Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Challenge Crash - video screencap

Two people are lucky to be alive after a brutal crash during a recent Ferrari 458 Challenge event in Japan. Driver Shigeru Terajima lost control of his machine on the Suzuka Circuit start/finish straight, left the course at nearly 200 miles per hour and struck the inside wall where a corner worker was standing and monitoring the race. The 458 immediately disintegrated, sending bits of carbon fiber bodywork, suspension components, wheels and tires scattering into the infield and across the race course. The passenger cell spun through the air before coming to a stop on its roof.

Miraculously, both Terajima and the corner worker survived the incident. While the driver was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, he's expected to make a full recovery. The track worker, meanwhile, saw the incident coming and dove out of harm's way at the last possible moment, saving him from the brunt of the impact. You can watch an observer's frightening footage of the Ferrari crash by scrolling below.

Continue reading Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka

Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 challenge crashferrariferrari 458 challengeferrari 458 italiaferrari crashshigeru terajimasuzuka circuitvideoTue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/20568146/article-detail.xml 20568146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



One of the greatest things every Corvette has had going for it, and also one of the most re-used arguments against it, is its price-to-performance equation - long before the Nissan GT-R became the de facto Porsche 911 comparator the Corvette spent decades as Exhibit A. Depending on which side of the argument you stressed, supporters crowed about how much performance you got for how (comparatively) little, detractors carped on how little you got everywhere else in the bargain.

It appears Chevrolet is working as hard as ever to render the argument meaningless. Spy shooters at KGP captured a convocation of European birds of prey leaving the General Motors test center, and aimed at benchmarking the C7 Corvette ZR1. The road train comprised of two C7 Corvette Stingrays, a 2013 Corvette ZR1, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Porsche 911 Carrera S and it was last seen heading down the same kinked-up back roads used to hone the Corvette Stingray.

The C7-series ZR1 and its possible 700 horsepower are still a ways off. If it really is being positioned to compete with the celestial exotica in the testing group, could it be the first Corvette to regularly be the first answer to the question "Cost no object, which would would you rather have?"

See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8 v10 spyderc7 corvettechevy corvettechevy corvette zr1corvette zr1ferrariferrari 458 italiamclarenmclaren mp4-12cporscheporsche 911spy shotsTue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/20559599/article-detail.xml 20559599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia becomes most expensive prize ever on Price Is Right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ferrari-458-italia-becomes-most-expensive-prize-ever-on-price-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ferrari-458-italia-becomes-most-expensive-prize-ever-on-price-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/ferrari-458-italia-becomes-most-expensive-prize-ever-on-price-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



In case you haven't been paying attention, it's "Big Money Week" on the long-running The Price Is Right televised game show. In a nutshell, it means that more than a million dollars in cash and prizes are up for grabs for those lucky enough to "come on down," play some games and correctly guess product retail prices.

Moments after opening the show Thursday, host Drew Carey broke the unexpected news. "Today you are going to see the single-most-expensive prize in the history of the daytime Price is Right," he boasted before the curtains were pulled back to review a brand-new Ferrari 458 Italia Spider.

To win the car, the contestant had to play "Three Strikes" - blindly pulling numbers out of a bag and putting them in the correct price sequence before grabbing three dreaded red strikes. As expected, your typical The Price Is Right contestant is about as familiar with today's retail Ferrari pricing as they are with fractional jet ownership. We won't spoil the fun of whether or not a lucky player gets to drive the $285,716 exotic home (and pay a midsize sedan's worth of taxes), but feel free to speed ahead to about the three-minute mark on the video below to watch the reveal.

Of course, we've got to ask... being a savvy Autoblog reader, do you think you would have won the Ferrari?

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia becomes most expensive prize ever on Price Is Right

Ferrari 458 Italia becomes most expensive prize ever on Price Is Right originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew careyferrariferrari 458 italiaprice is right ferrarithe price is rightvideoFri, 26 Apr 2013 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/ferrari-458-italia-becomes-most-expensive-prize-ever-on-price-is/20549306/article-detail.xml 20549306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ferrari-spyder-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ferrari-spyder-628.jpg <![CDATA[Pininfarina to build handful of Sergio Roadster models?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pininfarina Sergio Roadster concept - live at Geneva Motor Show unveiling - front three-quarter view

At just about any other auto show, Pininfarina's Sergio Roadster would've been the uncontested showstopper - but at the Geneva Motor Show, where supercar reveals stack up like cordwood and there are plenty of coachbuilt classics-to-be, the Sergio was merely stunning.

