Autoblog

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos

LMC Super 'Cuda vs. Ferrari Enzo - Click above to watch video

Legendary Motorcar Company built a Super 'Cuda for SEMA - no, not with a modern Dodge Challenger, with an actual Barricuda - and then decided to find out what it could do. The car is stuffed with engine and rubber: A twin-turbo Viper V10 with at least 1,000 horsepower, along with 345-series, 19-inch tires in back. So about the only place they could test it properly was Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. For good measure, the folks at LMC brought a Ferrari Enzo along as well.

Needless to say, in a straight line drag, the Super 'Cuda owns the Enzo. The green monster and its turbine howls raced through the air so quickly that the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it came to top speed, however - and in all likelihood, real-life cornering- the Enzo took the round, going 218 mph to the 'Cuda's 208 mph. The 'Cuda probably could have gone faster, but vintage aerodynamics and driver heebie-jeebies put paid to that. Get all the action in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Car Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program

John Neff — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST

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

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We all remember the hoopla a few years ago when kajillionaire James Glickenhaus revealed he had been working with Ferrari on an updated version of the famous P3/4 race car from the sixties. What resulted was the Ferrari P4/5 one-off. Glickenhaus was $4 million lighter, but that seems like money well spent judging by all the attention he received, not to mention the fact he owns a 1-of-1 Ferrari.

~~That whole endeavor was part of the Ferrari Special Projects program~~ (turns out that the P4/5 preceded the Ferrari Special Projects program, the first vehicle of which was the SP1), which is fancy Italian talk for "We will build anything you want for the right price." Another kajillionaire was apparently waiting in line behind Glickenhaus, and after 14 months of development, his car is ready too. Called the P540 Superfast Aperta, this entirely unique Ferrari was commissioned and partly developed by Edward Walson, whose claim to fame is that his dad invented cable TV. The new money mogul had reportedly always dreamed of designing cars, and approached Ferrari in 2008 to develop a car based on the gold Ferrari in the 1968 short film Toby Dammit.

If you can't tell, the donor car is a Ferrari 599 and much of the development work went into strengthening the car after the roof was removed. It's pretty, it's road legal and it's the only in existence. Follow the jump for the official word from Ferrari.

Gallery: Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta

Continue reading Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta revealed, second from Special Projects program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Audi, Ferrari

The man in the panda suit is holding an R8 key - Click above to watch the video after the jump

When we saw Henry Rollins speak ~~a few~~ ten years ago, he told a story about a fan who wrote to him with a peculiar problem. Seems the guy is a paramedic and one night they come upon a car crash where a beautiful naked woman is lying on the ground unconscious. They spring into action, get her in the back of the ambulance and begin emergency resuscitation. Now, the guy is alone in the back of the ambulance with the woman, and he can't get over how hauntingly beautiful she is.

And she's not responding. All her vitals were failing and he knows she's not going to make it. As she expires, the paramedic, who had suddenly and quickly developed feelings for her, kisses her on the lips. By the time they reach the hospital, the woman is dead. Trouble is, the paramedic is now completely in love with her. So much so he can't sleep, he can't eat and he's having trouble working.

Rollins said his first reaction was to write back, "YOU SICK $@#!!! GO KILL YOURSELF!" But no, the paramedic's obviously in pain and obviously needs his help. So he thinks about it for awhile and attempts to seek out helpful advice. That night at some awards ceremony he runs into none other than Tom Waits and figures if anyone has some words of wisdom for the poor, lovestruck -- but slightly demented -- paramedic it would be Waits.

Rollins tells him the story and Tom's eyes light up. "You tell him she's haunting him from the grave," Waits says in his gravely trademark baritone. "Tell him she did the same thing to me!" Now a couple of you might be wondering what on earth this story has to do with anything, let alone cars. It doesn't. But it's a fitting accompaniment to the three minutes of randomness in the video after the jump. So if you're into Furries, Ferraris, Audis, fat guys and sexy ladies, have we got a clip for you. Tip of the Panda head piece to Jesse Y!

