Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ferrari recalling 200 cars worldwide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/ferrari-recalling-200-cars-worldwide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/ferrari-recalling-200-cars-worldwide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/ferrari-recalling-200-cars-worldwide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ferrari is recalling certain 458 Italia and California models around the world due to a problem with the crankshaft. Roughly 13,000 examples of these cars are currently roaming the streets, and 206 are affected by this problem.

According to Autocar, the recall has been issued due to an incorrect finish on the vehicles' crankshafts. The British magazine states that the problem "causes unwanted vibrations which can damage the engine if it is not changed."

"We are writing to all clients affected now, asking them to return the car to a dealer for the work to be done," a Ferrari spokesperson told Autocar.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to issue a formal recall notice about the affected vehicles.

Ferrari recalling 200 cars worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiacaliforniaferrarirecallThu, 10 May 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233934/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/ferrari-recalling-200-cars-worldwide/20233934/article-detail.xml 20233934 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/458-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/458-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 on Great Wall

Ferrari is not an outfit that would miss out on the enormous opportunity presented by the Chinese market. Having won the grand prix there three times out of the first four it was held, the Prancing Horse marque launched a special-edition 599 there in 2009, followed by an even more exclusive porcelain-finish one-off.

For 2012, Ferrari created a special-edition 458 Italia to mark the year of the dragon, and to launch it, the local dealership in Nanjing rented out a section of the Great Wall. It's what they did with it, however, that has local authorities seeing red in more ways than one.

Apparently at some point during or after the demonstration, an employee of the dealership got behind the wheel of the limited-edition V8 supercar and pulled some smokey donuts. The problem is that the stunt left tire marks burnt into the ancient surface, leaving authorities understandably upset. What repercussions will ensue remains to be seen, but we certainly wouldn't want to be ticking off China's notoriously strict government.

Scroll down below for the video report.

Continue reading Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China

Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaburnoutchinadonutsferrariferrari 458 italia china editionferrari 458 italia china limited editionferrari 458 italia special editiongreat wallgreat wall of chinavideoWed, 09 May 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/20234730/article-detail.xml 20234730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-great-wall-burnout_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-great-wall-burnout.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari celebrates 8 million Facebook fans by taking 458 Italia for a spin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ferrari-celebrates-8-million-facebook-fans-by-taking-458-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ferrari-celebrates-8-million-facebook-fans-by-taking-458-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ferrari-celebrates-8-million-facebook-fans-by-taking-458-italia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ferrari 458 doing donuts

Facebook is a big deal, even if you're an exotic car maker with one of the world's most powerful brands. In this case we're talking about Ferrari, which recently hit eight million followers on the social networking site.

How does an automaker with such a rich history celebrate a 21st century milestone? Scroll down to watch the good folks in Maranello, Italy throw down after gaining 8,000,000 followers. Hint: it involves a predictably red 458 Italia, plenty of open pavement and a knack for drifting and donuts. Of course, Ferrari would like us to believe that they wrote out "8,000,000" in rubber, but we're more interested in watching the 458 do its thing.

Continue reading Ferrari celebrates 8 million Facebook fans by taking 458 Italia for a spin

Ferrari celebrates 8 million Facebook fans by taking 458 Italia for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia8 milliondonutsfacebookfacebook followersferrarimaranellovideoWed, 02 May 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/ferrari-celebrates-8-million-facebook-fans-by-taking-458-italia/20228752/article-detail.xml 20228752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/458-donut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/458-donut.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/the-list-0200-drive-200-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/the-list-0200-drive-200-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/the-list-0200-drive-200-mph/#commentsFiled under: ,



We keep track of every idea that you submit for The List. Of the hundreds we get after each episode airs, one is without question at the top of everyone's list: drive 200 miles per hour.

Despite the first production car eclipsing 200 mph back in the mid-'80s, we thankfully aren't yet jaded by the feat. Unlike back then, however, more than a handful of today's cars can beat two bills if given enough runway.

That's exactly where Jessi and Patrick found themselves on the day we asked them to do the deed: the runways of the Mojave Air & Space Port near Mojave, CA. Eagle-eyed Autoblog readers will remember that this is one of the locations used by World Class Driving to conduct their 200MPH Challenge Experience. We should know; we've gone after the elusive two hundred twice now, falling short the first time but succeeding the second at this very location (check out the gallery from that experience below).

