Autoblog

Would you pay $8/hour to own a Ferrari?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Ferrari, Luxury

Life is full of unattainables. Most of us will never hold the keys to an expansive beach-front property, lounge on our own personal yacht or park a Ferrari in the garage, and for good reason. The very exclusivity of those objects is part of their lure, but a new site looks to change all that. Jointli allows regular Joes and Janes to co-own property, vehicles, boats and more. The site's tools allow users to chose potential co-owners in their area, sign agreements and manage time shares accordingly. So, how much would it conceivably cost to own, say, a Ferrari F430?

According to Jointli, four people could conceivably wrangle one of the Italian exotics for as little as $8,000 per person, which works out to close to $8 per hour individually. Of course, Jonli's math means that's the cost after selling the vehicle after just one year of use. It also excludes any unfortunate dings or repairs that may arise as the result of four people who don't know how to drive a Ferrari being tossed the keys. The whole scenario sounds great in a perfect world. Unfortunately, our planet is about as far from that bright center as you can get. Head over to Jointli to check out the system for yourself.

Continue reading Would you pay $8/hour to own a Ferrari?

Would you pay $8/hour to own a Ferrari? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR racer Michael Waltrip headed to Le Mans

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

In NASCAR, they say that "rubbin' is racin'", or at least "they" do in Tom Cruise's vision of NASCAR. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, rubbing could lead to serious trouble when you are approaching warp speed on the Mulsanne Straight.

Still, over the years a handful of NASCAR drivers have ventured over to the Circuit de la Sarthe to test their mettle - in fact, back in 1976, NASCAR sent entire teams and cars across the ocean to help promote the sport - and now Michael Waltrip has become the latest to catch a plane heading to Le Mans, France.

Michael Waltrip won't be driving his Toyota Camry overseas, however, as he has joined an AF Corse team that's campaigning a Ferrari F430. There's no grandstand lighting to guide Waltrip as he navigates the nearly 8.5-mile course, so we at Autoblog wish him good luck and good headlights.

[Source: Sporting News | Image: Michael Waltrip Racing]

NASCAR racer Michael Waltrip headed to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Fioravanti SP1 makes sole U.S. appearance

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty, Design/Style

2008 Fioravanti SP1 at the 2010 Concorso Italiano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Concorso Italiano is always fun. Every car has a story behind it, and this year, the organizers pulled off something of a coup.

Back in '08, a mystery Ferrari prototype was spied at Fiorano. Once initial speculation settled down, the prevailing wisdom suggested that the car in question was a one-off coachbuilt special designed by former Pininfarina (and now independent) stylist Fioravanti for a wealthy customer. Those reports wound up being true, and yesterday that very car was on display at Concorso Italiano.

Dubbed SP1 (for Sport Prototype 1) the Ferrari F430-based machine was commissioned by a prominent Ferrari collector in Japan. It was the first product out of Maranello's Portfolio program - an initiative that lets the extremely wealthy collaborate with various Italian design houses (including Fioravanti, Pininfarina and Zagato) with full factory support on custom, unique vehicles. While most of these clients prefer anonymity, it's hard to keep a low profile when you're driving a custom Ferrari.

Making its only U.S. appearance, the Fioravanti SP1 was one of Concorso's centerpieces, parked next to the F40 gathering and a stone's throw from the stage. Photos can't do the car justice. Looking at the SP1's creases and curves, you see influences from a variety of cars in the Ferrari family. It's so cohesive, yet it's difficult to accurately convey the sheer presence that this car exudes in person. We did our best to capture it, however. Take a gander at the image gallery below, and maybe you'll feel the vibe as well.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Ferrari F430 special Fioravanti SP1 at Concorso Italiano

Monterey 2010: Fioravanti SP1 makes sole U.S. appearance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modern-day Lancia Stratos gets real

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:35:00 EST

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

Lancia Stratos - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lancia Stratos revival project that we've been hearing about for the past week or so is much farther along than we thought, as engineers did some running at northern Italy's Balocco test track in late June. For the first time, we've seen the new car alongside an original Stratos and the designers have done a remarkable job in recreating the classic's unique shape, size and proportions.

