Autoblog

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Ferrari, Middle East

While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.

As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the US, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari and Apple deepening ties, FF gains Siri integration and standard iPad Minis

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Ferrari

The exciting new LaFerrari wasn't all that Ferrari had to announce today at the Geneva Motor Show. Ferrari chairman Luca Di Montezemolo added that the Italian automaker is looking to expand its relationship with Apple in the realm of in-car entertainment, which follows Apple executive Eddy Cue joining the Ferrari board of directors back in November.

According to Bloomberg, Di Montezemolo stated that the Ferrari FF would now come with iPad Minis as a part of the rear-seat entertainment system and Siri integration will be used with the infotainment system. Beyond the FF, though, it isn't clear what type of partnership will blossom between the two most powerful brands on the planet.

Ferrari and Apple deepening ties, FF gains Siri integration and standard iPad Minis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari celebrates 10 million Facebook fans, animates Montezemolo

George Kennedy — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ferrari

Kia has 2.1 million fans on Facebook, though we'd wager that far more people worldwide own Kias than are fans of the Korean automaker's page. On the other hand, Ferrari, whose owners number just a lucky few, has a legion of fans counted in the millions. In fact, the Facebook page for the Italian automaker just surpassed 10 million Likes.

To celebrate this social media milestone, Ferrari has put together this cute little video below, featuring chairman Luca di Montezemolo, as well as a few other animated guest appearances.

For comparison's sake, major corporations like Pepsi have 9.1 million fans, Kohl's has 9.7 million fans, and Wal-Mart has 25+ million fans. For a car company that sells a few thousand units a year, 10+ million upstretched thumbs is quite the following.

Continue reading Ferrari celebrates 10 million Facebook fans, animates Montezemolo

Ferrari celebrates 10 million Facebook fans, animates Montezemolo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari's Montezemolo slams Ecclestone over Vettel overtake investigation

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Sebastion Vettel recently celebrated his third Formula One title by driving his Red Bull Racing car through the streets of Graz, Austria, but Ferrari is still caught up in the controversy it stirred up by asserting that Vettel made an illegal pass under yellow at the Brazilian Grand Prix. After Ferrari asked for clarification on the pass, Bernie Ecclestone called the whole issue a "complete joke," and now Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari (shown above), has responded to Ecclestone's comments with some scathing words of his own.

According to ESPN F1, Montezemolo sarcastically said "you have to show respect for your elders, especially when they get to that stage in which they are no longer in control of what they say" in regards to Ecclestone. Seemingly putting the whole controversy to rest, though, Montezemolo went on to congratulate Vettel and Red Bull for the win in what he refers to as a difficult season.

The pass in question came on the fourth lap of the rainy race when Vettel seemed to have passed Toro Rosso driver Jean-Eric Vergne under a local yellow. In the final standings, the resulting 20-second penalty would have knocked Vettel from sixth to eighth position, which would have been enough for Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso to win the Driver's Championship by a single point. Despite flashing yellow lights, the FIA said that a green flag was waving making the pass legal.

Ferrari's Montezemolo slams Ecclestone over Vettel overtake investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F70 spotted in heavy camo around Maranello

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:31:00 EST

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

Contrary to the hopes of everyone attending the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, The Motor City will not stage the debutante ball of the successor the Ferrari Enzo. Before the Detroit show rumor, it was thought that we'd see the coupe, referred to as the F70, for the first time at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Geneva timeline makes more sense, seeing the amount and kind of camo the car is still wearing on roads around Maranello, as seen here caught by a man-on-the-street. Copious amounts of hard plastic cladding, the faux-shovel snout and miles of gaffer tape hide the body from view. If Detroit were a go, then we'd expect to see the hybrid supercar out somewhere with the cloth and canvas cladding the Italians switch to when D-Day is close. As it is, other than a new set of wheels, this looks like the same cladding we saw the car wearing in June, when it looked a lot more spiffy.

Or maybe not - Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo said earlier this year that "At the end of the year, we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first-ever hybrid car." But we don't yet know whether Montezemolo is referring to a public unveiling, as at an auto show, or a private event for potential buyers. We have six weeks to find out whether the camo or the CEO has it right.