We enrolled Jessi and Patrick for a day's worth of double-hundy attempts in vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and new Ferrari 458 Italia. Each took their own shot at 200-mph glory, and one even discovered that reaching 200 mph is the easy part.

Click here to watch The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH.



Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.

Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH

The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200 miles per hour200 mph458 italiadrive 200featuredferrari 458 italiajessi combsmercedes-benz mclaren slrpatrick mcintyreslrthe listthe-listvideoworld class drivingTue, 01 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/the-list-0200-drive-200-mph/20227424/article-detail.xml 20227424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/the-list-200-mph_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/the-list-200-mph.jpg <![CDATA[Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

Watching television news can be depressing. Between the political rancor of election season and the "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality of most news directors, positive stories are scarce. But here's one that should make any lover of fine automobiles pleased.

The story, as reported by CBS This Morning, starts when the owner of a Los Angeles-based rental car company that specializes in exotics and luxury cars noticed that one of his vehicles was uncharacteristically sitting still for a few days after being rented. The $2,000-per-day 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia was equipped with a GPS tracking system, and the Italian Stallion's lack of use made Eric Blumberg suspicious. So he notified the police, who eventually found the car - in Hong Kong. It had been shipped through the Port of Los Angeles, labeled as "used fitness equipment," according to the Los Angeles Times.

It seems that the would-be joyrider who had "rented" the Ferrari was part of an international crime syndicate worthy of a screenplay, according to the CBS report. When the police investigated further, they found between 15 and 20 other vehicles that were being loaded into shipping containers and exported to Asia, a total of $1.5 million worth of four-wheeled loot.

The investigators told CBS that the vehicles can command up to twice their value overseas. While no arrests have yet been made in the case, at least these cars now have a chance of being returned to their rightful owners.

Scroll down to watch the full report.

Continue reading Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ferrari 458 italia458 Italiaauto theftauto theft ringcar rentalcar theftexotic car rentalferrarigpstheft ringvideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/20225125/article-detail.xml 20225125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smuggling-ring-opt-1335467205_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smuggling-ring-opt-1335467205.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic celebrates 100 episodes, goes to Disney World]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/translogic-celebrates-100-episodes-goes-to-disney-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/translogic-celebrates-100-episodes-goes-to-disney-world/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/translogic-celebrates-100-episodes-goes-to-disney-world/#commentsFiled under: ,

Translogic drives the Lamborghini Gallardo

So, we think the crew at our sister site Translogic have lost their minds. Either that or they're trying to steal our jobs.

While nominally a show and blog about mobility, most weeks Translogic is discovering all manner of geeky automotive technology, while driving alternative-fuel vehicles powered by electricity, the sun, wood, or whatever crap they can find. This week, however, for the 100th show, they straight-up went to the track to drive supercars. At Disney World. Speedway.

Take that, greenies and transportation wonks. Everyone loves to flog roadgoing sex from Lamborghini and Ferrari, even - make that especially - Translogic host Bradley Hasemeyer.

Scroll down to watch the excitement.

Continue reading Translogic celebrates 100 episodes, goes to Disney World

Translogic celebrates 100 episodes, goes to Disney World originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiabradley hasemeyerdisneyferrarigallardolamborghinilamborghini gallardor8superleggeratranslogicThu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/translogic-celebrates-100-episodes-goes-to-disney-world/20224291/article-detail.xml 20224291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/translogic-100-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/translogic-100-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari uses new color, dragons on special edition 458 Italia for China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/ferrari-uses-new-color-dragons-on-special-edition-458-italia-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/ferrari-uses-new-color-dragons-on-special-edition-458-italia-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/ferrari-uses-new-color-dragons-on-special-edition-458-italia-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Special Edition

Buyers in China have been snapping up Ferrari models for 20 years now, and the Italian automaker is marking the anniversary with the introduction of a special-edition 458 Italia. Dipped in a new Marco Polo red and swaddled in a "dragon-horse" livery with gold imagery and black stripes, the vehicle is supposed to pay homage to Chinese culture. Buyers will also enjoy unique gold wheels and a cabin fitted with gold embroidery to match. A start button with 20 stars and a unique dash plaque are also part of the package. So far, there's no word on how much the machine will cost.

