Autoblog

Ferrari reportedly confirms all-wheel drive hybrid system

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's long been suspected that Ferrari was hard at work developing a hybrid powertrain for its line of supercars and grand touring machines, especially since a series of patents were unearthed proving that the Italian automaker had at least sketched plans for such a system. Still, Ferrari had never confirmed such rumors.

That is until now, at least according to Autocar. An unnamed source tells the British magazine that the hybrid drivetrain will debut on the next-gen 612 (could the recently-spotted long-wheelbase 612 be a hybrid mule?) with a pair of torque-laden electric motors that will be connected to the front wheels. Ferrari's traditional V12 or possibly a turbocharged V8 engine would send power to the GT car's rear wheels.

As befitting an automobile wearing the coveted Prancing Horse badge, Ferrari is said to be using the system to benefit handling and not to improve fuel efficiency. Whatever the case, we'll surely know more by 2014 or so when Ferrari is actually expected to have the hybrid ready for production.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari reportedly confirms all-wheel drive hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is reportedly currently working on the three V12 cars that will replace its comparable current offerings: the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB, and Enzo. The 612's follow-on will be the first one to arrive, likely in early 2012, and another mule has been spotted out and about. It still sports the hood scoop (bigger engine with more power, anyone?) and California-style stacked tailpipes, and it looks like it might have a longer wheelbase to boot.

Rumor has it that the new direct-injected V12 will be 40 percent less polluting and get 40 percent better gas mileage than the 5.7-liter V12 presently in use, even as it's expected to get a slight 7-horsepower bump to 540. The fuel economy increase would provide a very respectable 16 MPG - not bad for a car that ought to hustle to 60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds. Check out a host of new spy photos in our gallery below. In case you're curious, the sticker on the steering wheel boss which reads "Betrieb nur mit geschlossener Motorhaube" is an instruction telling drivers that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Image: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari CEO outlines dates for Enzo, 612, 599 replacements

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

With the new 458 Italia ready to go, the 458 Spider on its way, and the California still fresh on the market, Ferrari is turning its attention from the V8 range to its V12 flagships. CAR sat down with the company's CEO and managing director Amedeo Felisa, who revealed the full roll-out schedule for not one, not two, but three new V12 supercars currently under development in Maranello.

First up is the 612 Scaglietti, which has been on the market since 2004. That may not seem like a long product life cycle, but considering the lackluster Scag hasn't exactly won the hearts and minds of enthusiasts and customers, Ferrari is apparently moving ahead with its replacement, due to hit the market by 2012.

Around the same time, we can expect to see the long-anticipated supercar to follow in the footsteps of the 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo. Although Ferrari has been working on hybrid propulsion and other forms of green technology, those bits won't be ready by the time the Enzo's successor rolls around, so expect a more conventional V12 (or possibly twin turbo V8) to drive Maranello's new benchmark.

The replacement for the 599 GTB Fiorano, meanwhile, will take a little longer. The two-seat GT was introduced a few years ago and recently treated to a new HGTE package to keep it ahead of the competition. But although the new 458 is already expected to outgun the Fiorano, and with arch-rival Lamborghini hard at work on a successor to the Murcielago, Ferrari isn't planning to replace the 599 before 2015.

[Source: CAR]

Ferrari CEO outlines dates for Enzo, 612, 599 replacements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor spotted in the wild

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Ferrari

Earlier this month, sharp shooters brought us our first glimpse of the test mule under development to replace the gargantuan Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, and now we're getting a closer look... with some camouflage. As the big V12 four-seater is the oldest model in the Ferrari range, logic dictates that it should be next up for replacement. However, there remain more questions than answers as to the nature of the new grand tourer.

Rather than update the current 612, sources suggest that its replacement will be an all-new model. Expect the Enzo-derived engine to provide the motivation in the place of the 575-derived V12 that initially powered the Scaglietti. So far all we can tell is that the tail pipes have been reconfigured in a stacked arrangement like those on the California, while at the front, a big square box protrudes from the hood to house whatever kind of next-gen powertrain Ferrari has in store. Ferrari's been known to be working on a part-time all-wheel-drive system to help handling and traction, while a KERS-derived hybrid braking system could also find its way into the 612 successor and direct injection is likely to be employed. Sources suggest the new GT to debut in 2011, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it arrive sooner.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 successor spotted in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camo Cameo: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ready for desert storming

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Can you see it? Click above to view the camouflaged Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in our gallery

Try playing hide-and-go-seek with a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and you're bound to lose. At over sixteen feet in length, the two-door GT is longer than a Hummer H3 and nearly as long as a Mercedes S-Class. But one owner may have found the key. This desert-camo Prancing Horse was spotted by Ferrari Chat board member "elipinsk" in the wilds of Germany.

Speculation was that it was yet another creation of Bathing Ape founder Nigo, along the same lines as his camouflaged Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bugatti Veyron and classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. We might have placed it among Saddam Hussein's corral of high-end automobiles, but indications are that it actually belongs to a local real estate developer. And not in the Persian Gulf, either, but in Wiesbaden, Germany. The "intriguing" treatment appears to have been done with a vinyl wrap, so at least it can be reversed fairly painlessly, which is more than we can say for its application.

Gallery: Camouflaged Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

[Source: FerrariChat.com via autoblog.nl]

Camo Cameo: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ready for desert storming originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Replacement for Ferrari 612 Scaglietti could get a greener engine

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

There's been discussion recently of an updated 599 GTB Fiorano and a replacement for the F430, but the oldest Ferrari in the stable is the 612 Scaglietti. So it would stand to reason that Maranello would be planning to replace the controversial 2+2 flagship before its smaller siblings were updated, and reason may now be affirmed by the latest reports and spy shots emanating from Europe.

This prototype Scaglietti was spied around the factory in Maranello wearing some intriguing bodywork around the front section, suggesting that Ferrari may be testing a new or updated V12 engine for the 612's replacement. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, Ferrari could be working on a more efficient powerplant for the next generation of its largest model.

The current Scaglietti has been on the market essentially unchanged since 2003, and its replacement is tipped to arrive by 2011.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Spy Shots: Replacement for Ferrari 612 Scaglietti could get a greener engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari recalls 612 Scaglietti with F1 transmission

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Ferrari

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.

Continue reading Ferrari recalls 612 Scaglietti with F1 transmission

Ferrari recalls 612 Scaglietti with F1 transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:37:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

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.

Gallery: Ferrari at Geneva 2008

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three year-long waiting list for Ferraris in the UK

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:38:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Ferrari, UK

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.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

[Source: WhatCar?]

Three year-long waiting list for Ferraris in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Wallpaper* magazine edition

Alex Nunez — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe

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]

Continue reading Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Wallpaper* magazine edition

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Wallpaper* magazine edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jul 2006 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Cornes 30th Anniversary Edition - 20 cars, for Japan only

Alex Nunez — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:46:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan

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]

Continue reading Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Cornes 30th Anniversary Edition - 20 cars, for Japan only

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Cornes 30th Anniversary Edition - 20 cars, for Japan only originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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