Autoblog

Direct injection has allowed automakers like Audi to compete on horsepower without the need to boost displacement, and the added fuel economy and reduced emissions has helped push the technology as the next big thing on the green scene. Ferrari has seen the benefits of what direct injection can do, and the Italian supercar maker plans on adding the technology to Enzo's babies by 2009. Ferrari is using Audi as its benchmark, due to the fact that the German automaker has used DI successfully in several different engines.

Direct injection will first infiltrate the Ferrari lineup with the updated F430, and a ten-percent bump in power will be the most noticeable byproduct of the engine upgrade. When opening up the engine bay, things will look different as everything from the block up has to be redesigned. New cylinder heads, valve trains, intake, and throttle bodies will need to be updated for DI to make its way into the famous engine bays. Direct injection will also reduce emissions by 40-percent, which will bring the powerful sports car to more acceptable levels of pollution.

Look for the 612 Scaglietti and the 599 GTB Fiorano to receive DI next, and all applications will receive a 5- to 8-percent bump in fuel economy once the engine tech is incorporated. While direct injection will undoubtedly change the personality of Ferrari's sought-after powerplants, we're sure the ten-percent power bump and improved green stature will help everyone become accustomed to the change.

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

The satellite radio option is about as common in new cars as the near-omnipresent AUX jack for portable music devices. You can argue that the presence of the latter essentially eliminates the need for the former, but some people like being able to tune in to a radio station where there's the outside chance of hearing songs they may not necessarily own yet. Most luxury marques, from Audi to Rolls-Royce, already have the satellite base covered. So it was a bit of a surprise to learn that Ferrari hadn't gotten into the game. That's over though, as Modena has selected XM as its extra-terrestrial radio provider of choice. The first car to get it is the 612 Scaglietti, which is fine and all, but we can't figure out why anyone would want yet another audio source to compete with the sweet music made by the car's V12. At least the NavTraffic feature can help keep the Ferrari on roads whose conditions allow it to maintain a proper pace.

[Source: XM Radio]

Click image for photo gallery

The Hamann people have been busy the last week or so, showing off packages for the Murcielago LP640 and BMW X5. Well, here's a third for you: The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti by Hamann features a new exhaust system that provides added bellow to the V12's already-sonorous tailpipe music. It would not be a Hamann deal, of course, without an aero package, either. In this case, it looks quite tacked-on if you ask us. We're not crazy about how the company's "Edition Race" wheels look in this application, either. New springs and full interior customization are also available. Oh, and that Hamann decal on the front bumper? Ridiculous. Make it go away...now. We generally like a lot of the stuff Hamann does, but in this case, maybe they should have left well enough alone. We'll take the exhaust and leave it at that. Well...if someone gives us a Scaglietti first, that is.

[Source: Hamann]

Click image for a gallery of 11 desktop-sized photos

Some of you might recall the custom Ferrari 612 Scaglietti designed by Wallpaper* magazine in a demonstration of in-house bespokery Carrozzeria Scaglietti's personalization skills. If you don't remember, however, here's a link to our original piece on the car. And really, it's not as if we can blame you if you did forget about it. For all its personalized features, including embossed Wallpaper* asterix logos, custom map pockets, and a matching set of luggage, the Wallpaper* Scaglietti lookes basically like any other "pedestrian" 612 on the surface. All the special elements require an up-close inspection to be seen, and the car's custom two-tone Nero/Blu Pozzi finish remains as indistinguishable in photographs as it did 8 months ago.

Still, a custom Ferrari is a custom Ferrari, and this one has a new home in Ireland. The car is now the property of collector Paul Hill, who paid an undisclosed amount for the car.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari GB]

click above image for larger photos of the 60th Anniversary Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari is a truly amazing car company. With an illustrious history that spans the last 60 years and then some, the company currently sits at or near the top of both motorsports and the commerical arena in which it sells its Italian exotics. This year is Ferrari's 60th anniversary, and it's celebrating the milestone in a very Ferrari way, which is to say unlike anyone else. The festivities begain at the Italian embassy in Abu Dhabi today where Ferrari owners set out on a relay that will ultimately involve over 10,000 cars on a trip across China, Japan, Australia, South Africa, American and all of Europe. The trip is actually a relay, in which a special baton will be carried that bears 60 enamel symbols representing the 60 most important events in Ferrari's history. It's topped by a platinum and diamond prancing horse – very fitting.

At the start of the relay this morning, Piero Ferrari, son of company founder Enzo, gave a speech in which he also announced that the company will build and sell 60 very unique 612 Scagliettis. The cars will be offered in a two-tone livery with available colors that have graced the marque's most memorable models from year's past. Each will have a trick electrochromic glass roof, of which the degree of opacity can be infinitely adjusted by the driver. What will make each 612 the rarest of collectibles, however, is a small enameled symbol, presumably matching one of the the ones on the relay baton, set in the center tunnel of each car. We're guessing you won't be able to arrive at your Ferrari dealer and plunk down a deposit for one of these. Chances are you'll be invited by the company itself to purchaes one. I wouldn't hold your breath for the opportunity, however.

Check out Ferrari's full press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

We recently reported on the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti that Wallpaper* magazine's art staff would be designing and have on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Well, the finished product is out, and while it's certainly very nice, its special nature is not immediately apparent. In fact, at first glance it looks surprisingly stock.

Created using Ferrari's Carrozzeria Scaglietti personlization/customization program, the big GT sports a subtle two-tone paint scheme that combines the colors Nero and Blu Pozzi. Unfortunately, the combination is so understated, the color differences are not readily apparent in the photos released. It sounds elegant, but it's probably better appreciated when viewed in person. That two-tone theme is carried inside as well, where it is a bit more discernible. The Daytona-style seats are done in Nero and Blu Scuro leather, with Blu stitching adding additional contrast throughout the car. The effect is very nice, as shown in one of the detail shots after the jump.

A couple of bespoke features are added as well. The Wallpaper* asterisx logo is embossed on the leather glovebox lid and on the custom map pockets added to the sides of the center tunnel. The 612's custom-fitted luggage also gets embossed Wallpaper* logos. Other "off-the-shelf" Carrozzeria Scaglietti options include yellow brake calipers, a yellow-faced tachometer and the aforementioned "Daytona" seats (which are a great retro touch).

As for the car itself, it's a 612 Scaglietti F1 with the HGTC handling pack. It's best feature -- above and beyond all the custom bits described above -- is underhood. The 533-horsepower V12, you see, is the perfect complement to whatever custom colors you choose to adorn the car with.

If any readers attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, we'd love to know how this car looks in person. You can reach us using the "Contact Us" link in the Resources section on the right sidebar.

(Photos, extensive release after the jump)

[Source: Ferrari Great Britain]