California Nightmares

When I first laid eyes on the new Ferrari California, I was in my "newsroom," which is essentially a dark corner of the kitchen where I plug in my Mac laptop and attempt to put two words together while not at the office.   I was in the middle of a great, long draught of crisp lemon Perrier when my car blog of choice loaded and Fezza's wildly controversial creation came up on the screen.  Immediately, the citric fluid did an unceremonious 180 in my esophagus and came out backwards in a grand homage to Danny Thomas.  After wiping away the droplets of carbonated beverage from my screen, I was able to study the California with a little more serenity. "It just does not make you willing to go to jail for spending 5 illegal minutes driving it." It's not ugly.  But it's not drop-dead gorgeous.  It just does not make you willing to go to jail for spending 5 illegal minutes driving it.  The cross-eyed headlamps speak <$30k Japanese convertible rather than $100k> Italian hot roadster.  The rear end is taller than the Burj Dubai.  The little "retro nods" to the Ferris Bueller-era California seem a bit cocked-up and forced.  And no matter how Ferrari labels it, it will always be the "starter kit" Ferrari, the poor man's Ferrari.  The Ferrari for fat blokes who can't afford an F430. It all seems a rather daft attempt on Ferrari's part.  Why did they lower the bar at such a high point in their company's history? It almost seems (God help us) that Ferrari is turning all Porsche-ish and attempting to widen their model range to a size that reeks of ubiquity. Is Ferrari turning all greedy?  Are they compromising the brand for the sake of sales?  If so, the doomsday clock just sped up. My brain was over-stewing, so I decided to stop pacing about the room casting keen glances at the picture of the car and go out to get an outsider's opinion.  I headed down to my local barber shop of choice run by a full-blooded chap of Umbrian heritage (by way of New Jersey) named Berno.  Berno's barber shop was unique in these parts, as it is one of the dying breed of true, authentic, shave-and-a-haircut barber shops.  At Berno's, a man can sit around flipping through Road&Track and talk sports, cars, food, and occasionally politics with the other patrons.  At Berno's, you won't find a "stylist" named "Marcus" with his shirt unbuttoned more than necessary. You would never find stacks of Cosmo or Redbook at Berno's. Instead, you will find stacks of meaty pasta cooked by Berno's wife that is free to any patron who wishes to die and go to Italian cuisine heaven. Berno made a pinched face at the picture of the California.  Then he made a classic Italian dubious shrug.  I could tell right off the bat that it far from a moment of bellissimo! That's pretty much the mark of death for a Ferrari: a cool, hesitant reaction. "Awh, man, It loohks like my bruthah's Lexus!" says Berno. At that moment, a ton of other Jersey expats in the shop stood up and demanded a look at the new Ferrari. "AAAOOOWWWHHH!" "It ain't too bad." "Looks like a *beep*in Mazda!" "Whot are you tawlkin' about? That's one hot *beep*in cah…." A heated argument followed which nearly turned into a curb-stomping festival had it not been for my timely changing of the subject.  I was beginning to hate this bloody new Ferrari: it's way too polarizing. This got me thinking.  (Oh God, no…) Scientists say that a symmetrical face is a beautiful face.  Well-balanced proportions are the key; people find balance pleasant to look at.  Therefore, there must be a subtle yet universal standard for beauty.  Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder.  I believe from the bottom of my heart that there is a universal standard of beauty in car design.  There are some cars out there that nobody will denounce as "ugly."  Aston Martin, for example, has never been in the same sentence as "ugly."  Classic, old Ferraris and Alfa Romeos are also globally accepted as works of art of the highest calibre.  Likewise, there are cars which are so ugly they have single-handedly created their own class of curse words.  Many fugly cars include: the Pontiac Aztek, the AMC Gremlin, the Maserati BiTurbo, the first-generation Fiat Multipla, various rivet buckets built by British Leyland unionists in the 70's, and all vehicles made by Ssangyong.  The bottom line is (1) there are beautiful cars, and (2) there are cars that should only be allowed on the street after they have been carefully wrapped in brown paper. "I believe from the bottom of my heart that there is a universal standard of beauty in car design." The Ferrari California is far from the latter, but it is not at all the former.  It seems to have been stricken by Ferrari's current dark valley of exterior design.  Mired in their technological brainstews, Ferrari's deft skill at creating sexually exciting modes of transport has been, well… lost.  They have sold their soul to the devils of dedicated science and precision engineering, a demon which had previously only possessed the minds of German mechanics.  The California could have been a 2+2 sport coupe that blew its sisters, the Alfa Romeo 8C and the Maserati GranTurismo, out of the water.  Instead, connoisseurs and historians are more likely to remember the 8C as the piece de resistance of Fiat Group's 2008-2010 V8 grand tourer generation.  How sad it is for a Ferrari to be forgotten in such a way. As with most of my personal problems, I sought solace in the completely unsympathetic arms of my respectable Editor.  The old chap had sunk into his leather executive chair, contently chewing a Starburst and flipping through some technical data fresh off the skidpad for the new Mitsubishi Evo. "I hate Mitsubishis," I says. "What's wrong now?" says the Editor. In a style strangely similar to going to confession, I poured out my crisis of faith in Ferrari. My editor nodded his head, and began to chew his Starbursts faster, and without as much relish.  When I had finished, he said on sentence: "When we get one, you're driving it." I stood up and left the room, leaving my editor in a fit of chuckling and choking of Starbursts. If he was not my boss, I would- oh, never mind.