Ferrari F70 spotted in heavy camo around Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple exec joins Ferrari's Board of Directors

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Technology, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari has a new board of directors member. Eddy Cue, vice president of internet software and services for Apple, has just taken a seat at the table with the rest of the brand's decision makers. According to Wired, that tie-up could result in an influx of new Apple ~~tech~~ thinking on Ferrari models. Last April, Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo met with Apple CEO Tim Cook, and the two reportedly spent the time praising each other's dedication to technology and design.

Cue has been a heavy hitter with Apple, having had his hands on everything from iLife to iBooks, the App Store and iCloud. Right now, he's overseeing both iOS Maps and Siri. Apple is currently partnering with a number of manufacturers, including General Motors, Honda and Toyota to integrate Siri into vehicle interfaces, but has been reticent to allow its executives to serve on other corporate boards until now. Cue says he has owned five Ferrari models to date, and respects the brand ethos behind the products.

Apple exec joins Ferrari's Board of Directors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity

George Kennedy — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Europe, Ferrari, Racing

Google executive Benjamin Sloss recently took delivery of a very special Ferrari in a unique way. Sloss was the winning bidder in an charity auction of an ultra-rare Ferrari 599XX Evo hypercar. The proceeds of this auction went to benefit the victims of an earthquake that struck the Emiglia Romaga region of Italy in May of this year. The region is home to Modena, Maranello and Fiorano - all towns and cities that are significant to the Italian automaker. The winning bid of €1.4 million ($1.78 million) will go to victims in these cities, among others, in the region.

Sloss, who accepted the car in an event at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, had the car painted bright yellow. The high-performance machine was presented by Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, accompanied by Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

The 599XX Evo won by the Google exec is a special machine, powered by a 740-horsepower V12, and equipped with active aerodynamics. It lapped the Nürburgring in a mere 6:58.16.

Sloss was quoted as saying that he was extremely happy to have contributed to the cause. The 599XX Evo was part of a series of auctions to raise money for victims. Other items included front bodywork and a V8 engine from a retired Formula One racecar. Also auctioned was a racing suit worn by former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella. All told, the auction raised close to $2.3 million.

Ferrari 599XX Evo auctioned to Google exec for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari's Montezemolo lauded as the best manager in Europe

Noah Joseph — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Ferrari

Awards are handed out in the automotive industry all the time. Most of them, however, are handed out to one organization or publication's "Car of the Year". Ferrari, however, has just been handed another kind of award altogether.

Or rather its chairman has. Luca di Montezemolo was named by the European Business Press Federation as the European Manager of the Year. The organization represents over 50 publications in 27 countries, including The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and Milano Finanza. It cited Montezemolo's 20 years at the helm of Ferrari, during which he returned the Scuderia to victory and doubled the company's financial revenues, all the while expanding into sixty countries around the world.

Over the years Montezemolo has also chaired the entire Fiat group, started Italy's first private railroad, managed its Olympic committee and presided over the most influential business lobbies.

Past recipients of the award have included former BMW and Volkswagen chief executive Bernd Pischetsrieder, Porsche chief Wendelin Wiedeking as well as the CEOs of Ikea and Nokia. See the official press release below.

Continue reading Ferrari's Montezemolo lauded as the best manager in Europe

Ferrari's Montezemolo lauded as the best manager in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari

Business has been good for Ferrari. Thanks in no small part to expanding its activities in developing markets, the racing team turned automaker raked in 556 million euros in revenues to generate 42.1 million euros in profit in the first quarter of this year alone - an increase of 13.2 and 17.2 percent, respectively. Those figures are driven by increased sales that amounted to 1,733 units produced and delivered in the first quarter out of an exciting model range that includes the 458 Italia and Spider, the recently revised California, the innovative FF and the brand-new F12 Berlinetta. But the House that Enzo built is not about to stop there.

Buried deep within the company's financial report (which you can delve into after below the fold should you be so inclined) comes confirmation direct from the company's affable chairman (and possible next Italian prime minister) Luca di Montezemolo: "At the end of the year, we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

So there we have it, straight from the proverbial lion's mouth and in no uncertain terms. Before we flip the calendar to 2013, we'll have the latest in the long line of earth-shattering supercars that started with the 288 GTO, continued with the legendary F40, through the open-top F50 and on to the radical Enzo. And yes, it will be a hybrid, coupling an electric motor to a revised version of the V12 in the new F12 Berlinetta, as Ferrari revealed at the Beijing Motor Show.

