2008 Ferrari F1 car unveiled

Kimi and Felipe have a new toy: the Ferrari F2008. Codenamed 659, this is the car Ferrari hopes will bring them a second consecutive driver's title.

The F2008 has been designed around the new F1 rules that introduce a standardised ECU and ban traction control. This means some seriously advanced aero to make up for the loss of TC and even some tweaks to the car's fundamentals - such as wheelbase and suspension.

However, the F2008 we'll see at the first race in Melbourne is unlikely to look like the F2008 shown here.

'All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised. However, the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first race,' says Ferrari.

Other changes include a new gearbox (designed to meet new regulations stating that the unit must be used for four consecutive events), higher side protection around the driver's helmet and a shrink-wrapped monocoque that has been cut away under the driver's legs.

It'll be tight in there - good job Kimi and Felipe are about the same size as hobbits. The new McLaren F1 challenger is unveiled later today. We'll bring you news and pictures asap.

© Source: topgear

Speed Channel to Broadcast First Airing of Ferrari Challenge Series on July 7th

An Insider's Look at the Extraordinary World of Ferrari Owners' Racing

Ferrari North America, Inc., has announced that the Speed Channel Network will broadcast two of the brand's final 2007 North American Ferrari Challenge events, showcasing its owners' racing program and overall weekend Ferrari festivities. The first Challenge event to be shown, previously recorded this past May at Virginia International Raceway, is scheduled to air July 7th at 7:30 pm EDT, July 8th, at 3:00 pm EDT, and again July 18th at 1:30 pm EDT.

The final U.S.-event for the Series will be recorded the weekend of August 10th at California Speedway and is scheduled to air October 13th and 14th, 2007.



Now in its 14th racing season in the U.S., the Ferrari Challenge Series (utilizing race-prepared 430 Challenge vehicles) offers Ferrari owners who are not professional racers the opportunity to compete against other Ferrari owners in a highly competitive racing series at world-class venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is regarded as the longest-running series of its type in North America.

"The Speed Channel network will allow our 430 Challenge owners a proper extension of the exciting and challenging involvement they've had in Ferrari racing," said Maurizio Parlato, president and CEO of Ferrari North America. "For more than 60 years the Ferrari brand and its racing efforts have been synonymous with the very same passion that our owners, Formula One drivers and worldwide fans all experience as they watch any level of Ferrari competition. We are proud to continue showcasing this tradition."

The Ferrari Challenge program is a co-production of Laguna Niguel, Calif.- based Baker Productions, and Winding Road Films of Crystal Lake, Ill. Both Ferrari Challenge segments will be anchored by noted automotive authority and TV personality Bill Baker, host of the Outdoor Channel series "Ride to Adventure." Baker will be joined by ESPN Sports personality Yomary Cruz and Road and Track magazine's Editor-At-Large, John Lamm, one of the world's leading automotive photo/journalists and Ferrari experts.

The remaining North American Ferrari Challenge event in Fontana will be open to the public, and tickets will be available on site at California Speedway. The Ferrari Challenge 2007 season extends through a total of 7 races, including two within Canada (the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which coincided with Montreal's annual Formula One race, this past June 8-10th; and Mont Tremblant, Quebec, which was held June 15-17, at the home track of Ferrari's North American driving school). The season's World Finals will be held October 25-28 in Italy.

The Ferrari Challenge is one of the numerous "exclusive" experiences that Ferrari offers its customers -- and whether owners are actually racing in the series, dining in the luxurious VIP hospitality tents, participating in weekend driving clinics or socializing with those that share their enthusiasm for Ferrari, the weekend festivals provide a unique atmosphere an incomparable experience. General public can enjoy the races, peruse the paddock areas, and enjoy the overall Ferrari-festival type of atmosphere.

