Ferrari Chairman to start 2009 Le Mans 60 years after first Ferrari win

Luca di Montezemolo discusses Ferrari at Le Mans -

This Saturday in France, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will be on hand to give the drivers the starting order for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Montezemolo's presence will help commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first win by a Ferrari at the French endurance classic. In 1949 Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon drove a 166 MM Barchetta to overall victory. Since then Ferrari entries have taken the overall checkered flag eight other times along with numerous class wins, including last year when Risi Competizione won GT2 in an F430. Ten of those F430s will be running this weekend.
That original 166 MM is currently on display at the museum in the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello. If you happen to be in Northern Italy, it's surely worth dropping by to check out the museum. There is a video of Montezemolo discussing Ferrari's Le Mans heritage

Toy Ferrari turned into exotic computing device

Ferrari F430 PC:

Autoblog readers, cars and computers converge on a daily basis, but never like this. At Computex, creative PC packaging company Kimpro displayed an Intel Atom-based netbook (for the tech-challenged, that's an inexpensive laptop) that hides within the plastic of a Ferrari F430 GT. We don't know much about the company that produced this object of processing perfection, but we're pretty sure we could live with one of these babies for blog duty.
The tech geeks at Engadget tell us that Atom-based computers are anything but sprightly, making the choice of a toy Ferrari chassis a dubious one at best. We don't care, though, because how many exotics have two USB ports, DVI out, and an internal DVD burner? We just hope that the processor managed to find a home nestled between the rear wheels. Hat tip to Sea Urchin

1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Ross brings in $12.1 million at auction

While the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CX2601 didn’t break any records this past weekend, another car did. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa brought in an eye-popping $12.1 million yesterday at an event at Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, Italy. This is the new world record for cars sold at an auction.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world - both in the room and on the telephone - competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

The 1957 Testa Rossa was just one of 22 produced form 1957 to 1958. An American collector, who raced in SCCA events, purchased the car.

The car that was auctioned off carried chassis no. 0714TR and came in fourth at the Buenos Aires 1,000-kilometer race in 1958.

The previous record for the most expensive car sold at an auction was held by a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold for $10.9 million last year.

Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599 HGTE

Although the world crisis deepends, at the next month’s Auto Show in Geneva, Ferrari will introduce their HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) for their 599 model. There aren’t many official details about it, but it’s expected to feature a new front grille, 20-inch three piece wheels and a new rear exhaust, while on the inside you should expect more carbon fiber trim and new sports seats. We can’t vouch that you’ll afford it, but with a standard V12 engine that outputs 620 hp (608 Nm of torque) that takes it naught to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds you should consider it. Of course if you can afford an estimated £17k ($25k US) price increase over the 599 GTB - which we are not sold on. [via autoblog]

* Image: Ferrari 599 GTB One to One

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)

You can download wallpaper gallery with 14 wallpapers of thi beautiful Ferrari.WALLPAPER DOWNLAOD.

Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello

in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.
The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th Constructor's World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.
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From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the Ferrari F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.
Technical Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc
Maximum power: 375.4 kW (510 hp) @ 8500 rpm
Maximum torque: 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) @ 5250 rpm
Max engine speed: 8640 rpm (at limiter)
Compression ratio: 11.9:1
Bore and Stroke: 92 mm X 81 mm
Specific power output: 118.4 hp/litre
Transmission
Six-speed plus Reverse F1 gearbox
Dry dual clutch
Electronic differential E-diff + F1-Trac
Oil gearbox lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger
Performance
0-100 km/h: 3.7 s
Top speed: 315 kph
Drive weight/power: 2.6 kg/hp
Fuel consumption
Combined: 15.7 l/100 km (ECE)
Emissions
CO2 emissions: 360 g/km (combined ECE)
Chassis and bodywork
Dimensions
Length: 4512 mm
Width: 1923 mm
Height: 1216 mm
Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Front track: 1669 mm
Rear track: 1616 mm
Dry weight: 1340 kg
Kerb weight: 1440 kg
Weight distribution: 43% front, 57% rear
Fuel tank capacity: 95 litres
Independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbone suspensions, titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shocks
Brakes
Front: 398 mm x 36 mm carbon-ceramic material disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
Back: 350 mm x 34 mm carbon-ceramic material disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
19" five-spoke split rims front and rear
Tyres: 235/35 front and 285/35 rear; Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa only
Electronic control systems
CST Stability and Traction Control System
Steering wheel-mounted manettino with five settings to integrate the F1 gearbox, CST and F1-Trac (Stability and Traction Control System), suspension control.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Novitec Rosso Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

