Car Blog

Invest in Sweden Agency Presents Great Investment Potentials at US Automotive Battery Conference

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 29/PRNewswire/ — Sweden hosts a world class automotive cluster represented by leading brands such as SAAB Automobile, Scania, Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Group alongside some 1,000 suppliers. Sweden now looks to expand its research and development of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Delegates from the Swedish automotive industry will be present at Booth 61 at the Advanced Automotive Battery and Ultracapacitor Conference and Symposia in Tampa, Florida on May 12-16 to meet international representatives from the vehicle battery industry. The aim is to strengthen the Swedish vehicle battery cluster with further investment.

Key representatives will show off innovative Swedish hybrid technology projects, including the Swedish Hybrid Vehicle Centre (SHC). Hans Folkesson, chairman of the SHC research centre said: “The only vehicle with zero emission in the tailpipe is an electrical vehicle. Our biggest challenge at the moment is the energy storage needed to realise this.”

Large investments

Sweden spearheads research in hybrid technology for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Over a five-year period, some $40 million will be invested in a joint venture to develop next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicles. The project sees Volvo, SAAB, energy company Vattenfall, and ETC Battery and FuelCells Sweden join forces with the Swedish State and the Swedish Energy Agency to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, said: “I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology,” he said.

“Within the next decade, electric vehicles are going to be needed if we are to meet forthcoming CO2 legislation,” Arp added.

Great opportunity

There are great investment opportunities in the automotive industry in Sweden, particularly in the field of alternative fuel offerings. As vehicle manufacturers like Volvo, SAAB and Scania expand their hybrid technology vehicle line-up, there’s a need for specialists in this field to establish themselves in the Swedish battery cluster.

“Sweden can be a world leader when it comes to creating the solutions needed to adapt means of transport – solutions that are now in demand throughout the rest of the world,” said Andreas Carlgren, Sweden’s minister for the environment.

Source: Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA)

Versatile, Technology-Filled Vehicles Lead in Growing Entry-Level Segment

IRVINE, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ — The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com (http://www.kbb.com/), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. The vehicles that made Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 — typically a gas-sipping bunch — arguably are cooler than they have ever been. More fun, more practical and more amenity-laden than ever before, today’s entry-level vehicles deliver more than simply affordable and efficient transportation.

Versatility and technology are growing trends in the under-$18,000 segment. Eight of the cars on this year’s list are flexible five-door hatchbacks, or available as such. The collective options list includes navigation, hard-drive music storage, voice-controlled iPod integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button start and leather seating — some of which were introduced on high-end luxury cars just a few years ago.

“The vehicles on our Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list are very fun to drive and feature-filled; first-time buyers and frugal down-sizers have never had it so good,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Manufacturers are finding ways to nicely equip their entry-level vehicles while still keeping the price reasonably low, and consumers are reaping the benefits more and more each year.”

In choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, the kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor. The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful comparison point than Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.

                  Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

Vehicle                                  MSRP             New Car Blue
Book Value
2008 Ford Focus                          $15,280          $14,942
2008 Honda Fit                           $14,585          $14,585
2008 Jeep Patriot                        $16,055          $15,894
2008 Mazda3                              $17,230          $16,799
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer                   $14,615          $14,396
2009 Pontiac Vibe                        $15,895          $15,895
2008 Scion xB                            $16,270          $16,351
2008 Subaru Impreza                      $17,640          $17,375
2008 Suzuki SX4                          $15,395          $15,164
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit                   $16,250          $16,088

Vehicles are listed in alphabetical order. New Car Blue Book Values represent transaction values, or what others are actually paying for this vehicle. The listed New Car Blue Book Values were taken from kbb.com during the week of April 1, 2008. New Car Blue Book Values are updated weekly on kbb.com. Adding optional equipment at the time of purchase will increase the price of the vehicle.

 Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
2008 Ford Focus

“Cool” might not be the first word that pops into your head upon seeing the new Ford Focus, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The Focus sedan and coupe are the most affordable cars in which you can get the SYNC music and phone integration system that allows you, for instance, to play any song in your digital library simply by saying its name. That’s cool.

  MSRP:        $15,280        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,942

2008 Honda Fit

With gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo on Honda’s Web site, anyway).

  MSRP:        $14,585        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,585

2008 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot has a classic look reminiscent of the departed Jeep Cherokee plus a functional interior and a sub-$18,000 price tag — even when equipped with four-wheel drive. Combined with highway fuel economy up to 28 miles per gallon, the Patriot delivers a cool mix of SUV-like versatility and car-like efficiency for buyers on a budget.

