Piero Ferrari has dismissed suggestions that Michael Schumacher is betraying Ferrari by making a Formula 1 comeback with Mercedes.

The son of company founder Enzo Ferrari believes the Mercedes move was a pragmatic one as Ferrari had no spare seats, rather than a snub to the team Schumacher had been with since 1996.

"It's true that we were a bit disappointed, because Michael had become our symbol," Ferrari told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I wouldn't use that expression [betrayal], even though obviously we would have preferred him to stay with us. But he wanted to race and the conditions weren't there for him to do it once again with Ferrari."

Ferrari is sure that Schumacher is still quick enough to make a successful comeback even though he is now in his forties.

"His competitiveness will depend on the car," said Ferrari. "Another great driver, Mario Andretti, had carried on racing until he was over 50. Schumi was and remains a phenomenon. Drivers like him come only once every ten years."

He insisted that Ferrari had no reason to consider moving either of its 2010 signings Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa aside to accommodate Schumacher.

"No, because I never believe in comebacks in sport, and I mean coaches and footballers who go back to a team where they had coached or played before. Time goes on," he said.

"And besides, we have hired Alonso who didn't become world champion by chance, and in fact he has already challenged and beaten Michael before. And then we have Massa, who has matured next to Michael himself.

"I'm convinced that, if we are able to build a good car - the 2009 one wasn't very good - we'll get some satisfaction. In other words, we won't lose races and the title because of the drivers."

Ferrari believes his legendary father would also have accepted Schumacher's decision.

"I'll take a step back in time: I was very close to Lorenzo Bandini and I suffered greatly when he died in Monte Carlo in 1967," said Ferrari.

"Right then, my father gave me some advice that was in line with his policy: 'You must never get too affectionate with racing drivers, because it either ends this way or they go race somewhere else. They are employees, even if very important ones.'"

Source: autosport.com

Showroom in Warsaw hopes to sell luxury cars

Twenty years ago, the tiny rear-engined Fiat 126 (more commonly known as the "Maluch") was ubiquitous, and the likelihood of seeing a Ferrari on the streets of Krakow or Warsaw was about zero. But times have changed, and while the Italian luxury cars are still a fairly rare sight in the country, the first Ferrari dealership is set to open in Warsaw in early 2010.

The exact date has not yet been announced, as problems have arisen with the showroom's location, the former building of the Warsaw Party House on the Fifth Avenue of Warsaw, ul. Nowy Świat. The building has just been declared a national monument, which means that any planned renovation works must first be approved by the city's conservator of monuments.

However, a lack of a showroom has not stopped Polish clients from pre-ordering their Ferraris, and according to Puls Biznesu, several orders have already been placed, with the California model proving the most popular so far. According to Daniel Chwist, president of Ferrari Poland, the firm is "already in negotiations with potential clients, and we're finalising orders on the California and 612 Scaglietti models." The dealership expects to sell just 10 to 15 cars per year.

Source: krakowpost.com

Ferrari has unveiled its very own formula one simulator at its headquarters in Maranello.

A number of Ferrari’s rivals have made use of F1 simulators for years and the Italian team has finally caught up by opening it’s own dedicated facility in Maranello, after a two year partnership with Moog.

"It's an important day for us as the completion of this project means we will now be able to tackle with confidence some of the challenges that make up modern-day F1, while putting Ferrari at the cutting edge in terms of this technology," said Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.

"Furthermore, I am pleased that such a complex project as this, which got underway around two years ago, has been completed on schedule thanks to the efforts of all those who worked on it."

Andrea Bertolini was the first to try out the new simulator.

Source: uknetguide.co.uk

Ferrari Enzo gets another tuning kit, but this time from the German specialized in modifying Porsche models – the guys from Gemballa.



The German tuner Gemballa, specialized in modifying Porschce cars, created an extreme package for Ferrari Enzo. The result is called MIG-U1 and has a special look. The Ferrari Enzo is completely modified both on the exterior and on the interior and it is custom made for a client in Dubai.



Ferrari Enzo got a new exhaust system, a new rear bumper, a spoiler and a new front bumper. The guys from Gemballa also integrated a set of LED headlights in the front bumper of the Enzo. At the same time, the roof got an air scoop for the interior ventilation. The interior received black and red leather, sewed only with red line.
Unfortunately for Gemballa, the new MIG-U1 missed his debut at Dubai Motor Show – in case they wanted this. For the moment, the German tuners kept secret the identity of the owner or an eventual production quota for this kit. On the other hand, there is the possibility that the car made for the Dubai client is unique, meaning that this is the only apparition of the Gemballa MIG-U1 kit.

Source: mibz.com

Ferrari will have a more fuel-efficient engine in 2010, Spain's Diario AS has suggested.

To coincide with Formula One's ban on refuelling, the sports newspaper said the Maranello based team is working on efficiency improvements allowed under the current engine freeze regulations.

To comply with the test ban, Felipe Massa this week has at Mugello been at the wheel of a two-year-old Ferrari single seater fitted with demonstration tyres.

AS however implied that some "internal solutions" were trialled.

"The test was mainly for him (Massa) and what is certain is that he is even quicker than before his accident of Hungary," said Ferrari development driver Marc Gene.

The Spaniard also sounded confident about Ferrari's 2010 car, which is codenamed 661.

"The wind tunnel data is good and makes us optimistic, but we don't know where the others are so we will have to wait until we see it on the track," added Gene.

Source: motorsport.com

If you've got a lump of cash burning a hole in your pocket, we reckon you could do much worse than making radio DJ Chris Evans an offer for his 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB California.



The ginger car-nut bought the classic piece of automotive history in 2007, but no longer has room for it in his well-stocked garage following the purchase of a short-wheelbase California in 2008 which hit the record books, selling for a whopping £5.6 million.

While there is no price set on this pristine-condition Italian it's unlikely to go for quite as much. Though its rarity means it will probably still command a price tag with plenty of zeroes on the end.

And there'll be no need to worry about the car's heritage either; the 250 California comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Ferrari factory in Maranello.

It is still in the original Verde Pino Metallizzato colour with a cream leather interior. Definitely one to add to the dream garage.

Source: autoblog.com

One of the most exclusive Ferrari supercars has crashed in the Netherlands near Rotterdam. The Ferrari F50 drove on the A20 highway when the driver lost control of the Italian supercar. The vehicle hit a tree next to the exit Zevenkamp.

A child was driving along with his farther in the Ferrari. The child got injured, broke both legs and was brought to hospital. The 56-year old driver had minor injuries.