How do you even attempt to improve the Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider 16M? Well, looks easy for Novitec by adding a supercharger, hydraulic coil-over suspension, 20 inch NF3 wheels with Pirelli Tires and black tail lights. There you have it, 696hp, suspension that raises and lowers the car at the touch of a button and the looks that could literally kill!

Novitec fitted twin superchargers to the already tuned to the max Ferrari V8 engine upping horsepower by 186hp from the factory model. You could guess that the 0-60 time would only get better from the factory spec of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. The wheels are (Novitec Rosso) NF3 20×8.5 inch in the front and 20×12 inch in the rear. That’s a lot of Pirelli meat wrapped around those forged custom painted wheels that fit this modded Italian horse very well.

Ferrari F430 Crashed at Nicholas Cage’s Newest Movie Set - Video

A Ferrari F430 was wrecked on the set of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, Nicholas Cage’s newest movie. In the event, two pedestrians were injured. We know many of Nicholas Cage’s movies are known for having fast cars in them and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is yet another one. Luckily, Cage was not in this car during the accident. Wonder if the stunt driver had traction control on at the time of the accident?

Ferrari F430 carbon wheel package by Miami’s 360 Forged

The number of high-end performance tuning coming out of Florida appears to have no bound, with Miami’s 360 Forged being the latest to join a growing list that includes the likes Renntech and Mosler Automotive just to name a few. Unlike some of the more established firms, 360 Forged is focused on the design and manufacture of low-volume wheel packages. Its latest kit is the Straight 5ive Carbon 20in wheels designed for the Ferrari F430 supercar. The wheels measure 8.5in across up front and up to 13in across in the rear and have had been in development for almost two years.

Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren ? in one

An ambitious modifier inspired by the designs of the Lamborghini Reventon, Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1 has created this ? the unique Predator Xtreme.

Photographed in California, the Predator Xtreme features a front similar to the Enzo ? Ferrari?s most extreme and expensive production car ever ? with an F1-inspired nose.
The air vents sit beneath the headlights and resemble those first seen on the Lamborghini Reventon hypercar, but which have now been used on the Gallardo LP560-4.

IDING Power Ferrari F460GT conversion

With more power and even more aggressive aerodynamics than the factory-built 430 Scuderia, IDING Power's new F460GT offers a new take on a super-performing F430 variant. Boring out the engine and replacing stock parts with carbon fiber are the primary modes of improvement. As the name suggests, the F460GT increases upon the standard 4.3L displacement of the F430's V8 engine by 0.3L bringing it to 4.6L. That increase in size along with the inclusion of some bolt-on parts brings power up to 508hp (379kW) and 353lb-ft (479Nm) of torque.
IDING Power Ferrari F460GT Conversion

Acer unveils Ferrari 1200 notebook

The somewhat odd tie-up between laptops and supercars has taken another step forward with Acer's latest Ferrari edition laptop, the 1200. This time around the package is a 12.1in ultraportable with impressive specs for such a small computer. Released in the UK, the 1200 features a 12.1in 'CrystalBrite' LCD screen, 4GB of RAM, an AMD Turion X2 dual-core processor and ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics. Branding comes by way of a smattering of Ferrari badges, while the carbon fiber cover evokes the feel of Ferrari's racier efforts.

McLaren Targets Ferrari - On the Road

A New Supercar Company -- and a New Supercar -- is Coming to America in 2011

The on-track rivalry between the Ferrari and McLaren Formula 1 teams has been one of the most intense and hard fought in the history of grand prix racing. Now McLaren wants to take that battle to the streets. If surprise plans announced by McLaren Group chairman Ron Dennis today come to fruition, within five years McLaren Automotive, the division of the Group that currently builds the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, will be a stand alone company building up to 4000 high-performance sports car a year.