The Challenge Series is one of the many assets Ferrari provides exclusively for its owners, and together with experiences such as the annual Ferrari Rally (http://www.ferrarirally.com/), and Ferrari's North American Driving School in Mont Tremblant, Quebec (http://www.experienceferrari.com/ ), the company continues to provide environments where owners can enjoy their cars in the manner for which they were intended -- with top performance and through unique opportunities and venues.

The Ferrari Challenge Series is organized by Ferrari North America, Inc., and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. Sponsors for 2007 include Motorola, Shell, Pirelli, Sabelt, Officine Panerai and Piaggio Aero. Complete Challenge information can be found on http://www.ferrarichallenge.com/ . Tickets for California Speedway Ferrari Challenge weekends can be purchased directly at the track.

Ferrari North America, Inc. is headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and is the exclusive authorized North, Central and South American importer of Ferrari vehicles including the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano V-12 sports coupe, Ferrari F430 Berlinetta, Ferrari F430 Spider convertible sports car, and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (luxury performance 2+2).

For more information please visit http://www.ferrariusa.com/

Source: Ferrari North America, Inc.

Ferrari 612 Sessanta

At the climactic ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Ferrari, company President Luca di Montezemolo rolled out a special piece of hardware: the limited-edition 612 Scaglietti Sessanta.

The Sessanta (Italian for "60") is being produced in a modest run of 60 cars, each carrying one of 60 symbols that represent significant moments in Ferrari history.

In observing the 1947 founding of the fabled marque, di Montezemolo said, "We celebrate 60 years of work, extraordinary moments, joyful moments and less joyful ones. ...We have always tried to look ahead, but without ever losing sight of Enzo Ferrari's heritage. We are selling dreams, full of technology and innovation, which are also the fruit of craftsmanship, with the special capacity to transmit emotion and passion."

The car itself is something special: Based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Sessanta borrows such innovations as the three-position electrochromic roof from the Superamerica as well as such luxury amenities as a full leather cockpit by Frau. It will be offered in only two colors: Grigio Scuro (dark gray) and Rubino Micalizzato.

All cars will come with Ferrari's F1 gearbox, unique 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels and black-chrome exhaust pipes, as well as Sessanta anniversary badging on the flanks. The steering wheel features an engine start/stop button, and the gauge cluster is unique to the car. Even the trunk is upholstered in leather.

Additional goodies include a Bose media system, a rear parking camera and a TV tuner (presumably for watching reruns of The Sopranos).

Official details for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Sessanta

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, Ferrari’s new 612 Scaglietti Sessanta is ready to go on sale with a limited run of just 60 cars. Packed with Ferrari’s full enhancement package, the 612 Sessanta is only available with the F1 gearbox and either Grigio scuro or Rubino Micalizzato color schemes. Unique features include the underbody painted in Ferrari’s technical black and the headlights and rear-bumper getting silver highlights.

Other additions to the exterior include an electro-chromic panoramic roof panel with three transparency positions, new monolithic and forged 19in wheels, a unique grille and special ‘612 Sessanta’ badging. The car is also optioned with Ferrari’s carbon-ceramic braking system with black colored calipers as standard.

Inside, owners are treated to a steering wheel with a three-position Manettino and engine start button, a unique instrument cluster, plus a Bose stereo, rear-parking camera, TV tuner and cruise control.

source: motorauthority

Ferrari Dino design study

Ferrari is yet to reveal whether or not the entry-level Dino has even been confirmed for production but that hasn’t stopped one enthusiast from creating his own design for the car. The Ferrari Dino Concept design was penned by Ugur Sahin, whose goal was to create a car that feels stylish, modern, dynamic and organic while staying true to the original design language of the Ferrari Dino and Ferrari brand in general.

Early reports suggest that we may see a production Dino by 2010, and Germany’s AutoZeitung has speculated that some form of the car will be displayed at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Previously, Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo revealed that a new car based on the F430 will be in Frankfurt, however, this could simply be the F430 Challenge Stradale.