[Source: Midway Car Rental]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever

VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer and Ferrari edge closer to the netbook game

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari

Lying somewhere in the thin-and-light category between the well-defined netbook and the traditional full-featured notebook is the new Acer Ferrari One. The latest installation of the successful partnership between the famous Italian supercar manufacturer and Acer America, there isn't really anything exceptional about the computer other than the bright red color and matching Prancing Horse badge on the lid.

Still, it's a well-equipped 3.31-pound laptop with (take a deep breath) an AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, 4GB of DDR2 667MHz system memory, a 250 GB hard disk, an 11.6-inch HD widescreen display and Windows 7 Home Premium.

If the lure of the latest Ferrari-badged Acer is too much for you to handle, the Ferrari One notebook is available now with a starting price one cent shy of $600. Feel free to peruse the official press release after the break.

[Source: Acer via Engadget]

Continue reading Acer and Ferrari edge closer to the netbook game

Acer and Ferrari edge closer to the netbook game originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a little over a year since Ferrari released the California. It was Maranello's first front-engined V8, bearing its first dual-clutch transmission, its first folding hard-top, and its first standard fitment of carbon-ceramic brakes. Unfortunately Ferrari found public reception to the convertible's styling rather cold, and although we found it looked much better drenched in soft Sicilian sunlight than it does it photos, not everyone's a fan.

Fortunately there's an elite cadre of Ferrari tuners eager to spruce up Maranello's finest - as well as their more controversial designs. Hamann's one, and they've taken their shot at the California already. So has Edo Competition. Now it's Novitec Rosso's turn.

The Dutch tuning garage has just released a full array of modifications for the 2+ cabrio, starting with a revised ECU for a modest 40 horsepower bump to 500 even. A sport suspension drops the ride height by 35 millimeters, but it can be raised up front by as much as 40 mm to clear curbs and speed bumps. Outside, Novitec's fitted a carbon fiber aero kit with front lip spoiler, side skirts, revised diffuser and a little rear wing, along with modular rims measuring 21 inches up front and 22 in the rear, shod with Pirelli rubber.

While opinions remain divided as to the sacriligiosity of tuning a Ferrari, in the California's case it could be - to some eyes anyway - just what the doctor ordered. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec Rosso Ferrari California

[Source: Novitec Rosso]

Continue reading Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California

Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:31:00 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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Rendered Speculation: Ferrari 458XX developmental track-car

Noah Joseph — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty

Ferrari has stumbled upon one heck of a formula with its XX development programs. They've found that their most wealthy clients aren't just willing to help Maranello develop new components for future supercars, they're actually willing to pay for the privilege. And pay big, too - as in $2 million big.

The program started with the Enzo-based FXX, evolved with the FXX Evoluzione, and carries on with the Fiorano-based 599XX. So what's next up Ferrari's sleeve? A 458XX wouldn't be too far off the mark.

If the outgoing lineup (and those that came before) can serve as any indication, the new mid-engined V8 sports car is poised to spawn numerous variations, including the requisite Spider, a new Challenge-spec racer, a replacement for the existing F430 GT2, a stripped-down successor to the 360 CS and 430 Scuderia, and, if this speculative rendering from Luxury4Play has its way, a 458XX as well. If and when it does come along, we'd expect it to look something along these lines - which is to say, "tasty."

[Source: Luxury4Play]

Rendered Speculation: Ferrari 458XX developmental track-car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flight of the Alcador: Franco Sbarro unveils Ferrari Testarossa-based Lista Office in Essen

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

Sbarro Lista Office - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought that last remaining piece of lasagna at the food court looked iffy, remember that's not even the most suspicious concoction to bear the Sbarro banner. Franco Sbarro rivals even his fellow Swiss coachbuilder Rinspeed for his, um... "originality." Recent examples have included a six-wheeled Citroen crossover, a leaning quadricycle and a vintage Rolls-Royce equipped especially for bird-watching. But as bizarre and unusual as most of Franco Sbarro's creations have been, the Swiss designer also has a long history in radically modifying Ferraris.