Ferrari Readies F430 Successor

Lighter, More Powerful, Faster, More Efficient

Time is closing in on the Ferrari 430. The Scuderia and 16M Spider versions will maintain sales at a good level for a year or so. But this fall, the all-new 430 successor, already testing extensively, will be shown. Innovations will include a double-clutch transmission to replace the F1 system, and a direct gasoline injection engine. The V-8 engine will make significantly more than 500 horsepower, though we can't confirm its exact size.

2010 Ferrari F450 - Spied

Some manufacturers play spy shooters like fiddles (Chevy comes to mind, with its Camaro striptease). But Ferraris are tough to find, even for the best. But we’ll take what we can get when it comes to prancing horses, so thank you, Brenda, for nabbing this prototype of the upcoming Ferrari F430 replacement (likely dubbed F450, but F500 could be a possibility), even if it’s missing a few pieces.

Seen here as a coupe, this newest Ferrari looks promising, with sleek, windswept bodysides and a Lotus Evora–like tapering greenhouse, imparting a look that resembles the back half of an Enzo merged with the front of an F430, only with more elegance than both. What we can’t see are the fascias, which we hope will be more attractive than those of the new, bubble-butted Ferrari California and with more sensuous curvature than even the F430. The rear lights shoot off the deck even higher than before, and the vertical headlamps are longer and sexier than ever. In any case, it is pretty clear that Ferrari’s newest bread-butterer will take on a very exotic, more low-slung posture than even the F430, making us salivate at the prospect of tossing it around a track.

Keep Reading: 2010 Ferrari F450 - Spied

2010 Ferrari F500 - Car News

What it is: An updated F430 with a larger, more powerful engine (hence the name change), a restyled body with larger air intakes in front and aft of the B-pillars, and a new dashboard that can now house a navigation system.

Platform: The aluminum structure of the F430 remains, as does the basic chassis. No weight gain is expected.

Powertrain: The F430’s V-8 engine grows to 5.0 liters and gains direct fuel injection. Output rises to more than 550 horses. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be optional.

Keep Reading: 2010 Ferrari F500 - Car News

2010 Maserati GranTurismo Spider - Car News

WHAT: A cloth-top version of the excellent, decadent, and distinctly Italian 405-hp Maserati GranTurismo.

WHY: Maserati’s competition offers tops that go down; to stay cool, the Italians had to follow suit.

WHO: Mercedes-Benz SL550/SL600, Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster, Jaguar XKR convertible, Ferrari F430/F500 Spider, BMW M6 convertible.

Keep Reading: 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Spider - Car News

2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia - Video

We're back from terrorizing narrow Italian roads with the lighter, more powerful Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

Keep Reading: 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia - Video

Supercar Weekend Images - ExoticsandLuxury.com Exclusive

ExoticsandLuxury.com set out over the weekend to attend the Supercar Weekend auto show in sunny Palm Beach, Florida. As mentioned in the article by David at Exotics & Luxury it was full of speeding blurs that resembled red ponies and yellow bulls. Where else could you see so many exotics in one place? Maybe a few, but not like this.

Some of the special attendees included the likings of Matt Farah from Garage 419, Anthony Carbone and Vinay Menone of MadWhips and Carzi.

You will have to jump over to ExoticsandLuxury.com to view the plethora of images captured at this one-of-a-kind Supercar show including images of the Sharpie Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430 w/ 360 Forged Carbon rims that we posted previously.

 

Rare Ferrari 250 TR expected to break records at RM's Maranello auction

With its stunning pontoon-fendered bodywork sculpted by Scaglietti, the Ferrari 250 TR is not only one of the most beautiful cars ever built, it was one of the most competitive as well. Ferrari captured ten victories in nineteen races from 1958 to 1961, including a class win at Le Mans with Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien.
It's rare to see one offered for sale, and it is a guarantee that a massive sum of money will exchange hands when one comes on the market. Those high-end car collectors who remain unaffected by economic woes will have the chance to part with such funds this coming May when a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis #0714TR, crosses the block at RM Auctions' Ferrari Leggenda E Passione sale in Maranello. This particular example was campaigned extensively from 1958 to 1963 and is painted in its period-correct black paint with a red nose. RM expects the 250 TR to set a new world record for a car sold at auction, potentially exceeding the $21.7 million it took to buy a 250 GTO last year. More details on the sale in the press release from RM after the break.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Cavallino Classic Ferrari Track Day in Palm Beach, FL

The Cavallino Classic Ferrari Track Day in Palm Beach, FL is a big hit among gear heads and those with the exquisite taste for Italian. Not Italian food, but a certain raw Italian horse.

