The MINI E Versus the MINI Cooper S

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Italy

  • Report: Pininfarina Family Hires Bank To Sell 50.7% Stake In Design Firm

    Report: Pininfarina Family Hires Bank To Sell 50.7% Stake In Design Firm August 9th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, August 9th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Report: Pininfarina Family Hires Bank To Sell 50.7% Stake In Design Firm

    If you've ever wanted to own a stake in an illustrious Italian luxury automotive design house, now may be the perfect time with reports emerging that Italy's Pininfarina family will be selling off their majority stake in the company.

    Reportedly, the family owners of Pininfarina have already engaged the services of an Italian bank to sell their 50.7% stake held by Pincar, the Pininfarina family's company. The news highlights the difficulty that luxury coachbuilders are facing from the financial crisis and the resulting drop in demand for their services and products, a situation that has had rival Italian coachbuilder Bertone on the back foot...

    If you've ever wanted to own a stake in an illustrious Italian luxury automotive design house, now may be the perfect time with reports emerging that Italy's Pininfarina family will be selling off their majority stake in the company. Reportedly, the family owners of Pininfarina have already engaged the services of an Italian bank to sell their 50.7% stake held by Pincar, the Pininfarina family's company. The news highlights the difficulty that luxury coachbuilders are facing from the financial crisis and the resulting drop in demand for their services and products, a situation that has had rival Italian coachbuilder Bertone on the back foot for some time now. Despite seeking to sell off their majority stake in the company, an anonymous source within the Pininfarina company revealed to Reuters that the family had "no intention of leaving completely", and the sale was a measure taken to comply with previously agreed upon debt stipulations with banks last year. With over half the company expected to go up for sale, speculation is rife as to who could step in to purchase Pininfarina. Last year we reported that Piero Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari's second son, Alberto Bombassei, chairman of Brembo, and the Marsiaj family, founders of the Sabelt seatbelt company have all considered investing in Pininfarina, along with Vincent Bollore, a French financier, and Ratan Tata, head of India's Tata conglomerate, who already announced its plans to invest. It seems Pininfarina's best chances for survival would come from having a group of investors, rather than a single controlling company, considering that if a large enough stake in Pininfarina was acquired by a rival company some of its contracts with auto manufacturers could be put at risk. 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Read More

  • First look at Ferrari's all-new '458 Italia' supercar

    First look at Ferrari's all-new '458 Italia' supercar July 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 19 Comments

    First look at Ferrari's all-new '458 Italia' supercar Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian automaker.

    Its new 4.5-liter V8 engine produces 570hp (425kW) and 400lb-ft (540Nm) of torque, enough to blast the car to 62mph (100km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and on to a 202mph (325km/h) top speed, yet it uses less fuel than the car it replaces – the already amazing F430. But these raw figures are just the start of the technological story of Ferrari’s newest model.

    While the outgoing F430 was largely based on... Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian automaker. Its new 4.5-liter V8 engine produces 570hp (425kW) and 400lb-ft (540Nm) of torque, enough to blast the car to 62mph (100km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and on to a 202mph (325km/h) top speed, yet it uses less fuel than the car it replaces – the already amazing F430. But these raw figures are just the start of the technological story of Ferrari’s newest model. While the outgoing F430 was largely based on the 360 Modena that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics are all new. The car also benefits hugely from Ferrari’s F1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which it responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again, input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played a major part. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. As with every Ferrari, the car’s styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140kg at 124mph (200km/h) generated by the new model. The new V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines that contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers its peak 570hp (425kW) at 9,000rpm and, with a power output of 126hp (94kW) per liter, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 400lb-ft (540Nm) at 6000 rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3,250 rpm. The 458 Italia is also equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission similar to the unit found in the California. According to Ferrari, the addition of a dual-clutch transmission plus direct injection technology helps lower the car’s CO2 emissions to 320g/km and fuel consumption to 13.7L/100km. A low kerb weight also helps here and Ferrari engineers have managed to keep the weight of the 458 Italia down to 1,380kg with a 42/58 front to rear weight distribution. Dimensions stand at 4,527mm in length, 1,937mm in width, and 1,213 in height. The wheelbase measures in at 2,650mm. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. Furthermore, the integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac traction control systems (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32% increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The same ECU also governs the ABS. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the calipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimize delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 62-0mph braking distance to a mere 32.5m. Inside, the 458 Italia features a new interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, Ferrari is yet to reveal any other details for the interior. The new model will make its official world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in the first half of next year.2010 Ferrari 458 Italia2010 Ferrari 458 Italia interior Read More

  • Ferrari 250 Testarossa sets new world record for a car sold at auction

    Ferrari 250 Testarossa sets new world record for a car sold at auction May 17th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 17th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Ferrari 250 Testarossa sets new world record for a car sold at auction Ferrari has set a new world record for a car sold at auction with a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa fetching €9 million at the weekend (17 May 2009) in an auction of Italian supercars organized by RM Auctions at Ferrari’s Maranello home in Italy.

