Ferrari World Abu Dhabi unveils its Attractions and Rides

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi announced on Monday that the park will open in 100 days featuring a record-breaking roller coaster ride meant to emulate the feeling of being in a Ferrari F1 car.

The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located next to the futuristic Yas Marina circuit that hosted Abu Dhabi's first Grand Prix race in November 2009, and is housed under a massive triangular red roof stretching over 200,000 square meters.

One of main attractions will definitely be the Formula Rossa rollercoaster ride which outruns most Ferraris, reaching a speed of 240 km/h in under five seconds. Able to carry 16 passengers (on four cars), the roller coaster accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and climbs to a maximum height of 52 meters (171 feet). The 2.07 km (1.29 miles) long course also features a series of "sharp turns and sudden drops" which generate 1.7 Gs.

Visitors will find a stash of other Italian-flavored takes on the typical theme-park fair, including a log-flume type ride that allows riders to experience the thrill of going through a V12 engine. That sounds fun and all, but we're more interested in an exhibit that the company is calling "Galleria Ferrari." Think of it as a walk through the pages of Ferrari history, one classic model at the time.




Press Release

World's First Ferrari Theme Park Opens in 100 Days - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Unveils all Attractions for the First Time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 July 2010 - The countdown has started and in 100 days, at noon on 28 October 2010, the world's first Ferrari theme park, and the largest of its kind, will open its doors to the public. Today Ferrari World Abu Dhabi unveils its exciting and unique attractions, designed to tell the Ferrari passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation together with its story, to families and fans of all ages and interests.

With more than 20 rides and attractions lying beneath the iconic 200,000 m² red roof, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer guests the time of their lives with a host of attractions that indulge the senses in ways never experienced before. With the thrill of some of the world's most inventive rides, eye-catching surroundings, authentic aromas and distinctive sounds of Italy, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will have something for everyone.

Some of the state-of-the-art attractions on show include the fantasy world of ‘Nello' at Speed of Magic, as the mischievous racing driver leads guests on a fantastic 4-D adventure through deep green jungles to icy caves and ravines. Guests can also go faster than anyone has ever been before on a roller coaster when they ride Formula Rossa, which powers them to 240 kmph in less than five seconds. Discover what only Ferrari owners have before, with a tour through the Maranello factory aboard the Made in Maranello attraction and gain an insight into the making of the world's most sought-after cars. Viaggio in Italia, provides a breath-taking bird's eye view of Italy, as you follow a Ferrari California through the scenic countryside and famous Italian landmarks.

"The opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will revolutionize the way visitors and people in the region spend their leisure time," said Mohammad Al Mubarak, Chairman of the park's operating company, Farah Leisure Parks Management. "It is a great testament of Abu Dhabi's capacity, and the region's potential, as a world class tourist destination."

"Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will provide an enthralling experience that will appeal to all audiences, including families and enthusiasts," said Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. "With just 100 days to go until we open the park to the public, all of our staff is committed to delivering one of the most spectacular entertainment venues in the world."

"I can't wait until we open our doors on October 28th and welcome our guests to this entertainment experience where they will discover the unique world of Ferrari," he added.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has come a long way since the laying of the first stone back in November 2007 to become the world's largest indoor theme park.

Rides and attractions:

• Formula Rossa - The world's fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmph.

• Speed of Magic - A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before.

• Made in Maranello - A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, taking guests through the intricate process of making the world's most sought after car.

• V12 - An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinders engine.

• G-Force - A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 meters in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.

• Scuderia Challenge - Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.

• Viaggio in Italia - A virtual aerial voyage over Italy's cities and their main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.

• Fiorano GT Challenge - A unique dueling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.

• Bell'Italia - A miniature recreation of Italy's most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.

• Paddock - A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.

• The Pit Wall - An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.

• Galleria Ferrari - The world's largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari's from all over the world.

• Junior GT - A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.

• Junior Grand Prix - After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1^TM drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1^TM racers.

• The Racing Legends - A ride through Ferrari's greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today's F1 victories.

• Driving with Champions - An interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory

• Cinema Maranello - Ferrari World's own theatre showing ‘Coppa di Sicilia', a short film that tells one of the many inspiring stories from the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.

• Junior Training Camp - An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors', climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, peddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1^TM car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.

• Carousel - Featuring never-before-seen Ferrari prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.

• Dining and Shopping - A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.

2010 Seat Ibiza Good Stuff Special Edition

Seat has released a new special edition Ibiza in partnership with Shakira, the name of this special edition is given after Shakira’s forthcoming Good Stuff European tour.

The Ibiza GS features a Candy White or Speed Blue exterior, 16-inch ‘Sonda' alloy wheels, and tinted rear windows. Other goodies include TomTom satellite navigation, an 8GB iPod Nano, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff engines powered by 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox and returning 85PS at 5,000rpm. The sports coupe version is capable of 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 110mph.
The five-door model takes 12.2 seconds to reach 62mph from standing and has a top speed of 109mph. Fuel consumption is recorded at 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 142g/km in the five-door Ibiza.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff interior comes with cornering function, one touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX in port, trip computer and speed sensitive electro mechanical power steering.

Prices start at £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).




Press Release

SEAT'S LATEST SPECIAL EDITION HAS STAR QUALITY

SEAT is celebrating its partnership with Columbian pop sensation Shakira with the debut in UK showrooms of a special edition SEAT Ibiza that's packed with ‘good stuff'.

The new Ibiza Good Stuff is based on the popular Ibiza 1.4 SE, available in both practical 5dr and sporty SC bodystyles, and boasts a sparkling array of neat extras for its bargain £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).