But its beauty shouldn't be overlooked, and apparently it hasn't been - Pininfarina is seriously considering a very limited run of the roofless, windshield-free sports car. With just five or six examples in the possible production run, the Ferrari 458 Spider-based barchetta could fetch some three million euros. That's according to CEO Silvio Angori, who spoke with Automotive News Europe. At the time the Sergio was introduced, we had heard that Pininfarina was mulling production, but this is the first time we've had even rough numbers assigned to the car.

The Sergio's aesthetic success hinges quite a bit on the roll bar element, which also serves as a rear spoiler, and it's quite low, which could pose production challenges. If sold as designed, European law would mandate that helmets be worn whenever it's driven on public roads. Apparently, Pininfarina is aware that plutocrats tend to not want "helmet hair" when popping down to the shops or going out for dinner, so a small windshield could be added to make the car more palatable for actual road use.

Pininfarina to build handful of Sergio Roadster models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italiaconcept carferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 spidergenevageneva 2013geneva motor showpininfarinasergiosergio conceptMon, 18 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/pininfarina-to-build-handful-of-sergio-roadster-models/20507785/article-detail.xml 20507785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pininfarina-sergio-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pininfarina-sergio-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[NYC cop whose foot was run over by Ferrari driver reportedly filing $10M lawsuit [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/nyc-cop-whose-foot-was-run-over-by-ferrari-driver-reportedly-fil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/nyc-cop-whose-foot-was-run-over-by-ferrari-driver-reportedly-fil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/nyc-cop-whose-foot-was-run-over-by-ferrari-driver-reportedly-fil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Remember the genius who tried to run over an NYPD officer that was writing ticket for said genius' illegally parked Ferrari? Said genius is being sued by said cop for $10 million.

The 458 Spider owner has a name; Julien Chabbot. According to the New York Post, the 28-year-old Internet entrepreneur is being sued by officer Felix Recio, who claims Chabbot intentionally tried to run him over when he was attempting to write a ticket. Recio has reportedly retained lawyer Sal Strazzullo, who has motioned to increase the criminal charges from felony assault to first-degree assault with a deadly weapon. "Chabbott clearly had no regard for Officer Recio's life," said Strazzullo, "hitting him with his Ferrari could have caused serious injured or even death.

According to the report, the August 4 SoHo incident left the 34-year-old officer with "a swollen foot and bruising." Recio continued, "I believe he deliberately drove towards me with an intent to hurt me." Recio is suing for personal injury and says he has not been able to work since the incident.

Meanwhile, Chabbott's attorney, Ben Brafman, denies the upped charges, stating: "We are not aware of any civil lawsuit... I would be shocked if a $10 million lawsuit is in fact being contemplated given the fact that we have developed information to the effect that the officer in question appears to have suffered no injury whatsoever."

We'll see how this sordid legal affair plays out. In the meantime, click below to watch the caught-on-video incident.

Continue reading NYC cop whose foot was run over by Ferrari driver reportedly filing $10M lawsuit [w/video]

NYC cop whose foot was run over by Ferrari driver reportedly filing $10M lawsuit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia458 spiderfelix recioferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari copferrari runs over copjulien chabbotnypdparking ticketsal strazzulloWed, 22 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306681/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/nyc-cop-whose-foot-was-run-over-by-ferrari-driver-reportedly-fil/20306681/article-detail.xml 20306681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nyc458cop_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nyc458cop.jpeg <![CDATA[A 458 Italia-powered Fiat 500 is not a good idea, it's the best idea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lazzarini Design Fiat 550 Italia

We're pretty sweet on the resurrected Fiat 500. The quirky little hatch is an engaging driver with adorable looks. It is not what we'd call fast, however - even the Fiat 500 Abarth just barely lands itself in "quick" territory.

Fortunately, there are hard-working souls out there willing to remedy the machine's acceleration deficit. Lazzarini Design has done some measuring and discovered that, with a little body work, the 500 can play host to much more formidable powerplant. How formidable? The crew wants to yank the beating heart from the Ferrari 458 Italia and plop the 4.5-liter V8 behind the seats of cinquecento. You know, where the car gods intended the engine in the 500 to be.

These are clearly our kind of people.

But they aren't entirely off their medication. The engine has been detuned from 570 horsepower to a more reasonable 550 hp. Lazzarini says the project actually stretches the 500 wheelbase by almost a foot in order to fit the engine and transmission safely aboard. The whole machine weighs in at 2,200 pounds, even with ballast on both front corners to keep the car planted. If you like what you see, the studio says it is currently looking for an investor to help build the machine. Lazzarini Design estimates the project will cost around $550,000. Check it out over at the Lazzarini site.