Continue reading Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end

Montezemolo confirms new Ferrari Enzo hybrid by year's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Montezemolo shoots down Ferrari IPO rumors

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Luxury

Put your money away, people. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has told a German newspaper his company will not be going public anytime soon, saying, "No, there is nothing on the agenda," according to Automotive News Europe. According to the executive, Ferrari parent company Fiat doesn't need the cash that would be generated by an IPO, and that while he can't know what will happen in the far-off future, right now the automaker will continue with business as usual.

Rumor of a Ferrari IPO first hit the internet back in September after sources told Reuters that Fiat had been approached by multiple investment banks offering to list the exotic Italian supercar manufacturer on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

This isn't the first time word of a Ferrari IPO has hit the web. Long before Fiat bought Chrysler, rumors whipped around over the possibility of an outright sale or a public offering to drum up cash. Then, a little over a year ago, Montezemolo outright denied the plans all together after the dust settled.

Montezemolo shoots down Ferrari IPO rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari to show Enzo successor to potential buyers before end of year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Imagine you just bought the fastest, most powerful road-legal Ferrari ever. Your F12 Berlinetta has 740 horses and does 0-62 mph in just over three seconds. You're on top of the world!

Enjoy your seat at the pinnacle of Maranello motoring while you can, because you'll soon be relegated to the slow lane. There's a bigger, badder Ferrari in the works. And if you already own a Berlinetta, chances are good you'll be invited sometime before the end of 2012 to a private showing of Ferrari's replacement for the legendary Enzo.

Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo tells Automotive News Europe that their next supercar will not be called Enzo, but will be worthy successor that packs a carbon fiber body and a big ol' V12.

"The F12 Berlinetta delivers 740 hp and today's Formula One cars have between 740 hp and 750 hp," Montezemolo said. "Thus we are offering F1 power in a road car."

We've heard the neo-Enzo have as much as 920 horsepower. Not too many other details were revealed in the interview except for...

"We want to surprise people not just in terms of price but also with the car itself," Montezemolo said. Which we take to mean the next ultimate Ferrari will be free. But probably not.

The general public will probably get its first glimpse of the Enzo replacement either at next January's Detroit Auto Show or the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next March. Oh, the anticipation!

Ferrari to show Enzo successor to potential buyers before end of year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator

Chris Paukert — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Let's face it. This is probably the closest you're ever going to get. Unless you count yourself among a rarified percentage of the world's one percenters, chances are you'll never get the chance to park a new Ferrari in your garage, let alone this one, the just-introduced F12 Berlinetta. So why not take a virtual spin in the 740-horsepower, V12 grand tourer on Ferrari's website?

The Italian dreamweavers have just activated a new microsite for the F12, and in typically (and appropriately) indulgent Ferrari fashion, it opens with a lengthy video presentation of Chairman Luca di Montezemolo inviting you to experience the company's new car.

The configurator will eventually load, though, and you can twiddle with exterior paint colors, wheels, brake caliper finishes and interior trims to your heart's content. The website also features a number of special features, including sound files, technical notes and so on.

With the most horsepower and highest top speed of any production Ferrari ever, we're guessing Montezemo and Co. already have a rather hefty list of deposits down for the F12 Berlinetta. Thus, if you have the means and you're still on the fence, you might want to get on the phone to your local Ferrari dealer... before waiting for the whole website to load.

Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Design/Style, Luxury, Lancia

Stick a fork in it. The New Stratos is done. Reports kicking around the web have confirmed Ferrari has put the nix on any hopes of a production run. As you may recall, the New Stratos prototype was built off of the bones of a Ferrari F430. Pininfarina supplied the vehicle's carbon fiber skin, and Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo was so taken with the project that he personally put down a hot lap in the wedge. That affection was fleeting, however. The minds behind the New Stratos have reportedly confirmed Ferrari doesn't want to cooperate with any company that could build a direct competitor to its products.

Listen closely and you'll hear the sound of our hearts breaking, bit by bit. There is some good news in all this gloom, however. The group behind the New Stratos has begun talks with Renault, and the French manufacturer may be keen to let the company craft a new take on the Alpine A110 Berlinette. Game on.