Based on the 308 GTB, the Super 8 made our Top 10 Mid-Engined Hatchbacks list, but that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Sbarro's done everything from converting a 365 GT4 into a Mille Miglia spyder to giving the 550 Maranello the wide-body treatment. Among the most intriguing of his projects, though, has been the Alcador series. The first Alcador, based on the Testarossa, debuted at the 1995 Geneva salon. The second, called the Alcador GTB, came a baker's-dozen years later at the 2008 Geneva show, borrowing its chassis and engine from the 348. Sbarro tweaked the design and came back to the Palexpo the following year with a new Alcador GTB based on the 360 Modena.

Now, a Swiss collector by the name of Lienhard has commissioned the coachbuilder to craft him another example, and the result was unveiled to the public this past weekend at the Essen tuner expo in Germany. Strangely called the Lista Office, Sbarro's latest is underpinned once again by the 80s-era Testarossa, packing its 450hp 5-liter boxer 12. Say what you will about the styling, but one thing's for sure: it doesn't look anything like a 512TR. See for yourself in the image gallery below.

Gallery: Sbarro Lista Office

[Source: Sbarro and Autoblog.nl]

Flight of the Alcador: Franco Sbarro unveils Ferrari Testarossa-based Lista Office in Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well Heeled: Ferrari and Tod's team up for driving mocs

Noah Joseph — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari

Tod's for Ferrari - Click above for image gallery

Tod's driving loafers and Ferraris go together like gin and vermouth, if not because every barchetta-driving playboy on the Amalfi Coast is sporting a pair, then because Ferrari's longtime chairman Luca di Montezemolo also sits on the board of the leathercrafter's company. But now the two companies have teamed up to bridge the divide with a special line of loafers bearing the iconic Cavallino Rampante.

The shoes bear all the hallmarks of Tod's enduring design - comfort, flexibility, style and those little rubber nubs in lieu of actual soles, all the better for gripping the pedals. The Ferrari line upgrades with little prancing horses, insoles patterned after Ferrari seats and - in the case of the Gommino Mascherina Griglia - a badge on the tongue reminiscent of the GTO's grille, replacing the tassels or laces on the Leccetto or Laccetto Tubi GT. They're available in a variety of colors, but will set you back a little more than the horse-emblazoned Puma sneaks available at your local Foot Locker.

Gallery: Tod's for Ferrari

[Source: Ferrari]

Well Heeled: Ferrari and Tod's team up for driving mocs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F355 recalled over fuel system concerns... again

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Ferrari

We see all sorts of recall notices here at Autoblog. Most of them affect ordinary passenger vehicles, but nearly all of them get cleared up the first time around. So this is a bit of a first: Ferrari North America and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a second recall notice to correct a problem on the F355 that should have been addressed with the initial recall issued 12 years ago.

The concern apparently centers around the fuel delivery system, which initially prompted a recall back in 1997. The original repair should have corrected the issue, but if the "independent automobile repair facilities" that performed the service on many of the cars didn't properly install the new screw clamps, they could have damaged the fuel hoses, which in turn could cause smoke or even an engine fire. New fuel divider blocks should (hopefully) fix the issue this time around, which affects some 2,356 F355s and F355 F1s manufactured between 1995 and 1999. Full details in the recall notice at NHTSA.

[Source: NHTSA]

Ferrari F355 recalled over fuel system concerns... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Specialty

Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few months ago, the internet started to rumble with rumors of a race car being built out of the incredible Pininfarina Ferrari 612 P4/5 that James Glickenhaus had commissioned at a staggering (but understandable) $4 million. A thread on Ferrari superforum FerrariChat.com put those rumors to rest -- Glickenhaus wasn't going to turn his P3/4 homage into a race car, he was going to build another car that he would take racing.

While the final product hasn't been revealed in full, the thread includes over 20 pages of Q&A between James and the rest of the F-Chat community giving several hints at what's to come. There are even several photo renderings depicting what the car might look like. What we do know is that this new P4/5 Competizione will not be Enzo/FXX/MC based -- it will be based on a Ferrari chassis and feature a Ferrari V8, with Glickenhaus saying that a V12 isn't practical because of fuel consumption.

Engineering has already begun on this dedicated racecar, which will hopefully get its maiden run at the Nürburgring 24 hour race next year. It will run in an open class that allows one-offs, as there are apparently no plans to homologate this retro-inspired racer. It's just Glick being Glick, building something for fun and bringing his teen memories of Ford vs. Ferrari back to life in endurance racing.

