Ferrari revealed today the first images and official details of the 2009 California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position. The engine develops 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2).
California will make its world debut this autumn at the Paris Motor Show, but more details will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.
Press release after the jump.
Pics via Automobilismo.it
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Next to the 599XX, Ferrari also presented today in Geneva the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano. The package delivers a sportier look and improves the car’s driving dynamics.
The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimized tires featuring a compound that offers even better grip.
The car’s sporty look is completed by carbon-fibre widely used in the latter, 20" split-rim wheels, a matte black rear diffuser, and a combination of black Alcantara and carbon fiber on the interior.
Press release after the jump.
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Ferrari had the Enzo-based FXX, now it has the Fiorano-based 599XX - but the essence on both car is the same: designed for exclusive clientele and used for testing racing technology.
The 599’s engine now delivers 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a new gearbox shift strategy that cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.
The 599XX is characterized by an innovative electronic concept called the "High Performance Dynamic Concept" which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Earlier this month we reported that Ferrari will bring the 599 HGTE to the Geneva Motor Show next week. But like many of the manufacturers, Ferrari couldn’t keep it under wraps. Oddly enough the press release didn’t confirm the details of the car, but we expect 20-inch three-piece wheels, upgraded suspension, retuned exhaust system, grille reminiscent of the 430 Scuderia, and a interior full of carbon fiber bits. The only thing Ferrari confirmed was the color: three-layered metallic Rosso (red).
Instead Ferrari used its press release to announce a car called the 599XX. Like the the Enzo-based FXX, this will be an ultra-rare testbed for racing technology. Ferrari didn’t confirm if the car would road-legal, but if it follows in the FXX tradition, the 599XX will only be Ferrari’s racetrack customers. There was no mention of the price, but in the world of rare race-only Ferraris if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.
Press release after the jump.
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Ferrari unveiled the F60 today. While a new F1 car doesn’t always make headlines with us, this one seems to have dropped in a few nifty new features, and it celebrates an anniversary. It’s the fifty fifth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. Starting 1950 Ferrari has competed in all the 60 editions of the Formula 1 World Championship (60 years of Ferrari; F60, get it).
Ferrari has redesigned the front and rear spoilers as well as the airflow over the car for better performance on the track. 2009 will be the debut of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) that can sometimes provide a real shock. We won’t bore you with all the science of the improvements (or try to interpret them), but there is more information for those who are interested in the press release after the jump.
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As we expected from rumors back in September, Ferrari chopped the top off the F430 Scuderia. The latest prancing horse is called the Scuderia Spider 16M in honor of it’s 16th constructor’s championship win in F1 racing. Originally the car was rumored to be limited to 300 units, but it seems Ferrari has upped that to 499 (they must have determined demand to be 500 cars.)
The Scuderia Spider 16M is powered by a naturally-aspired V8, 4308 cc engine that delivers 510 hp at 8500 rpm and about 350 ft. lbs. of torque at 5250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed F1 style gearbox. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes 3.7 seconds and tops out at 195 mph.
Original rumors pegged this as a retractable hardtop. Not only is this a story we cannot confirm, but it also would not make too much sense on a car that is supposed to be ultra light and race-ready. What we do know is Ferrari is not letting this horse out of the stable without a little Italian style. It will be available in a choice of two new signature color schemes: black with grey trim and a tricolor scheme.
Press release after the jump.
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Back in January Ferrari unveiled the 612 Scaglietti One to One at the Geneva Motor Show. This new personalization program allows every client to fully personalize the car. The program has now also been extended to the 599 GTB.
So, after making a short visit to a dedicated Atelier in Maranelloyou will be able to create your own truly bespoke car. The company will offer a vast range of special content to choose from, including specially trained consultants.
The official debut will be made at the Paris Auto Show.
Ferrari will unveil this week-end at the Silverstone circuit in England the F430 Challenge cars and the F430 GTC will be making their debut in the FIA GT Championship.
Ten F430 GTC will line up for the start of the first FIA GT race, split between six teams. Among the drivers, worthy of note the presence of reigning champion, Toni Vilander: the Finn races as part of a pairing with Italy’s Gimmi Bruni, who finished second in 2007.
Press release after the jump.
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Ferrari unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show the 612 Scaglietti One to One - a new personalization program that will allow every client to fully personalise this flagship model, courtesy of a wide array of new content as well as the options available through the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme. In fact, a special dedicated "atelier" area has been set up at the factory in which clients can put together their own bespoke 612 Scaglietti accessory by accessory, detail by detail.
The V12 engine has a dry sump lubrication system featuring both delivery and scavenge pumps, twin overhead cams, 48 valves, maximum power of 540 hp at 7250 rpm, maximum torque of 60 kgm at 5250 rpm. The car has a maximum speed of 198 mph, and 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.0 secs.
The 612 Scaglietti also sports the aptly named SuperFast gearbox which delivers an exceptional gear-shifting time of 100 milliseconds and a reduced inertia clutch to enhance the engine’s responsiveness still further. The iconic Ferrari manettino, now featured on the entire range, has also been added to the steering wheel.
Press release after jump.
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After rumors about a
Lamborghini SUV, is now time to talk about a future Ferrari SUV. And even if
Ferrari is about supercars, it seems that company has finally decided that they need a SUV in their line-up. Maybe the conclusion came after Lamborghini decided to built one, or maybe after seeing the success of the Porsche Cayenne, but, in any case the SUV is on its way and will be launched sometime in 201
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