New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Montezemolo revolutionized Ferrari after Enzo's death

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Luxury

Finding one's self at the helm of a storied automaker like Ferrari must be equal parts amazing and terrifying. While you have the power to steer the company in any direction you so please, you're also saddled with serving the high expectations of the world. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo knows all about those pressures. The Piedmontese aristocrat took the helm of Ferrari nearly 20 years and has largely been responsible for the company's transformation in that time. Motor Trend recently took the time to sit down with Montezemolo for a brief chat about his time with the automaker to learn a little more about how things changed after company founder Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988.

In addition to increasing the company's revenue from a modest €230 million in 1993 (around $300M USD) to €2 billion ($2.59B) last year, Montezemolo ensured 17 to 20 percent of the company's earnings were rolled into research and development each year. The CEO was also instrumental in guiding the company to becoming "The Best Workplace in Europe" as named by London's Financial Times. Each Ferrari worker has access to free school books for their children, free family medical checkups and a low home mortgage rate.

Head over to Motor Trend for a fascinating look at how Montezemolo worked to craft Ferrari into the global performance and marketing powerhouse it is today... and who knows, you just might be learning more about Italy's next prime minister.

How Montezemolo revolutionized Ferrari after Enzo's death originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari gets into the Christmas spirit

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ferrari

It's never too late for some Christmas cheer from the Ferrari Formula One team, and it's certainly not too early to hear about what it expects to do in the 2012 season. After a brief intro, the 15-minute(!) video turns to Ferrari CEO and Italian prime ministerial candidate Luca di Montezemolo's musings on 2011, starting with "I've been extremely unhappy with what happened" this year, admitting he still has nightmares about the last race of 2010.

Team drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa also get a chance to discuss their seasons and aims. Naturally, it boils down to they "want to be perfect every race in a competitive car," but don't let that stop you from checking out the Santa-laced video after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari gets into the Christmas spirit

Ferrari gets into the Christmas spirit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari president Montezemolo to run for Italian Prime Minister

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari

There have always been rumors surrounding Ferrari. But most of those rumors have revolved around its road cars, if not its Formula One operations: that the company is planning to build this type of car or that, that the team is planning to hire this driver or that one. But this one rumor that has only grown with time revolves around the company's affable chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

A member of Italy's hereditary aristocracy and a lawyer by profession, Montezemolo was a prodigy of both Enzo Ferrari and former Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli and quickly rose up the ranks in the both companies to preside over each. He's also chaired influential industrial groups and coordinated the World Cup when it was held in Italy, to say nothing of the America's Cup sailing team and high-speed rail company he's run. But his latest move could elevate him to an even more central role.

Montezemolo has for years been linked to a potential run for the premiership of Italy, and fresh reports out of Europe suggest that moment is finally approaching. In 2009, he formed a center-left think tank called Italia Futura, which could, the pundits predict, be rapidly turned into a political party that may place Montezemolo as its candidate for prime minister. In that role, he'd succeed Silvio Berlusconi - the embattled, right-leaning former prime minister with whom Montezemolo has long been at odds - and the economist Mario Monti who took his place as caretaker just last month.

Elections are currently scheduled for 2013, and if Montezemolo manages to mobilize Italia Futura's 40,000 members, he could soon be changing his job description to that of the highest office in the land.

Ferrari president Montezemolo to run for Italian Prime Minister originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari chairman Montezemolo calls on Italian PM Berlusconi to resign

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Ferrari

Silvio Berlusconi is used to opposition. The Italian prime minister has, with a few gaps here and there, been running the country since 1994. This despite numerous scandals and regular votes of no confidence that have threatened to kick him out of office. But this time around, Berlusconi could be on his way out for good.

Among those calling for Berlusconi to step down is no less influential an institution than the Catholic church. But another Italian figure could stand to tip the balance even further: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

The affable Ferrari chairman, who has also chaired the Fiat empire (among other influential industrial groups), has long been seen as a potential challenger to Berlusconi's government. Born of nobility, Montezemolo's family tree is heavy with generals, admirals and cardinals. And he could be the country's next prime minister.

Montezemolo's business acumen could prove to be the defining factor in upcoming elections that could come as soon as next year if Berlusconi's coalition falls. Despite his status as currently on trial for tax fraud and soliciting underage prostitutes, it's the economy that's likely to bring down the sitting prime minister. With interest rates skyrocketing, Italy's economy is threatening to hit the same lows that have befallen such European nations as Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Luca's certainly made a financial success out of Ferrari - could he do the same for Italy?