I guess you could eat a horse but for some reason I don’t think you will be welcomed in the presence of many. Speaking of the presence of horses, you have to check out the video below of Garage 419’s very own Matt Farah basking in the glow of some of the most beautiful vehicles on this planet. That would be new and classic Ferrari’s at the Cavallino Classic Ferrari Track Day in Palm Beach, FL.

South Florida knows how to showcase exotics on a completely different level such as the recent Naples Ferrari Car Show on 5th Avenue mentioned on Exotics and Luxury’s website.

I will quote Ferris Bueller as Matt did in the video checking out the Ferrari 250 GT California: “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”! Truly Classic!

Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE coming to Geneva

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week, Ferrari will hold two world premiers both having to do with its 599 GTB Fiorano.

The first will be the dynamic Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It supposedly provides sharper handling and other improvements that Ferrari will offer more details about in Geneva next week.

The second will be the world debut of the Ferrari 599XX which it says is a “technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients.” Technologies for the 599XX have been influenced by Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research teams. Ferrari says that “many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.”

We’re not sure if the 599XX will be a road-legal or a track car or what exactly Ferrari means by “a select group of clients” - but we’ll tell you when we find out more details next week.

Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE To Be Showcased at Geneva Motor Show

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show next week will lack a few manufacturers but have some stunning introductions including a few from Ferrari. Ferrari will be taking the wraps off of the Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE. If the 599XX reminds you of the FXX name then you may be onto something. The 599XX will be a tricked-out version of the Ferrari 599 GTB incorporating some of the latest technologies and engineering that Ferrari has to offer.

Some of the tricks may be those used on the race track and on street cars but it will be something fresh and new. Although I cannot agree that the 599 is a looker when you compare it to other Ferraris or even it’s cousin, the Maserati. Below is a sneak preview image from Ferrari. Will you be a fan of the Ferrari 599XX or Ferrari GTB HGTE? If so then you probably won’t be able to get one unless you have owned several other Ferraris. Remember the program that Ferrari had if you wanted to purchase an Enzo? Yea, Ferrari says NO unless you are truly “loyal” and you have to have a few of these Italian horses in your garage already to even be considered to be put on the list for a 599XX.

Marcello Felipe_ 2009 Renault New Alpine Concept Design

Brazilian design student Marcello Felipe Maggioni brings us this rendering of a Renault sports car. The design pays homage to the 1987 Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo, a car that in turn had inspired Marcello himself to be a car designer.

The four front headlights are highlighted by the use of two LED light strips above each pair on either side. Rear lights also feature LED technology but with an added 3D effect. The engine is a Renault F1 powerplant modified for road usage. It's there for all to see under a large glass cover just behind the two seats.

Marcello is studying a course called Design of Mobility - Transportation Design, at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado in São Paulo, Brazil. Perhaps the day when Renault builds its awaited Alpine sports car, a design similar to his one will emerge.

Several characteristics were taken from the original Alpine GTA in order that a sort of lineage was maintained such that if a modern version of the car were built its history and heritage would be obvious to the eye. A few of these exterior design characteristics include large headlights that droop very low on the front grille. The flowing swoosh behind the C pillar has been retained but changed to suit a more futuristic look. It also serves the purpose of being an air inlet for the engine.

Which Automotive Era Do You Wish You Grew Up In?

We can't choose when or where we're born. You could be an Earnhardt in the 1990s or a Daimler in the 1920s. Given the choice, which automotive era do you wish you grew up in?

