the year – the Hyundai Genesis and the Ford F-150.

Car manufacturers usually unveil new models in Detroit, but only a handful of new launches are expected this year. Instead, US manufacturers are focused on survival – General Motors, Chrysler and Ford have reduced their presence at the show. Japanese companies, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, will not be exhibiting in Detroit at all this year, while many of Europe’s high-end producers, including Porsche, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce, have cancelled their appearance. The missing companies pulled out of the event to save cash in order to outlast the economic slump.

The past year saw a global reduction in auto sales. The Detroit Three – General Motors, Ford and Chrysler LLC — which have long wallowed in financial troubles and edged towards the brink of bankruptcy, have suffered most.

After having enjoyed a brief moment of record selling of vehicles in January, 2008, GM, for example, has ever since experienced a free fall in sales and profits, which led it to a government bailout.

Despite all the dreadful news for the industry, NAIAS 2009 may be seen as a trend setter for the future of car making as it features a number of debuted hybrid and electrical cars from most of the participating automakers, in an answer to calls for producing eco-friendly vehicles.

On the opening day of the show in Detroit’s famous COBO Center, which will run through January 25th, more than 6,000 journalists from around the world huddled around the main floor to witness GM’s rolling out 17 new and upcoming cars and crossovers – including four global premieres.

According to NAIAS sources, eighteen manufacturers and industry press conferences were scheduled throughout last Sunday. NAIAS 2009 features eighty exhibitors and introduces nearly 50 new models.

Two of China’s auto companies BYD and Brilliant Car, also displayed their new products, including some green cars, on the main floor for the first time.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

2009 Ford F-150

Source: news.xinhuanet.com and license.icopyright.net