Motor Authority - blog Category: Ferrari

  • New Details On Ferrari Hybrid 4WD System

    New Details On Ferrari Hybrid 4WD System

    Ferrari has been working on a proprietary part-time four-wheel drive system designed for both its mid and front-engined models for the past several years, which the automaker has christened ‘Insertable 4x4’.

    Not much has been seen or heard about the system for some time but earlier this year a search of the European Patent Office revealed that Ferrari had applied for a new patent back in February for a four-wheel drive system combined with an electric motor in a sort of hybrid configuration.

    Soon after the discovery of the patent, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed that a concept based on the system was in the works and could be...

    Ferrari has been working on a proprietary part-time four-wheel drive system designed for both its mid and front-engined models for the past several years, which the automaker has christened ‘Insertable 4x4’. Not much has been seen or heard about the system for some time but earlier this year a search of the European Patent Office revealed that Ferrari had applied for a new patent back in February for a four-wheel drive system combined with an electric motor in a sort of hybrid configuration. Soon after the discovery of the patent, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed that a concept based on the system was in the works and could be on display as early as this December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. An inside source at Ferrari has now revealed to Autocar that the electrically driven four-wheel drive system will be used in the automaker’s front engined GT models and will power the front wheels. Unlike conventional hybrids, the aim of the system is to improve handling rather than improve fuel economy--an area Ferrari isn’t alone in. The system is expected to debut in the replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, which you can see spy shots of here. While the new car will be launched sometime in 2011, the new hybrid four-wheel drive option won’t arrive until 2014. For more information, check out our detailed story by clicking here. [Autocar] Read More
  • Ferrari Theme Park Set To Open In 2010

    Ferrari Theme Park Set To Open In 2010

    Abu Dhabi is probably tired of Dubai always stealing the thunder as the star of the United Arab Emirates, but that may change with the construction of a F1 spec race track and a Ferrari-based theme park set to open in 2010.

    Dubbed ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’, the new holiday destination will be the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind.

    The theme park will feature an iconic sleek red roof that’s said to be directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 2,152,782 square feet and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

    There will be a...

    Abu Dhabi is probably tired of Dubai always stealing the thunder as the star of the United Arab Emirates, but that may change with the construction of a F1 spec race track and a Ferrari-based theme park set to open in 2010. Dubbed ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’, the new holiday destination will be the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. The theme park will feature an iconic sleek red roof that’s said to be directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 2,152,782 square feet and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created. There will be a number of attractions, including rides for children of all ages and the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 124 mph. Another ride will rocket passengers through the roof and to a height of 203 feet to simulate the G-forces experienced by drivers in an F1 car. The site is located on Yas Island on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland, which is about a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Yas Marina Circuit, which will host the inaugural Abu Dhabi GP later this year. [Ferrari] Read More
  • Spy Shots: 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Successor Test-Mule

    Spy Shots: 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Successor Test-Mule

    It seems like just yesterday that Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti was launched but it's actually been almost five years, which is why it’s not surprising that test-mules for the car’s successor are already running around the streets of Maranello. Designers will be primarily focused on giving it an edgier, more up-to-the-minute look, however, the new look may be joined by a greener powertrain as well.

    While this test-mule was previously thought to be for a minor mid-cycle facelift for the 612 Scaglietti, key details such as the extended front-end, bonnet bulge, longer wheelbase and stacked exhaust pipes suggest this vehicle represents...

    It seems like just yesterday that Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti was launched but it's actually been almost five years, which is why it’s not surprising that test-mules for the car’s successor are already running around the streets of Maranello. Designers will be primarily focused on giving it an edgier, more up-to-the-minute look, however, the new look may be joined by a greener powertrain as well. While this test-mule was previously thought to be for a minor mid-cycle facelift for the 612 Scaglietti, key details such as the extended front-end, bonnet bulge, longer wheelbase and stacked exhaust pipes suggest this vehicle represents something much more significant than a facelift. Not much is known about the successor to the 612 as the car’s is expected to make its launch until late 2011, but according to previous reports the car could feature a brand new V-12 powerplant. The new engine is tipped to have 40% fewer carbon-dioxide emissions than the current mill, which would fit Ferrari’s internal goal of reducing its emissions and fuel-consumption by that same amount by 2012. If the report proves true, the Scaglietti successor will have a fuel economy of roughly 19 mpg--up from 11.5 mpg for the current model. Power isn't expected to grow much, as the 612’s standard 533 horsepower output is already generous. Other rumors include the possibility of Ferrari adding its Insertable 4x4 system as well as a hybrid option. Read More
  • New Preview Of Glickenhaus Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

    New Preview Of Glickenhaus Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

    It's been almost four years since James Glickenhaus commissioned his custom Pininfarina-penned Ferrari Enzo-based P4/5, but the excitement has begun to build back up to a head after a cryptic message on an enthusiast forum hinting at a possible endurance racer based on the car. Today a new rendering of what the car might look like from Michiel Van Den Brink has surfaced.

