Autoblog

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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Felipe Massa comes home to Maranello, meets the new 458 Italia, laps Fiorano, smiles for fans [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST

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

Felipe Massa's homecoming - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but for Felipe Massa, it must feel like it's been an eternity since he's been up to speed. The Brazilian Formula One driver hasn't been at work since July when he suffered a major blow to the head from some flying debris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

A lot has happened since then: his mentor and former team-mate Michael Schumacher prepared for a comeback and then had to cancel it due to health concerns of his own, the Scuderia promoted test driver Luca Badoer for a couple of races before sending him home, and then Maranello hired Giancarlo Fisichella to fill in and stay on as a reserve driver for the future. Then they picked up Fernando Alonso to be Massa's wingman next year, and somewhere in the middle of it all, Ferrari launched its first all-new mid-engine production car in a decade. (Not to mention the new engine chief they hired, the senior executive they lost or the new designer who is said to be taking over).

Now, after his prolonged absence, Massa has returned home to Maranello for the first time since the crash. He got some practice time in the simulator before hitting the track in a privately-owned, retired F2007 with GP2 tires to reacquaint himself with his craft. And while he was at it, he stopped by the production line to check out the new 458 Italia. Check out his experience in the (tragically silent) video after the jump and in the first gallery below, and view shots from Felipe's session around Fiorano in the F2007 in the secondary gallery.

Gallery: Felipe Massa meets the Ferrari 458 Italia

Gallery: Felipe Massa back on track in F2007

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Felipe Massa comes home to Maranello, meets the new 458 Italia, laps Fiorano, smiles for fans [w/VIDEO]

Felipe Massa comes home to Maranello, meets the new 458 Italia, laps Fiorano, smiles for fans [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Michael Schumacher gives us a walk around of the Ferrari 458 Italia

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Ferrari

Michael Schumacher on the 458 Italia: Click above to watch the video after the jump

The marketing team in Maranello has been putting in a lot of effort to keep the Internets drooling over Ferrari's newest creation, the 562 hp 458 Italia, with a steady flow of information hitting the web.

The newest piece of 458 propaganda comes in the form of the world's most famous Ferrari employee talking about why the new Italia kicks ass. Hit the jump to listen to Michael Schumacher go over the finer points of the all new 458 Italia. Brakes, suspension, F1-style seven-speed gearbox and driving experience are all covered in a mere 1:32, and we agree with Mr. Schumacher when he calls the 458 Italia "una bella machina."

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia colors

Continue reading VIDEO: Michael Schumacher gives us a walk around of the Ferrari 458 Italia

VIDEO: Michael Schumacher gives us a walk around of the Ferrari 458 Italia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Ferrari California by Edo Competition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its position as the 'approachable' Prancing Horse, Ferrari's new California folding hardtop is a heck of an impressive drive all the way around. However, that hasn't stopped some quarters from suggesting that it's a bit compromised and a bit too effeminate to be a proper Maranello supercar. While we think that's nonsensical, we admit a little toughening up couldn't hurt to silence the doubters.

Enter German tuner Edo Competition, which has just taken the wraps off of their own fettled California. Looking suitably foreboding in black with larger matching alloys, Edo has tweaked the car's 4.3-liter V8 engine to deliver 500 horsepower (+40). That nice, round number arrives courtesy of a remapped ECU and a pair of high-flow cats that feed into a new cockpit-adjustable exhaust system. The engine's torque level doesn't swell quite as much, peaking at 369 lb-ft (@ 5,200 rpm), but nevertheless, EDO says the car is good for a 0-62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and a top end of 315 km/h (196 mph). Oddly, Ferrari says the box-stock Cali will get to 60 mph in "under 4 seconds," so there's probably not much of a difference between the two on the low end, although Edo's top speed is 5 kmph faster than when it left the factory.