This new Stratos arrives during the 40th anniversary year of the Marcello Gandini-designed Stratos Zero concept, whose name was later resurrected for the rally car and homologation special. Like the 1970s-era Stratos, power reportedly comes from a Ferrari engine, this time a V8 probably donated from the F430. (The original used the 2.4-liter Dino V6.) Italiaspeed reports that the new car is so true to the concept of the original that it even has door-mounted helmet storage. The bodywork has apparently been crafted in carbon fiber and as many as five prototypes may already be running. If so, this is not likely the one-off that was originally speculated, but a car that could see a limited production run like the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

Check out Top Gear's take on the original Stratos after the jump. For a good history lesson on the Lancia Stratos, pick up the September 2010 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car at your local bookstore, as one of this month's feature vehicles is a 1976 Stratos, and the article has an informative backgrounder on the car's journey from design concept to rally icon.

Gallery: Lancia Stratos

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Modern-day Lancia Stratos gets real

Modern-day Lancia Stratos gets real originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F430 gets Lambo-style SV treatment

Noah Joseph — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Japan, Ferrari

Ferrari F430 Super Veloce Racing - Click above for image gallery

Exotic cars may look all the same to most passers-by, but gearheads know a Ferrari from a Lamborghini. Japanese tuning house Auto Veloce has blurred the lines somewhat, however. Its Ferrari F430 package gets a similar visual treatment to those seen on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and Murcielago SuperVeloce. The result is dubbed the F430 Super Veloce Racing. It's got the front air dam, quarter panel intakes and rear wing like the hardcore Lambos, only they're applied to the outgoing mid-engined V8 Ferrari. As you can see in the attached image gallery, the Super Veloce Racing package can be applied to either Berlinetta or Spider bodystyles. Call it an unholy mash-up or the best of both worlds; either way, it's available for order.

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Super Veloce Racing

[Source: Auto Veloce via JonSibal]

Ferrari F430 gets Lambo-style SV treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skudeячд! Ferrari F430 SU35 by Status Design

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Russia

Ferrari F430 SU35 by Status Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lovers of Italian supercars know these prized steeds sit in a league of their own, subject to no comparison. But their respective automakers don't seem to mind being compared with fighter jets, like the Pagani Zonda Tricolore, the Lamborghini Reventon, or this, the Ferrari F430 SU35 by Status Design.

The Russian tuning house took their inspiration from the SU35 fighter, one of the most advanced aircraft to be created in the pre-stealth era. So the attention-grabbing, high-contrast paint job is a good fit. If the body kit bares a striking resemblance to the 430 Scuderia's, that's no coincidence, from the front bumper through the racing stripes to the wheels and door mirrors, with a big old carbon fiber rear wing for good measure.

Status has also recalibrated the ECU and fitted a new exhaust to bump output up from 490 to 525 horsepower, and will gladly bolt a Novitec supercharger kit at the buyer's request for 700 hp. Have a closer look in the substantial image gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari F430 SU35 by Status Design

[Source: CarScoop]

Skudeячд! Ferrari F430 SU35 by Status Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Racing

24 Hours of Nurburging - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring took place this weekend with an enormous starting field of over 200 cars. The enduro features a huge array of classes, including GT2, GT3 and touring cars, with everything from Honda Civics to Aston Martin Vantages and even a Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid battling through the Green Hell through the day and night. The race is run over a combined course of the legendary Nordschliefe and the modern Grand Prix circuit for a total of 15.8 miles, and with only 36 pits available, up to eight cars must share each pit, so plenty of coordination is needed. Read on after the jump to read what happened after the green flag fell.

Gallery: 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Continue reading Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F430 Challenge makes first appearance at Miller Motorsports Park

Drew Phillips — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Racing

2010 Ferrari F430 Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ferrari F430 Challenge isn't on our normal scope of motorsports coverage, but when we heard that the series, along with the Corse Clienti cars, were going to be at Miller Motorsports Park we immediately started checking on flights. This year is the first time the series has come to the state-of-the-art track outside Salt Lake City, and hopefully it won't be the last.

If you aren't familiar with the F430 Challenge, it's a spec racing series put on by Ferrari specifically for owners. Professional drivers, instructors or anyone involved in the sale of Ferraris or parts can't drive in the series. Since each of the cars is exactly the same - a race-prepped Ferrari F430 coupe with 490 horsepower - the playing field is level. Think the races are a bunch of rich guys doing parade laps around the track? Think again. The drivers are extremely competitive and it's not uncommon to see the cars bumping fenders and jostling for position. That was the case at Miller Motorsports Park, where there were several off-track excursions into the Tooele sand and various bits of body panels, splitters and diffusers left on the tarmac.