If we were totally ironic, we'd go with the Malaise Era. But we're only feeling partially ironic today so we're not. We were thinking maybe the El Camino era of the 1960s and 70s but this is perhaps too easy. Given free range to pick a time and a place we'd definitely get dropped in the international rallying days of the early 1950s and race classic Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and Maseratis against the likes of Sterling Moss, Dan Gurney and Juan Miguel Fangio. Racing in events like the Targa Florio where it was just man, machine and a confusing set of poorly-lit roads is the kind of thrill you can't get today.

Carbon Fiber Wheels by 360 Forged

Many thanks to my friend Zach over at Exotics And Luxury who just brought these new Carbon Fiber Wheels by 360 Forged to my attention! They definitely look super awesome and probably cost blue label top shelf dollars. After checking out the brochure, I must conclude that these are not TRUE carbon fiber wheels.

Although the center piece appears to be full carbon fiber, the brochure says the wheels are 3 piece forged T6 aluminum. So while the look and weight savings is definitely there, under that carbon fiber 5 spoke is most likely aluminum. Like I explained in my earlier post (Carbon Fiber Wheels - Not the Ultimate Performance Wheel Material) which examines the science of why you will most likely never see full 100% carbon fiber wheels, these are purely for show and their structural integrity still needs to rely on the 3 piece aluminum frame.

Ferrari analyse difficult F60 debut

Following the "difficult" track debut of the F60 on Monday, Ferrari decamped to the engineering transporters on Tuesday to analyse the birth of its new 2009 single seater.

Ferrari F430 w/ 360 Forged Carbon Wheels In Action - Video

As a follow-up to our previous post on the “All Carbon Fibered Out – Ferrari F430 on 360 Forged Carbon Fiber Wheels“ we have a video showing this astounding vehicle on the road spinning all 4 360 Forged Carbon Fiber styled wheels. Down in Miami, FL they like to do it big and this Ferrari F430 does just that. Not many cars look as nice standing still as they do in motion. Enjoy the video below after the jump.

Ferrari SUV Rendered Pictures

At first the automotive collective balked at the idea of a Porsche SUV, and Porsche delivered what I think is a beautiful extension of their brand with the Porsche Cayenne. We then heard rumours that Porsche was developing a 4 door sedan and just like the wind they blew in the sexy new Porsche Panamera!

Will Ferrari have the same SUV and Ferrari 4 Door Sedan additions coming to their future lineup? Living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; a somewhat northern part of the world that sees a good share of snow during December-April, I would love to see Ferrari SUV’s cruising through slush and snow storms!! Here are 2 rendered Ferrari SUV Pictures that have recently surfaced. What do you think?

BMW X5 M hidding behind the Ferrari F142

Yup, talk about luck….you’re spying on the new V8 Ferrari 142 and you get lucky by capturing the upcoming BMW X5 M in the same photo. Yes yes, we know, the photo it’s far from being clear or more revealing than the previous ones we’ve seen, but we thought we’ll entertain you a bit.

Would we dare even compare these two cars? Nah, not so courageous today (or just not in the mood for criticism) but if you feel like telling us which one would you choose, go for it. Let’s see that BMW love how car it can go.

So what’s new with the BMW X5 M? Well, we know it’s coming in about eleven days, maybe a day sooner if the usual leaks come out, but as latest news, a little birdie told us that the NYC Auto Show might indeed host the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M official launch.

We also found out recently that the tuned up V8 twin-turbo engine in the M SAVs will produce 550 horsepower and it will incorporate some features from the newly released 7 Series: Head Up Display and Adaptive Drive.

No pricing announced at this point, but my bet goes on $71,000 for the BMW X5 M and $82,000 for the X6 M. This is just my assumption, of course.

[Source: Carmagazine UK ]

What Was That Sound? Ferrari Shell Commercial Video

 

 

Infatuated by the loud sound of a sports or race car? Let us cure that addiction for a moment. How about the sound of a Ferrari Formula One car roaring down your local town? Will that do?

Below is an old, but good, clip of the Ferrari Shell Commercial that first aired back in 2007. You really can’t beat that pure raw sound out of the exhaust of a Ferrari. We have also included a video clip of the making of this commercial.

If Shell V-Power makes my car sound anything like this then that is all I will ever buy for the rest of my life!