Commendably, Edo has resisted the need to fit a lairy body kit, although the company says it will be happy to trim-out your droptop with lowering springs (-35mm), a full-on sport suspension system with adjustable damping, or your choice of 20- and 21-inch wheels. They'll even redo the interior for you, although we find the standard car to be quite wonderful in this regard, and might recommend leaving well enough alone.

Check out the high-res gallery below and Edo's official verbiage after the jump.

Gallery: Edo Competition Ferrari California

[Source: Edo Competition]

Continue reading Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition

Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feed For Speed: Restaurant issues free pizza for speeding tickets near Ferrari HQ?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Ferrari

Officials in Maranello, Italy are cracking down on speeders outside the famous Ferrari factory, as bi-directional radar cameras have been placed on Via Giardini leading to and from the factory. The cameras are sure to nab plenty of Ferrari test drivers, as well as some of the 200,000 patrons who visit the Ferrari museum each year. The speed limit on Via Giardini is 50 kmh (31 mph), which is an unconscionable speed to drive one of the finest machines on earth.

One pizzeria is looking to gain a little publicity from the multitude of tickets destined to be issued from the speed cameras. Ristorante Teatro Caruso di Papozze is giving away a free Velox Pizza to anyone who presents a copy of their Maranello speeding ticket. In order to cash in on the offer, though, you'll have to drive about two hours from Maranello to Rovigo, where the restaurant resides. We can think of few better trips than a two hour drive through Italy for some free, authentic pizza.

There is plenty of resistance to additional speed cameras in Italy, as the area has had more than its fair share of controversy surrounding the devices. 50 cameras were recently confiscated and 81,000 tickets ripped up after it was discovered that calibration documents were falsified. In January, officials from T-Red cameras were arrested and countless city officials are battling corruption charges. Thanks for the tip, Richard!

[Source: The Newspaper | Image: Jalopnik]

Feed For Speed: Restaurant issues free pizza for speeding tickets near Ferrari HQ? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

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

Click above to watch video of Schumacher talking Ferrari after the jump

When he's not racing superbikes or reliving the good old days, seven-time Formula World Champion Michael Schumacher gets his thrills testing new Ferrari supercars. The Prancing Horse recently had Schumi take a 599 GTB with the company's new Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package around Fiorano with a vengeance, and then they got the man to talk about his hand in developing Ferrari models from the ground up.

Schumacher's flogging of the tauter 599 was part of Pilota Ferrari, which is Ferrari's multi-level driving school program for owners. In a second video after the jump, the German pilot also discusses the importance of driving schools for every day driving. Somehow, we have a feeling that the "on-the-limit" maneuvers he speaks of just aren't the same in a 599 GTB HGTE as they are in the Pontiacs at our local track.

Gallery: Schumacher Tests the Ferrari 599 HGTE

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent search confirms Ferrari working on all-wheel drive hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars, Ferrari

Ferrari all-wheel-drive hybrid patent images - Click above for an image gallery

We've known for quite some time that Ferrari was working on a hybrid sportscar, so it's not too surprising to see these patents for a new all-wheel-drive vehicle with hybrid propulsion filed by Ferrari back in February. The Italian automaker's documents suggest that this particular design is intended to "improve the drivability of a sports car in conditions of poor grip," not necessarily to improve the vehicle's overall environmental friendliness.

Ferrari outlines four possible ways it could introduce its hybrid technology and illustrates the design with six individual diagrams, which you can see below. In each of these possible designs, one set of wheels would be powered by the car's internal combustion engine through a locking differential, while the other set of wheels would be motivated by either a single electric motor or by two smaller in-wheel electric motors.

