Autoblog

2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti shown for illustrative purposes

If you are lucky enough to be driving a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, you probably have the company's automated manual F1 gearbox helping you swap the cogs. With its faster-than-Schumacher shifts, the F1 tranny can make just about anyone feel like a pro. Unfortunately, it can also leave you stranded if heat build-up triggers the clutch sensor. Thus, Ferrari has instituted an official recall of all 612 Scagliettis that could be affected by this finnicky F1 gearbox. Altogether, 366 of the vehicles are being recalled to replace this sensor as well as a related cable holder and magnet that might cause difficult shifting or even complete inoperation. Only model year 2005-2007 612s are affected. If you have one of these in your garage, then you will probably be hearing from your dealer shortly. You can check out the official recall notice from the NHTSA after the jump.

Click above to view in high resolution

Show-stopping new production cars and concepts were not lacking in Geneva this year. There were so many, in fact, that we struggled to take it all in. Yet while Ferrari didn't have any new models to show us, somehow we couldn't help but slow down in front of its booth as we rushed from press conference to press conference. Maybe it was the classic Daytona sitting next to the 612 Scaglietti bathed in soft light, or maybe the pair of lookers standing next to them. Guess we'll never know, but you can feast your eyes on all the sexy models in the gallery below.

What Ferrari did unveil at the Swiss show, however, was a new customization program. Called One-to-One, the program takes the catalog of options under the existing Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme a step further. A customization studio is being built at the factory in Maranello where clients can hand-pick a wide variety of options from leather swatches to brake calipers and everything in between. The program is being launched on the 612 Scaglietti, but will assuredly be broadened to the entire range in due course. For the 612, Ferrari also announced the availability of the SuperFast robotic gearbox and a new electrochromatic glass roof that can tint and lighten at the push of a button like the folding hardtop on the limited edition Superamerica. More on the latest from Maranello is available in the press release after the jump.

click above to view more high-res images of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Ferrari has been doing a booming business of late, particularly across the pond where the UK is now the third largest consumer of the Italian thoroughbreds behind the United States and Germany. More impressive is the fact that last year Ferrari GB sold 699 cars, compared to 15 years ago when it only sold 128.

While that's all well and good for the folks from Maranello, it's becoming increasingly difficult to actually get one of Ferrari's offerings in the UK. The longest stretch is for the 599, which demands its well-to-do potential purchasers wait 36 months for the sleek V12 coupe. If you're willing to "downgrade" to the 612 Scaglietti, the wait is still two years and buyers opting for the "entry-level" F430 have to hold on to their promissory notes for up to 30 months.


[Source: WhatCar?]

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]

Cornes & Co. has been importing Ferraris to Japan since 1976. To celebrate those thirty years of service, Maranello has created a very limited edition of its 612 Scaglietti grand tourer. Only 20 copies will be produced, and they will be offered exclusively to Japanese customers. The Cornes 30th Anniversary car begins as a 612 Scaglietti equipped with the factory's HGTC package. From there, it gets a slate of visual enhancements that set it apart from the rest of the prancing horses in the stable.

Outside, the  Ferrari gets an exclusive paint color called Blu Cornes, a carbon fiber filler cap, and mesh grille inserts in the front and rear fascias. The blue theme is carried over inside as well. The speedometer and tach faces are the same shade of blue as the bodywork, and the gorgeous two-tone interior mixes the deep blue with a rich tan, creating one of the most opulent cabins to be found in any Ferrari. Touch surfaces are made of carbon fiber, leather, or alacantra suede, depending on where you rest your hand. The dashboard and rear seating area each get special CORNES 30th badges, and the kickplates in the doorsills are graced with placques featuring the signature of Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

Price of entry is 33,980,000 Yen, which translates to around $304,000 USD. Delivery of the cars begins in November.

Check out official publicity shots of the interior after the jump. Cornes and Carview have photo galleries from the car's unveiling in Japan.

[Source: Cornes & Co. via Carview Japan]