It could also be seen as a great opportunity for sponsors to get a ton of exposure. If the Competizione is anything like the road-going P4/5 in the publicity department, we'd say it's a safe bet you'll get a lot for your advertising dollars. We'll keep you posted as the car comes along, and we're already petitioning the higher-ups to include the Nürburgring 24 into our travel budget next year.

Gallery: Pininfarina P4/5 Competizione

[Source: FerrariChat]

FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Rumormill

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.

Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Rumormill

Say it ain't so, Schu! The Daily Telegraph is reporting that seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is close to signing on with the newly formed Mercedes Formula 1 team. Mercedes is the new name of the former Brawn GP team, the current Constructors Champion. After a stellar rookie season that saw this former Honda team clinch not just the Constructors Championship, but also the Drivers Championship for Jenson Button, they had a bit of a dropoff as Button bolted for rival McLaren.

That left a seat to fill at Mercedes and if BBC Sport's Eddie Jordan is to be believed, none other than Michael Schumacher is about to sign a one-year contract to return to racing in that very car. The deal, which would net Schumacher the same salary that Button turned down at Brawn GP in favour of McLaren, would finally see the German teaming up with Mercedes, who were in the past unsuccessful in their bids to lure him away from Ferrari.

Ferrari almost lured the retired champ back this season when Felipe Massa went down following the infamous spring incident in Hungary. The Champ's sore neck put a stop to that comeback, but apparently it got Schumi's juices flowing again. Signing with Mercedes would create something of a German dream team with Nico Rosberg in the other car. If the deal goes through, MS will be reunited with Brawn GP-namesake and current Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, the man who guided Michael to all seven of his World titles.

Still just a rumor for the moment, the deal is said to give Schumacher the same salary Button turned down when he defected to McLaren. The Schumacher deal is just the latest volley in the silly season melee that has seen Kimi Raikkonen vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, which lost adviser Michael Schumacher as well. Whatever the future holds, it is only going to get more interesting. We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Daily Telegraph via Planet F1, BBC Sport | Image Source: Getty]

BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari often uses its World Finals event to unveil exclusive new versions of its most enticing road cars. The FXX Evoluzione was unveiled there a couple of years ago, and the 16M Scuderia Spider made its debut at the event last year. But aside from a mishap involving Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Luca di Montezemolo in a California convertible, this year's event at Valencia came and went with nothing new to offer. However, the latest churns from the rumormill indicate Maranello could be working on an exciting new project.

Supposedly leaked pre-order sheets reportedly refer to a "599 GTO Limited Edition", named in deference to the iconic 250 GTO (to say nothing of the ground-pounding 288 GTO). Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the GTO could be Maranello's answer to arch-rival Lamborghini's Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce.

Incorporating design cues and technologies from the 599XX program, the 599 GTO could benefit from a weight-reduction program to cut some 100-150 pound off the curb weight thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, while squeezing out as much as 700 horsepower from the Enzo-derived 6.0-liter V12. Pricing would be expected to jump by as much as a quarter to nearly $400,000, and if the reports prove accurate, the 599 GTO could be ready for debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March with the first of just 500 examples slated for delivery by this time next year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: Autogespot]

Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari

Lightweight. Compact. Exclusive. Carbon fiber construction. Red detailing. Built for the road. Beautiful sound. These are a few of the qualities listed on the special edition Blackbird Carbon Fiber guitar, but they could just as easily be talking about a Ferrari sportscar. And while the Prancing Horse marque has put its logo on everything from laptop computers to home gyms (and just about everything in between), here we give you the first Ferrari-branded musical instrument.

The Blackbird Rider Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is the brainchild of Joe Luttwak, a designer who spent some time working for Ferrari in Maranello. The Ferrari edition is further distinguished by a red interior, a red A string and a Scuderia shield on the head. Although prices and production numbers weren't released, the model on which it's based sells for a whopping $1,499.