The company plans to build just 20 examples, the first of which will be unveiled at the debut of the first "permanent" brand exhibition outside of Maranello. Ferrari will set claim to nearly 3,000 square feet at the Shanghai World Expo Park, where the exhibition will remain for three years. Examples from the Maranello Museum will be arrayed in order of topic, from green technology to product, design and racing as well as Ferrari in China. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ferrari uses new color, dragons on special edition 458 Italia for China

Ferrari uses new color, dragons on special edition 458 Italia for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia458 italia special edition458 itlaia chinachinaferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia special editionferrari chinaTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/ferrari-uses-new-color-dragons-on-special-edition-458-italia-fo/20212393/article-detail.xml 20212393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/02-ferrari-458-italia-china-special-edition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/02-ferrari-458-italia-china-special-edition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/daily-dose-of-sexy-brought-to-you-by-hre-wheels-ferrari-458-ita/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/daily-dose-of-sexy-brought-to-you-by-hre-wheels-ferrari-458-ita/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/daily-dose-of-sexy-brought-to-you-by-hre-wheels-ferrari-458-ita/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Italia with HRE 505 Vintage Series Wheels

We've spilled equal parts ink and drool over the new Vintage Series wheels from HRE. The pieces invoke all sorts of bedroom poster memories from our misspent youth, and seeing them bolted to some of our favorite modern supercars is enough to invoke a guaranteed smile.

The guys at StanceWorks have featured a particularly moving combination. One Ferrari 458 Italia owner opted for a set of 505s in matte bronze as an homage to the legendary P4/5. The combination Ferrari red and those fat five spokes is absolutely sublime.

If you're rolling your eyes at the thought of yet another garage queen getting a new set of shoes, take heart in the knowledge that this particular 458 is owned by a gentleman who isn't afraid to put miles on the clock. In just three months, the owner has rolled the odometer up to 6,000 miles, which means this car has had the opportunity to stretch its legs on more than one occasion. Perfection.

Scroll down for a quick video of the car by our friends at eGarage, and be sure to crank the volume toward the end.

Continue reading Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video]

Daily dose of sexy brought to you by HRE Wheels, Ferrari 458 Italia [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia458 italia videoferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia videohrehre 505hre vintage series wheelsvideovintage seriesThu, 29 Mar 2012 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20203189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/daily-dose-of-sexy-brought-to-you-by-hre-wheels-ferrari-458-ita/20203189/article-detail.xml 20203189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-458-italia-with-hre-505-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-458-italia-with-hre-505-628.jpg <![CDATA[Footage shows Eric Clapton's bespoke Ferrari leaving London dealership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/footage-shows-eric-claptons-bespoke-ferrari-leaving-london-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/footage-shows-eric-claptons-bespoke-ferrari-leaving-london-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/footage-shows-eric-claptons-bespoke-ferrari-leaving-london-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ferrari SP12 EPC

Back in the summer of 2010, Eric Clapton stopped by the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, with one request: could they build him a 458 Italia with a V12? Nearly two years later, this is what resulted.

Reportedly called the SP12 EPC (bearing the initials of the famous rock guitarist), the one-off product of the Ferrari Special Projects division first surfaced with a few photos the other day, but now we've got video footage of the car moving under its own power away from a London dealership - presumably en route for delivery at the multiple Grammy Award winner's home.

With styling cues borrowed from the 512 BB - an early mid-engined Ferrari that was never officially homologated for sale in the United States - the SP12 EPC is said to be based on the 458 Italia. Which isn't a bad place to start. The big question on everyone's mind, however, is what resides under the hood? Did Ferrari manage to shoehorn in the twelve-pot as hoped, or did it stick with the 4.5-liter V8 in the donor car? Hard to say, but sources point towards the latter.

Follow the jump to watch the blurry, shaky footage and listen to the custom creation rumbling, and share your thoughts - eight cylinders or twelve - in the Comments section below.

Continue reading Footage shows Eric Clapton's bespoke Ferrari leaving London dealership

Footage shows Eric Clapton's bespoke Ferrari leaving London dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaclaptonepceric claptoneric p claptoneric patrick claptonferrariferrari sp12ferrari sp12 epcferrari special projectsslow handvideoMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200527/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/footage-shows-eric-claptons-bespoke-ferrari-leaving-london-deal/20200527/article-detail.xml 20200527 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sp12-epc-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sp12-epc-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Did Ferrari build Eric Clapton a one-off 458 Italia?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/did-ferrari-build-eric-clapton-a-one-off-458-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/did-ferrari-build-eric-clapton-a-one-off-458-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/did-ferrari-build-eric-clapton-a-one-off-458-italia/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Eric Clapton's one-off Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari has been known to produce one-off vehicles for customers, most notably the F430-based SP1 created for a wealthy Japanese collector in 2008 as well as the P540 Superfast Aperta created on the 599 FTB Fiorano platform in 2009.