Ferrari believes a system such as this could provide the advantages of all-wheel drive while keeping the weight low and allowing the driver to choose standard rear-wheel drive when desirable. Of course, depending on the on-board batteries and electronics used in such a system, the car could potentially be powered solely on electricity under certain circumstances, reducing fuel consumption and lowering overall emissions. Click here to see the actual patent filing and check out the images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari all-wheel-drive hybrid patent images

[Source: European Patent Office via Autocar]

Patent search confirms Ferrari working on all-wheel drive hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Audi

Click above to watch the commercial of an R8 V10 cruising through Maranello

The residents of Maranello used to the sight of rakish red two-door sheetmetal roaring under the impulse of several hundred horsepower - and they still do. Except when that metal hides a ten-cylinder engine and wears four rings on its hood. In this Audi commercial depicting an R8 V10 on a slow cruise through Ferrari country, the locals are shown to have a decidedly different reaction upon realizing that the German barbarians are no longer content to hang out at the town gates.

If you want to see some excited Latins, follow the jump to watch the commercial. Hat tip to Kobla!

[Source: Audi.tv via Quattro Videos]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ferrari F142 taking shape

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Ferrari, Rendered Speculation

CAR Magazine is running a new sketch of what they anticipate the newest V8 Ferrari will look like, and we have to say, we're a little disappointed. Internally dubbed the Ferrari F142, Maranello's replacement for the F430 is inching closer to its first public showing, and although we've seen some rather clunky test mules so far, we were hoping that the Italian firm would recapture its former sensual styling glory last seen on the 355 and Challenge Stradale. Some critics might even go back as far as the Dino.

If it ends up looking like the CAR rendering (admittedly renderings are almost always something of a crapshoot), we'd have to say Ferrari has missed the marque a bit. While modern and not unattractive, the car seems like it could just as easily wear a German or British badge.

To be fair, this is going to be the first completely new car since the 360 Modena was introduced in 1999. The F430 is basically a 360 evoluzione after all. Following up on the Mille Chili project, the car should shed some weight through the use of lightweight materials and possible a fixed seat system with manually adjustable pedals and steering wheel. So perhaps a new, more high-tech look is more fitting on the new model, but Ferraris are supposed to elicit "oohhs" and "ahhhs," not "ughs" - or worse, complete indifference.

We're still not certain what it will be called, but something between F400 and F500 is likely, depending on engine size. Some have said that the engine will be smaller, boosted to 500 horsepower or more via a pair of turbochargers. Others say it will just be a far more efficient naturally aspirated V8 that could grow to 4.5-liters or more. We hope it's not a 4.5-liter, as Ford might object to the resulting name. Expect the Bosch-developed direct injection system, low-friction super-polished camshafts, and the California's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission among other innovations. We might even get a version of the F1-derived KERS energy recovery system eventually.

Rumors had also suggested that Ferrari might be getting out of the manual gearbox game altogether, but recently it seems like they have decided to add a stick-shift to even the California, so the fabled gated shifter appears to be hanging around a little longer. In any case, we should know later this year when Ferrari finally reveals the car to the motoring world. Hat tip to Toss!

[Source: CAR]

Rendered Speculation: Ferrari F142 taking shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rare Ferrari 250 TR expected to break records at RM's Maranello auction

Drew Phillips — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Supercars, Ferrari

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 1957 Ferrari 250 TR

With its stunning pontoon-fendered bodywork sculpted by Scaglietti, the Ferrari 250 TR is not only one of the most beautiful cars ever built, it was one of the most competitive as well. Ferrari captured ten victories in nineteen races from 1958 to 1961, including a class win at Le Mans with Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien.

It's rare to see one offered for sale, and it is a guarantee that a massive sum of money will exchange hands when one comes on the market. Those high-end car collectors who remain unaffected by economic woes will have the chance to part with such funds this coming May when a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis #0714TR, crosses the block at RM Auctions' Ferrari Leggenda E Passione sale in Maranello. This particular example was campaigned extensively from 1958 to 1963 and is painted in its period-correct black paint with a red nose. RM expects the 250 TR to set a new world record for a car sold at auction, potentially exceeding the ~~rumored $21.7 million it took to buy a 250 GTO~~ $10.89 million dollar sale of a 1961 Ferrari California Spyder last year. More details on the sale in the press release from RM after the break.

