Autoblog

Ferrari-driving Red Bull heir held after allegedly dragging police officer to death

George Kennedy — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Safety, Hatchback, Ferrari

The grandson of the co-creator of Red Bull has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand and is accused of killing a policeman with his Ferrari. Vorajuth Yoovidhaya is the 27-year-old grandson of the late Chaleo Yoovidhaya, who created Red Bull. According to the BBC, Vorayuth has been accused of running over a 47-year-old policeman with a new Ferrari FF and dragging him down the road before the officer succumbed to a broken neck and multiple broken bones.

The crime was alleged to have been initially covered-up by a low-ranking police superintendent. The superintendent reportedly tried to detain an innocent man for the crime before the Bangkok police chief, Comronwit Toopgranjank, discovered what was happening. That man has since been released and the low-level officer has now been transferred to another post.

Toopgranjank, who personally escorted the Red Bull heir from his Bangkok home was quoted as saying, "A policeman is dead. I can't let this stand. I don't car how powerful they are. If I can't get the actual man in this case, I will resign."

Yoovidhaya is set to be charged with "causing death by driving" and leaving the scene of a crime. He faces up to ten years in jail.

Ferrari-driving Red Bull heir held after allegedly dragging police officer to death originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec Rosso hatches plans for Ferrari FF

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Ferrari

Monotony can be draining, but there are certain forms of it we could get used to. Like being around Ferrari models all day, every day. Sure, they're all two-door, rear-drive sports cars, but they're exciting ones at that. But then comes along the FF to break the mold of monotony with its unique all-wheel drive and four-seat ~~hatchback~~ "shooting brake" bodystyle. Like any others around Ferraris all day, we could imagine the boys at the Novitec Rosso workshop standing up and taking notice. And this is what resulted.

The Ferrari specialist shop has enhanced the new FF with a series of modifications for those for whom the stock version just won't do. Engine modifications are limited to remapped electronics and a new exhaust system, which together raise output by 42 horsepower to 702 in total. Fresh springs have been added, along with 21 and 22-inch wheels in front and back, respectively, wearing Pirelli PZero rubber. And as you can see, Novitec has also enhanced the FF with a full carbon fiber body kit, joined by smoked taillight and indicator housings and a series of interior enhancements you can read all about in the press release below.

Continue reading Novitec Rosso hatches plans for Ferrari FF

Novitec Rosso hatches plans for Ferrari FF originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alonso and Massa slalom Ferrari FF coupes on the slopes [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Ferrari, Celebrities, Racing

Ferrari factory drivers are used to racing in all sorts of conditions: under the baking sun, in the pouring rain, at night and at sunset. Competing in the snow has historically been beyond their usual purview, but then again, Ferrari never made an all-wheel-drive vehicle before. That's where the FF comes in.

The Ferrari Four, as you may recall, channels its 660 horsepower to all four wheels through an innovative new all-wheel drive system that ups the traction but ditches much of the weight penalty usually associated with these types of systems systems. Ferrari has taken the occasion of its annual Wrooom event - a pre-season retreat at Italy's Madonna di Campiglio ski resort - to demonstrate the FF's abilities by putting its star Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa behind the wheel for a downhill slalom.

So who won? Ferrari says it was a dead tie. But while we don't believe that bit any further than we could throw one of their sportscars (light as they may be), there ought to be plenty of time to see which driver is quicker when the F1 season kicks off in a few months. In the meantime, you can check out the video and press release after the jump, along with our high-resolution gallery above.

Continue reading Alonso and Massa slalom Ferrari FF coupes on the slopes [w/video]

Alonso and Massa slalom Ferrari FF coupes on the slopes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari FF makes North American debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Drew Phillips — Sun, 22 May 2011 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari

Ferrari FF North American Debut - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari's absence at North American auto shows the past few years has meant that its newer vehicles have made their debuts at some less conventional venues. Last year, the 458 Italia's first U.S. appearance was at the Ferrari Challenge event at Miller Motorsports Park. This weekend, the Ferrari FF received a private showing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Ferrari Racing Days.