Now, if the Ferrari afficianados over on FerrariChat.com are correct, Ferrari Special Projects program has built a third vehicle, this time for musician Eric Clapton, who is known to be a passionate Ferrari collector.

The car looks to be based on the 458 Italia and has distinct styling references to the 12-cylinder Ferrari 512 BB built in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a large lower grille, hood slats and flying buttresses at the rear. Judging from the photos, the interior appears to be relatively unchanged from the 458 Italia, and the mid-mounted 4.5-liter V8 is likely still in place as well.

We will try and find out more details about this special Ferrari, but until then, check out the photos of the car in the gallery above.

Did Ferrari build Eric Clapton a one-off 458 Italia? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiaeric claptoneric clapton ferrari 458 italiaferrariferrari 458 italiaWed, 21 Mar 2012 19:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20198426/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/did-ferrari-build-eric-clapton-a-one-off-458-italia/20198426/article-detail.xml 20198426 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/eric-clapton-ferrari-458_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/eric-clapton-ferrari-458.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Motor Trend 2011 Best Driver's Car

It's been a long while since the guys at Motor Trend went through the trouble of picking the best driver's car, and for good reason. In order to pull off an actual test with any merit, the publication would need to wrangle some of the most impressive pieces of automotive engineering together on the same track on the same day. When we're talking about vehicles like the Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Lotus Evora, Ferrari 458 Italia and the like, that can be a daunting feat, even for a rag of MT's swagger.

The stars aligned, however, and the crew managed to collect the hardware above as well as heathens like the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman R, Audi R8 GT, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07 and the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. All told, the collection was worth more than $1.5 million, and Motor Trend took the time to put them all through a battery of grueling performance tests before handing over the keys to a pro driver for a few quick laps at Laguna Seca. Rough times, guys.

The decision-making process has been split into three parts, and Part 1 is after the jump. Enjoy.

Continue reading Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011

Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia911911 gt3 rsbest drivers carcaymancorvettedrivers carevoragt-rlaguna secalfamotor trendmotor trend 2011 best drivers carmustang boss 302r8videoz06Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178893/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/20178893/article-detail.xml 20178893 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ferrari 458 GTC and Audi R8 LMS

Competition versions of the Ferrari 458 have already been prepared for the Ferrari Challenge, Grand Am, and the GT3 and GT2 classes at Le Mans and its various associated series around the world. Now you can add one more to the roster: the FIA GT1 World Championship.

Ferrari had previously left GT1 racing to the Maserati MC12, but Vitaphone Racing is switching from the Maser to an upgraded version off the BMW Z4 GT3. No announcement has been made identifying which team will field the GT1-spec 458, but whoever takes up the mantle faces a tough field tough field that includes the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Audi R8 LMS Ultra and Nissan GT-R. The Ford GT, Lamborghini Murcielago and Aston Martin DBR9 all follow the MC12 out of the series this season.

Series organizer SRO also announced that it has struck a deal with Pirelli to provide all the rubber for both the GT1 and GT3 series. Follow the jump for the official statement.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship

Ferrari 458 joining the grid in FIA GT1 World Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 gt1ferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia gt1fia gt1 world championshipgt1gt1 world championshippirellisroSun, 12 Feb 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/12/ferrari-458-joining-the-grid-in-fia-gt1-world-championship/20169955/article-detail.xml 20169955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/458-r8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/458-r8.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Juke-R vs Supercar Challenge

When is a Nissan Juke not a Nissan Juke? When it's the 480-horsepower, Godzilla-powered Juke-R, that's when. Then it's a supercar-beater. And to prove the point, Nissan UK took its one-off super-crossover down to Dubai for a little street racing action.

So what did Nissan pit its Juke-R against? No, not other crossovers, but a pack of the leanest, meanest supercars on the market: the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. We first saw video footage shot from the sidelines a couple of weeks ago, but since the publicity stunt proved so popular, Nissan responded by releasing an official, high-quality version, complete with in-car footage and plenty of tire squealing. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai

Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiadubaiferrari 458 italiagallardojukejuke-rjuke-r vs supercar challengelamborghinilamborghini gallardomercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgnissannissan jukenissan juke-rsls amgstreet racevideoTue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/20160833/article-detail.xml 20160833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Nissan Juke-R found some adventurous extracurriculars to take part in while in Dubai to pace the Dunlop 24-Hour race. Nissan said it would be making a film of the Juke-R taking on other street-legal supercars in the Dubai International Marina, but that race is meant to include a Mercedes/McLaren SLR-engined Mercedes-Benz SLK.

