Refreshed two-door coupé, now with up to 430 hp (316 kW) – the exclusive and powerful MALSI ALBA ARIES “SESTO ANNO”
More than five years after its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006 and 12000 vehicles sold in Africa, Asia and Europe in the meantime, the exclusive Italian manufacturer MALSI ALBA is glad to step into the sixth production year with a refreshment of its mid-size coupé. The “ARIES SESTO ANNO” is an exclusive, high-performance vehicle that appeals to particularly sophisticated tastes: performance, handling, styling, individuality and uniqueness. With these values incorporated and further adaptations, the supplemental mission is to conquest the United States of America.
The market launch of the refreshed ARIES starts in September 2011, shortly after its premiere at the 64th International Motor Show „IAA“ in Frankfurt, Germany.
Dynamic, elegant and confident: the exterior
Visually, the new model year stays true to itself. Although the exterior has not undergone a single modification since its introduction in 2006, its strong identity will remain unaffected: a strong, athletic but still elegant presence combined with classic coupé proportions and short overhangs.
At the front end, the refreshed ARIES is characterized by its slightly modified apron and signature radiator grille (in optional high gloss finish) and new eye-catching, full-LED headlamps. The changes at the rear can be identified by the redesigned diffusor area as well as the new full-LED taillamps. An extended range of alloy wheels in different finishes and exterior colors complete the major modifications on the exterior.
Premium quality and exclusivity: the interior
Entering the ARIES, passengers discover an exclusive, high quality interior with a variety of upgrades (especially for the U.S. version) and enrichment especially concerning adjustments on details but also including renewed trim elements and a greater selection of upholstery materials.
Updated infotainment system and enhanced connectivity
The Aries also features an updated infotainment system with an extensive software update and enhanced connectivity via Bluetooth and USB interface. The most important innovation, however, is the internet access which allows to browse the web when parked.
New engines, improved performance and improved fuel efficiency
MALSI ALBA's technical gem, a completely new developed 4.0-liter V8 engine will be introduced in the ARIES 430 in a first version with a maximum output of 430 hp (316 kW) and peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb/ft), delivering powerful traction and super car performance with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).
Compared to the last model year, the 3.2-liter V6 engine has undergone substantial technical modification in order to improve performance, enhance efficiency and meet international environmental regulations. Thus, the „ARIES 320“ now delivers 320 hp (236 kW), a peak torque of 410 Nm (300 lb/ft) and a top speed of 285 km/h (185 mph) while its overall consumption figures have been reduced to 9 l/100 km (about 26 mpg).
A new model underneath the “ARIES 320” will be another version of the this engine with 260 hp (191 kW) in the „ARIES 260“.
All variants benefit from the technology updates that will serve the new ARIES: newly developed modular parts save 15 kg (33 lbs) in weight and not only help increasing fuel efficiency and environment protection, but also further enhance the vehicles' agility and responsiveness. As if this wasn't enough, a new dual clutch gearbox, the „Doppia Frizione“ amplify these effects and further lower fuel consumption a 15-20% compared to the still available six-speed manual transmission or the new 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new „Doppia Frizione“ and the enhanced sports steering provide direct and dynamic power delivery and offers five different driving modes (including two individual „high performance“ modes and an „high efficiency“ setup), making a significant contribution to the vehicle's direct, highly effective handling. Numerous important safety features complete the package.
More announcements on new ARIES versions and possible further surprises could be revealed ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show. Stay tuned.