A 458 Italia-powered Fiat 500 is not a good idea, it's the best idea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia550 italiaferrari 458 italiafiatfiat 500fiat 550 italialazzarini designFri, 22 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/a-458-italia-powered-fiat-500-is-not-a-good-idea-its-the-best/20264168/article-detail.xml 20264168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lazzarini-design-fiat-550-italia-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lazzarini-design-fiat-550-italia-628.jpg <![CDATA[Filly on Ferrari violence as angry horse kicks Prancing Horse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/filly-on-ferrari-violence-as-angry-horse-kicks-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/filly-on-ferrari-violence-as-angry-horse-kicks-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/05/filly-on-ferrari-violence-as-angry-horse-kicks-prancing-horse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari Vs Horse

There's a reason mankind began measuring work in horsepower. Horses are incredibly strong animals capable of impressive feats of industry and speed. They can also be plenty destructive. By some estimates, an average, full-grown horse can generate over 7,300 pound-feet of force in a single kick. That's more than enough to break bone, bend metal and shatter composites. Just ask one Ferrari 458 Italia owner in China. The driver came upon a horseriding club in stop-and-go traffic and commenced blowing his horn. Alarmed at the commotion, one horse did what horses do best and gave the Italian supercar a swift kick in the front fender.

Surprisingly enough, the Ferrari took the wallop without suffering too much damage, though the owner had a few choice words for horse and rider. According to reports, the Ferrari driver decided against calling the police. Check out the riding horse on Prancing Horse violence for yourself by scrolling below.

Continue reading Filly on Ferrari violence as angry horse kicks Prancing Horse

Filly on Ferrari violence as angry horse kicks Prancing Horse originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 italiaferrari failferrari kicked by horsehorsehorse kicks ferrarivideoTue, 05 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20251078/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/05/filly-on-ferrari-violence-as-angry-horse-kicks-prancing-horse/20251078/article-detail.xml 20251078 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-vs-horse-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-vs-horse-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Italia Crash

There's the right way to tackle the infamous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca and then there's the way that puts your Ferrari 458 Italia into the catch fence and on its roof. Ryan Ockey recently gave the latter option a shot during the Ferrari Challenge at Mazda Raceway with predictable results. All of the safety equipment both in the car and at the track worked as intended, however, and the driver walked away with little more than a bruised ego. There are no solid reports as to what caused the flying Ferrari, but rumor has it there may have been a brake failure.

Unfortunately, the 458 Italia had to be pulled from the gravel trap by a tow truck, which meant a long, painful slog downhill on the Italian exotic's roof. Check out two videos of the carnage and the rescue to see what we mean. Jump forward to two minutes in on the second clip to see things go downhill for Ockey.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca

Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia crashferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia crashferrari challengelaguna secamazda racewayvideoWed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/20242839/article-detail.xml 20242839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628.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[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[These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of <i>male</i> ownership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last week we brought you Inside Line's list of the 10 cars most likely to be owned by a women. The Volvo S40 came out on top among the ladies. But what's most likely to be owned by a guy? Minivans? Fuel-efficient hatchbacks? Hybrids?

No.

At the top of Inside Line's list is the very masculine, testosterone-oozing Ferrari 458 Italia. It should be no surprise that 95.3% of 458 owners are men. We sure would like to meet the other 4.7%.

Ahem. Anyway, in second place is the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, then the Audi R8, the Mercedes SLS AMG and then, at No. 5, the Ferrari California. So far, we've pretty much recited every male motorhead's ultimate wish list. Seriously, what self-respecting man doesn't put himself to sleep every night running through the gears of any of those cars?

At No. 6, is the perennial Porsche 911, then the Nissan GT-R at No. 7 with 87.9% male ownership. No. 8 is the obligatory GMC Sierra pickup closely followed by the Ford F-Series at No. 9. Rounding out the list at No. 10 is the consummate mid-life crisis Chevy Corvette with 86.9% male ownership.

So where does that leave the Ford F-650? Are there really that many women buying that monster?