As you can see on the pictures, the supercar is ready for the scrap yard.

Source: gtspirit.com

In the spirit of one-off coachbuilt automobiles that have gone before, Pininfarina, Ferrari, and American Edward Walson have teamed up to create the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aptera. The vehicle was commissioned by Walson, son of the creator of cable television, to emulate the Fantuzzi-designed custom re-bodied Ferrari featured prominently in the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired 1968 Fellini short film, "Toby Dammit."



The P540 Superfast Aptera started life as a production Ferrari 599 GTB, retaining that car's crucial safety equipment including bumper structures and windshield. Around that basis, custom bodywork was created and the chassis was stiffened extensively to compensate for the roof being removed. In the end, due to lightweight construction and material use (including carbon fiber) the P540 Superfast Aptera weighs in at just 44 lbs more than a standard 599 GTB. Running gear is largely standard 599 GTB spec.

The project began in 2008 when Walson met with Pininfarina designers to start work on the car, creating a modern version of the gold-colored movie car.

"I had always dreamed of designing sports cars, and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have 'my' Ferrari," Walson said.

Initial sketches were produced and 14 months later the final road car had been built. Walson recently completed several shakedown runs in the one-off Ferrari and took delivery of the car at the Italian automaker's Fiorano headquarters, where he remarked, "This is the most special Christmas present of my life."

The car is the second to be born from Ferrari's Special Projects program that offers owners customized cars far beyond the standard options sheet.

Source: wot.motortrend.com

Acer has announced that it is bringing its slick Ferrari One notebook to the US. The machine has an 11.6-inch screen and uses a dual core AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor running at 1.2GHz. The notebook uses Windows 7 Home Premium and has ATI HD 3200 graphics.

Other features include 4GB of RAM, 250GB HDD, a built-in memory card reader and WiFi. A webcam is built in and the machine has dual stereo speakers. Power for the machine comes from a 6-cell Li-ion battery promising up to five hours of battery life. The machine has an MSRP of $599.99, which isn't that bad considering it's Ferrari branded.

The Ferrari logo and red cover on the outside of the notebook are the coolest features of the machine. The notebook is available now for purchase at retailers.

Source: i4u.com

2009 has been an incredible year for the Ferrari marque, largely thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response to the unveiling of the 458 Italia supercar at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.



Just in case there was any doubt in people's minds as to how popular the Ferrari's F430 successor is, Top Gear magazine recently named it its Supercar of the Year and, more importantly, the 458 Italia also bagged the British publication's Car of the Year accolade – and this, in the same year that the McLaren MP4-12C and Mercedes SLS AMG showed up.

That's quite some achievement, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the new Ferrari is as close to perfection as a motor can possibly be. Despite the 458 Italia being Ferrari’s new entry-level model, it’s got everything the F430 has and much, much more. Much of this can be attributed to the Italian marque recruiting a couple of big names to give input into its creation.



Legendary Italian styling house Pininfarina continued its longstanding relationship with Ferrari (Testarossa, 612 Scaglietti, 360 Spider) by styling the new car. And if that wasn’t enough for you, Michael Schumacher, arguably the greatest F1 driver ever, was involved with the 458 Italia project from its inception. His notable contributions include test-driving the 458 and influencing the implementation of an F1-esque steering wheel – which has many of the components you’d expect on the dashboard, all there right in front of you.



So what kind of performance levels are we talking about here? Well, you’re looking at an insanely fast top speed of 202mph and a 0-62mph that falls below 3.4 seconds, all courtesy of a 4.5-litre V8 (the inspiration behind the car’s name) that punches out an almighty 570bhp at 9,000rpm.

Sales are expected to begin in Europe in 2010, with prices for the new entry-level Prancing Horse starting at around £150,000.



Source: orange.co.uk

German tuner Novitec Rosso has unveiled their program for the Ferrari California. Sporty styling, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, suspension modifications, more power and interior options are included inside the package.



The aerodynamic kit contains parts made from especially lightweight clear-coated carbon fiber. The front spoiler attaches to the production bumper. The shape reduces lift on the front axle for better directional stability at high speeds according to Novitec. The sides are upgraded with rocker panel moldings and black side markers. They even equip the California with a newly designed diffuser for the rear apron and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid.



Three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels are available in a combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 11.5Jx22 on the rear axle. Pirelli supplied the tuner with tires custom-tailored to this Ferrari. The front axle features tires in size 255/30 ZR 21, in the rear tires in size 315/25 ZR 22.




A set of sport springs lower the ride height by 35 millimeters. A hydraulic front lift system makes sure you have enough grond clearance and raises the front of the car by 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the interior. At a second push of the button or automatically when reaching a speed of 80km/h the front reverts to its original position.

The tuning stage for the Ferrari California increases power output of the 4.3-liter V8 engine by 40hp / 29.4kW to 500hp / 368kW. The peak torque grows from 485 to 518Nm at 5,300rpm. This increase of power was achieved by implementing a newly calibrated engine management system with custom mapping for injection and ignition. It also includes a new higher redline speed of 8,300rpm. A new stainless-steel exhaust system with metal catalysts and a flap actuator complete the package.



As a customer you can get an interior customization with leather and Alcantara. The choice of available colors and meticulously sewn upholstery designs is unlimited.

Source: gtspirit.com

Despite being under contract to Renault for 2009, Spain’s Fernando Alonso, the 2005 and 2006 world champion F1 driver, was spotted in Maranello making successive visits to team Ferrari HQ over a fortnight in November, spending two days checking out the factory and meeting engineers as well as Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

The 28 year-old will get his first crack at Ferrari’s new 2010 F1 race car in February, however, Brazilian Filipe Massa is still recovering from the head injury he sustained in a crash at the last Hungarian GP.

Ferrari’s preparations, claims di Montezemolo, are on track to put them back in the F1 reckoning in 2010.

Source: theromanforum.com

Dubai, U.A.E. – December 7, 2009-Travelers around the world know that sightseeing tours in Dubai are famous. People visiting Dubai visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. The world’s first Ferrari theme park will be built in Abu Dhabi. It also happens to be the largest indoor theme park in the world. The famous Italian car makers have announced to make a huge theme park based on the famous brand names in Abu Dhabi. It will be named Ferrari World and will greet the guests somewhere in 2010. The plan is to give intense multi sensory experience to everyone.



