Category: Ferrari (Page 7 of 7)

Ferrari at Pebble Beach

August 16, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

F12berlinetta debuts in the USA, handover of the first Tailor Made in America and some of the most beautiful Ferrari models on auction

Pebble Beach (California), 16 August 2012- Pebble Beach has always been a special place for Ferrari. The elegant town near San Francisco with a special event inside a special event, where thousands of clients and collectors come together so see the latest models from Maranello and some legendary cars included in the traditional auction and the Concours d’Elegance.

This year Ferrari has organised a series of exclusive events including the presentation of the F12berlinetta. It is the debut of the most powerful 12-cylinder, praised by the specialist press all over the world for style, handling and performance as well as the combination of high power outlet and reduced emissions and consumption.

Meanwhile the first Tailor Made car in the USA will be handed over at Pebble Beach: an FF, which has been personalised by the famous British golfer Ian Poulter thanks to the innovative personalisation programme available from the Prancing Horse. The car’s livery is a particular triple-layer “Sabbia” colour, while the interior is made of black Poltrona Frau leather with tartan pattern, the characteristic of Poulter’s next clothing line collection.

The boot in carbon fibre and high-tech fabric reminds of the world of golf with some details (like the tartan) used for the first time in a car. The British golfer will receive his FF during a special evening with the participation of Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa.

The Prancing Horse will also take part in other events at the Pebble Beach festival. In the Gooding & Co auction catalogue one can find a 1973 365 Daytona Spider certified by Ferrari Classiche and models such as the 1960 250 California Spider Competizione passo lungo and the 1955 857 Sport, once owned by the artist Andy Warhol. Those cars might probably reach 10 million dollars or more.

On Sunday Ferrari will participate in the great Concours d’Elegance in two categories for the Prancing Horse. Pebble Beach is still a way for clients and collectors to come together and share their passion for the cars from Maranello, for which the USA is first legendary market.

August 14, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Pebble Beach, CA, August 14, 2012 – On Sunday, August 19th at the First Tee of the Pebble
Beach Golf Links, the North American Premiere of the F12berlinetta will usher in a new
generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance
from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes
along with extreme aerodynamics.

The F12berlinetta represents the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars. In the United
States, deliveries of the F12berlinetta are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013.

“With many of our most valued clients and avid fans joining for the Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance, this is the ideal moment for the North American premiere of the new F12berlinetta,”
says Marco Mattiacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ferrari North America. “Both
beautiful and breathtakingly fast, the F12berlinetta carries forward the traditions of the great
Ferraris of today and yesteryear,” Mattiacci continues.

The reaction from the global motoring press to F12berlinetta has been highly positive, with
uniform praise for its extreme performance capabilities balanced with equally exceptional
drivability, together with its innovative design and exceptional passenger comfort.

The F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks
to the incredibly efficient engine – in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics
efficiency – which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and
electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track.

Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionized to match the more extreme
performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats
have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled
Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact
car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic
efficiency that sets new standards.

Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminum materials and construction, designed an all-new
spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which have been used
here for the first time in the automotive sector, and employing new assembly and joining
techniques. This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 1525 kg (70 kg less than the previous V12 coupé) with an ideal distribution between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).

The F12berlinetta’s 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 740 CV (730 bhp) which translates to a specific output of 118 CV/l. Torque reaches a peak of 690 Nm (730 lb-ft), 80 per cent of which is already available at just 2,500 rpm, and which provides an unrelenting surge of acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The F12berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kg/CV.

The result is that the new Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1’23”, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.

The design of the F12berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina and is a perfect balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions interpreting the typical elements of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way. A coupé with sleek, aggressive lines whose compact exterior dimensions conceal exceptional in-car space and comfort. The all-new Frau leather interior highlights the balance of advanced technology and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fiber and aluminum air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field.

The cabin has been optimized to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tailgate. With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasized, grouping all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience.

In Maranello: Steve McQueen’s Ferrari 275 GTB4

June 11, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 11 June 2012 – Ferrari Classiche recently took delivery of one of the more interesting cars ever to leave the factory – a 275 GTB4 that originally belonged to legendary American star, Steve McQueen who took delivery of the car in San Francisco when he was on the set filming Bullitt.

The new owner brought the car to Ferrari Classiche for the company’s authenticity certification process, knowing that at some time during the 1980s, when under previous ownership, the car had been converted to a Spider.