 

Matte White Ferrari 599 GTB Pictures

Is it possible that Matte White is the new Matte Black? With the introduction of the Matte White Brabus Tesla Roadster at the 2008 Essen Motor Show, and now this matte white Ferrari 599 GTB, it is possible that 2009 is the year that Matte White takes the spotlight.

 

Imola Racing Ferrari 612 Widebody Photos

The Imola Racing Ferrari 612 Widebody kit includes: new front spoiler, rear diffuser, widened fenders and a subtle rear spoiler. The two-tone contrasting paint job in the body scallops reminds me of a classic 1958 Chevy Corvette. The lighter gray is also used on the roof panel. Flat Black (Hamann Looking) wheels coupled with ultra-low profile tires complete the aggressive gangster tuned look. Unfortunately there are NO other details about the engine, exhaust or suspension tuning at this time. Imola Racing, who is a member of the DIMEX Group in Germany, specializes in modifying Ferrari's.   [Source: Autoblo.nl, ImolaRacing.com]

 

Ferrari FXX Evo Donuts Video

Not sure how I missed this video that hit the web back in November, but here is a black Ferrari FXX Evoluzione #28 doing some donuts!! I sure the hell didn't see this kind of action when I went to the FXX Evoluzione Race in Montreal Tremblant, QC this summer.     Ferrari FXX Evoluzione - Mont Tremblant (102 Pictures) Ferrari FXX Evoluzione - Mont Tremblant (101 Pictures)

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti by Imola Racing

To miss with perfection should be a sin. So the moment Imola Racing even began to mess with the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the heavens should open and swallow the German tuner whole.   At least it seems Imola was smart enough to not touch the engine. Instead this is likely just body enhancements. We don't have much info on the kit. We do know its being considered a widebody because of the enlarged fenders and larger tires. There are also new front and rear spoilers as well as a two-tone paint job the is reminiscent of the first generation Corvette. © Source: topspeed

 

Is This The World's Fugliest Ferrari Enzo?

We know this Ferrari Enzo isn't really turquoise. But, despite being a photoshop fake, could there be a worse color? We highly doubt it — but what say you? [Photoshop via Flickr]

 

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti by Imola Racing

To miss with perfection should be a sin. So the moment Imola Racing even began to mess with the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the heavens should open and swallow the German tuner whole. At least it seems Imola was smart enough to not touch the engine. Instead this is likely just body enhancements. We don't have much info on the kit. We do know its being considered a widebody because of the enlarged fenders and larger tires. There are also new front and rear spoilers as well as a two-tone (...)