Gallery: 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis #0714TR

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Rare Ferrari 250 TR expected to break records at RM's Maranello auction

Rare Ferrari 250 TR expected to break records at RM's Maranello auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ferrari F430 Scuderia pre-reveal

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Evidently Ferrari decided that it couldn't wait to to unveil a track-bred sports car like the F430 Scuderia on a static auto show stage in Frankfurt. Instead Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo was accompanied by F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen as they pulled the tarp of the lighter, more powerful F430 in a private gathering (read: no press) at the company's Fiorano test track. Massa then slipped behind the wheel and pulled the car out the garage for some hot laps. This car's noise is the type of thing that makes grown men lose control of their bladders. A lucky attendee with a camera has posted the video, which is mostly in Italian with some English sprinkled in. But when you're talking Ferrari, who needs words? Just let the car do the talking!

The official media unveiling will indeed take place next week in Frankfurt. We'll be there.

[Source: Google Video]

VIDEO: Ferrari F430 Scuderia pre-reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magic Bus - Pete Townshend's 550 Maranello for sale

Dan Roth — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Ferrari

Pete Townshend, famously cranky guitarist of The Who, has put his '99 Ferrari 550 Maranello up for sale. Known for smashing up his gear, our theory is that Pete only continues that anti-authoritarian gesture for show, and he doesn't break the good stuff. We've seen him break lots of Stratocasters, but precious few Les Pauls (though he does seem to have some animosity toward the SG, too). This Ferrari is definitely the good stuff, and it appears to be in great shape. The odometer has counted off 29,000 clicks, and the brown leather seats have likely taken on a nice patina. Today's exchange rate sets the price at $98,239.30. As used Maranello's go, that's on par with what the market seems to be bearing. Maybe as part of the purchase, you could have Pete show you how to windmill as you bash the shifter through its gated path.

[Source: Luxist]

Magic Bus - Pete Townshend's 550 Maranello for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari auction nets record ?6,875,000 bid

John Neff — Mon, 21 May 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Auctions, Ferrari

click above image for more pics

RM Auctions and Sotheby's just concluded an historic auction at Ferrari headquarters that produced the greatest price ever paid for a Ferrari. Among the nearly $50 million worth of Ferraris sold, the record LeMans-winning 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rosa Spyder was won by anonymous telephone bidder for the price of €6,875,000. For those who always like an untrustworthy conversion on hand, that equates to something like $9,252,375 USD. The actual bid was €6,250,000, but there's apparently a 10% commission to be paid, as well.

While the '62 Tesa Rosa Spyder didn't go for enough to make it the most expensive car auction ever (that record's held by a 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royal Sports Coupe that was sold by Christie's back in 1987 for $11 million), it's certainly near the top. It does, however, make the car the most expensive Ferrari every auctioned.

You can check the entire auction list and each car's winning bid by viewing RM Auctions' site for the event. You can also read a detailed account of the 1962 Testa Rosa Spyder's history by clicking here. As well as cars for auction, Winding Road reports that parts, memorobilia and other paraphanalia were fetching big bucks too, especially if they had the name "Michael Schumacher" on them. A set of the ex-Maranello F1 driver's underwear he wore while racing went for $742!

[Source: RM Auctions, Winding Road]

Gallery: 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rosa Spyder

Ferrari auction nets record ?6,875,000 bid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$10m TestaRossa headlines upcoming auction of rare Ferraris

Noah Joseph — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Ferrari

Click above to view the high-resolution image gallery

For those who like their meat rare and red, news has come of the most scrumptious slab of automotive prime rib. At its upcoming event in Maranello, RM Auctions will be putting up on the block one of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris in existence: the one-of-a-kind 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa.

The car that Phill Hill and Olivier Gendebien drove to victory at Le Mans in '62 has an estimated value between $8-10 million. Not only was it the last Testa Rossa ever built, but it was the only one to feature a 4-liter engine. As if the pedigree were not enough, Hill and Gendebien chalked up their third Le Mans win with this car .