This incredible theme park will have a traditional red coloured roof. It will be in a shape of a side profile of the famous Ferrari GT body which will stretch in 200,000 square meters. It boasts of having made the biggest Ferrari logo ever. There will be twenty other attractions including rides for children belonging to all age groups. The park will be equipped with a high-tech theatre, an amusement park and the fastest roller coaster in the world with the speed of 124 mph. A driving instruction facility is also available at this park for adults and children. This prodigious theme park will compel tourist to visit UAE. Along with attractions in Dubai, this theme park will appeal to the people all around the world and especially the Ferrari adherents. Various events and races will be hosted here.

Dubai Tour Company by One World Travels is in the touring business since last many years. The company endeavors to provide business and leisure travelers with exceptionally priced Dubai tour packages and hotel bookings. The service provided is superior and more affordable in comparison with other operators and it has won hearts of many customers. The company is one of the strong contenders to be a market leader because it offers best tours in Dubai.

If you wish to know more about Dubai Tour Company, you can contact them on phone at +9714 3372010 or email them at info@owtravels.com or visit us at http://www.dubaitourcompany.com

About One World: One of the few travel companies to ensure tourist satisfaction over and above all else, One World is an established tourism organization in Dubai. The Dubai tour company arranges Dubai daily tours and desert safaris for tourists, visiting expats and local residents alike at fares far better then those offered by the competition.

Source: your-story.org

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has paid tribute to AUTOSPORT during a video speech transmitted at the AUTOSPORT Awards in London on Sunday night.

With his Maranello-based team picking up a Gregor Grant trophy in honour of the 80 years of magic that Ferrari has delivered in both its road car and racing exploits, di Montezemolo recognised the historic parallels between Ferrari's entry into F1 and the arrival of AUTOSPORT in 1950.

"I am really sorry not be with you tonight at such an important evening - an important evening for us, for Ferrari, because thanks to AUTOSPORT we celebrate 80 years of the Scuderia," said di Montezemolo in the video transmission.

"Eighty years are many years and if I think of the beginning, if I think of the dream of a visionary man like Enzo Ferrari and I think where we are now after so many years, I think all of you have to be very proud.

"I think we have to thank all the men and the women that it these years have done a lot to create maintain and develop the Ferrari myth all over the world.

"It is also an important evening for AUTOSPORT and I am very pleased to share this evening with all of you because our F1 activity has started in 1950, so 60 years ago, and in the same year AUTOSPORT was born.

"So congratulations, best wishes and Happy Birthday even to AUTOSPORT not only Ferrari."

Di Montezemolo said he also hoped that Ferrari and F1 could look forward to a brighter future, after this season's campaign was marred by off track politics.

"What I hope to be in front of a new season with less polemics, less controversies, more clear rules and with the sport at the centre of our activity, of this fantastic sport that is F1," he said.

"That means technology, means innovation, means competition, means sport competition between drivers and cars. So thank you again, sorry to not be with you and all the best to all of you."

Source: autosport.com

Ferrari has stumbled upon one heck of a formula with its XX development programs. They've found that their most wealthy clients aren't just willing to help Maranello develop new components for future supercars, they're actually willing to pay for the privilege. And pay big, too – as in $2 million big.



The program started with the Enzo-based FXX, evolved with the FXX Evoluzione, and carries on with the Fiorano-based 599XX. So what's next up Ferrari's sleeve? A 458XX wouldn't be too far off the mark.

If the outgoing lineup (and those that came before) can serve as any indication, the new mid-engined V8 sports car is poised to spawn numerous variations, including the requisite Spider, a new Challenge-spec racer, a replacement for the existing F430 GT2, a stripped-down successor to the 360 CS and 430 Scuderia, and, if this speculative rendering from Luxury4Play has its way, a 458XX as well. If and when it does come along, we'd expect it to look something along these lines – which is to say, "tasty."

Source: autoblog.com

In 2010, the Ferrari F40 Reunion Group announced its intention to participate in the Concorso Italiano, in order to celebrate 20 years of the famed 3-liter stallion from Maranello.



Ferrari’s F40 was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ferrari and was described as a real racing car that can be driven on the road. Designed by Pinnfarina, the F40 has an enormous Plexiglas engine cover that can be lifted and exposes the 3-liter, twin turbocharged, V8 engine that produces 478 hp at 7,000 rpm while reaching speeds of 200 mph or more.

According to F40 owner and spokesman for the Reunion Group, Jas Dhillon, “our goal is to have well over forty F40’s on the fairways at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch this August 13th and we hope that fans and enthusiasts will plan to join us for this historic occasion.”

The sales success of the F40 allowed Ferrari to build 1,315 (depending on who you ask) models from 1987 to 1992, and due to the high production run of the cars their prices have not yet reached the stratosphere like other Ferrari’s. The Concorso Italiano is scheduled for August 13th 2010 and is part of the Monterey historic car week.



Source: examiner.com

MARANELLO, ITALY - December 3, 2009: The Ferrari 458 Italia has scooped two prestigious awards from BBC Top Gear Magazine, one of the world’s most influential automotive magazines. Not only did the British magazine nominate the 458 Italia “Supercar of the Year”, but also, for the very first time for Ferrari, the coveted title of “Car of the Year”. This brings Ferrari’s tally of consecutive Top Gear Magazine Awards to the astonishing figure of eight in seven years.

The Ferrari 458 Italia was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September to immediate critical acclaim. Following an extensive international media test drive programme in Maranello, the home of the fabled Prancing Horse, the car has been the subject of enthusiastic reviews, with its handling, roadholding, ride comfort and performance all being subject to the kind of superlatives rarely seen from the world’s leading journalists.

In electing the Ferrari 458 Italia as their “Supercar of the Year”, BBC Top Gear Magazine underlined how it has established “the new benchmark in getting from A to B as rapidly as possible.” They also described the 570-hp V8-engined berlinetta as “a game-changing car.”

When nominating the car for the overall top award as “Car of the Year”, BBC Top Gear Magazine described how it became “our winner because the scope of its abilities is absolutely breathtaking”, concluding that the Ferrari 458 Italia “isn’t just a worthy winner, it’s off the scale!”

Source: theautochannel.com

Ferrari has signed Formula 3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi to a long-term deal.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been given an undefined role within the team, but could become test and reserve driver following his maiden Formula 1 outing at Jerez this week.

"We are very happy to do this long-term deal, which was completed a short time ago," Bianchi's manager Nicolas Todt told AUTOSPORT.

"His role is undefined for the moment, but from now on, he will be at Ferrari's disposal. His first Ferrari drive is obviously at this young driver test."

Ferrari is yet to announce its test and reserve driver for 2010, although it has Giancarlo Fisichella, Luca Badoer and Marc Gene under contract in addition to its race drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.