  MSRP:        $16,055        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,894

2008 Mazda3

On our list for the fifth year in a row and still in its first generation, the Mazda3 is the current elder statesman of cool compact cars. Available in four- and five-door layouts, the dynamic Mazda3 is responsive, quick and stylish, but also comfortable, efficient and practical.

  MSRP:        $17,230        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,799

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler.

  MSRP:        $14,615        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,396

2009 Pontiac Vibe

The hot-looking Pontiac Vibe has always delivered a very cool combination of affordability, versatility and fuel economy. Compared with its predecessor, the new-for-’09, second-generation Vibe boasts a sportier look inside and out, more powerful engines and even a lower starting price.

  MSRP:        $15,895        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,895

2008 Scion xB

The original “box on wheels” grew rounder, larger and more powerful for 2008, but the xB remains a distinctively styled non-conformist. Cool standard features include steering-wheel mounted audio controls, iPod integration and a choice of three wheel designs for instant customization at the dealership.

  MSRP:        $16,270        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,351

2008 Subaru Impreza

With 170 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a double-wishbone rear suspension, the Subaru Impreza sedan adds a sporty and capable touch to our cool car selections. The five-door variant has a similar base price and suits those in need of more cargo room for their active lifestyles.

  MSRP:        $17,640        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $17,375

2008 Suzuki SX4

This is the second year in a row that Suzuki’s small crossover has made our list of cool cars under $18,000. In addition to a sporty exterior and roomy, stylish interior, the SX4 still has the distinction of being the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America.

  MSRP:         $15,395        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,164

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

The versatile and affordable Volkswagen Rabbit hopped its way onto our list with its perky 2.5-liter engine, comfortable ride, sharp handling and a level of interior refinement rivaling that of some much pricier vehicles.

  MSRP:        $16,250        *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,088

New-Vehicle Research Tools Available on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

-- Full expert reviews of new 2008 (and some 2009) model year vehicles,
including print and video
-- Pricing, specifications and information on optional features
-- Resale value information
-- Safety data
-- Rebates and incentives information
-- Side-by-side comparison tool
-- Consumer reviews and ratings
-- Photos and 360-degree views
-- Dealer price quote

For more information about the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, visit http://www.kbb.com/coolcars08.

new season in off-road racing is delivering another “been there, done that” moment for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:GT) , as racers competing on Goodyear light-truck tires finished first and second overall in the Best in the Desert Racing Association’s “Terrible’s 250″ in Primm, NV.

Two race vehicles, built by Porter Racing, and owned and sponsored by Grove Lumber, crossed the finish line in one-two fashion on April 19. The first place team of Steve Croll (primary driver and owner of Grove Lumber), Evan Vanderweerd and Ray Croll completed the competition in slightly under four hours and 27 minutes. The second-place vehicle was driven by Steve Croll’s brother, Shawn.

Carried by Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires in size 35×12.50R15, the top two finishing teams raced through the challenging desert course with no tire failures. Top speed for the winning team was 119 mph, with an average speed of 59 mph over the grueling 250-mile event.

The Wrangler MT/R tire is also available to consumers who only dream of Best in the Desert racing. The consumer version of the Wrangler MT/R tire is Goodyear’s superior traction tire for off-road enthusiasts, featuring exclusive Durawall Technology, which helps resist punctures and cuts. This kind of toughness is especially sought after by desert racers who tackle the toughest terrain, such as sand, mud and rocks. The Wrangler MT/R is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 15″-18″ rim diameters and up to 40″ in outer diameter to outfit popular off-road enthusiast vehicles.

During the 2007 off-road racing season, in Porter Racing’s Unlimited Class 1 “buggy” and its special-built Goodyear Wrangler MT/R off-road race tires, Billy Gasper captured the season-long Class 1 title in SCORE International Off-Road Racing. All Porter Racing vehicles are delivered with Goodyear tires.

Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Web site: http://www.goodyear.com/

Monaco Coach Corporation (NYSE:MNC) , one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2008.

First quarter 2008 revenues were $252.4 million, compared to $322.2 million in revenues for the first quarter of 2007. First quarter 2008 gross profit was $15.8 million, compared to $36.0 million a year ago. Operating loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $12.8 million, compared to operating income of $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2007. Net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $8.5 million, compared to $1.5 million net income a year ago. For the first quarter of 2008, diluted loss per share was $0.28 versus earnings per share of $0.05 for the same period last year.