Canada-based RM Auctions is collaborating with Sothebys and Ferrari to hold the "Leggenda e Passione" auction at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello outside Modena, Italy, on May 20. In addition to the rare Testa Rossa, RM will also be auctioning off a number of other historic Ferraris, including a 1970 512 S, 1953 340 MM, 1966 Dino 206 SP, 1987 F40 Prototipo and an F310B monoposto that Schumacher drove in the 1997 F1 season, in addition to a wide variety of racing memorabilia from the Ferrari factory vaults. For collectors and observers alike, the sale of these historic items should itself be an historic event.

Check out the images of the rare Ferraris in the high-resolution gallery below, and all the juicy details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2007 RM Auction at Maranello

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading $10m TestaRossa headlines upcoming auction of rare Ferraris

$10m TestaRossa headlines upcoming auction of rare Ferraris originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari School: New technical training facility opens in Maranello

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Plants/Manufacturing, Ferrari

All those wasted years sitting in ordinary classrooms, drawing pictures of cars in our notebooks. We should have gone to Ferrari school! The Prancing Horse marque has just inaugurated its new Training Center with a 1,200 square-meter facility near the factory in Maranello.

The new Ferrari Training Center replaces the previous classrooms used at the factory and includes new workshops, classrooms and offices where the company offers courses in mechanics, bodywork, electric systems, product information and post-sales. A total of 149 courses at basic and advanced levels in a variety of languages will be offered. The courses are aimed at the 1,500 technicians in the worldwide Ferrari network. Basic courses are required for all Ferrari technicians, and the advanced courses lead to certification as a reference expert in any of the brand's 52 markets worldwide.

The courses offered at the training center - as well as at satellite facilities in the US, Great Britain and China - are Ferrari's way of ensuring that its technicians and staff around the globe are providing the best service possible. Sure beats the basic auto mechanics course from the local community college.

[Source: Ferrari via Italiaspeed]

Ferrari School: New technical training facility opens in Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari

Ask any red-blooded Ferrari tifosi and they'll recognize the significance of the year 1947. That was the year the magic started. It was the year that il commendatore, Enzo Ferrari, started selling the first cars that bore his name. Many world championships, street car accolades, and happy customers later, and the company is still going strong. And now that the calendar is showing 2007, it's time for Ferrari's 60th birthday celebration.

And apparently the Panamerican 20,000 run for the launch of the 599 went better than hoped for and has spawned a sequel. To commemorate this special occasion a road rally will be held, beginning in Abu Dhabi on January 28th and covering 6 different continents along the way. The participants should reach the finish line in Maranello at the end of June. Abu Dhabi is significant as a starting point because it is the site of the future Ferrari theme park and a pretty big market for the Italian firm's vehicles. After crossing 50 different countries, the racers will reach Maranello around June 24th.

As publicity stunts go, this is a doozy. Parading a bunch of Ferraris around the world sounds like our idea of a good time, but it will be educational too. After all, something has to go on those batons. So Ferrari will be showing off 60 of its most important automotive innovations. Things like aluminum pliers for disc brakes, the electric differential, and the F1 gearbox. And it's obvious these innovations have kept Ferrari ahead of the game all these years.

In fact, as they explained in the briefing that accompanied the relay race announcement, business is thriving. Running at almost full capacity, riding a new wave of popularity since the 599 GTB Fiorano was launched, the company again took the opportunity to deny rumors of a new entry-level model, despite continued reports to the contrary. We hope they have a passenger seat open when they hit the States.

Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary

Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At Maranello Village, the Prancing Horse follows you home

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ferrari

Is it just us, or is Ferrari slowly taking its place as the Disney of the automotive world? With an ever-expanding merchandise empire, a theme park, and even placement in an animated film, the Wonderful World of Enzo just keeps on growing. Now Ferrari personnel, for their part, will never have to leave the Ferrari magic, even when they go home, as the Prancing Horse unveils Maranello Village, a new residential compound exclusively for Ferrari staff.