If built, the Dino would likely feature a mid-mounted V8 engine displacing in the vicinity of 4.0L and an aluminum chassis. Power levels should be upwards of 400hp, with drive sent to the rear wheels via an F1-style gearbox. Follow the jump for our complete gallery of Dino renderings.

source: motorauthority.com

Preview of Ferrari’s future technology

Ferrari has just published an extensive document outlining the future technologies that are set to appear in both its road-going and F1 race cars. It’s part of an official presentation that’s going down in Maranello today, where the eco-friendly FXX Millechili concept car has just been announced.

As always the main pursuit of Ferrari’s engineers is performance, but efficiency is quickly becoming a new driver for innovation within the Prancing Horse label. Some of the elements that will be affecting future Ferrari designs include drag-force reduction, weight reduction, and more fuel-efficient engines, biofuel capable models and even hybrid-electric cars.

Some of the new technologies we’ll see implemented range from more use of carbon-fiber, low-rolling resistance tires, wind-tunnel simulations for road cars, hydraulic and electric actuators replacing mechanical parts, smaller electronic components and more effective underbody diffusers.

In the long-term, Ferrari is looking towards hybrid options to improve the efficiency and performance of its cars. Engineers are now studying the use of electric motors attached to the gearbox as seen in this diagram of the F430’s transmission.

source: motorauthority.com

Ferrari and the Greener Future

Details have started to emerge regarding Ferrari's new eco-friendly concept vehicle, the FXX Mille Chile. Ferrari, like other high performance vehicle manufacturers, realize that it needs to develop and introduce new technologies in order to keep selling its high-performance brand of vehicles. Ferrari has been working on many of these technologies and is showing them off on its latest concept. It's important to note that this is merely a paper and wood concept and is not slated for production. It also does not appear to have anything to do with the Millechili concept from 2005.

New technologies introduced to the public on the Millechili concept include active aerodynamics, a new type of hybrid drivetrain, adjustable steering wheel and pedal placement and high-tech (and high-cost) carbon fiber construction. Also seeing daylight are low rolling resistance tires and ceramic composite brakes. Many of these technologies have been done before, but not with quite the same intent as what Ferrari is doing.

With active aerodynamics, vehicle manufacturers have been able to add or reduce downforce as required. The Bugatti Veyron is a good example of this. But, Ferrari is changing things up a bit by reducing the size of its ceramic composite brakes and using underbody modifications to lower the speed of the car. Also, the hybrid system is different than what we are used to. Instead of being able to power the vehicle, the electric motor only seems to activate while the vehicle is being shifted. This means that an almost seamless stream of torque is routed to the wheels, even when the clutch is disengaging the engine from the transmission. Speaking of that transmission, it appears to retain the F1 style paddle shifting, but the hybrid system makes shifting faster than ever.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Video: The $5 Million Dollar Modified ENZO FERRARI

New York Hedge Fund manager and movie director Jim Glickenhaus liked the 330 P3/4-era Ferraris so much that he took his Enzo out to Turin, Italy, to recreate the classic cars based on state-of-the-art technology. The entire upgrade cost $4 million USD on top of the $1 million USD sticker price of the Enzo = $5 million USD Ferrari P4/5. Yes, quite NUTS.



Among the upgrades include a complete overhaul of the body, redesigned and rebuilt by Pininfarina, 20′ wheels wrapped in fatter yet thinner tires, custom-made fabric picked out by his hot spoiled daughter, and a raised “cut line” to allow for easier access to the monster living underneath the hood.

Apparently Ferrari liked the overhaul so much that they approved badging the vehicle as a bona fide Ferrari. This is unconfirmed and highly skeptical if you ask me.

2007 JNH Ferrari 360 Modena

The sensitive task facing us when choosing to work on 360 Modena was whether we could put our own spice on the world’s most complete design, which was Pininfarina and whether we could improve functional-wise what Ferrari’s craftsmanship mastered in ground effect.

