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.