Autoblog

Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Safety, Videos, Ferrari, Racing

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.

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'World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Japan, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Luxury

Justice is slowly being served to those drivers who were involved in a 10-car pile up in Japan last year that saw eight Ferrari models, one Lamborghini and three Mercedes-Benz vehicles hauled off for scrap. As you may recall, the lead driver lost control of his machine, pin balling into those following behind and doing some $4 million in damage in the process. Now the 61-year-old lead driver and nine others have had their cases sent to prosecutors.

The group are currently being charged with suspicion of violating traffic laws. We'll take a moment to wait for the laughter to die down before continuing.

Prosecutors claim the drivers were exceeding the speed limit and not paying attention to the road when the incident happened. Six people were injured in the dust up, but everyone survived. The group was on their way to a supercar event in Hiroshima. Feel free to watch the original news reports below.

Continue reading 'World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video]

'World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Technician sues Ferrari shop after being paralyzed in high-speed accident

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ferrari, UK, Luxury

In 2008, a technician at The Ferrari Centre in Kent, England took a customer's Ferrari 348 TS for a test ride. The tech, Shane Harris, said he was told by the shop owner, Roger Collingwood, to "open her up" and do 100 miles per hour. So Harris opened it up on the A274 highway, and while he didn't reach 100 mph, he did get up to 80 - and then he crashed. After losing control of the car, Harris plowed into another car and then into a stand of trees.

According to the Telegraph, Harris was paralyzed by the accident and requires around-the-clock care. Now, he's suing Collingwood for damages. It was part of Harris' job to take cars for test drives before returning them to customers, but in this case, he says that his employers were negligent and that testing high-performance cars on public roads is "unsafe."

Collingwood has denied any wrongdoing, saying that all employees are instructed to never break the speed limit. The case goes to court next year.

Technician sues Ferrari shop after being paralyzed in high-speed accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Lamborghini, Ferrari

This is going to be painful, so we'll break it down quickly. Trust us, it will be like pulling off a Band-Aid.

[translated from Japanese]

"So, want to caravan to the car show? I'm excited to drive my Ferrari F355 there."
"Sure. I will be driving my Lamborghini. Let me call my six other friends who also own Ferraris."
"If other marques are welcome, I will invite my two friends who drive Mercedes-Benzes."

Crash!

[sounds of crying]

In all seriousness, we were glad to learn that nobody was seriously injured in the wreck. According to the Associated Press, a group of car enthusiasts were on their way to a driver's gathering in Hiroshima when one Ferrari swerved into the median barrier, likely pinballing into the other cars. Police said a total of 14 cars were caught in the wreck, including eight Ferraris, two Lambos, and a trio of Mercs. The AP report says total damage is likely over $1 million.

Click past the jump to watch both AP and Japanese news reports, including footage of the aftermath.

Continue reading Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes

Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland

Daniel Ponzini — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Kia, Ferrari

Many of you have been following the 2011 Targa Newfoundland here on Autoblog, what with our own Zach Bowman competing. Perhaps you were surprised to find out that rare supercars like a Maserati MC12 and a Ferrari Enzo had entered the demanding race.

Unfortunately, the Enzo has bowed out early after taking a turn for the worse when it lost control and dove into the Atlantic Ocean off a coastal road. The Enzo was piloted (and owned) by Zahir Rana, who also owns ZR Auto exotic car dealership. Ferrari produced 400 Enzos, and of them, Rana's was one of the fastest that road-legal after being modified to similar specifications as an FXX. It was tuned in Germany to deliver a bewildering 850 horsepower and held a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds.

We were able to get a few quick glimpses of the Enzo with Rana and his navigator, Roland Linder, heading for the ocean thanks to Kia Canada. Kia is also entered in the race and was waiting in anticipation for their Forte Koup to come around the same bend in the road.

Rana has posted a video, which you can find after the jump, that clearly states his disappointment, but also his reasoning and reflection on what happened. He definitely has the right mindset, explaining how things like this happen in racing and he is lucky that he and his teammate were left unscathed in the incident. He also makes a point to sadly say, "It's only a car, it's not a big deal."

We agree wholeheartedly with Rana, but by the same token, having the incident happen to a car currently valued at $1.5 million is like throwing salt on the wound of enthusiasts and car insurance adjusters everywhere.

Follow the jump to see the devastating video of Rana's Enzo coming down a hill and landing in the ocean, along with a walk-around video of the car before the Targa Newfoundland began.

Continue reading Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland

Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari FF's first crash caught on video

Zach Bowman — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Ferrari, Humor, Luxury

Ferrari FF crash - Click above to watch video after the jump

This is why we can't have nice things, CAR Magazine. Ferrari recently hosted a passel of journalists from around the globe in Italy to fully introduce the company's new FF to the world. You know, the sexy-as-sin shooting brake with a European price tag of £230,000? Yeah, that Ferrari FF.