"I am more than happy," said Bianchi, whose race programme next year will be in the GP2 Series with multiple champion team ART. "It is very difficult to explain how I feel, but it is something very special.

"I know this is the first step on a journey that could turn out very nicely, but I'm equally aware that there is still a long way to go to Formula 1."

Source: autosport.com

Michael Schumacher has refused to deny speculation linking him to a racing return with Mercedes GP next year.

Competing at a Brazilian kart event last weekend, the 40-year-old responded to questions about Formula One by saying: "Right now I am concentrating only on these kart races.

"Who knows? Anything can happen."

Schumacher also confirmed that the nect injury that prevented his return to F1 with Ferrari this year is now healed.

"I don't have any problems with my neck. It's 100 per cent," he said.

Source: autocar.co.uk

It's no secret that Ferrari is hard at work on a successor to the Enzo with Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa confirming a number of future models last month. But, at this early stage, that’s the only info Maranello is willing to give up leaving space for plenty of rumour and speculation.

Recent reports are stating that Ferrari’s new hero car, codenamed F70, will be built with a greater focus on weight loss rather than bigger power.

Taking inspiration from its 2007 concept car named Millechili (Italian for “1000kg”), Ferrari will be looking to make the new F70 significantly lighter than the Enzo at 1365kg.

A new, smaller tub, full carbon-fibre body panels and a spartan interior could help bring the new Ferrari’s kerb weight down to near Lotus Exige levels.

Ferrari reportedly wants to retain a 12-cylinder powerplant in its top car, but with Europe’s emissions laws tightening around it, the supercar company may have no choice but to downsize its engines.

Smaller, lighter and more efficient than the nearly eight-year-old Enzo, the F70 is likely powered by a 520kW twin-turbo V8 offering similar raw power to the legendary F40 - if Ferrari can overcome the issue of turbo lag.

Production of the F70 is expected to begin in 2012.

Source: carandsuv.co.nz

The new Ferrari 458 Italia has supermodel looks, but what’s it like to drive?



The Ferrari 458 Italia is the car tuned by seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.

The German, regarded by some as the greatest driver of all time, spent roughly 40 hours behind the wheel of the new Ferrari 458 Italia, feeding his unique insights to the engineers based on his considerable experience in car set-up.

That’s no guarantee of success for the latest supercar to wear the legendary Prancing Horse badge, but it’s not a bad start.

Neither is the first impression you get when you see the 458 in the flesh. It looks sensational – more stealth fighter than road car. It’s a cleaner design than the F430.

The big air intakes that dominated the flanks of the F430 have been replaced by more discreet vents on the car’s window sills and under the rear wings.

The vertical daytime running lights add another dash of theatre, while the cluster of three exhaust pipes at the rear looks like a jet’s afterburner.

Step inside and the Ferrari 458 Italia is equally impressive. Other manufacturers like to talk about a driver-oriented, cockpit-feel, but this car delivers. In fact, the passenger is almost cut out of the picture altogether.



There is no conventional centre stack. Instead, there are two screens either side of the giant tacho in the instrument panel. The one on the left has the read-out for the vehicle set-up and (too small) digital speedo, while the one on the right has the sat-nav and audio (there’s no CD player, instead you get a red Ferrari iPod and docking station).

The only buttons within easy reach of the passenger are the air-con controls and the three buttons on the centre console – the launch control, reverse gear selector and auto transmission setting.

In contrast, almost every system in the car is at the fingertips of the driver. There are no indicator stalks, the blinkers are activated by buttons on the steering wheel, as are the headlights and windscreen wipers. It seems a little odd at first, but works well. The driver can also select a softer suspension setting via another button on the wheel, while the trademark “Manettino” switch allows you to choose from five different set-ups.

The rest of the cabin is traditional leather-lined luxury, including supportive racing seats, with great side and thigh support.

Start the Ferrari 458 Italia up, blip the throttle and the intoxicating sound of a thoroughbred V8 fills the cabin.

The Italia’s 425kW V8 sounds surprisingly tame and refined when you’re driving sedately around town. But as with most sports cars these days, the Ferrari has an exhaust bypass flap that opens up as the revs rise. The harder you push the 458, the better it sounds, all the way to an ear-splitting 9000rpm.



But the noise is only a small part of the fun. The acceleration is mind-boggling. Ferrari says the 458 reaches 100km/h in 3.4secs and 200km/h in 10.4secs. After a day driving the car on the track and the open road, we found no reason to doubt those figures.

Some of the credit for the blistering acceleration goes to the Ferrari’s seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The maker decided not to develop a manual transmission for the 458 because it says the dual-clutch delivers noticeably better performance while using less fuel.

The shifts in the Ferrari 458 Italia are razor-sharp and intuitive, with the car downshifting automatically each time you hit the awesome ceramic brakes. Each downshift is accompanied by a wonderful-sounding blip of the throttle, whether you change gears by the paddleshifts or let the 458 do it for you. The car also gargles and spits when you come off the throttle.

A flick of the Manettino really transforms the car from luxury grand tourer to race-car. The Manettino adjusts the car’s suspension, throttle sensitivity, gear shift patterns, brake feel and suspension settings. It also adjusts the sensitivity of the various driver aids, including the traction control, stability control and electronic diff, which distributes torque between the rear wheels to increase drive out of corners.

The suspension and steering are the final pieces in the jigsaw and neither disappoints. As always, we’ll reserve judgment on the ride until we get the car on local roads, but it was impressively well-controlled and comfortable on patchy road surfaces. The strangely named “bumpy road” setting also works well. It’s only available on the sportier settings and it’s designed to improve the tyres contact with the road on rough surfaces.

The setting softens the dampers so the car is less prone to skip about over corrugations.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s grip was phenomenal, even when driven enthusiastically on wet roads, while body roll was hardly noticeable through corners. The car’s exceptional handling encourages you to push harder at each corner, while the steering is incredibly sharp and direct, adding to the overall feeling of supreme surefootedness.

It may be hideously expensive and unashamedly politically incorrect, but the Ferrari 458 Italia is one truly impressive machine.

Source: smh.com.au

SAO PAULO (AP) — Michael Schumacher says he has fully healed from his neck injury and indicated that he has not ruled out a return to Formula One next season.

Schumacher made the comments in Brazil, where he competed in a charity karting race hosted by former Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa.

When asked by local reporters whether he would be back in F1 in 2010, the German told the Terra Web site and other media: "Who knows?"