This appears to be something different, with the Juke-R going up against a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, a Mercedes SLS AMG, and a Ferrari 458 Italia. Lucas Ordonez, the first GTAcademy winner from 2008 is reportedly behind the wheel of the Juke-R. We don't know the driving level of his competition, but we do know this: Nissan's little beastie is really, really quick. Check out the (admittedly grainy) video after the jump to have your horizons expanded.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai

Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan juke458 italiadubaigallardo lp560-4jukejuke-rlucas ordoneznissan jukesls amgvideoyoutubeFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/nissan-juke-r-takes-on-gallardo-458-italia-and-sls-amg-in-dubai/20152958/article-detail.xml 20152958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jukersupercarracedubai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jukersupercarracedubai.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Grand Am debuting at Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ferrari-458-grand-am-debuting-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ferrari-458-grand-am-debuting-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ferrari-458-grand-am-debuting-at-daytona/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Grand Am

Ferrari is headed to the Daytona 24 Hours with a new Grand Am version of the company's 458 Italia. The 458 Grand Am borrows heavily from the GT3 version of the supercar, though with an eye towards competition here in the States. Like the GT3, the Grand Am car was prepared for battle by the same house that's been responsible for race-bred Ferrari models since the 288 GTO: Michelotto Automobili. Expect to see the cars share plenty of safety and performance hardware when the 458 Grand Am bows at the Daytona 24 Hours in January.

Ferrari has picked a star-studded crew for this year's race. Michael Waltrip will helm the racer alongside Travis Pastrana, Rui Aguas and Robert Kauffman. The Italian automaker is itching for a victory at the legendary American endurance race, but we doubt it competitors will roll over and take second place. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Grand Am debuting at Daytona

Ferrari 458 Grand Am debuting at Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 grand am458 italiadaytona 24 hoursferrariferrari 458 grand amferrari 458 italiagrand amThu, 08 Dec 2011 09:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121969/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/ferrari-458-grand-am-debuting-at-daytona/20121969/article-detail.xml 20121969 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferrari-458-grand-am-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferrari-458-grand-am-628.jpg <![CDATA[Vicki Butler-Henderson flogs Ferrari 458 Spider on <i>Fifth Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/vicki-butler-henderson-flogs-ferrari-458-spider-on-fifth-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/vicki-butler-henderson-flogs-ferrari-458-spider-on-fifth-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/vicki-butler-henderson-flogs-ferrari-458-spider-on-fifth-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vicki Butler-Henderson drives Ferrari 458 Spider

A hardtop convertible Ferrari? Yeah, you're gonna want a pretty blonde to cover that one. But this isn't the California. This is the 458 Spider. Right, better make it Vicki Butler-Henderson then.

VBH, you see, isn't some boulevard-cruising talk-show host. Sure, she's presented her share of reality television shows, like the UK version of The Biggest Loser, but she's also a certified racing driver and one of the hosts on Fifth Gear. Sounds to us like the perfect personality to test Maranello's latest follicle stimulator, and lucky for us, that's just what she's done.

Follow the jump to see Vicki channel her best Clarkson and quite nearly come to climax on camera as she drives her new favorite supercar around the Italian countryside.

Continue reading Vicki Butler-Henderson flogs Ferrari 458 Spider on Fifth Gear

Vicki Butler-Henderson flogs Ferrari 458 Spider on Fifth Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We at Autoblog love a good supercar battle, and of all the rivalries within the land of the exotic sports car, perhaps none is as fierce as Ferrari versus Lamborghini. And while Ferrari doesn't exactly have a direct competitor for the absolutely bombastic Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the folks at Underground Racing may have come up with a suitable (and awesome) solution.

The Ferrari 458 Italia you see here isn't just your stock coupe. Underground Racing has fitted the 458 with its Stage One bolt-on twin-turbocharging system, bringing the Italia's output up to a staggering 700 horsepower - at the wheels. Naturally, a race was in order.