JNH’s long standing policy is not to work on anything if it’s only for dress-up purpose. Our motto is to use our magic to better the original design and function.

We have conducted numerous testing with stock car and what we witnessed there was disturbing. In 6th gear and extremely high speed situation, front under cover for which our modeler has nothing but praise was ripped apart and the fear of front lift ran through test drivers mind.

Extensive testing led us to this conclusion: 360 Modena is better left as it is. What we should do is respect the stock body and refine it JNH way.

Utilizing Venturi Tunnela and respecting Pininfarina design, specially on the side view --- What JNH proudly presents are: Front canard that’ll be separately installed, Splitter which looks perfect on smooth side view and Rear under diffuser that effectively handle air from the bottom of body.

Special Ferrari customers get their own car

Forget tuning, Ferrari's special customers get their own car designed by the Italian firm. Take one US customer. Not content to follow the lead of James Glickenhaus and his one-off P4/5 based on an Enzo, this guy has ordered three 600 GTOs.

The new cars will be based on the 612 Scaglietti, but shed 285kg in weight. New bodywork will also create 25 per cent more downforce at 125mph.

Ferrari won't reveal the name of this very special customer, but there are rumours that the buyer wants to resurrect the Ferrari North American Racing Team (NART) that was founded by Ferrari's original US importer Luigi Chinetti in 1958.

The 600 GTO is due to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Want a New Ferrari ?

Never an impulse purchase, a new Ferrari nowadays is something you will wait upwards of 24 months to get. The cars, built in quantities of 6,000 or fewer per year, have always taken about a year from order to delivery, but demand from developing parts of the world — particularly the Middle East and Asia — has made the wait longer.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Chinese buyers are snapping up at least 150 Ferraris a year, and that 60 of the Italian thoroughbreds went to Russia this year. Both were markets where Ferraris were virtually unknown in the past. The paper also notes that the high demand and very low supply means a gray market in resold cars is a constant struggle for Ferrari to deal with.

About 28 percent of the Ferraris built went to North America in 2006, according to Ferrari, with European countries accounting for about 40 percent, but the "other" column is growing, at 21 percent last year.

Ferrari at the Techno-Classica 2007

Ferrari will be represented at the Techno-Classica 2007 by a stand dedicated entirely to Ferrari Classiche, a specialist division set up in Maranello to provide owners of historic Prancing Horse cars with restoration, maintenance, and assistance services. The Ferrari Classiche division also issues Authenticity Certificates.

Based in the original old factory building, Ferrari Classiche opened its doors in the summer of 2006 and has since become a major player in the protection of the unique Ferrari heritage. In fact, it has already received 496 certification requests (308 of which have already been issued) and has restored a total of 84 at its workshop (this included 12 complete restorations).

Ferrari Classiche’s plans for the future include a wider presence across the world, starting with Europe and North America. In fact, the intention is to have a total of 17 Ferrari Classic Certification Centres opened by the end of the year.

Since Ferrari’s earliest days, its cars have enjoyed cult status and have been eagerly sought after by collectors the world over. This is why one of the main functions of the Ferrari Classiche Division is to issue Certificates of Authenticity to road-going Ferraris of 20 years old and over as well as to all Prancing Horse competition cars, including Formula 1 single-seaters, regardless of the year they were built. The certification document officially attests to the cars’ authenticity and also provides a further guarantee for buyers should the certified vehicles ever be sold on.

During the certification process, the cars undergo a very careful inspection in the Ferrari Classiche division in Maranello or at specially authorised centres throughout the world. Using Ferrari’s extensive historic archive, a special committee of experts known as COCER (Certification Committee) chaired by Vice president of Ferrari SpA, Piero Ferrari will evaluate the technical characteristics of each individual car put forward for certification. The technical examination of the car is the most important step in the process as it reveals whether the car is fully functioning, and whether its chassis, engine, gearbox, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, bodywork and interiors are original or at least comply with the original specifications.