It makes for good entertainment, and we highly recommend attending any of the four remaining F430 Challenge races in North America this year - Infineon Raceway, Montreal, New Jersey Motorsports Park and Watkins Glen. If you can't make it, then you'll just have to settle for our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Ferrari F430 Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park

Ferrari F430 Challenge makes first appearance at Miller Motorsports Park originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Turkish singer sets blind land speed record at 182 mph in Ferrari

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Ferrari

A Turkish singer just set a land speed record, making him the fastest man on the planet when his Ferrari F430 averaged 182 miles per hour during a record run down a runway at an airport in eastern Turkey. Now, if 182 mph doesn't sound fast enough to set a world land speed record, know that the driver was blind... and alone in the car. Metin Senturk became the fastest blind man driving solo with his Guinness-verified speed of 292.89 kilometers per hour (182 mph).

Senturk was followed down the runway by his driving coach, former rally driver Volkan Isik, who relayed instructions to Senturk via radio. The driver is a pop singer in Turkey who has been blind since the age of three. He said that the record run, "was really hard, like a dance with death." When Senturk emerged from his borrowed car, he was told by the Guinness people that he had bested the old record of 284 kph, held by a British bank manager.

In case you were wondering, this unaccompanied record is about 20 mph slower than the record set by Hein Wagner of South Africa, who had his coach riding shotgun when he drove a Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series to a tick over 200 mph last October.

[Source: Reuters via NBC Sports]

Report: Turkish singer sets blind land speed record at 182 mph in Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari World roller coasters pull into the station in Abu Dhabi

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari, Middle East

Click above to view the video after the jump

If you thought it took a long time to get to the top of the list and take delivery on a newly-assembled Ferrari supercar, that's nothing compared to the time that has gone in to building the brand's first theme park. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has been under construction for two years now, and is finally set to open its doors to the public sometime later this year. And when it does, it will be not only the first theme park in the region, but the first of its kind in the world.

The major attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will comprise some 20 rides, including two roller-coasters: one based on an F1 car, running at speeds at upwards of 200 kilometers per hour (125 mph) and shooting straight up through the massive scarlet roof structure 62 meters into the air.

The second is what you see pictured here, the GT Racing Coaster. That attraction will run two four-seat cars (styled after the F430 Spider) on parallel tracks in a race to the finish line. This is the first image we've received of the coaster car, and we can't help but wonder why they don't go with a 458 Italia-inspired car at this point. Follow the jump for a video on the park's construction.

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari World roller coasters pull into the station in Abu Dhabi

Video: Ferrari World roller coasters pull into the station in Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

Maddox parks Enzo number three at Super Car Sunday in Woodland Hills - Click above for high-res gallery

Now that they've found a new home for Super Car Sunday at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, CA, the guys and gals behind the show have made a few changes - all for the better. The show is more official now, with local Ferrari dealer The Auto Gallery actually covering rent for the event, which is held in the mall parking lot every Sunday from 7-10 am. There are also signs all around that list the rules so there is no confusion when someone gets kicked out for bad behavior. Another big change is that they are now honoring a different marque on the last Sunday of each month.

For February the marquee marque was Ferrari. Drawing owners from as much as 100 miles away, the Ferrari corral featured well over 100 examples of Enzo's handiwork. While just about every other make and model was represented in the main part of the lot, the Ferrari selection was rather eclectic as well. Anyone who might have thought that Ferraris only came in red were treated to quite a surprise as there were samples of Maranello's finest in white, silver, gray, blue, yellow and even flat black, among others. One of the gray cars was the very same 512 BB we featured parked in its award-winning garage with the bridge driveway that might have to come down.

There's a huge gallery below with photos of just a small sampling of the Prancing Horses that made it out to the show, with a Dino, Daytona, Drago-bodied GT and a couple others representing the old guard and two-and-a-half Enzos (above), an F40, 16Ms, Californias, Scuderias, F430s, Challenge Stradales, 599s, and a spiffy two-tone 612 kickin' it new school. In between there were enough 308, 328, 348, 355, 360, 456, 550/575 and Testarossa/512 models to keep the carparazzi busy for hours.