Ferrari chairman Montezemolo calls on Italian PM Berlusconi to resign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luca di Montezemolo says we will "never see a Ferrari electric"

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ferrari, Electric

It's not too hard to imagine a future - a distant one, perhaps - where the majority of automobiles run on electricity, is it? It is for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo, who says that pure electrons are not part of the Prancing Horse's equation. While chatting with our cohorts over at Engadget, Montezemelo admitted:

You will never see a Ferrari electric because I don't believe in electric cars, because I don't think they represent an important step forward for pollution or CO2 or the environment. But, we are working very, very hard on the hybrid Ferrari. This should be the future, and I hope in a couple of years you can see it.

Setting aside whether Montezemelo is right or not with his CO2 math, we can count Ferrari out of the electric vehicle race while we wait for a hybrid wearing the Prancing Horse badge. Or will this future only hold true if Ferrari strictly adheres to the Montezemelo way? Either way, you can watch di Montezemolo's response in a video at the link.

Luca di Montezemolo says we will "never see a Ferrari electric" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lapo Elkann to take over from Luca di Montezemolo as Ferrari chairman?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari, Fiat

The Elkann brothers are moving in, ladies and gentlemen. First, Luca di Montezemolo handed over the chairmanship of the Fiat group to John Elkann. Now, reports from Italy are indicating that the affable Marquis di Montezemolo could be preparing to abdicate the Ferrari throne in favor of John's rakish younger brother Lapo. (That's Lapo in the picture at right, wearing the blue suit and sneakers, next to his brother John at the Alfa Romeo press conference in Geneva this year.)

Montezemolo had assumed the Fiat chairmanship after the passing of Gianni Agnelli, as the controlling family waited for its scions to become ready to take control. Once they were, the Marquis gave up the group chair to John as reports proliferated of Montezemolo's political aspirations. These were followed by public calls from within Italy's political echelon for Montezemolo to lead a coalition to eject the troubled Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is currently under trial for alleged relations with underage prostitutes.

If Montezemolo does make the long-anticipated move from business and sports into politics and statesmanship, reports indicate that Lapo Elkann could be at the top of the list to take over, instead of promoting someone like CEO Amadeo Felisa, Vice-Chairman Piero Ferrari (son of company founder Enzo) or Stefano Domenicali, director of the Scuderia (a position from which both Montezemolo and Jean Todt ascended to overall control), from within Ferrari's own management.

Lapo himself has had a colorful past, driving a denim-clad 599, reportedly overdosing on cocaine with a group of transsexuals, lending a hand at a Lakers game, working for Henry Kissinger, and perhaps most pertinently, directing Fiat's marketing department.

[Source: OmniAuto.it (translated) | Image: (C) Noah Joseph/AOL]

Lapo Elkann to take over from Luca di Montezemolo as Ferrari chairman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari's Montezemolo blasts "pathetic" four-cylinder engine formula?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Ferrari

Cylinders have been dropping off Formula One engines like limbs off the leprous over the past several years. Where twelve cylinders once ran soon became ten, then eight for the current formula and plans are now set to switch to just four by 2013. And Luca di Montezemolo, for one, is not happy.

The Ferrari chief, whose company builds twelve- and eight-cylinder engines for its road car division, has emerged as a leading figure in opposition to the new regulations. And while he reportedly initially said his disappointment would not turn to interference, the powerful former founding president of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) has now said he's looking for allies among other team leaders and engine suppliers to push back the implementation of the new turbo four regulations.

He may, according to reports, find an ally in Norbert Haug. The Mercedes-Benz motorsports chief notes that the current V8 engines are relatively low in cost as it is, not to mention the fact that starting a new engine design from scratch - no matter how cost-effective it might be in isolation - will still cost more than continuing with the same engines already in place.

Are Luca and Norbert right? Is the FIA throwing the baby out with the proverbial bathwater in implementing the new regulations? Or will turbo fours bring only good things to the world's grand prix circuits? Share your thoughts in Comments.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Giuseppe Carace/AFP/Getty]

Ferrari's Montezemolo blasts "pathetic" four-cylinder engine formula? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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