Jethro Bovingdon showed up to represent the CAR crowd, but ran into a bit of trouble while trying to work up a video monologue and pilot the obscenely expensive Italian supercar through some narrow country roadwork at the same time.

Shortly after announcing that he intended to demonstrate "just how committed to the throttle you can be on a very twisty narrow road that shouldn't suit this car," Bovingdon managed to bash the FF off of a curb. According to CAR, the damage was limited to both wheels on the passenger side. We're guessing the repairs likely cost more than the tester's fancy sunglasses, but not by much.

Hit the jump to check out the in-cabin video of the incident for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Throwback!

[Source: CAR Magazine]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari FF's first crash caught on video

Video: Ferrari FF's first crash caught on video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Spyker, Celebrities, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #141 of the Autoblog Podcast marks the first time we're joined by a guest outside the Autoblog Inner Circle, and we're hoping that it's the start of a trend. This week, our interview couch is occupied by drift, rally and stunt legend (and all-around good guy) Tanner Foust, the only back-to-back Formula D champion ever. Since Tanner's a racer, we kick off the show talking about the heartbreaking Ferrari crash at Monterey before touching on the Dodge Viper powered Devon GTX and its screaming lap at Laguna Seca.

Actual news starts with talk of the Hyundai Equus coming to the United States, moves on to the Volkswagen Phaeton's supposed return to the North American market, and then to the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Acura's ZDX tickles (or not) our design eyes, and then we wrap up with some of your questions. Thanks for the new reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, as well as taking the time to fill out our survey. The feedback to our Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com address has been great, too, so keep it coming... see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Nicholas Cage stunt driver crashes Ferrari in NYC, injures two

John Neff — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Celebrities

Nicholas Cage stunt driver crash in NYC - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's not enough we must suffer the anguish of actually watching Nicholas Cage films; now our lives are in danger during their filming. Last night around 1AM EST, a stunt driver for the new Cage movie The Sorceror's Apprentice lost control of the Ferrari he was driving and plowed prancing horse-first into a Sbarro's on the corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street in Times Square. Eye witnesses say the Ferrari was being chased by a Mercedes while weaving through fake traffic in Times Square, but lost control after passing a car on the right. It then swerved left and jumped the curbed before taking out a lamppost (which landed on a guy), knocking a woman to the ground and destroying the front entrance of a Sbarro's. The street was closed to traffic for filming, but at least one of the injured was not associated with the movie. Based on the poem that inspired Disney's Fantasia, The Sorceror's Apprentice better make some serious box office coin to pay for the inevitable lawsuit that's on its way. Being a Nick Cage film, there's about as much chance of that happening as being hit by a Ferrari while walking in front of a Sbarro's in Times Square. Check out the amateur eye-witness video of the crash after the jump.

[Source: New York Post via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nicholas Cage stunt driver crashes Ferrari in NYC, injures two

VIDEO: Nicholas Cage stunt driver crashes Ferrari in NYC, injures two originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh the horror! Ferrari California post-crash test

Chris Tutor — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Safety, Ferrari

We're fully aware that even supercars must undergo crash testing. But we like to think of the process the same way we do hamburgers. When we get hungry, we're able to totally banish any curiosity about what gruesome process transformed the cow into lunch.

Photos from inside a slaughterhouse would evoke the same emotions as these shots of a Ferrari California after crash testing. The Italian Web site that posted them says they were taken at Ferrari supplier Webasto. The Germany-based company created the convertible top for Ferrari's Superamerica, and are apparently testing their product on the California.

But, thanks to Google's interesting Italian translation we're not exactly sure what's going on. Can you make any sense of, "According to recent information, however, Webasto has yet to make up because their folding roof is still suffering from a children's diseases." We sure hope it's not contagious and that not too many more Californias are sacrificed in the search for a cure.

[Source: CzechFerrari via Autogespot]

Oh the horror! Ferrari California post-crash test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More proof that a surprising number of Ferrari owners can't drive

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Ferrari, Australia

It wouldn't be correct to say that all Ferrari drivers can't drive. What we can say is that a lot of Ferrari drivers are probably not short of ego, and also probably have little idea of what their cars can do when pressed. Combine a robust confidence with a watching crowd, add a high-powered and sometimes testy car, thrown in a little bit of ignorance... and a pole.. and what you get is the image above.

A man in Australia pulled out of a garage in his Ferrari 360 Spyder, took his chance to impress some gathered folks at cafes lining the street, and floored it. The car, as they say in the business, got away from him. The pole in the median did not. We're never happy to see (another) wrecked Ferrari, or to see a man carted away from his toy by the police, so to you kids with Ferraris, please learn from this and stop the madness.

Our favorite part of this picture is that, having made his boo-boo and probably realizing what he's in for, the driver is still just sitting in the car, although the guy in the blue shirt flexing in the background also gets a special mention... Thanks for the tip, Sam!

[Source: EHOWA]

More proof that a surprising number of Ferrari owners can't drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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