 

Ferrari Zobin Concepts looks at the future of F1

Saimak Ruhi Dehkordi from Iran is a graduate mechanical engineer of 10 years. Dehkordi has created his latest project called the Zobin Concept, a single seater aerodynamic sports car inspired by Ferrari's F1 cars. Dehkordi says that the design study is a compact approach to the future of F1 cars measuring just 4,114mm long and 1,855mm wide. The exterior design of the Zobin Concept has a front structure with an attached metal band which holds the headlights and integrates into the front spoiler and fenders giving the car an 'open-wheels' look. The Iranian engineer says that the Zobin Concept is powered by a mid-rear compact engine. Let us know what you think after the jump. Click through for more pictures. Dehkordi's Zobin Concept:           Source: Car Body Design

 

New Ferrari Zobin Concept-Inspired by Ferrari Formula 1

I bet millions of Ferrari's car fan out there. I have seen a lot of Concept car, and i would say this is one good damn masterpiece.The Zobin Concept is a design study of a single-seater aerodynamic sportscar inspired by Ferrari Formula 1 cars. The author is Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi.The Zobin design study by Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi is an aerodynamic single seater with compact dimensions (4,114mm long and 1,855 mm wide). Outstanding Design inspired by Ferrari Formula 1 cars So, if this new Ferrari Zobin concept release in the market, would you buy one?I bet it gets high bid from those rich deep pocket Ferrari fans.I just love Ferrari's car design especially when the car is red, just like my own Red MYVI SE car!

 

Vertu launches special edition Ferrari Ascent Ti phone

Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti   Want fries with that? Place your order at any fast-food hamburger chain and you can expect to get that question. But for a more sizable purchase - say, a Ferrari - deep-fried potatoes aren't going to cut it. That's where Vertu comes along. The premium mobile phone maker owned by Nokia has already established itself among premium sportscar buyers with a number of special editions of their automotive-inspired Ascent range, including their Racetrack Legends series, and with Ferrari enthusiasts specifically with the special Ferrari Challenge edition. That was followed by the Vertu Ascent Ferrari 60, celebrating the company's 60th anniversary, an additional Ferrari 1947 edition, and has now been supplanted by the new Ferrari Ascent Ti. While the previous versions were based on the aging Ascent, the new Ferrari model starts life as the newly updated Ascent Ti, which features both quad-band GSM and WCDMA radios for use around the world, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, 3MP auto-focus flash camera and four gigs of storage, all encased in a titanium chassis with a sapphire crystal display and stainless-steel keys. The Ferrari edition further upgrades the package with PVD coating and a battery cover styled after a Ferrari's hood, complete with three-dimensional Prancing Horse logo. Each of the three editions - in Nero (black), Rosso (red) and Giallo (yellow) - will only be produced in limited numbers, so don't be surprised to see some dealers charging a considerable premium for the ultimate side-order to serve alongside a tasty Ferrari road car. Thanks for the tip, JW! Gallery: Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti [Source: Sybarites.org]

 

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at Bologna Motor Show

If you cant have it for Christmas, you can go to Bologna to admire it. The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M was created to celebrate the 16th Formula 1 Constructor Title with a time of 1'26''5 on the Fiorano track. Now, it's showing off at the Bologna Motor Show. Too bad that only 499 people w [...]