In addition to the new Ferrari four-seater itself, the display showcased the numerous interior options and a full set of matching luggage. The car on hand was a European version, but retail sales of the U.S.-spec FF should begin at either the end of October or the beginning of November of this year. Only 40 cars will be available for the rest of 2011. After that, Ferrari plans on selling approximately 200 cars yearly to American buyers.

You can see our photos of the Ferrari FF at Laguna Seca in the gallery below. Check back this week for more coverage of the Ferrari Racing Days.

Ferrari FF makes North American debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marchionne: Ferrari worth $7.3 Billion, with a B

Chris Shunk — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ferrari, Fiat

The Ferrari brand is among the most exclusive and revered in the world, but how much is it worth? Bloomberg reports that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne feels the Prancing Horse is worth more than 5 billion euros, or $7.3 billion in U.S. dollars. That's a big chunk of change for an automaker that cleared only $430 million in 2010 on sales of $2.73 billion, and the total represents 63 percent of the entire Fiat group's estimated worth of $11.4 billion.

The reason for Marchionne's high valuation of the Italian exotic car maker is its "sacred brand" status. Like an NFL team that sells for $1 billion only to average $20 million in profits per year, Ferrari is so highly regarded that it could sell for well beyond its cash-generation capabilities would indicate. If Ferrari were valued at $7.3 billion, that would be 17 times its annual earnings. Luxury brands average about 12.7 times annual earnings.

Marchionne has every reason to value his prized property as high as possible, but analysts and banks don't seem to agree with the CEO's assessment. Estimates are that Ferrari is worth about $4.3 billion. But at the same time, banks appear very eager for Fiat to issue an IPO for Ferrari, which could be an indication that there is serious money to be made.

Fiat has mentioned the possibility of offering an IPO for Ferrari as a way to generate cash and eliminate debt, though the automaker claims no decision has been made to put up the brand for public sale.

In other news, Marchionne told Bloomberg that he has put in an order for a white Ferrari FF. Yeah, we can see why Marchionne places a high value on the Ferrari brand. It's good to be the CEO.

Gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Lorenzo Marcinno / Carrstudio / AOL

[Source: Bloomberg]

Marchionne: Ferrari worth $7.3 Billion, with a B originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF

Matt Davis — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, First Drives

Ferrari Smacks Us With An All-Season Rocket

2012 Ferrari FF - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time Ferrari blew absolutely everyone away with wall-to-wall surprises and equally sizzling performance all wrapped into one car was in 2002 with its Enzo. We're not saying that all things between then and today have been shabby, mind you. And we're also not saying that the 2012 Ferrari FF does it in marquee-and-fireworks Enzo-style, but the unexpected innovations aboard this gorgeous trailblazing all-weather shooting brake will keep conversation heated for an uncommonly long time. This is Ferrari thinking way outside its box of usual GT forms and, for no other reason than this, we must applaud them.

You're probably expecting us to drop the "But..." right about now, yanking the carpet away in the damning-with-faint-praise tradition, however, there isn't one to drop on the parade here. We've just reeled off some 150 miles of sheer V12 driving joy in the endlessly challenging Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy, and when finished with that, we only wanted more. Admittedly, we could do with a better onboard sat-nav and command center than the Harman Kardon unit, as well as a slightly weightier steering map for warm and dry days, but these are our only moments of quandary when assessing the FF.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF...

Gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF

First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari FF configurator comes online, we gladly fork over our imaginary dollars

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Ferrari

Fire up your imagination, because a brand new exotic car configurator has come online. It's time to turn your attention to the 2012 Ferrari FF. You can pick out the exterior color, wheels and a slew of interior color schemes and optional extras.