It has been named in recognition of SEAT's sponsorship of Shakira's forthcoming Good Stuff European tour and is available in a selection of smart paint shades including Candy White and Speed Blue.

As befits its moniker, the Ibiza Good Stuff adds a great selection of state-of-the-art extras including a TomTom satnav system and unique SEAT dashboard dock and cradle, black iPod Nano 8GB complete with etched SEAT logo and SEAT branded content, iPod cradle and charger, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

On top of this, Good Stuff buyers can look forward to keeping cool this summer thanks to the special edition's climate control system, and looking cool behind the wheel courtesy of the car's 16" ‘Sonda' alloys and dark tinted rear windows.

Of course there's much more to the car than this, as the extras add to the Ibiza's already generous SE spec which includes, as standard, the likes of electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, one-touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX-in port, trip computer and speed-sensitive electro-mechanical power steering.

Beneath the bonnet lies a newly EU V-compliant 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine driving the front wheels through a crisp five-speed manual gearbox. Offering 85 PS at 5,000 rpm, the engine carries the SEAT from rest to 62 mph in a sprightly 11.8 seconds (12.2 seconds 5dr) and offers a top speed, where legal, of 110 mph (109 mph 5dr). CO2 emissions stand at 142 g/km and, on the combined cycle, the Ibiza Good Stuff's official consumption is put at a frugal 47.1 mpg.

The car's name is taken from one of the tracks on Shakira's latest album, She Wolf, and reflects SEAT's ongoing association with the singer from northern Columbian city of Barranquilla.

Aside from the tour sponsorship and multimedia advertising campaign around the Good Stuff model, SEAT is also actively supporting Shakira's work with the Barefoot Foundation - the charity the singer set up when she was just 18 with the aim of making education for children universally available.

Welcoming the showroom debut of the new car, SEAT UK Ibiza Product Manager Andy McGregor said: ‘Adding these great features to the already generously-specified Ibiza creates a smart, sporty and brilliantly well-equipped supermini.

‘Our dealers nationwide are already seeing a massive interest in the new model as TV, press and internet advertising campaigns highlight its availability here.'

Video: Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive promo

Lexus debuts "Dark Ride," a high-definition interactive film that promotes its new luxury compact hybrid, the CT 200h.



Got wheels. Lexus has released a high-def interactive film, Dark Ride, to promo its new CT 200h model. Visitors to the LexusDarkRide website can slot themselves – well, a likeness – into the movie, and into the CT 200h seat right next to actor Norman Reedus, of the Boondock Saints film franchise.  From there they can record their own dialogue, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the movie narrative.









Press Release



Lexus Invites Consumers to Co-star in New 'Dark Ride' Interactive Film to Launch New CT 200h Hybrid



Torrance, Calif., May 14, 2010 -- "Get in, buckle up and start talking." Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled "Dark Ride." The film features Lexus' newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun...the consumer.



"With ‘Dark Ride' we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,' which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed."



The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside "Tony" (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.



Consumers will use an array of interactive features in the film-allowing them to insert their own likeness (via a Webcam or profile pic), record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the film so new situations arise each time.



The "Dark Ride" film is the next step in the launch of the Lexus CT 200h and demonstrates Lexus' marketing theme, "The Darker Side of Green." This theme, which shines a different light on this new breed of a fun-to-drive hybrid, debuted at a star-studded event prior to the CT 200h's North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. This initiative will continue through the launch period with in-market custom events and a VIP marketing program that will give tech-savvy influencers access to an edited "Dark Ride" list of restaurants, clubs, bars and lifestyle brands. Brand partners include Duncan Quinn bespoke suits, VeeV Açaí Spirit, The James Hotel and Grand Hospitality for The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels.



DIRECT FILM VIEWING LINK: www.lexusdarkride.com

CAMPAIGN LINK: www.darkersideofgreen.com



The all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. Expected to lead its class in fuel economy, the stylish, sporty five-door also delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience. The CT is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. The CT will be equipped with four drive-modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV.



With its reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 228 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for ten years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, now offering four hybrids, with a fifth on the way, that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When Lexus was established in 1989, it offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 11 vehicles, from the entry-level IS 250 to its first V10 supercar, the LFA.



Note: Lexus Dark Ride is viewable with Internet Explorer (Versions 6 and most optimally, 7), Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox. Your computer must be equipped with Adobe Flash Player Version 10, found here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss Edition and Hakkinen Shooting Commercial in Barcelona

Somebody at Daimler must have been a big fan of recent photos showing the Audi A1 S-line in Barcelona's Raval district.  The company has been working on a new video shoot for the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Edition a few kilometers away from the A1 location, and close to scenes used in a video of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The SLR Stirling Moss Edition was the last version that became the SLR McLaren, and was filed in 2009. Is inspired by the 300 SLR that Stirling Moss took the victory in the Mille Miglia in 1955, along with journalist Denis Jenkinson, ie, which has no windscreen or roof or anything like it.

With a weight of 200 kilos less than the conventional SLR, and a little more power (650 horses on the original 617), accelerates from 0 to 100 in 3.5 seconds and can take the 350 km / h. S'en only 75 produced, which were offered only to customers who already have a SLR to your garage. The price? Well 750.000 .- €. Almost nothing.
via:worldcarfans

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi F430 GT Roller Coaster [ Video]

An exclusive image of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi GT rollercoaster, one of two unique roller coasters featured at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The GT rollercoaster is a racing coaster, which will send two competing rollercoaster carriages sprinting along twisting parallel tracks on a race to the finish line. Each coaster car is a replica of a Ferrari F430 Spider. This is one of twenty rides and attractions featured at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi designed to bring to life the Ferrari story and to celebrate the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today.