Now, we'll go on record right away and say we're shocked that the team decided to do an acceleration race on a public highway, but nevertheless, it's clear that the addition of two turbochargers have indeed helped the Ferrari's performance. Was it enough to beat the Aventador? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading Twin-turbo Ferrari 458 Italia takes on Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Twin-turbo Ferrari 458 Italia takes on Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Which We Fight The Urge To Name It "World's Best Car"



When looking for exotic sports car thrills on public roads in the summer, it simply doesn't get any better than the Ferrari 458 Spider. How nice, too, that Italy's summer has gone on and on this year - it thoughtfully didn't end until the evening after our epic drive through the Apennine mountains. Our mostly sun-drenched route started at around 500 feet above sea level in Maranello, climbing to near 3,200 feet over Passo della Cisa, finishing the outbound portion on a deserted sandy beach in northernmost Tuscany. Then, instead of taking the suggested direct route back along the three-lane autostrade, we chose to retrace our steps over Passo della Cisa on the amazing S 62 two-lane highway where Enzo Ferrari competed in his very first road race back in 1919. It was a very appropriate 300 miles in paradise.

The all-aluminum 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider is built primarily at the Scaglietti facility in Modena, and the rakish drophead is scheduled to arrive in North America by mid-February carrying a base price of $257,000. Rather surprisingly, our mountain hop reveals that the Spider possesses perhaps an even better sum of its parts than does the $225,000-ish much-ballyhooed fixed-roof Italia. Certainly, either body configuration fairly thrashes anything the old F430 lineup was ever capable of.

To be fair, when compared side by side with the coupe, the Spider weighs some 110 pounds more at 3,384 lbs., and its overall structure is said to be 30 percent less rigid. Regardless, just as we have shamed the Italia's estimated 3.3-second run from 0-60 by recording our own 3.0-second zap, the Spider loses practically nothing to the coupe, and we're quite sure of being able to punch through to a 3.1-second time despite cheeky Ferrari estimates of "<3.3".

Continue reading 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider [w/video]

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend 2011 Best Driver's Car Competition

Today, Motor Trend announced the winner of its 2011 Best Driver's Car competition. The Ferrari 458 Italia took the top honors, beating out the other ten cars in the field. The annual roundup takes into account several factors, including lapping at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, instrumented testing and street driving.

Interestingly, the 458 Italia didn't have the quickest lap time, nor did it record the best straight-line numbers. A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with the Z07 suspension package and barely street-legal tires managed a blistering 1:34.43 second lap at Laguna Seca, beating the 458 Italia by nearly two seconds. The 458 Italia also fell short of winning the acceleration tests, losing out to the 2012 Nissan GT-R and its all-wheel-drive.

So why did it win? You'll have read the full article over at MotorTrend.com, or hit the jump to see a video of all eleven contenders drag race simultaneously at the El Toro Marine base.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia named MT's best driver's car of 2011, participates in 11-way exotic drag race

Ferrari 458 Italia named MT's best driver's car of 2011, participates in 11-way exotic drag race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 Spider

Engineering a mid-engined exotic with a retractable hardtop is a bit tricky. Which is why it's never been done before - that is, until now. Feast your eyes on what Maranello's crafty engineers have wrought.

Earlier this morning, we showed you the first video of the coming Ferrari 458 Spider, but now we have a batch of images and more information to share with you. The convertible version of the 458 Italia fills the space left by the F430 Spider and the 360, 355 and 348 Spiders before it. But whereas those went with cloth roofs, the newest variation on the theme uses a folding - or more accurately, flipping - hard panel.

The mechanism is similar to the one on the Superamerica, but whereas that model's roof panel simply rests under the open sky on the rear deck, the 458 stows under the deck lid, protecting it from collecting dust or rain that would otherwise be deposited on the driver and passenger when deployed.

The function is simpler than most folding contraptions and resulting form is more pleasing to the eye as well, but the one disadvantage is that the 4.5-liter direct-injection V8 (with all its 562 prancing horses and trademark crackled red cam cover) is now hidden below decks instead of displayed as on the 458 Italia coupe. Which only goes to show that while you can come close to having your proverbial cake and eating it too, even this level of performance roadster has its trade-offs. This, though, strikes us as one we could live with. You know, if we really had to.

Follow the jump for the video and full press release, and be sure to scope out the initial batch of high-resolution images in the gallery as we gear up for the 458 Spider's debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show just a few weeks from now.

Continue reading Ferrari drops the top, full specs on new 458 Spider [w/video]

Ferrari drops the top, full specs on new 458 Spider [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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