It wasn't all Ferraris though. A rare red Porsche Carrera GT, Rust Rocket rat rod, Grand Sport Corvette replica and Ultima showed the diversity, while a few cars caught our eyes for all the wrong reasons. All in all a very cool show and a great turnout for Ferrari fans. Hopefully we'll be able to make this a regular Sunday stop from now on.

*UPDATE: Video from our friends at SpeedAndMotion.com pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Super Car Sunday celebrates Ferrari

Continue reading Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE

Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back on Track: Classic STP livery returns on Ferrari 430 Scuderia GT3

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, UK, Racing

Chad Racing STP Ferrari 430 Scuderia GT3 - Click above for high-res image

Fans of classic racing liveries were elated when Aston Martin brought Gulf racing back on its Le Mans challengers. Now we've got another classic scheme on our hands, courtesy of STP.

The iconic American motor oil company has sponsored such notables as Graham Hill, Jim Clark and Mario Andretti, but is most commonly associated with Richard Petty's stock cars. This year, however, the livery will be coming back on the GT3-spec Ferrari 430 Scuderia shown. It's being fielded by Chad Racing in the British GT Championship and driven by Daniel Brown and Chris Hyman, the former a highly rated rookie driver in open-wheels. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Chad Racing and STP]

Continue reading Back on Track: Classic STP livery returns on Ferrari 430 Scuderia GT3

Back on Track: Classic STP livery returns on Ferrari 430 Scuderia GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, UK, Design/Style

Ferrari F430 Spider goes under the knife - Click above to watch the video

It can't really be that simple, can it? Well, it seldom is. But experts in any given field tend to have a knack for making complex procedures look deceptively simple. Take this video, for example, from Creative FX. The British firm specializes in vinyl wraps, and they make it look all too easy.

Wraps are growing into a popular choice for exotic car owners looking to give their rides a new look. Rather than repainting the entire car, specialist shops like Creative FX apply what essentially amounts to giant decals. That's how most of the matte-finish cars we see - including this particular Ferrari F430 Spider - end up that way. You have to figure it'd be a very tricky operation. Follow the jump to watch the video and judge for yourself.

[Source: Creative FX]

Continue reading VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Things to do in your Ferrari F430 Challenge racer when you're bored on straightaways

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Ferrari

Click above to watch the video after the jump

There was a time when shifting your own gears meant you had to drive with both feet, but in the age of high-tech automatics, that's no longer the case. Over the years, F1-style gearboxes has evolved and -- in most cases -- proven to be faster and more efficient than a manual, with far less physical labor.

Ferrari's recent lineup is chock full of auto 'boxes, and one F430 Challenge owner who frequents the track finally got fed-up with the teasing from his manual shifting brethren and decided to poke back at those who call his Maranello masterpiece the Ferraromatic. Hit the jump to watch all the things you can do in a self-shifting Fezza, including knitting, texting and wine tasting (simulated). Sure, it's all a clever ruse (a few inconsistencies with steering angle spoil the illusion), but it's damn funny all the same.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Things to do in your Ferrari F430 Challenge racer when you're bored on straightaways

VIDEO: Things to do in your Ferrari F430 Challenge racer when you're bored on straightaways originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WreckedExotics taking bets on first Ferrari 458 Italia crash

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Ferrari

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia - click above image for high-res gallery

Would you like to win $500? Are you a little bit psychic? Does the schadenfreude of rich suckers smashing up their exotic rides run a sweet, happy little chill down your spine? Then Wrecked Exotics has a contest for you! The website wants to know when you think they'll find proof of the first Ferrari 458 Italia crash. To wit: "The Ferrari F430, predecessor to the F458, has been involved in 96 documented crashes since 2004. The Ferrari 360 (predecessor to the F430) has been involved in 403 documented crashes since 1999."

Aside from our answer of "who cares?" the person prognostic enough to guess the date closest to the first 458 Italia crash wins $500, as well as the honor and fame that goes along with participating in the world's first known automotive death pool. Now, of course, we'll be seeing the newest mid-engine Ferrari in about two weeks time at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but as Wrecked Exotics points out, "The Ferrari F458 goes on sale summer 2010 but Ferrari employees will be test driving the car long before then. A crash can happen any time, including BEFORE the launch date."