Under the provisions of the certification process, a Ferrari can only be authenticated if it is to exactly the same specifications as when it left the factory. To this end, the new owner wisely decided to return the car to its original coupé form and Ferrari Classiche has undertaken the restoration reproducing the roof and buttresses with hand-beaten steel panels.

Ferraris continue to be an excellent investment, as has been shown in a recent report by Business Week on a private treaty sale for $35 million of a 250 GTO built for Stirling Moss.

A world record price that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the launch in 1962 of this homologation special (hence the designation Gran Turismo Omologata), of which just 36 examples were built, and which achieved a seemingly endless series of victories in GT racing in the early 1960s, culminating in three consecutive Manufacturers’ titles in 1962, ’63 and ’64.

The Ferrari 250 GTO has been revered in classic car circles for decades for its combination of thoroughbred looks, performance and motor sports heritage and, in 1990, a 1962 example set a then record auction price of $10,756,833. This world record was to stand for 18 years until it was beaten in 2008 by another Ferrari, a 1961 250 California sold by RM Auctions in collaboration with Sotheby’s in Maranello for $10,910,592. That record was again beaten in 2011 by the sale in Pebble Beach of a 1957 250 Testa Rossa for $16.39 million.

A considerable contribution to the interest for classic Ferraris in recent years has come from the company’s direct involvement, with its dedicated department providing certificates of authenticity which testify to the originality of a car. Set up in 2006, Ferrari Classiche has to date processed over 3,300 certification requests using the company’s exhaustive archive records and original designs.

IN MOTORSPORT: The Third Race of 2012 North American Ferrari Challenge Series

May 18, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., May 18, – Starting today, Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20, the third race of the 2012 North American Ferrari Challenge Series GRAND-AM Road Race will take place against the picturesque backdrop of the Monterey Peninsula, California at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca track.

Launched in 1994 in North America, the Ferrari Challenge is a single-marquee racing series designed to give Ferrari owners the opportunity to compete with fellow Ferrari owners on some of the greatest race tracks in the U.S. and Canada. The challenge also gives Ferrari enthusiasts the chance to enjoy watching Ferraris put through their paces at the race track.

“There is perhaps no better way to experience the passion of Ferrari together with the technology and engineering excellence of our cars than to attend the Ferrari Challenge racing days,” says Marco Mattiacci, President & CEO, Ferrari North America. “True to the spirit of Ferrari, the competition at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will be intense,” Mattiacci concludes.

Spectators are welcome to attend the race. Tickets are now available through the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca website (www.MazdaRaceway.com) or by calling the Ticket Office at: (800) 327-7322 or (831) 242-8269, 8am – 5pm PST, Monday – Friday. VIP Hospitality Packages to the Ferrari Challenge can be purchased by contacting the Ferrari Concierge at (866) 551-2828.

The Corse Clienti Department’s 599XX “evolution,” FXX and F1 Clienti programs will also participate on the track, adding to the excitement of the GRAND-AM Road Racing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Competitors will drive the Ferrari 458 Challenge exclusively, which debuted at the start of the 2011 Ferrari Challenge series, and is derived from the spectacular 458 Italia road car.

Based on the results of the second Ferrari Challenge weekend of the 2012 season, held at Infineon Raceway near Sonoma, Calif., April 27-29, this third leg of the series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca promises to be no less exhilarating for drivers and spectators alike.

At Infineon Raceway, Ferrari owner Harry Cheung took first place, driving the Ferrari of Beverly Hills 458 Challenge. Starting in third place on the grid, Cheung immediately roared into the lead, and never relinquished it to get the checkered flag. Second place went to Central Florida Ferrari owner Onofrio Triarsi, who drove a great race to climb up the order to second place from twelfth, while Richard Fant from Houston came in third.

Poleman Ryan Ockey (Ferrari of Ontario) took a well deserved win in the Coppa Shell, finishing fourth overall ahead of Jose Valera (Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale) and Robert Herjavec (Ferrari of Ontario.)

The 2012 Ferrari Challenge continues to the following racing venues:

Montreal, Canada, (during the Canadian F1 Grand Prix), June 8-10
Toronto, Canada, July 6-8
Lime Rock Park, CT, July 20-21
Homestead Miami Speedway, FL, September 28-30

The Ferrari Challenge Series is organized by Ferrari North America, Inc., and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. Complete Challenge information can be found on www.ferrarichallenge.com.