The complex is situated in the town of Maranello (near Modena, Italy) only four kilometers from the factory; the two connected, as odd as it may seem for a supercar manufacturer, by a bicycle path. Naturally the buildings feature Ferrari-red livery, surrounded by billboards portraying historic such Ferrari victories as Le Mans '66, Daytona '67, Monza '75 and Suzuka '04. As befits the legendary name, the buildings are, of course, built to the highest standards. Each apartment (including 22 studios, 42 two-bedroom and 58 three-bedroom flats) come fully furnished. The compound also features a fitness center outfitted with the best equipment, restaurant and bar, outdoor lounging areas and of course plenty of indoor and outdoor parking.

All in all, Maranello Village gives Ferrari personnel a harmonious living space to compliment (and never let them forget) their prestigious and pristine working environment.

[Source: Ferrari via Italiaspeed]

At Maranello Village, the Prancing Horse follows you home originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:09:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Supercars, Ferrari

Aluminum giant Alcoa has opened a new facility in Modena specifically to provide aluminum space frames and components to Ferrari.

The two companies began collaborating in 1994, when Ferrari determined that the lightweight metal was the way to go to reduce weight and improve the dynamics of its road cars, and began producing the space frames for the 360 Modena in 1998. Today Alcoa is Ferrari's development and construction partner, with the aluminum conglomerate providing the frames for the F430, 612 Scaglietti and the new 599 GTB Fiorano.

Until now, Alcoa produced the components at their own plants in Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands and sent them to the Ferrari factory in Italy where Alcoa personnel assembled them into full space frames at Scaglietti Works, Ferrari's body panel facility. With the new state-of-the-art 5,000-square-meter, million-euro facility, Alcoa will produce the space frames on site. The factory includes two high-speed robotic machining centers, two robotic joining centers and 12 space-frame assembly cells.

Alcoa's overall investment in Italy totals nearly $300 million, having taken over Alumix in 1996 and incorporating six facilities: three extrusion plants, two smelters and one rolling mill, employing 1,900 workers directly and 4,000 indirectly. While we're not likely to see any direct results from the new facility, it should help Ferrari produce its cars more efficiently, which is good all around.

[Source: FerrariWorld via Motorpasion]

Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on new Dino from Ferrari

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Ferrari

What we wouldn't give to have a somewhat more affordable new Ferrari available in dealerships today. Something at maybe half the current price of an F430. Something that can get by with only 300 hp. Something that is lighter and more nimble but still has the style and visceral appeal of the legendary marque from Maranello. Something like a modern day Ferrari Dino. Mid-engine, smaller high-revving V-8, sexy bodywork. We've speculated a bit about it in the past and have offered up reasons why Ferrari should build it, even suggested platforms and design parameters, but so far no response from Luca.

(additional info and an alternative design concept after the jump)

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

Continue reading More details on new Dino from Ferrari

More details on new Dino from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Classiche Division opens HQ in Maranello

John Neff — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars

Ferrari's Classiche Division exists solely to ensure that older Ferraris survive the test of time and contribute to the brand's mythic image of building the best sports cars in the world. The Classiche Division recently carved out its own headquarters at the Maranello factory where older Ferraris will come to apply for a Certificate of Authenticity. Any road-going Ferrari 20 years or older and any competition Ferrari race car can apply to be certified, which involves a careful inspection by the Classiche Division to determine that each car is 100-percent Prancing Horse. For those cars that have been restored or repaired with parts not from the Maranello catalogue, Ferrari will be happy to offer official spares that conform to original specs. Not only will a Certificate of Authenticity boost the value of an older Ferrari, it also permits the car to take part in official Ferrari events like the Shell Historic Challenge.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Ferrari Classiche Division opens HQ in Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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