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: Wrecked Exotics]

WreckedExotics taking bets on first Ferrari 458 Italia crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Nissan

Supercar parade - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

It's Godzillapalooza time boys and girls! More precisely, the day before the 2010 Nissan GT-R had to go back, my buddy Steve asked if I could give him a ride in the Skyline. Well, he'd actually been calling since two weeks before the car showed up, but anyhow, Steve is a filmmaker and he showed up camera in hand. Our plan, quite honestly, was just a quick blast across some empty freeways and nothing more. But then we saw the exit for Angeles Crest Highway and even though it was amateur day (Sundays = dozens of motorcycles riding off sheer cliffs in front of cops) we figured Steve should see Godzilla eat a canyon. Plus, after you get a few miles up you can turn left off Angeles Crest onto Angeles Highway, a much less congested (and some would argue better) road.

What happened next is one of the many reasons I'm never leaving Southern California. Stuck behind a pickup truck is a veritable supercar parade. From front to back: Ferrari F355 Spyder, Ferrari F430 Spyder, ~~Mothra~~ BMW M6, Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spyder. I can't say for certain, but I think Godzilla was smiling. Eventually the truck pulled over and it was on. Well, OK, we got stuck behind the slow Ferrari, but it was still quite fun.

We all stopped for lunch where we asked the drivers if the matching Ferrari shirts add 5 horsepower. Then we hopped back in the cars, but not before I announced that the Nissan would be running mid-pack. The Viper driver yelled, "Try to keep up!" Little did he know I was wearing my high performance flip-flops. Thanks to Steve for filming and cutting the video: follow the jump to watch it.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Ferrari, Canada

2009 Ferrari Challenge at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always found the idea of going on safari or a diving expedition rather intriguing. But while we can appreciate those willing to spend their precious vacation time and hard-earned cash to see nature's most beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, most of us here at Autoblog aren't exactly the nature-adventure types. We're car guys. The Ferrari Challenge... now that's more like it.

Like a lion in the Sahara or a bear in the forest, Ferraris belong on the race track. But the unfortunate reality is most end up sitting in tiled garages adjoining big mansions in prestigious locations. We get to see more than most, but more often than not they're perched on an auto show stand under floodlights and flash bulbs. So when Ferrari invited us to join them at the legendary Circuit Mont Tremblant for a round of wheel-to-wheel racing, we could hardly resist. Follow the jump for more.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari F430 Challenge at Mont Tremblant

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari Historic Challenge at Mont Tremblant

Continue reading The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant

The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F430 Spider by Inden Design takes the low-key approach

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Inden Design Ferrari F430 Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a risky game, trying to improve upon a Ferrari. There are a handful of tuners (Edo Competition, Novitec Rosso) that arguably manage to pull it off, and now German tuning house Inden Design is aiming to join the ranks with its own modified F430. Fortunately, they've kept the modifications reasonable, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and turning an automotive work of art into a rolling atrocity.

Under the hood, Inden Design has only tweaked with the ECU and fitted a new stainless exhaust system - fairly standard mods - yielding a not insignificant 35-horsepower boost to bring total output up to 525 ponies. Sport springs were added behind the multi-spoke 20-inch wheels, while a lip spoiler, side skirts and carbon diffuser round out the aerodynamics.

Meanwhile, Inden has managed to find a few areas inside that weren't already covered in leather and saw to that with judicious application of cowhide. While we're not sure we would have the chutzpah to tinker with a Ferrari, if we were so inclined Inden Design's approach strikes us as a sound. Check out the slick high-res images in the big gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Gallery: Inden Design Ferrari F430 Spider

Ferrari F430 Spider by Inden Design takes the low-key approach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari Scuderia Gathering - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a beautiful sight - a Ferrari 430 Scuderia pulls out of a parking lot and onto the street, its 4.3-liter V8 changing from an angry rumble to a screaming stallion at 8500 rpm as it accelerates down the road. Now... multiply that by 22. That was the scene in Southern California this weekend where nearly two dozen Ferrari Scuderia owners (16 430 Scuderias and six Scuderia Spider 16Ms specifically) gathered for a mini car show and drive. Fortunately there were plenty of photographers on hand to capture the event, and one, Andre Ravinowich was kind enough to provide us with a high-res gallery. You can also check out www.speedandmotion.com for additional photos and videos, one of which you can watch after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari Scuderia Southern California Gathering

Continue reading Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO]

Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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