Our Ferrari FF will wears Avorio (Italian for ivory) paint on the outside, to mimic the kind of conditions we hope to force upon the 4RM drivetrain. However, should you desire something different, Ferrari offers a grand total of 44 colors to choose from. And that's just for the outside - the interior has an equally dizzying amount of color options. Head over to the Ferrari FF configurator and be sure to share your ideal setup in the Comments.

Gallery: Ferrari FF: Geneva 2011

Gallery photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari FF configurator comes online, we gladly fork over our imaginary dollars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Luxury

2012 Ferrari FF delivery - Click above to watch the video after the jump

To give journalists their first close-up look at the 2012 Ferrari FF, Maranello has chosen Plan de Corones, a ski resort in the Italian Alps accessible only by ski lifts, as the venue. Why not a racetrack? Credit the car's all-wheel-drive architecture and its main purpose as a grand tourer, not a sports car.

To get the FF media cars to the resort, Ferrari called upon the Italian Air Force to haul them up there using CH-47 Chinook and Augusta 205 cargo helicopters. This has to rank among the most badass ways a car has ever been delivered. The choppers were from the Italian Air Force's Viterbo 1st Regiment Antares and 4th Regiment Altair, stationed in Bolzano. Hit the jump to watch the special delivery.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter

Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari FF 4RM drivetrain explained

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Ferrari

Ferrari goes digital to explain the drivetrain of the 2012 FF - Click above to watch video after the jump

The latest exotic machine from Maranello is the 2012 FF. The unusual Ferrari is a four-passenger shooting-brake with a 651-horsepower, 6.3-liter V12 under the hood. All of that go-go-energy is sent to the wheels via Ferrari's new 4RM part-time all-wheel-drive system.

The Italian automaker has put together a video explaining how the system works. To put it simply, the system metes out torque to each wheel individually. That's no easy task, since the twelve-cylinder mill churns out 504 pound-feet of the stuff. Click past the jump for a visual lesson on the Ferrari FF's 4RM drivetrain. Also, turn up your speakers for the Beverly Hills Cop-esque soundtrack.

Gallery: Ferrari FF: Geneva 2011

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ferrari via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari FF 4RM drivetrain explained

Video: Ferrari FF 4RM drivetrain explained originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Four hits the dunes, invites us inside

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Ferrari

2012 Ferrari FF - Click either image for high-res image gallery

Ferrari's unprecedented FF marks a startling new direction for the Italian automaker. The first all-wheel-drive Ferrari is also the first factory shooting brake, picking up where coachbuilt specials like Drogo's 250 GTO Breadvan and Chinetti's 365 GTB/4 Panther left off in the 1960s.

Until now, we've seen the FF from the studio, we've seen it powering through snow drifts and we've seen it in person on the floor of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. But to coincide with its public debut, Ferrari has hit us with another batch of images, apparently shot in Abu Dhabi around the grounds of the Ferrari World theme park. Among the fresh shots are also the best views we've gotten yet of the meticulously-crafted bovine graveyard that is the FF's commodious interior. Check 'em out in the updated high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari Four hits the dunes, invites us inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari FF tackles every type of terrain

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari FF in snow, sand and rain - Click above to watch video

"Ferrari urges you to obey all traffic signs and laws" says the disclaimer at the end of this three-and-a-half-minute video used as part of the recent web unveiling for the Ferrari FF. For the internet coming-out of the FF, Ferrari showed off its capabilities with a video of the car being driven in a manner that no one in their right mind would ever attempt (check it out after the jump). We'll get to see the FF in the metal ourselves when it makes its show-stand debut at the Geneva Motor Show next Tuesday.

Ferrari also shared some important numbers about the FF with the assembled crowd and internet viewers. The first number is 660, the horsepower developed by the direct-injected V12. 3.7 is the number of seconds that elapse between 0 and 62 miles per hour, and four carries a double meaning with the FF, denoting the number of seating positions and driven wheels. It's not just a Rosso Corsa haze, either. Ferrari underscores its commitment to reducing fuel consumption by revealing the FF's 360 g/km CO2 emissions figure, which is 25-percent lower than the previous V12 used in the automaker's 612 Scaglietti.