Schumacher said Sunday he has recovered from the neck injury that kept him from attempting a temporary comeback with Ferrari earlier this year.

Source: usatoday.com

It seems that Ferrari wants to return at the hypercars table and according to the international press it’s preparing the Ferrari F70, a model that competes with Lamborghini Reventon or even Veyron.

There are already 5 years since Ferrari Enzo left the supercars stage and Ferrari is kind of back footed on this market. But Scuderia is not wasting time and it’s preparing the next road and circuit rocket, called Ferrari F70, according to Autoexpress. The Brits say that this supercar will be the spiritual successor of Ferrari F40. The car will use turbo, just like his grandfather that broke some hearts back in 1987 when he first popped out. Rumor has it the this model will feature a Twin-Turbo V8 engine that develops over 650 HP.



You will say that the F70 stands no chance in front of the Veyron or Reventon with that kind of power under the hood, but the Brits also say that this car will underpin the Ferrari Millechili

concept (the one shown in the picture), which, you’ve guessed has exactly 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs). So, Scuderia wants to build a car with the same powerhorse as Enzo, but 40% lighter, which will, of course, be more sporty, but also more restrained when talking about CO2 emissions. For all these, it is expected that the carbon fiber and the aluminium will be the main ingredient. In the same time, we are sure that, in this project, a lot of Formula 1 technology will be involved. The goal is to make a supercar that will hit 60 mph somewhere around the psychological 3 second margin.

Just like the Enzo, it is said that Ferrari F70 will be limited to 399 pieces, meaning it will be very hunted among the wealthy car enthusiasts, so it the price comes to confirm this, over €700,000 (that’s about $1,000,000). It is rumored that this car will hit the market in 2012.

Source: mibz.com

AS THE DUST settles around the Fiat and Chrysler alliance and the recently revealed plans for the US carmaker’s future, rumours that Ferrari will play a role in the development of the next generation Viper have begun to surface.



Dodge brand chief Ralph Gilles confirmed this week that while the next generation Viper may benefit from Maranello’s knowledge and experience, no platforms of technology will be shared between the two.

Gilles added fuel to the fire earlier this week when, in a statement following a record Laguna Seca lap by the Dodge Viper ACR, he said “When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports-car makers in the world, the future opportunities are huge.”

In a later talk with US magazine Auto Week, Gilles qualified Dodge’s position.

“They really know sports cars. We just want some advice,” Gilles said. “Ferrari is Ferrari, Viper is Viper. Please don’t go there.”

The current generation Viper is due to be retired around the middle of next year, and a replacement is not expected until later in 2012.

Source: themotorreport.com.au

Sensational new Ferrari is ready to blow Bugatti away with advanced chassis and powerful yet efficient twin-turbo V8...



It’s being hailed as the ultimate, most advanced road car Ferrari has ever made. Aiming to leave exotic rivals including the Lamborghini Reventón and Bugatti Veyron trailing, the ferocious flagship will break from the norm in more ways than one. And our stunning illustrations show how such a model could look.

It will be not only quicker and more focused than the Enzo, but smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, too. In addition, the latest rumours suggest a twin-turbo V8 will provide the power. It will be the first use of turbos in a production Ferrari since the 1987 F40, making this the spiritual successor to that definitive hypercar.

Internally codenamed the F70, the newcomer will use knowledge gathered from the FXX scheme. This invited customers to buy a pumped-up and stripped-out version of the Enzo for £1.5million, but allowed them to drive their purchases only on approved track days. Afterwards, they briefed Ferrari on possible improvements.

The philosophy behind this new downsized and lightweight hypercar is derived from 2007’s Millechilli concept. Although little more than a fibreglass model, it demonstrated Ferrari’s aim to increase the performance of future models by shedding weight, not by hiking power. Millechilli means 1,000kg in Italian. It’s an ambitious target for the F70’s kerbweight – a full 365kg less than the Enzo – but Ferrari is ready to apply every weight-saving measure possible.

Rival McLaren is leading the way in lightweight construction, with an F1-style carbon fibre tub forming the basis of its MP4-12C supercar, so Ferrari wants to regain the initiative in this area. An overhauled and shrunken tub, carbon fibre body panels – plus carbon-ceramic brakes and a no-frills cabin – should keep weight to a minimum. Ferrari already heads efforts to reduce CO2, having slashed output by 10 per cent in 2009. It promises further cuts from its current 387g/km average by 2012.

But reducing body mass alone won’t be enough to achieve this. To slash CO2 significantly, the engine also needs an advanced design. The Enzo’s V12 will make way for a new direct-injection twin-turbo V8 – the same layout as in the legendary F40. Output is likely to be on a par with the Enzo’s 660bhp, but that lower weight should put performance on another level. Expect a three-second 0-60mph time and top speed in excess of 230mph.

A twin-turbo V6 is also under consideration, to replace the 458 Italia and California’s V8s. Yet before either unit is signed off, engineers are keen to eliminate turbo lag. The F40 was famous for the delay between throttle inputs and the arrival of a savage wave of torque. But Ferrari claims it won’t resort to turbos again until it’s perfected the technology to give the instant response for which its naturally aspirated cars are renowned.

One option is electric or hybrid chargers. These use a small electric motor to spool the turbos up to operating speeds much faster than in a normal set-up, where exhaust gas has to be recirculated. The result is a virtual elimination of turbo lag and a linear power delivery that will be familiar to owners of current Ferraris.



Just like the Enzo, the F70 will be strictly limited to a production run of 399 examples, adhering to Ferrari’s philosophy of always building one less car than you think you can sell. But not just anyone will be able to put their name on the waiting list. Buyers will need to be personally invited by Ferrari to stump up the expected million (£600,000) asking price when the car goes on sale in 2012.

Source: autoexpress.co.uk

For a long time, car doors have been pretty well standardized. Sure, some exotic manufacturers like Lamborghini, Delorean and Mercedes have introduced scissor and gullwing style openings, but for the most part car doors open exactly as you’d expect them to.

But Ferrari’s rethinking the whole door idea. As filed in this patent, the new idea incorporated the door with the front fender, placing the forward hinge just ahead of the front tire’s centerline. With the upper hinge placed atop the corner of the windshield race-car style, the door opens in a butterfly fashion similar to a Le Mans prototype. But, incorporating the fender gives a huge opening, with Ferrari engineers citing a large enough opening that passengers can place their foot directly behind the front wheel.

Source: carguideweb.com

Remember the P4/5 Competizione project that Glickenhaus had in the works? We can now confirm that the project is happening. It looks likely that the team will be aiming to be at the 2010 Nurburgring 24hr race with the new car.