“Plummeting consumer confidence, driving consumers to delay their purchases of new RVs, and a difficult consumer lending environment directly impacted Monaco Coach Corporation’s first quarter results and sales industry- wide,” said Kay Toolson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “In spite of the reduction in demand we experienced during the first quarter, we are pleased to report that our market share was up 8.5% for the first two months of 2008, the same period for which Statistical Surveys, Inc. reported the overall motorhome market was down 20.6%.”

“As we have proven during prior market downturns, we feel confident that we can make, and are making, the required changes to return the Company to profitability. In this regard, we have made good progress in several areas in recent quarters. These improvements were overshadowed by the lower-than- expected sales volume that has affected our entire industry during the first quarter and by several expense categories that were higher than expected, including discounts, benefit costs, warranty and settlement,” added Toolson.

“We are committed to adjusting our business in order to operate profitably under today’s market conditions. This will require changes such as a further reduction in production output, which has been ongoing, as well as reductions in our personnel across the Company. We will also continue to drive down manufacturing costs through purchasing initiatives and projects designed to further improve our manufacturing plant utilization rates. Looking forward we believe that the changes we are making are prudent and necessary, will make our Company stronger and position us to react quickly when the market improves.”

“We have always maintained that the RV business is product driven, and we have always worked very hard to be on the leading edge of new product offerings. This year will be no different,” Toolson noted. “Our product development pipeline is strong and includes a Class C unit built on the Sprinter chassis, which will be ready for our dealer meeting in June, a Super- C model that will be available in the fall and additional models under development. We remain aggressive in pursuing innovative, fuel-efficient, less expensive new models that will primarily be incremental business. Changes introduced across the 2009 model line-up, we believe, will help us continue market share gains.”

Gross profit margin for the Company decreased in the first quarter of 2008 to 6.3% of sales, compared to 11.2% in the first quarter of 2007. John Nepute, President of Monaco Coach Corporation, stated, “The changes we made to our business model in 2007 had us well positioned for a flat or modestly declining 2008 market. However, it now appears likely that the Class A market decline will be more significant than originally anticipated, and Class A retail sales are expected to decline for the fourth straight year.”

“When the normal first quarter pick-up in demand did not occur, we responded by reducing our levels of production which influenced our ability to absorb indirect costs. In addition, we also saw higher costs related to product mix, health care costs and warranty expenses during the quarter. Due to the hard work of our operational team, we were successful at managing the direct labor costs at our plants. Notwithstanding the lower volumes, our production lines are running very efficiently, and our model change process is on track.”

Nepute concluded, “We were encouraged by the level of units we were able to sell during the quarter, in spite of the market, although the level of discounting was higher than forecasted. Finished goods inventory grew modestly compared to the end of the year. We anticipate the adjustment in our production levels will result in a greater backlog which will help reduce the level of discounting going forward. The Company will also continue to work with our dealer partners to provide targeted retail promotions that will attract customers to their lots and help stimulate both our motorized and towable unit sales.”

For the first quarter of 2008, selling, general and administrative expenses were $28.6 million, down 11.5% compared to $32.4 million for the first quarter of 2007. Marty Daley, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “We are pleased that overall selling, general and administrative expenses were down this quarter compared to the first quarter last year. The reduction was the result of a decline in the amount paid out under our franchise program, an elimination of management bonus accrual and declining miscellaneous expenses, partially offset by increases in settlement and personnel costs. We will implement cost savings measures in the second quarter that will generate additional reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses.”

Daley continued, “At the end of the quarter, our line of credit balance was $31.6 million and cash balance was $8.1 million. Our balance sheet remains solid and provides the Company with the flexibility to adjust and weather this type of market.”

Motorized Recreational Vehicle Segment

Motorized sales in the first quarter of 2008 decreased 20.7% from $245.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $194.7 million. The overall mix shifted to lower-priced Class A gas and Class C models, and unit sales for these two classes were up 32.3% and 10.0%, respectively. The segment gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 was $11.8 million, compared to $26.5 million for the first quarter of 2007. The operating loss for the period was $8.6 million.

Unit sales of the Motorized RV Segment for the quarter totaled 1,200, down 17.8% from 1,460 units for the prior year period. Class A diesel units shipped were 773 versus 1,112, while Class A gas units shipped increased to 262 versus 198, and Class C units shipped were 165 versus 150.

Towable Recreational Vehicle Segment

The Company reported towable sales of $55.2 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to sales of $69.5 million for the first quarter of 2007. Travel trailer and fifth-wheel registrations for the overall market, according to Statistical Surveys, Inc., reported a year-to-date decline of 8.7% through February 2008.