If any non-original mechanical parts are discovered, the car may still be restored to its original authentic condition as Ferrari Classiche can, on request, supply spares conforming to the original specifications and manufactured using the original designs and specialist machinery either directly at Ferrari or by its official suppliers.

The manufacture and supply of original components is all a part of Ferrari Classiche’s renovation and maintenance work where the aim is always to save the Prancing Horse’s historic models.

The fact that Ferrari Classiche’s services provide exceptional satisfaction to our clients is clear from the fact that increasing numbers of owners opt to travel to the division headquarters in Maranello to pick up their restored cars personally. The long list of messages of appreciation for our dedicated technicians’ highly professional work, left by clients in the client comments book at Ferrari Classiche, also speaks for itself.

Ferrari will also be organising a wide range of activities and events for classic cars for 2007. The Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge Europe and North America will be staged once again. Last year there was an average of 80 cars participating during the 10 rounds held throughout the season. The weekend of March 31st to April 1st marks the start of the European series at Mugello as part of the 1st Mugello Historic Festival.

Ferrari will then pay homage to the Mille Miglia on 17th – 19th May with the original 315 S in which Piero Taruffi won the very last edition of the legendary Italian race in 1957.

The Ferrari Legend and Passion auction organised by RM Auctions in collaboration with Sotheby’s takes place on May 20th in Maranello and will feature some of the most famous Prancing Horse models of all time, including a 340 MM (1953) and a 275 GTB4 (1966) in addition to a wide selection of memorabilia.

The finale of the Ferrari 60 Relay, which will have visited five continents en route to Maranello, will include the Concours d’Elegance Ferrari 60 on Sunday 24th of June at the Fiorano Circuit.

A total of 80 Grand Tourers (12-cylinders up to the early 1970s and special series) and Sports Prototypes will be competing for the Best of Show and other awards.

This event will be preceded by the Ferrari 60 Classic Tour which is being held on Friday June 22nd and will take participants along the route traditionally used by the Prancing Horse’s test drivers. There will also be an official parade of the cars competing with a public vote on Saturday June 23rd, once again at the Fiorano Circuit.

Ferrari Period Photos

Ferrari Period Photos

Ferrari 500 F2

Ferrari 156 F1

Ferrari 330 P4

Ferrari 312 T

Ferrari 250 GTO

Ferrari 400 Superamerica

Ferrari 250 California

Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta

Ferrari 365 GTB4

Ferrari 312 P

Ferrari F1 2000

See Ferrari videos

2006 Ferrari 612 Carrozzeria Scaglietti

(from Ferrari Press Release) FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI AS DESIGNED BY WALLPAPER* NOW DELIVERED TO FERRARI COLLECTOR

* Bespoke Ferrari 612 Scaglietti HGTC as designed by the award-winning magazine delivered to Ferrari owner by Charles Hurst Ferrari, Belfast
* Unique demonstration of Ferraris Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme which allows customers to create their dream Ferrari

After a series of exhibitions throughout the Ferrari Dealer Network in the UK, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti which was designed by the award-winning Wallpaper* magazine on behalf of a Ferrari collector and shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the exclusive Salon Priv in July 2006 has been delivered to its owner, Mr Paul Hill, by Ferraris Charles Hurst dealership in Belfast.

Wallpaper*, the leading magazine for design, interiors, fashion and travel, was invited to design a stylish and sophisticated Ferrari 612 Scaglietti which reflected the desire for a unique Ferrari which defines luxury and taste. Through the unlimited possibilities available in Ferraris bespoke Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme, the car was specified in a stunning but subtle two-tone paint scheme, with two complementary colours Nero and Blu Pozzi which are also silhouetted in the interior of the car, which has Nero and Blu Scuro leather Daytona seats with Blu stitching.