Not much is known for now apart from the fact that this new P4/5 will share it’s underpinnings with one of the Ferrari V8 models rather than the V12 Enzo that the original car was based on. We’ll probably get to know more about the car as the project progreses but for now it’s in it’s very early stages.

Source: gtspirit.com

You have got the Ferrari hat , the watch and now you can have the Ferrari branded guitar. Slick it is with carbon fiber galore, a red Maranello interior , accentuated red A string and Ferrari Scuderia emblems. Something tells us these guitars will end up on walls and not in the hands of talented rockers. Getting one will be tough though...

The first run of these guitars is already sold out. So look to Ebay or the next round.

Pricing starts at $1500.

Key Features:

Exceptional Carbon Fiber strength and environmental stability
Hollow neck with Stereo Sound Port® in head of the guitar
Asymmetric Acoustic Design® with off-set sound-hole
Ultralight for enhanced sound, comfort and balance
Full scale length (24.5")
3D sculpted back for improved ergonomics, playability & durability
Optional electronics for amazing amplified tone

Source: luxvelocity.typepad.com

MARANELLO, ITALY - November 24, 2009: The first Ferrari Store in Greece was inaugurated today in the very heart of Athens, in Kolokotroni Street. A special selection of Ferraris, displayed in front of the store, framed the ribbon cutting ceremony, with Massimiliano Ferrari, Ferrari Licencing and Retail Director, Theodore N. Charagionis, Charagionis Group Executive Chairman, and Giancarlo Fisichella, Ferrari driver, who officially inaugurated the store, then signed the counter and greeted the fans.

Located in an historic building of the city, the around 300 square metre Ferrari Store is spread over two floors, with six windows providing a fascinating view of the Ferrari experience already from the street. Developed entirely by the Studio Iosa Ghini, its concept sees it as much as a homage to the history and spirit of Ferrari’s twin souls of racing and luxury as a straightforward store. A replica of the Formula 1 single-seater welcomes visitors as they enter, while a pit-lane traced on the ground accompanies them into the shop and leads them to the various areas into which it is divided. Each area has thus been carefully designed as a special, one-off space in which shoppers can truly embrace the Ferrari experience. It will offer a wide selection of products from the Prancing Horse ranges for GT owners and enthusiasts, and Ferrari fans.

The Athens Ferrari Store joins the other prestige Prancing Horse retail locations around the world, including those in Milan, Rome and Venice (Italy), London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), San Francisco and Miami (USA), Macao (China) and Dubai (UAE), the largest in the world, inaugurated this month. Ferrari Store Athens will be managed by the Charagionis Group, specialized in the investment, development and management of retail, shopping and leisure centres as well as in the expansion of retail activities. The Ferrari Store development programme includes plans to bring the number of openings to more than 50 over the next two years in Europe, America, and the Middle and Far East.

Source: theautochannel.com

Despite all the denials that have been made this past week, Eddie Jordan is adamant Michael Schumacher will be with Mercedes GP next season.

Last week, rumours of Schumacher's pending came to the fore with Jordan stating that it's just a matter of time after he saw the German talking to Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn as well as members of Daimler.

The rumours were subsequently down played by both Mercedes and Schumacher's spokesperson, although neither said it was a definite 'no.'

Jordan, though, is adamant it will happen, even going as far as to say that Schumacher was due to meet with Ferrari to discuss being released from his consultancy contract.

"I believe it is going to happen. It started with a meeting between Michael, Ross Brawn and Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche at the Abu Dhabi GP," the former F1 team boss told The Sun.

"At the moment, Michael cannot drive for Mercedes because he has a consultancy contract with Ferrari.

"But I understand he was due to meet Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo with a view to being released. Michael likes the idea of driving a Mercedes run by Ross. It's a mouth-watering idea."

Source: planet-f1.com

A NUMBER of Ferrari's overseas markets are turning positive, particularly the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, including China, which despite a recent heavy tax on luxury goods is showing a positive sales trend.



The Italian supercar manufacturer revealed this last month when it announced its financial results for the first nine months of 2009.

The onset of the global economic slump over a year ago caused high-end carmakers' sales to decelerate by as much as 40 per cent.

Ferrari was not spared by the credit crunch either but the prancing horse said that nonetheless it managed to increase market share in all of the countries where it is present.

It ended the third quarter of 2009 with revenues of 396 million euros (S$817 million) - down 12 per cent from the 450 million euros in the same period last year - and 1,454 cars delivered to clients in Q3, down 4.3 per cent.

For the first nine months of 2009, Ferrari's revenues totalled 1.28 billion euros, down 9.3 per cent from 1.42 billion euros in the same period in 2008.

Year-to-date deliveries came up to 4,680 cars, or down 6.9 per cent, while trading profit was 176 million euros, down 27.6 per cent from 243 million euros in the same period last year.

To put the results in perspective, the company pointed out that 2008 was the most economically successful year in Ferrari's entire history.

Source: motoring.asiaone.com

Ferrari recently showed off its new Laboratorio Technologico 599XX experimental car based on the regular 599 GTB Fiorano, and while we all wished the wild concept would eventually go into production, the chances of that happening are next to nil except maybe for a few lucky people enlisted as Ferrari client test drivers.



However, a tamer version of the car, while still aimed at well-heeled track enthusiasts, could eventually be launched--and be actually road-legal.

Similar in theory to the F430 Scuderia and the 360 Challenge Stradale before that, a hardcore version of the 599 GTB could get an uprated V-12 engine, several weight-saving modifications and a host of aerodynamic aids.

Later reports indicate that such a car is in the works and could even go by the name 599 GTO in honor of the legendary 250 GTO from the 1960s. The 599’s venerable 6.0-liter V-12 is expected to be pumped up to between 680 and 700 horsepower, and this is to be accompanied by an extensive weight-saving program shedding up to 150 pounds from the car’s kerb weight.



Visually, the car will look similar to the Laboratorio Technologico 599XX pictured about but not quite as extreme. Some of the aerodynamic aids from the concept car, such as the new winglets on the rear buttresses and F1-derived ‘doughnuts’ covering the wheels, could carry over into production, however.

Production will almost certainly be limited, with numbers likely to hover around the 500 mark, and the most likely reveal date will be the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next March.

Source: motorauthority.com

HELSINKI - Outgoing Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen will take next season off from Formula One as he could not get a deal with McLaren, his manager Steve Robertson was quoted as saying in the Finnish media.