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series m coupechevroletcorvettef150Ferrari 458 Italiaferrari californiagmc sierraguy carsporsche 911r8sls amgFri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/these-are-the-10-new-cars-with-the-highest-percentage-of-male/20207105/article-detail.xml 20207105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ferrari-458-italia-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ferrari-458-italia-opt.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[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[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[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[Ferrari 458 Italia named MT's best driver's car of 2011, participates in 11-way exotic drag race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/ferrari-458-italia-named-best-drivers-car-of-2011-participates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/ferrari-458-italia-named-best-drivers-car-of-2011-participates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/ferrari-458-italia-named-best-drivers-car-of-2011-participates/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ferrari 458 italia458 italiaferrariferrari 458 italialaguna secamotor trendmotor trend best drivers carvideoMon, 12 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20040243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/12/ferrari-458-italia-named-best-drivers-car-of-2011-participates/20040243/article-detail.xml 20040243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/motortrend-2011-best-drivers-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/motortrend-2011-best-drivers-car.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari drops the top, full specs on new 458 Spider [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ferrari-drops-the-top-full-specs-on-new-458-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ferrari-drops-the-top-full-specs-on-new-458-spider/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ferrari-drops-the-top-full-specs-on-new-458-spider/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt458458 convertible458 italia458 spiderferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 spiderfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showTue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/ferrari-drops-the-top-full-specs-on-new-458-spider/20024470/article-detail.xml 20024470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web458-spider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web458-spider.jpg <![CDATA[How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia's body frame]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/how-to-build-a-ferrari-458-italias-body-frame/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/how-to-build-a-ferrari-458-italias-body-frame/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/how-to-build-a-ferrari-458-italias-body-frame/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ferrari Alcoa plant

As far as autoworker jobs go, putting together a Ferrari has got to be one of the plum gigs. The company is consistently rated as one of the best places to work in Europe, but if the pleasant atmosphere and long espresso breaks weren't enough, you get to go home at the end of the day knowing that you put together a Ferrari. Not a pickup truck, not an economy hatchback, but a Ferrari.

Unfortunately for most of us, that job isn't really feasible, but to give us a glimpse at what we're missing, Ferrari is apparently releasing a series of videos showing us what it's like inside its factory. Last week it was the engine assembly line, and this time it's the facility where the workers produce the frame.

The factory built in conjunction with aluminum giant Alcoa also happens to be the only Ferrari plant located outside the company's compound in Maranello - situated, as it is, in nearby Modena. Follow the jump to watch the ten-minute video to see the process unfold.

Continue reading How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia's body frame

How to build a Ferrari 458 Italia's body frame originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaalcoaassemblyfactoryferrariferrari 458 italiamodenaplantscagliettivideoFri, 12 Aug 2011 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20016262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/12/how-to-build-a-ferrari-458-italias-body-frame/20016262/article-detail.xml 20016262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ferrari-458-frame_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ferrari-458-frame.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari to unveil 458 Spider in Frankfurt with new Scuderia, 599 and Enzo in the pipeline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/ferrari-to-unveil-458-spider-in-frankfurt-with-new-scuderia-599/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/ferrari-to-unveil-458-spider-in-frankfurt-with-new-scuderia-599/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/ferrari-to-unveil-458-spider-in-frankfurt-with-new-scuderia-599/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ferraris

A whole string of new models from Ferrari are in the pipeline. And once in a while, we get an insider's glimpse at what to expect. This time, Automotive News Europe has what they believe is a handle on the Maranello marque's plans for the next few years, and so far things look promising.

First up, reports are circulating that Ferrari will present the new 458 Spider at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The successor to the discontinued 430 Spider is tipped to get some sort of retractable hard-top, though we'll have to wait to see precisely what form that will take.

ANE is also reporting that a more hardcore version of the 458 will arrive in 2013, though given that the lightweight model changed designations from the 360 Challenge Stradale to the 430 Scuderia, we'd expect the new model to carry a different name yet again. Following the California's anticipated facelift in 2013, the 458 Italia itself is also rumored to get a refresh in 2014, though given that the car just went on sale last year, that timeframe could prove a little premature.

The 599 GTB Fiorano is slated, according to the report, for replacement next year. The vehicle code-named F152 is expected to keep the front/rear layout, but benefit from direct injection in its V12 engine like the new FF.

Rumor has it that the successor to the range-topping 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo is also slated to arrive sometime next year, giving Ferrari a very fresh model line in the very near future.

Ferrari to unveil 458 Spider in Frankfurt with new Scuderia, 599 and Enzo in the pipeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 scuderia458 spider599 gtb fioranof152ferrariferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 scuderiaferrari 458 spiderferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari f152Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/ferrari-to-unveil-458-spider-in-frankfurt-with-new-scuderia-599/20013188/article-detail.xml 20013188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/110142car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/110142car.jpg -1 2