The entire run - each individually autographed by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen - sold out shortly after it went on sale in Ferrari Stores. Which may be unfortunate, but we'll just have to content ourselves listening to Ferrari exhaust notes instead. Check out the video and press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Blackbird Rider Ferrari Edition Guitar

[Source: Blackbird Guitars]

Continue reading Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]

Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Luxury

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a marsh. Today, we've got another head scratcher for you - Luca Montezemolo beaching a Ferrari California.

Luca and the stuck California were at the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain. The Ferrari and Fiat Chairman was ferrying the Scuderia's brand-new F1 driver Fernando Alonso (who is technically still under contract with Renault) and carryover driver Felipe Massa around the track, waving to the fans. Then - for who knows what reason - Montezemolo decides to not bother with pit lane and just make a ninety degree right hander into a gravel trap. A gravel trap, it should be pointed out, that's used to catch and slow cars spinning out of control at triple digit speeds.

The result is the new Ferrari grand tourer getting stuck like whale. Montezemolo tries spinning the back tires a bit, which only digs them deeper, while Alonso and Massa attempt to push. Sooner than later, track workers show up and all three men escape to safety seated on the back of a blue California. Watch a few different videos of the ordeal, after the jump.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Continue reading VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ferrari

Try explaining turbocharging to someone who doesn't know cars, and if you do a good job, you're likely to get a reaction something along the lines of, "then why don't they put turbochargers on all cars"? Well, that's a perfectly fair question, and the answer of course is turbo lag. It's one major downside to using spools, and it's what's keeping Ferrari, for one, from implementing them immediately.

Speaking with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the effects of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.

Of course this wouldn't be the first time Maranello would use the spools - during the turbo era in F1, the iconic F40 (and the 288 GTO before it) was powered by a twin-turbo V8. But to make it an acceptable addition to modern Ferraris, the company may go the same route as Porsche with variable-vane turbos - or it could come up with another solution entirely.

Meanwhile Ferrari has reportedly dismissed the possibility of using the Fiat Group's new MultiAir variable valve system, finding that it wouldn't work at the kinds of revs and horsepower outputs at which Ferrari engines operate. The report does confirm, however, that the dual-clutch transmission launched on the California is capable of handling the power from V12 engines, suggesting that the gearbox may be implemented across the range for future models.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mo' Money, Fewer Problems: Can Raikkonen earn more by not racing?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

If you scoffed at the notion that unionized auto workers were being paid not to work, you're going to love this one: According to reports emerging from Europe, Kimi Raikkonen could stand to make more money next year if he doesn't race than if he does.

The bizarre circumstance comes down to the terms of his departure from Scuderia Ferrari. Kimi was reportedly offered a whopping 17 million euros in order to make room for an incoming Fernando Alonso, but that's only if he doesn't find a suitable seat with another team. If he does, Ferrari will only be required to pay the 2007 world champion ~~5 million~~ 10 million euros (corrected). Seeing an opportunity to get a world champion on the cheap, McLaren is reportedly offering Raikkonen only 5 million euros to drive for them, knowing that Ferrari - and migrating sponsor Santander - will cough up the rest.

That means Kimi would make 15 million euros if he drove again for McLaren next year - which is tipped to be the one and only team he's considering - but 17 million if he sat the year out. Of course negotiations are ongoing, but all things being equal, the Finn could be looking at one very lucrative year off.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via F1-Live | Image: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty]

Mo' Money, Fewer Problems: Can Raikkonen earn more by not racing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, China, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 China special in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao - Click above for high-res image gallery

A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an exceptional piece of automotive art. Even more exceptional is the latest model equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package. More exceptional still is the limited-edition 599 HGTE made exclusively for the Chinese market. But even in this rarified territory, there exists one 599 HGTE China special that stands apart. We reported on it about a month ago, and it's now been sold at auction.

The one-off Fiorano was hand painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao with a pattern reminiscent of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. This unique example was sold on Tuesday to an anonymous collector from Shanghai, who paid the equivalent of $1.77 million for the privilege. The proceeds are earmarked towards helping aspiring Chinese automotive engineers to make it to Italy for further studies and an internship opportunity at Maranello. On hand for the auction event, held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, were the artist, Ferrari executives, faculty members from the participating schools and none other than Michael Schumacher himself. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and see more in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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