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2008 was $2.7 million, or 5.0% of sales, compared to $4.7 million, or 6.8% of sales for the first quarter of 2007. Lower gross margin was the result of discounting, sales volumes, and higher labor and warranty expenses partially offset by a reduction in material costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses including corporate overhead were $6.2 million, compared to $6.4 million for the first quarter of 2007. Operating loss was $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $1.6 million for the first quarter of last year.

For the first quarter of 2008, towable unit sales were 3,643 units, down from 4,289 units for the same period a year ago.

Motorhome Resorts Segment

Resort sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $2.4 million, down from $7.2 million in the first quarter of 2007. The reduction in lots sales was the result of limited available inventory for sale and lackluster real estate markets. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company sold 11 lots. Currently 51 lots are available for sale in Indio, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Operating loss for the segment was $747,000.

The Company has purchased additional land in Bay Harbor, Michigan. This resort will consist of approximately 130 lots, which should be available for sale in the third quarter of 2008. The Naples, Florida resort has encountered some project delays and should have lots available for sale late in the third quarter. The La Quinta, California development has also been delayed.

2008 Business Outlook

“Forecasting motorized sales is extremely difficult in this time of economic uncertainty and therefore we expect that the motorized market will continue to be challenging in terms of wholesale demand during the coming months. On the towable side of the business there has been some improvement in our towable orders and it appears we have reached a production level which now matches demand,” said Daley. “Given these market drivers, and with the additional cost savings initiatives that we are beginning to implement, we anticipate reducing our loss to between $0.15 and $0.20 per share in the second quarter.”

Conference Call to be Held

Monaco Coach Corporation will conduct a conference call in conjunction with this news release at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Members of the news media, investors, and the general public are invited to access a live broadcast of the conference call via the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at www.monaco-online.com. The event will be archived and available for replay for the next 90 days.

About Monaco Coach Corporation

Monaco Coach Corporation, a leading national manufacturer of motorized and towable recreational vehicles, is ranked as the number one producer of diesel- powered motorhomes. Dedicated to quality and service, Monaco Coach is a leader in innovative RVs designed to meet the needs of a broad range of customers with varied interests and offers products that appeal to RVers across generations.

Headquartered in Coburg, Oregon, with substantial manufacturing facilities in Indiana, the Company offers a variety of RVs, from entry-level priced towables to custom-made luxury models under the Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Safari, Beaver, McKenzie, R-Vision and Dodge brand names. The Company maintains RV service centers in Harrisburg, Oregon, Elkhart, Indiana and Wildwood, Florida and operates motorhome-only resorts in California, Florida, Nevada and Michigan.

Monaco Coach Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MNC,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock index. For additional information about Monaco Coach Corporation, please visit www.monaco-online.com or www.trail-lite.com.

Source: Monaco Coach Corporation

Web site: http://www.monaco-online.com/

Employees celebrate milestone on Earth Day 2008

As Earth Day 2008 is celebrated globally in a multitude of ways, the associates at the Robert Bosch LLC plant here are proudly celebrating the production of 200 million oxygen sensors at the site since first manufacturing the product in 1988.

The oxygen sensor, which was first developed by Bosch more than 30 years ago, is one example of the many Bosch products that reflect the company’s slogan of Invented for Life. Bosch oxygen sensors, which are supplied to virtually every automaker in the world, are an integral part of the engine management system and allow achievement of strict emission requirements and increasing fuel economy standards, while not sacrificing powertrain performance.

“The employees at this site are proud that a high-quality product they make plays a key role in reducing vehicle emissions,” explains Mike Mansuetti, vice president of manufacturing for the site, Robert Bosch LLC.

To put the magnitude of 200 million oxygen sensors in perspective, if placed end to end, they would extend approximately 10,000 miles, the distance from New York City to Sydney, Australia.

How the sensor works

The oxygen sensor sends a signal to the engine computer based on the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. This signal is used by the engine electronic control unit (ECU) to fine-tune the fuel and air mixture to the optimum level for maximum catalyst efficiency and longevity.

The plant produces two main types of oxygen sensors: Thimble Type and the Planar Type. In 1976, Bosch led the industry and was the first to produce the oxygen sensor.

As exhaust-gas legislation has become more exacting, there has been an increased demand for these sensors and today, it is a standard feature on all new vehicles.

The Bosch Premium Thimble Type Oxygen Sensor, which has been produced in the plant since 1988, utilizes an electrical heating element inside the thimble-shaped end to bring the sensor up to operating temperature in less than a minute.