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Report: Insider reveals trouble brewing at Ferrari

An anonymous inside source has contradicted claims that Ferrari is holding up fine during the global financial crisis, claiming that things are not as rosy as the Maranello automaker would have us believe. According to the source, mainline production of the four-seater Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has been halted among other issues. The insider also revealed to Edmunds that the newly launched entry-level California model has caused sales of the F430 supercar to drop significantly, although the 599's order books are still filled for the next couple of years. Rumors that Ferrari may have to lay off around 300 or so workers soon are still circulating, and analysts are predicting that Ferrari will have to cut back staff in 2009 in order to slash costs. Additionally, the anonymous insider spoke of Ferrari's new sponsorship deal with Indian conglomerate Tata. Tata's involvement with Ferrari has been known for some time, and the company routinely sent a team of engineers to every F1 race this season. The ties between the two companies also stretch beyond motorsports, and the head of Tata, Ratan Tata, is also already heavily involved with Ferrari's parent company Fiat, joining the Italian carmaker's board back in 2006 after he was recommended by the Agnelli family. Tata and Fiat are already tied up over an engine supply deal, and Tata is contracted to build the Fiat Grande Punto and the Fiat Linea for the Indian market. While there has also been talk of Tata taking over Marlboro's position as Ferrari's number one sponsor, other reports have countered those rumors, claiming that the Tata name will not appear anywhere on Ferrari F1 cars, racing uniforms or merchandise, but rather the company's corporate logo will be seen. According to the insider, Ferrari's new California has weakened sales of the F430 significantly

 