"The choices in Formula One for the next season were McLaren or nothing. Kimi and McLaren could not reach an agreement so he will not drive on Formula One level for at least next season," Robertson said in an interview with the Turun Sanomat newspaper.

He said they were not negotiating with other Formula One teams and added that the 29-year-old Finn will now concentrate on other areas and could be compete in some rally next season.

Robertson did not rule out Raikkonen returning to Formula One after a year off if a suitable team was found.

"Kimi is still full of the will to drive. A gap year will not mean anything in that respect. It means more that we can find a place for Kimi where he can compete to win and (compete) for the world championship," he said.

Ferrari decided to part company with Raikkonen in September and Fernando Alonso will take his position.

But Robertson insisted that Raikkonen, who won the world championship for Ferrari in 2007, remained one of the best drivers in the world.

Source: inquirer.net

Reports are suggesting that record-breaking multiple world champion Michael Schumacher is to relinquish his F1 duties at Ferrari - possibly, it has been speculated, for one final fling with the newly-renamed Mercedes Grand Prix.

According to reports in the media, Michael Schumacher's recently-renewed contract with Ferrari may not include any F1 duties – leading to wild speculation that the legendary record-breaking multiple world champion could be the 'surprise' to whom Norbert Haug refers in the new Mercedes Grand Prix driver line-up.

Spanish newspaper Diario AS claims that the new deal Schumacher inked with Ferrari back in September – due to run until the end of 2012 – will focus primarily on the Scuderia's road car development, with the German relinquishing his advisory role on the F1 side.

That, allied to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President Haug's enigmatic declaration that there could be some 'surprises' in the driver line-up of the newly-rebranded Mercedes Grand Prix outfit in 2010 – what was in 2009 Brawn GP – has prompted some to wonder whether Schumacher could be the mystery driver to join ex-Williams F1 ace Nico Rosberg in an all-German, Silver Arrows 'super team' next year.

Though now into his fifth decade and with nothing left to prove, the man from Kerpen has repeatedly admitted that his test outing ahead of his ultimately abortive comeback in-place of the injured Felipe Massa earlier in the summer has whetted his appetite for a return to active competition after three years out of the cockpit.

With Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's desire for third cars to be legalised in 2010 looking unlikely in the extreme – and with Schumacher having effectively sprung to prominence with Mercedes in sportscars back at the turn of the 1990s – is there time for one last chapter to be written in the incredible career of the seven-time F1 World Champion, with a return full circle from Maranello to Stuttgart for one final fling..?

Source: crash.net

Ferrari has granted Valentino Rossi's wish by offering the MotoGP rider another Formula One test.

After successfully defending his latest two-wheeled title last month, the 30-year-old asked Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali for a favour.

"I have already asked Domenicali via text if I can have another test," he said.

Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Ferrari's answer was 'yes', and that the test will take place in January.

Source: motorsport.com

LONDON (Reuters) - Twice Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso made his first public appearance with his new Ferrari team at an event in Valencia, Spain on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who begins a three-year deal with the Italian team in January when his Renault contract expires, appeared with new team mate Felipe Massa and president Luca di Montezemolo.

"It is a very important day to me, a very happy one, the first day I could enjoy all the atmosphere and all of what the Ferrari world means," the Spaniard, who finished ninth in this season's drivers' standings, said in a public address.

Massa, who finished 11th in a season ended by his horrific crash in Hungary last July, welcomed Alonso's arrival as Ferrari look to compete with new champion Jenson Button and BrawnGP.

He said: "It is already a great feeling to have the whole team together...I hope we are going to have the best team in 2010. The first impression was really good."

The 2010 season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.

Source: nytimes.com

It won't power appear in the new 458 Italia or even the FXX experimental car but a turbocharged engine might power one of the next-generation cars from Ferrari.

The Italian automaker has ruled out nothing in terms of technology as it works to keep high-performance a priority while accommodating strict emissions rules, and turbocharging is one such technology that has been successful in the past.

The only problem is turbo-lag, according to Ferrari engine developer Jean-Jacques His.

Speaking with Autocar, he said: “Turbocharging will come eventually, but we need to solve the issue of turbo lag.” He went on to explain that a delay of any sort before the power arrived was unacceptable for a Ferrari engine.

Earlier this year we saw leaked patent sketches of a V-8 powertrain with a twin-turbocharger arrangement. Rather than a large single turbo, the engine in the patent goes the BMW-route of two smaller turbochargers in order to reduce lag and provide an even power band.

Already the automaker has begun to employ some small technological tools to keep power up while reducing fuel consumption. The recently released California uses the company's first direct-injection engine, for example. Other developments include more dual-clutch transmission applications and an advanced hybrid all-wheel drive system.

Source: motorauthority.com

Ferrari will come out with its first hybrid system on the upcoming replacement for its 612 Scaglietti grand touring car. Britain's Autocar magazine quoted unnamed Ferrari sources confirming that the Italian exotic car company is working on a hybrid system that will see electric power going to the front wheels, giving the car all-wheel-drive capability. The system reportedly won't become available before 2014.

Although Ferrari has not officially confirmed the report on the magazine's site, Ferrari CEO Amadeo Felisa confirmed at the most recent Frankfurt Auto show that the first Ferrari hybrid was “likely to be” a V12 model.

Spy shots have since appeared suggesting that the 612's replacement will be the next all-new V12 car from the home of the Prancing Horse. The hybrid system would not be available at that car's launch, but debut closer to the 2015 model year, said the latest report, released last week.

The current 612 offers a massive 5.7-litre V12 engine driving the rear wheels, but this hybrid system would focus more on improving handling and acceleration than fuel economy, according to the company insiders.

But Ferrari is nevertheless interested in reducing fuel consumption and lowering the emissions produced by its products, even though they and exotic car fans in general have long maintained that the limited numbers of these cars sold and the relatively low mileage they accumulate account for a tiny blip in the overall carbon footprint of the global auto industry.

Felisa confirmed that Ferrari's new-for-2009 California hardtop convertible would receive a start-stop system in 2010, which automatically turns off the engine at red lights and restarts it instantly upon letting go of the brakes, which is the system that accounts for the majority of real world fuel savings in most gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

Ferrari is not the only Italian car maker going the planet-friendlier route, while still maintaining its focus on high horsepower performance. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann also admitted in August that the Volkswagen-controlled company will launch a hybrid model by 2015, likely in the Gallardo, he suggested to a German auto trade journal in August. Winkelmann said Lamborghini was not planning to go the all-electric route, which Mercedes-Benz will pioneer among supercars with its upcoming SLS eDrive, and which Lambo's sister company Audi has recently confirmed it will pursue with an all-electric version of its mid-engine R8.

