Update: 2017 Panoz Avezzano

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Panoz recently debuted a new model dubbed the Avezzano, its new sports car featuring a supercharged V8 engine and a next-generation chassis. Panoz showed off Prototype No. 1 at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. The niche automaker told Burbbble the Avezzano is set to start production in summer 2017.

The prototype, currently being used to test fit and finish, the new body, and more, features an LSA V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V, but the production version will sport a 6.2-liter supercharged GM V8 making at least 560 bhp. Panoz says the new production chassis will be four times stiffer than the current chassis thanks to an updated design with carbon fiber center and A-pillar structures in addition to high-strength aluminum.

The Avezzano is based on a successful Panoz GT-class endurance race car that features a aluminum body similar to the Panoz AIV Roadster and the Esperante. Panoz estimates it will be able to build around 25 Avezzano models a year and says it could increase production if demand increases.

{gallery}Panoz Avezzano{/gallery}

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Panoz Debuts the 2017 Avezzano

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It’s getting more and more difficult these days to get an authentic, basic sports car experience. The nanny state continuously make more regulation, and the public demands a cushion of luxury and technology. The Dodge Viper and TVR are dead (at least for the time being). But there is still one small automaker determined to bring us that wonderful experience.

Panoz, the plucky little American maker of “America’s most exclusive sports car” (due solely to budget, probably) announced a new model this week, the Panoz Avezzano, which will launch in 2017. Prototype No. 1 debuted at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

The Avezzano is based on a successful Panoz GT-class endurance race car that features a aluminum body similar to the Panoz AIV Roadster and the Esperante. Underneath will be a new generation of the Panoz’s high-strength aluminum-intensive chassis. Carbon fiber and other lightweight composites will also make up the Avezzano’s construction. It will be powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter “easy to maintain American V8” making at least 560 bhp.

Hooray for stubborn little automakers sticking to the basics to give us a raw sports car experience. I’m sure the build quality will be comparable to Porsche’s. And if you ever see one of these in the future, be sure to take a picture because there probably won’t be too many of these babies built.

{gallery}Panoz Avezzano{/gallery}

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Volvo: Not all 4-cylinders have to be bad

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Volvo’s new T6 Drive-E engine was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2016, the automaker announced in a release. Fear not, the inevitable take-over of the 4-cylinder engine won’t be all bad.

“The T6 Drive-E uses both supercharging and turbocharging, delivering a lively, compelling result,” said Michael Fleiss, vice president powertrain at Volvo Car Group. Editors on the panel praised the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine for delivering “refined output, power and composure of a high-feature 6-cylinder engine.” The engine produces 302bhp and 295lb-ft.

The T6 Drive-E engine can be found in Volvo’s new XC90 SUV and upcoming S90 sedan. If only Volvo would put this new engine in its absurdly beautiful Concept Coupe and Estate cars and put them into production. Please, Volvo?

 

Source: Volvo

 

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