First Drive: 2010 Ferrari California

The sky is a brilliant Bugatti blue, winding Sicilian mountain roads beckon, and a nice man has just given you the scarlet-red key to a new Ferrari. If Uma Thurman turned up with a bottle of Krug champagne and a pot of Stilton for two, life could hardly get better. Yet, be warned, today's drive may disappoint. The Ferrari we're about to sample is no beauty, with its fussy flanks, fat hips, and elongated trunk-more bustle bum than bikini bottom. This is disappointing, if not surprising. The days when Ferraris were beautiful, sculptures for the street, poetry in motion, Rembrandts on the road, are gone. For gorgeous Italian automotive design, today it's better to turn to Maserati or Alfa Romeo. The California is heavier than the bigger and much more powerful 599 GTB. Yet the 4.3 V-8 under the hood is some 30 horses shy of the output of the F430, currently Ferrari's least-muscled car. The motor is closely related, though the bore and stroke are different. It's direct injected, a first for a production Ferrari, primarily to boost fuel economy. The downside is not only less power but a lower redline than the F430's: 8000 rpm isn't bad, but it's 500 rpm short of the blood-curdling top-end wail of the F430 at full whack. The push-button automatic hardtop roof does the usual up-and-down gymnastics, and in only 14 sec; Ferrari claims it's lighter than the fabric alternative. Yet most hardtop convertibles do not promise great driving experiences. They're typically cars for West Coast boulevards, Shanghai freeways, or Middle East highways, not sinuous mountain roads where Ferrari first earned its stripes. Ferrari says 70% of buyers will be new to the marque: It's targeting top-end AMG Mercedes SL, Bentley Continental GTC, and Aston DB9 Volante, none of which is a serious driver's car. Even more than the current bunch of Ferrari owners, California customers are not likely to be road racers. A good weekend's sport for them is a leisurely 18 rounds at the Riviera Country Club, not 18 frantic laps of Laguna Seca (roof up, two sets of clubs fit in that fat fanny). What next, a California Cross Country? The omens, then, are not good. And even when the drive starts, when you first open that big aluminum door and settle inside the fragrant leather-lined cabin-today it's mingled with the rich resinous scent of pine, for the roof is down and graceful trees overhang-there's further evidence that we may be in an effete Ferrari. Press the starter button on the steering wheel and the V-8 barks its first welcome-and the twin-clutch gearbox defaults to automatic. Schumacher-at-Spa it is clearly not.But the sun is shining, the nice Ferrari man says there's little traffic on the road ahead, the traffic police apparently are appreciative of Ferraris-so no state troopers hiding behind reflective glasses are likely to spoil the fun-and there are one or two bits of good news to be found in the technical debrief to suggest that today's drive may not be the letdown first feared. A 0-to-60 of around 4.0 sec clearly hints at acceleration beyond those soft-bellied convertibles from which the California is trying to pry customers; so is a 193-mph top speed, never mind its real-world irrelevance. Plus, the race-style flat-plane crank design of the F430 has been retained. As we shall soon see (and hear), this gives the V-8-Ferrari's first front-engine V-8, incidentally-a marvelous hard-edged race-car rasp. It would've been easy to fit the softer conventional crank, just as Ferrari does for Maserati. There are also cross-drilled carbon ceramic brakes to ensure that it can stop as well as it can go. Another nugget of good news: That V-8 may be front-mounted, but it's fitted tight against the front bulkhead behind the front axle line, so this California is technically a mid-engine car. The seven-speed twin-clutch semi-auto transmission is fitted out back, and the rear transaxle promises a delicious 47/53 front/rear weight distribution: evenly balanced but with a hint of tail-out bias, just as a good sports car should have. So you settle down and admire the cabin, a class above the F430, proof that Ferrari continues to improve its craftsmanship and quality and comfort. Select "sport" on the manettino switch on the steering wheel to hold engine revs longer between gear shifts, firming the dampers and giving more latitude to the stability and traction-control systems. ("Comfort" and "CST off" settings-the latter removes the electronic safety nets-are also available). Click once on the right-hand alloy paddle and we're off, the engine already rasping and eager. As we head toward those open mountain roads, where the car's real proficiency will be tested, those early doubts-can this really be a proper Italian supercar?-start to evaporate. The engine sounds magnificent, part-growl, part-wail, a racing engine for the road, superbly throttle-responsive and with that lovely fast-revving motorcycle-style eagerness that only the best free-flowing engines display. The double-clutch gearshift is fabulous. The change is instant, jerk-free, has none of the thump that blights one-clutch F1 systems, and does not interrupt acceleration one jot: It's one continuous jet-powered thrust. Upshifts are preselected thanks to those twin parallel clutches. Change to a higher gear and there is no interruption of torque. Only the loud, menacing crack of the exhaust betrays the gear change; and each is a magic Schumacher moment. The shift is so magnificent you'll do it over and over again, savoring each finger click of the paddle. Only one disappointment: There is no auto throttle blip on the downshift. And, boy, can it play road racer! Turn off the CST electronic nanny; you're on your own; all electronic controls apart from ABS are neutered. Deploy launch mode-further proof this Ferrari is no soft-centered sports car. Race up and down those Sicilian mountain roads, the Ferrari now digging in its heels when most rivals would be dancing gently on their toes; the steering is beautifully linear; those big carbon ceramic discs strong and eager. Power hard out of the tight corners, the rear tires yelping, your buttocks and backside now deep in the embrace of the leather seat, feed in the opposite lock and hold the Ferrari in a power slide as you gently dial up more horses to those spinning back alloys with their yellow-and-black prancing horse hubs. The car is astonishingly maneuverable. It's more predictable than an F430, if not quite so agile. And cowl shake, the Achilles' heel of so many drop-top cars? There is none to speak of, not with this big stiff alloy space-frame chassis. The sun still shines, but it's time to play roof-up. The top quickly seals you off from the outside world. Rear visibility is poor, but the car looks much better in this guise; the roof better balances that heavy rump. So as we head back to our hotel, there are smiles all around. We expected the worst; instead we experienced one of the best Ferraris of all. What's so impressive is the range of this car's abilities: It can play drop-top sun-worshipper-all supple and comfortable and easy to drive-as well as the easy-driving Mercedes and Bentley rivals, a Ferrari that will not intimidate or frighten those new to the marque. A Ferrari that is easily accessible to those whose motoring aspirations may exceed their abilities. Yet the flip side, the hard-edged side, is a sports car of great pedigree and panache; a car that's fast and beautifully balanced and so beguiling, in soundtrack and driving behavior, that it can stimulate just as richly as it can soothe. There has never been a Ferrari of such breadth of ability. And if the steering is not quite so quick as an F430's, and the agility not quite so razor sharp, then that's okay; this is not a car designed for the racetrack. Rather it is a sporting Gran Turismo totally fit for the purpose, a car of rare ability: a truly great Ferrari. [source:MotorTrend]