Source: theglobeandmail.com

You may be jealous of the folks over in the UK who already have Acer’s Ferrari One laptop, but the good news is that the netbook should be hitting the US market in January, just 2 months away. It’ll feature AMD’s Athlon X2 L310 processor, featuring 2 cores at 1.2GHz, and also the ATI Radeon 3200 integrated graphics chip. It also features support for ATI’s XGP technology, where you can connect to an external graphics device, but it remains to be seen how well that’s implemented. Will this be the netbook that’s powerful enough to game?

Source: ubergizmo.com

Last week Ferrari held an auction for the unique Ferrari 599 China, which was won by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes).

The auction was the climax of the Gala dinner organized by Ferrari at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns.

The proceeds from this auction will fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua Universitys Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italys Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferraris headquarters.



Source: thecheckeredflag.co.uk

On Friday morning, just after 8am, Fernando Alonso arrived at the gates of the Ferrari factory in Maranello for his first meeting with the his new team, although still not as an official member due to his contractual commitments regarding image management, which still tie him to his previous team and sponsors.The first get-together was with Team Principal Stefano Domenicali, who then left him with the technicians, who started to work with the Spanish driver on the upcoming season's programme.

Between meetings connected to the new single-seater's project, Fernando visited the wind tunnel to see the model and work on the seating position in the cockpit, while the day ended just after 5pm.

Before leaving Ferrari headquarters, former double Champion Alonso was greeted by company President Luca di Montezemolo, who personally wanted to welcome the Oviedo man to Ferrari. Alonso also enjoyed a number of laps at the Fiorano race track in a Ferrari 458 Italia.

Source: gpupdate.net

If the giant logo doesn't give it away, the iconic red colour may.

This futuristic-looking building is Ferrari World. It's the world's largest indoor park and is set to open next year in Abu Dhabi.

It will boast the world's fastest roller-coaster and a G-force ride that catapults riders up 62 metres and back down. Just the sort of thrills you'd expect in a park built by a supercar maker.

The venture is also expected to be home to rides for children of all ages, including state-of-the-art racing simulators as used by the Ferrari racing team. There will be a ride showing the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine, a driving and racing school for junior drivers and a cinematic aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari.

The Italian company says the sleek roof was inspired by the double-curve profile of the Ferrari GT body. It carries the largest Ferrari logo ever – 65 metres by 48.5 metres. The park is on Yas Island – a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Two 458 Italia challenging each other on the Mugello circuit and in the Tuscan hills. Watch the official 458 Italia video directed by Alexander Paul.

It's here! The next Ferrari that every publication will be evaluating and pitting against every other supercar has arrived and its name is the 458 Italia. Called upon to replace the still very competent F430, the 458 carries on the traditional mid-engine V8 setup.

As expected, Maranello's latest creation is a hum-dinger of a sexy beast. And it's fast too. The new direct-injection 4.5L V8 (45 in 458 stands for 4.5L) generates a jaw-dropping 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The red line begins at 9,000 rpm. Keep in mind that the 599 GTB's 6.0L V12 puts out 611 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque with 50% more cylinders and an extra 33% of displacement.



Factor in 700 fewer pounds (320 kg) that the Fiorano and you have the fastest “normal” Ferrari ever! That's right folks! The Enzo trumps it by only 0.1 seconds in the sprint to 100 km/h. To clarify, I indicated normal in quotations as more than 399 (or 400 apparently) of them will be assembled.

So the 458 reaches 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds... Top speed? 202 mph (323 km/h)! We now know that the Italia is quick but did you know that this will be the first time that a production V8 Ferrari reaches and surpasses the 200 mph barrier? And people thought that the waiting list to get a 430 was long...

Helping Ferrari's new mid-ship V8 stallion achieve these fabulous numbers is the same seven-speed dual clutch gearbox that does duty in the recent California. As with its predecessor, the 458 is assembled on an aluminum structure that is instrumental in keeping weight down. As they say, the proof is in the pudding as the car tips the scales at only 3,042 pounds (1,323 kg.

The low kerb weight works in conjunction with reduced internal friction within the new V8 not to mention considerable aerodynamic drag improvements. This all translates into an appreciable fuel consumption average of 17.1 mpg (US) or 13.8 L/100 km. Remember that this is a high-powered supercar...On the styling front, Ferrari pooled all its latest greatest creations and used essence of Enzo, 430 and 599 to create this ultra-aggressive looking car that will surely leave no one indifferent. The most notable aspect of the new 458 are its headlights which are very narrow and tall.

The new specific output champion (127 hp per litre) complete with hard core aerodynamics and massive braking power (62 (100 km/h) to 0 in just 107 feet (32.6 metres)) will without a doubt be a highly sought after collectable the moment it becomes available.

Lastly, there have been talks about creating a hybrid version of the 458 but nothing is yet official. As far as prices are concerned, if you have to ask...

Source: hybridcarworld.blogspot.com

www.miniaturas.cl presents "My last purchase, an incredible Ferrari 250 GTO. A classic!!!"

With Honda, BMW and Toyota all having pulled out of Formula One within the space of a year, Ferrari believes that fault for the departures lies with governing body the FIA as opposed to the parent companies of the car manufacturers or the global credit crunch.

'Formula One continues to lose major players: in the past twelve months, Honda, BMW, Bridgestone and Toyota have announced they are leaving the sport,' a Ferrari statement reads. In exchange, so to speak, we will now have Manor, Lotus (at least in name only, as this incarnation has little to do with the team that gave us Colin Chapman, Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna to name but a few,) USF1 and Campos Meta. Can we claim that it's a case of like for like, just because the numbers sitting around the table are the same?

Hardly - and we must also wait and see just how many of them will really be there on the grid for the first race of next season in Bahrain and how many will still be there at the end of 2010.'

With governing body the FIA having stressed that costs must be addressed urgently and effectively, Ferrari holds the opinion that strained relations between the groups in question is a more likely cause for the F1 splits.

'The reality is that this gradual defection from the F1 fold has more to do with a war waged against the major car manufacturers by those who managed Formula One over the past few years, than the result of any economic crisis,' Ferrari's message continues, adding that - in comparison to an Agatha Christie novel - '…the guilty party was only uncovered when all the other characters dies, one after the other. Do we want to wait for this to happen or do we want to pen a different ending to the book on Formula One?'

Source: gpupdate