    Glickenhaus himself posted to a forum in late September, saying simply, "I am seriously investigating a proposal to make P 4/5 Competizione and enter her in a major 24 hour race. There are a LOT of stars that would have to align for this to happen but it's not...

    It's been almost four years since James Glickenhaus commissioned his custom Pininfarina-penned Ferrari Enzo-based P4/5, but the excitement has begun to build back up to a head after a cryptic message on an enthusiast forum hinting at a possible endurance racer based on the car. Today a new rendering of what the car might look like from Michiel Van Den Brink has surfaced. Glickenhaus himself posted to a forum in late September, saying simply, "I am seriously investigating a proposal to make P 4/5 Competizione and enter her in a major 24 hour race. There are a LOT of stars that would have to align for this to happen but it's not impossible..." That teaser was then followed up by a hint that the car could show up with a "serious effort at a major race" with a "chance to do well." That narrows the possibilities of endurance races somewhat, including the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. Featured in the thread is a rendering of what a racing P4/5 might look like, also created by Michiel Van Den Brink, a small version of which is included here. The blue livery on the car in that image is an homage to the legendary North American Racing Team, or NART, used to promote Ferrari endurance racing in the U.S. between 1958 and 1982. The information and discussion is buried in a nearly 300-page forum thread over at FerrariChat, but the magic starts at around page 285 if you want to have a read for yourself. For the latest discussion, there's a newer 15-page thread also at FerrariChat here. For Michiel Van Den Brink's high-resolution renderings, plus a complete run-down on what will need to happen for this project to come to reality, head on over to his post at Coachbuild. Read More
  • 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Price, Configuration Tool Emerge

    2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Price, Configuration Tool Emerge

    We've seen on-track video, heard the designers talk about its marriage of aerodynamic function and form and pored over every sultry image, but now we can build our own, and get a rough idea of the price.

    Ferrari's official configuration tool is live, allowing interested shoppers to see what their own, individualized Ferrari will look like, and tweak the details to the finest degree. From headliner material and color to boot liner, the entire car's appearance is up for grabs.

    Once you're done building your dream Italia, you can guesstimate its price thanks to a leaked document revealed today. Though the prices are in Euros, we can get a feel...

    We've seen on-track video, heard the designers talk about its marriage of aerodynamic function and form and pored over every sultry image, but now we can build our own, and get a rough idea of the price. Ferrari's official configuration tool is live, allowing interested shoppers to see what their own, individualized Ferrari will look like, and tweak the details to the finest degree. From headliner material and color to boot liner, the entire car's appearance is up for grabs. Once you're done building your dream Italia, you can guesstimate its price thanks to a leaked document revealed today. Though the prices are in Euros, we can get a feel for what the U.S. pricing will be like when the Italia is finally released for retail here. Starting at 162,900 euros or 149,246 British pounds--not counting VAT--the Italia sits at the upper end of the price range of the current F430. Here in the U.S., that's likely to translate to about $185,000-$200,000, meaning we still get a substantial discount on this side of the Atlantic. No complaints here. If you're not up to speed on this 4.5-liter, 570-horsepower V-8 powered Italian sculpture, read up on the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia here. [Ferrari & Teamspeed] Read More
  • Ferrari Announces 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition

    Ferrari Announces 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition

    Ferrari is launching a special edition of its 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the HGTE (Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione) package, which will be built in a highly exclusive run of less than a dozen cars. The special edition models go by the name ‘599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition’ and were developed together with Chinese artist Lu Hao.

    The models come in a two-tone color scheme, featuring a special Rosso Fuoco red paint scheme and a grey roof. A special touch added by Hao is an ancient Chinese script called "Xiao Zhuan" to engrave a name plaque for each edition as well as mark the car throughout, such as on the engine...

    Ferrari is launching a special edition of its 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the HGTE (Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione) package, which will be built in a highly exclusive run of less than a dozen cars. The special edition models go by the name ‘599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition’ and were developed together with Chinese artist Lu Hao. The models come in a two-tone color scheme, featuring a special Rosso Fuoco red paint scheme and a grey roof. A special touch added by Hao is an ancient Chinese script called "Xiao Zhuan" to engrave a name plaque for each edition as well as mark the car throughout, such as on the engine starter button and the rev counter. Hao has also created a special one-off model that features a cracked glaze pattern designed to mimic the famed Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty, of which today there remains only a few hundred pieces. There is also a jade engine starter button as well as Hao’s signature. This one-off 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition will be auctioned off at a charity gala auction in Beijing that Ferrari will be holding on November 3. For more information on the HGTE package, click here for our story following its launch at March’s Geneva Auto Show. [WorldCarFans] Read More

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