Ferrari adds XM Radio, NavTraffic to 612 Scaglietti

The satellite radio option is about as common in new cars as the near-omnipresent AUX jack for portable music devices. You can argue that the presence of the latter essentially eliminates the need for the former, but some people like being able to tune in to a radio station where there's the outside chance of hearing songs they may not necessarily own yet. Most luxury marques, from Audi to Rolls-Royce, already have the satellite base covered. So it was a bit of a surprise to learn that Ferrari hadn't gotten into the game. That's over though, as Modena has selected XM as its extra-terrestrial radio provider of choice. The first car to get it is the 612 Scaglietti, which is fine and all, but we can't figure out why anyone would want yet another audio source to compete with the sweet music made by the car's V12. At least the NavTraffic feature can help keep the Ferrari on roads whose conditions allow it to maintain a proper pace.

[Source: XM Radio]

PRESS RELEASE:
XM Announces First Ferrari Model to Feature XM Radio and XM NavTraffic

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will Feature Standard, Factory-Equipped XM Radio and XM NavTraffic with Three Years Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM (Nasdaq: XMSR), the
nation's leading provider of satellite radio, announced the first Ferrari
model to come with factory-installed XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic
real-time information service. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will come
equipped with XM Radio and XM NavTraffic as standard features that will be
incorporated into the vehicle's advanced audio and navigation system.
Ferrari will include three years of XM Radio and XM NavTraffic service with
each vehicle.

"XM is now available from Ferrari, one of the most prestigious vehicle
makers in the world," said Steve Cook, executive vice president,
Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. "Now Ferrari drivers can enhance their
driving experience by discovering music and listening to sports, talk and
news on the more than 170 channels of XM Radio. XM NavTraffic also enables
Ferrari drivers to route around a jam so they can continue to enjoy the
road."

XM NavTraffic is available in 79 major U.S. markets, alerting drivers
to real-time traffic information. The data is delivered to the driver's GPS
navigation system via XM's satellite pipeline to provide information on
current traffic conditions, such as traffic speeds, accident locations, and
road closings. Where available, XM NavTraffic also provides information
that allows users to view an overlay of color-coded traffic flow
information, indicating the average speed of travel along the driver's
planned route.