The FF is a Ferrari that's intent on changing things, from its breadvan looks to its all-terrain floggability. It also makes one heck of a video star, and we encourage you to check it out after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari FF World Premiere

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari FF tackles every type of terrain

Video: Ferrari FF tackles every type of terrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari releases new dynamic images of four-seater FF

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Ferrari

2012 Ferrari FF plays in the snow - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is taking a bold leap with the unveiling of its brand-new 2012 FF all-wheel drive shooting-brake. The Italian automaker also understands basic accounting principles, noting that demand is currently high for any images or video of the four-passenger super wagon, yet yet supply is low. Helping satiate our requirement for a fix of the FF, Ferrari has released five additional photos of the car playing in the snow.

We would prefer to hear the wail of the 651-horsepower, 6.3-liter V12 engine, but we'll take what we can get. Check out in the 2012 Ferrari FF exploring a winter wonderland in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Ferrari FF playing in the snow

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari releases new dynamic images of four-seater FF

Ferrari releases new dynamic images of four-seater FF originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Ferrari Four from a different angle

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Ferrari

2012 Ferrari Four - Click above for high-res image gallery

Red may be the iconic color for Ferrari, but not all Ferraris look good in the company's trademark scarlet shade. Especially the flagship four-seat GTs, like the outgoing 612 Scaglietti and the 456 GT that came before it. But just about every car looks best from the front 3/4 view. So it may have stricken some as a little odd that when Ferrari unveiled the new FF, it only released three initial shots: a front view, a rear view and the side profile... all in red.

Now it's released a handful of additional photos, including three shots of the test mule drifting through snow banks from the launch video, plus the solitary three-quarter front/side view you see above in silver. Is it looking better? Worse?

Gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading The new Ferrari Four from a different angle

The new Ferrari Four from a different angle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari's fantastic four-wheel-drive FF flagship four-seat fastback

Noah Joseph — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Ferrari

2012 Ferrari FF - Click above for high-res image gallery

Beautiful. Fast. Expensive. There are any of a number of adjectives you could use to describe a Ferrari. Radical is one of them, too. But versatile? Hold on to your hats, because the FF is like no other Ferrari we've seen before.

The long-anticipated successor to the 612 Scaglietti takes the stage as Ferrari's flagship grand tourer. It carries four seats like its predecessor, but elongates the roofline for a shooting brake/hatchback body-style that offers plenty of cabin space and - with those rear seats folded down - as much cargo capacity as a small wagon.

It may be the first shooting brake to roll out of Maranello since the legendary 250 Breadvan, but that's not even the extent of the firsts pioneered in the new Ferrari Four. It also carries the company's long-in-the-making part-time all-wheel drive system: the innovation is called 4RM, and while technical details haven't been revealed, it is said to be only half as heavy as a conventional system, helping the front-engined shooting brake keep a 47:53 rearward weight bias. Coupled with a sub-4,000 pound curb weight (some 110 pounds less than the 612), the HELE stop-start system previewed in the California concept from the Paris show also helps keep emissions and fuel consumption down.

Of course nobody buys a Ferrari for its environmental credentials, so here's the info you've been waiting for: 0-62 in 3.7 seconds (a third quicker than the 612) and a top speed of 208 mph (about nine mph faster than the 612). Credit that bit to the all-new, direct-injection, 6.3-liter V12 and its 651 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, which you can read about - together with the other technical details - in the press release after the jump. Ferrari's also launched a dedicated microsite for the new flagship, and don't forget, of course, to check out the first batch of high-resolution images of the svelte new shooting brake in the gallery below. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari's fantastic four-wheel-drive FF flagship four-seat fastback

Ferrari's fantastic four-wheel-drive FF flagship four-seat fastback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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