Due to increasing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for lower exhaust emissions, Bosch developed the revolutionary Planar Sensor. The Planar Sensor “lights off,” or reaches operating temperature, in approximately 10 to 12 seconds. That is more than two times faster than a conventional Thimble Type Oxygen Sensor. Manufactured in Anderson since 1999, this quicker light-off time reduces emissions by more than 50 percent during the cold start phase, when harmful emissions are highest.

The newest oxygen sensor design, which is part of the planar sensor family, is the Wideband Oxygen Sensor. Manufactured at the Anderson site since 2003, it offers the increased accuracy, which will further help meet the latest emissions requirements. Unlike all the other types of oxygen sensors, the Wideband Sensor can actually measure the air/fuel ratio from 11:1 (excess fuel condition) all the way to straight air (no fuel). This improved measurement allows the engine control system to measure the actual air/fuel ratio and eliminates the switching between lean and rich ratio associated with a traditional type of oxygen sensor. These sensors use a planar zirconia ceramic element; so they heat up much faster than other types of sensors, thereby reducing cold start emissions. Wideband sensors are used with the recently introduced gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, which enable increased fuel efficiency without sacrificing engine performance – a solution that helps automakers achieve recent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets.

Community celebrates success

In addition to oxygen sensors, the 470,000-square-ft. plant produces a variety of engine management components, including electronic throttle bodies, integrated air fuel modules, and transmission control modules.

According to Joerg Mimmel, vice president, commercial activity for the site, since 2007, Bosch has invested more than $520 million in the site.

“Bosch associates understand the importance of manufacturing a quality product for our customers,” Mimmel said. “Our customers expect a quality product that is delivered on time and this team has consistently delivered on its commitment.”

Lee Luff, president of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, commended Bosch for achieving this milestone and for their continued commitment to the community, “The success of the Bosch Anderson plant is a microcosm of our community and reflects the success in Anderson as a whole. We value their leadership in our business community and applaud the Bosch Anderson plant for reaching this milestone.”

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 272,000 associates generated sales of over 46 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 300 subsidiary and regional companies in over 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spends more than three billion euros each year for research and development, and in 2006 applied for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.”

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 80 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com .

Source: Robert Bosch LLC

Web site: http://www.boschusa.com/

OSTERVILLE, Mass., April 22 /PRNewswire/ — Supercar Life, the first adventure lifestyle company to offer drives of exotic cars on racetracks, is expanding its program lineup to appeal to hard core driving enthusiasts as well as to those who prefer to travel first class.

Supercar Life’s new Track Package ($4,990) includes a full day piloting $1.5-million worth of supercars on premier tracks around the country. The Luxury Package ($5,690), formerly the only option, adds top-shelf accommodations, gourmet dinner and VIP ground transportation. Details and registration can be found at www.supercarlife.com or by calling 1.877.420.0090.

A fantasy camp for driving enthusiasts, Supercar Life’s lineup includes two each of the Ferrari F430 ($178,906/490hp), Lamborghini Gallardo ($175,000/512hp), Porsche 911 Turbo ($122,900/480hp), Aston-Martin DB9 ($165,400/450hp) and Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series Coupe ($138,000/500hp). All are equipped with paddle shifters or automatic transmissions for ease of use.

Both programs also include a cocktail reception, coaching from Supercar Life’s staff of professional Indy, Daytona, and Sports Car drivers, catered trackside breakfast and lunch, post-event champagne toast, parting gifts, and a personalized in-car video of the experience.

Supercar Life dates include April 29, May 6 and May 7 (sold out) at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California (formerly California Speedway), and July 8 (sold out), 9 and 10, August 26 and 27, September 9 and 10, and October 7 and 8 at the new New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey.

Whichever package Supercar Life clients choose, they are guaranteed an exclusive experience. A maximum 15 per event guarantees hours behind the wheels. A brief classroom session focuses on basic competition driving and safety techniques. Clients must be at least 21 and hold a valid driver’s license.

About Supercar Life

The Supercar Life concept was created in December 2006 by car enthusiasts and businessmen Jan Otto and Jonathan Kanter, to give other enthusiasts the opportunity to drive supercars at speeds they were built for. The first event was run in April 2007. Supercar Life offers its unique luxury driving experience year round at premier race tracks around the country. Private corporate and team-building events are available. The company is based in Osterville, Mass. and can be found online at www.supercarlife.com or by calling 1.877.420.0090.

Source: Supercar Life