    The previous world record for a car sold at auction was just last year and was also set by a Ferrari, when UK radio host Chris Evans paid €7 million for a black 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California previously owned by James Coburn. Both cars were sold at the “Ferrari Leggenda e Passione”, an annual auction of the finest Ferrari and Maserati supercars organized by RM Auctions... Ferrari has set a new world record for a car sold at auction with a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa fetching €9 million at the weekend (17 May 2009) in an auction of Italian supercars organized by RM Auctions at Ferrari’s Maranello home in Italy. The previous world record for a car sold at auction was just last year and was also set by a Ferrari, when UK radio host Chris Evans paid €7 million for a black 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California previously owned by James Coburn. Both cars were sold at the “Ferrari Leggenda e Passione”, an annual auction of the finest Ferrari and Maserati supercars organized by RM Auctions and held at Ferrari’s test track, Fiorano, in Maranello. Unlike last year, this year’s top bidder was not at the auction, remaining anonymous and bidding over the telephone while competing against three other bidders. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa, one of just 22 similar models built at Maranello, boasts an important race history in North and South America. It debuted in the Buenos Aires 1,000km in 1958 and came 4th overall before being sold to a U.S. client who raced it extensively in the SCCA championship. Although its bids reached a level higher than last year’s record setter at €7.25 million, a rare Ferrari 330 P4 was passed in at the event.1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa Read More

  • Schedoni unveils new carbon-fiber briefcase

    Schedoni unveils new carbon-fiber briefcase May 8th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, May 8th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 5 Comments

    Schedoni unveils new carbon-fiber briefcase As an expensive and hard to manufacture material, carbon-fiber is usually found in high-end applications such as supercars and airplanes but now an Italian company is offering up some carbon-fiber briefcases that should prevent any limp-wristed execs from straining themselves too much.

    The new carbon-fiber briefcase comes from Italian company Schedoni, which has been in business for well over a century and is often called upon to craft the luggage sets offered by Ferrari to its customers. The Modena-based company also carries out similar duties for Lamborghini and Maserati, giving the company a fair amount of credibility when it comes to... As an expensive and hard to manufacture material, carbon-fiber is usually found in high-end applications such as supercars and airplanes but now an Italian company is offering up some carbon-fiber briefcases that should prevent any limp-wristed execs from straining themselves too much. The new carbon-fiber briefcase comes from Italian company Schedoni, which has been in business for well over a century and is often called upon to craft the luggage sets offered by Ferrari to its customers. The Modena-based company also carries out similar duties for Lamborghini and Maserati, giving the company a fair amount of credibility when it comes to the quality of its goods. Schedoni’s latest briefcase is made up of some impressive materials, including a carbon-fiber outer shell and a suede lining on the inside. According to designers, working with carbon-fiber is incredibly difficult and often the tiniest imperfection will mean starting over from scratch. At the moment, the company can only produce a few briefcases per week, owing to the fact that each piece must sit for 12 hours in an air-tight kiln while hardening. Because of the relative rarity of the briefcases, the materials used, and the brand name behind the products, a carbon-fiber briefcase from Schedoni will set customers back around $4,400. While it may seem a little expensive for a briefcase, Schedoni points out that the briefcase can also be used to carry a backgammon set that they make - which retails at just under $6,000. Read More

  • Bertone, Morgan & Zagato planning new concepts for Italy’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

    Bertone, Morgan & Zagato planning new concepts for Italy’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este April 1st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, April 1st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Bertone, Morgan & Zagato planning new concepts for Italy’s Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este This year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy is set to be a cracker, with three concept car world premiers planned from bespoke coachbuilders Stile Bertone and Zagato, and a retro sports-car for Morgan.

    The concept from Bertone is a highly anticipated V8 two-seater built with lightweight materials, and is meant to be an evolution of last year’s B.A.T 11. The new concept from Zagato is being kept under wraps until its unveiling, but there’s growing speculation that the car could be the final production version of the recently revealed Perana Z-One. As for the Morgan, the British carmaker’s concept is said to be a... This year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy is set to be a cracker, with three concept car world premiers planned from bespoke coachbuilders Stile Bertone and Zagato, and a retro sports-car for Morgan. The concept from Bertone is a highly anticipated V8 two-seater built with lightweight materials, and is meant to be an evolution of last year’s B.A.T 11. The new concept from Zagato is being kept under wraps until its unveiling, but there’s growing speculation that the car could be the final production version of the recently revealed Perana Z-One. As for the Morgan, the British carmaker’s concept is said to be a lightweight two-seater built on the Aeromax platform, and there’s a chance that it may enter production if it garners enough positive feedback. The event will also play host to a number of other interesting cars, including BMW's previous 'GINA Light' design study, which so far has remained solely at BMW's museum in Munich. The 592hp (442kW) hybrid-engine Infiniti Essence will also be making an appearance at the show, along with a driveable version of the new Aston Martin One-77 supercar. The Fisker Karma S will also be appearing, along with the Rinspeed iChange. The event, which will kick off on April 24, allows only driveable concepts that have been built within the last three years to be shown, along with historic cars. The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is purely a beauty competition, with all the show-goers given the chance to vote on the most beautiful car rather than a panel of stuffy design experts.Zagato-designed Perana Z-One sports car Read More

  • MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan

    MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan March 12th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 12th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April.

    The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers.

    The concept trailer features a... What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April. The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers. The concept trailer features a surfing and watersports-inspired theme, with custom furniture and design. To make the concept a coherent package, the MINI Cooper S Clubman also gets the same design theme, with neoprene inserts in the upholstery and other waterproof touches. A daybed in the back lets the owner sunbathe in style. Don't expect volume production of this particular concept, though it is an interesting idea, demonstrating you don't always need a four-ton tow vehicle to have some mobile outdoor fun.MINI Cooper S Clubman Airstream Concept Read More

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