In addition to the Handling GTC package and F1 gearbox, the car features some truly bespoke elements: dedicated branding on the aluminium kickplates, discrete branding on the leather of the glovebox lid, and a custom-made leather pocket for the magazines new City Guides. In the tradition of all bespoke luxury goods, the price remains between Ferrari and the customer.

Ferrari-fest

You've got to hand it to the Italians, they know how to turn on the style for a birthday party.
With Ferrari's 60th coming up this year, they've announced a party just for the British and the best present will be the debut track appearance of the FXX, the Enzo-based track junky.

The Ferrari Racing Days event at Silverstone on June 8-10 and will feature cars from the company's history thrashing round the circuit doing what they do best: going fast and sounding delectable.

For Ferrari fans further fascination, there's a round of the Ferrari challenge with 30 F430 racers competing.

Race fans will also be entertained with displays from Corse Clienti, which runs historic F1 cars driven by their lucky owners.

Those who prefer the older stuff are more than catered for with the Ferrari Shell Historic Championship.

Or you can just meander through the rows of Ferrari old and new on show that is expected to make the Silverstone event the largest gathering of Ferraris in one place in 2007.

source: topgear

Ferrari Revs Up for Launch of New Model at Frankfurt Show

GENEVA — For those who are wondering why Ferrari is a relatively quiet presence at the Geneva auto show, the answer became clear on Wednesday as the Italian supercar maker confirmed that it is hustling to launch a new model at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall.

Fiat Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo told Reuters that the new model, which will be based on the F430, the company's most popular car, is in the works. "It is a new model on which there's been key research on weight reduction, performance obtained from Ferrari's experience in [Formula 1] competitions and safety," the company said in a statement.

He also said there are no plans to carry out an IPO for Ferrari.

Ferrari's news from Geneva has been relatively low-key, centering on such things as color and trim changes and new tech features for the 612 Scaglietti.

Ferrari has relaunched 10 historic exterior colors for the 612 Scaglietti, after conducting what it describes as "meticulous research in the company archive." The Italian supercar manufacturer used the occasion of the 2007 Geneva Auto Show to unveil the colors and to introduce new features for the Scaglietti, as well as roll out its Ferrari Financial Services.

The financial services arm is designed to offer "exclusive financing for historic models, competition cars and even Formula 1 single-seaters," the automaker said.

The historic colors are: Avio, Avorio, Azzurro, Blu Scozia, Celeste, Grigio Ferro, Grigio Medio, Grigio Scuro, Verde Abetone and Vinaccia.

Ferrari also introduced a new Bose 2 DIN radio navigator for the 612 Scaglietti. The system is available in the U.S. market and combines radio, audio and video DVD, Bluetooth and satellite radio. A TV tuner and a rear parking camera are also part of the system.

The Italian supercar maker also introduced a new satellite anti-theft system integrated with the car alarm for main European markets. This system includes a GPS antenna and a transponder key.

Ferrari also noted that it has developed a new car configurator that will allow its online customers to simulate their dream Scaglietti. "There is an almost an infinite number of configurations possible for all the models in the range," it said. The personalization program is accessed at the Ferrari Owners' Web site.

Ferrari 599 GNB Fiorano Tuning

The Ferrari 599 is too slow, not aggressive enough, and it could do with a few more luxury goodies.
So goes the thinking of Richard Hamann and his German tuning firm.

We're not convinced by the styling mods Herr Hamann has come up with, which include a three-piece rear diffuser and massive 21in alloy wheels, but there's no doubting the engineering work that has gone into the engine.

The 6.0-litre V12 has an extra 53bhp liberated to give 673bhp, which is claimed to boost top speed to 215mph.

As for the goodies, Hamann will happily kit out a 599 to whatever spec you like, including a Playstation so you can race a Ferrari inside your Ferrari.

As for the price, reckon on forking out at least another £50,000 on top of the price of buying a 599 in the first place.