Ferrari North America, Inc. is headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and is the exclusive North, Central and South American importer of Ferrari vehicles including the 458 Italia, 458 Spider, the California and FF Grand Tourers, and the newly unveiled Ferrari F12berlinetta. For more information please visit www.ferrariusa.com.

IN THE GARAGE: 1999 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider

November 4, 2011 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Serie Fiorano #15/100

THE ULTIMATE 355. 1999 saw the final year of the 355 (F355 and 355F1). The last 100 of these that were imported to the US were the Serie Fiorano (another four cars went to South Africa and Italy). Each car was numbered and is among the rarest of any production V8 Ferrari. The Serie Fiorano was not merely a standard 355 with a commemorative badge. It was the factory’s swan song for what many enthusiasts consider the finest V8 Ferrari ever. The Serie Fiorano featured many Competizione-derived performance enhancements such as a suspension pack and steering rack, along with drilled and ventilated discs and competition pads, as well as alterations to the computer mapping for added power and torque. Outside, apart from its lower stance, the Serie Fiorano is distinguished by a factory Challenge grill and enameled Scuderia shields. Inside, we find factory carbon-fiber inserts and a competition wheel wrapped in suede. The car presented here is an impeccably maintained, factory original (only a stereo amplifier has been added) with recent major service. It’s a sound investment that’s ready to show or drive.

OVERALL CONDITION
Given its collectibility, one would expect a Serie Fiorano to be in exceptionally good condition vis à vis a normal production 355 and this one does not disappoint. It is textbook buyer’s-guide complete and sorted. Paint is near perfect with only a couple tiny chips on the nose and air intakes. The nose has had a respray for earlier chips. Not too long after its original purchase, the car suffered a low impact hit while parked. Imagine returning from a polo match to find your new Ferrari hit by a drunk driver in a pickup truck (there were several witnesses who were able to detain the driver until police arrived). As horrifying as it must’ve been at the time, the only damage was cosmetic. No frame or unibody damage whatsoever (see alignment below) and it was repaired to a very high standard. Inside, we find a sumptuous leather interior that is almost perfect; the only flaw being a very slight curling of the passenger airbag (very typical of 355s). Otherwise it is immaculate with no wear, no cracking or fading and the factory carbon-fiber accents (expensive option on a stock 355) are a beautiful complement to the 355’s functional, driver-oriented cockpit. Stitching around seats and instrument pod is perfect. AC, windows, lights, and all controls/instruments work properly. Carpets are clean, fresh and unmatted. “Sticky” is always an issue with 355s, however—for the moment—this one is 100% sticky free. The semi-power top hydraulics (another one of the Spider’s Achilles heels) have been serviced recently and work flawlessly. The canvas top is free of tears, snags or runs and is a deep dark black. Rubber and glass are like new all around and were clearly kept out of adverse conditions. Mechanically, it is a sublime piece of machinery with a recent (at 20,650 miles) major service performed by a former factory mechanic and service manager. The sometimes-problematic F1 transmission has also been recently serviced and is very solid with smooth shifts up and down through all gears. Tires are near-new with excellent (90+%) tread.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We nestle into the sport seats covered in rich leather and turn the key. Behind us the 3.5 litre motor comes to life with a gasp of its 40 valves leading to a sexy growl telling you it’s ready to go. Pulling away, all is surprisingly civilized at lower RPMs, but with a more spirited right foot, the motor and factory exhaust compose a symphony. It’s a deep, primal, grumble that quickly finds a screaming pitch as it approaches the 8,500 limit. Shifting is smooth and while not microsecond-quick like today’s Ferraris, the F1’s paddle shifters were very progressive at the time and still provides fast shifts, or at least comparable to a manual. Ride is surprisingly tight for a Spider. There’s no shake and rattle over road imperfections. Handling, typical of any Ferrari, is magnificent but with the Fiorano’s Competizione derived suspension and brakes, it is on an entirely different level. Its lower center of gravity combined with a wider track and stiffer springs bring the car into a superb balance with outstanding mechanical grip. And despite a lack of electronic aids found in its descendants, it’s a very forgiving car. If you’re inclined to kick the tail out, it’s balance and natural instinct for forward motion make it easy to right. If your style is more fluid, cornering is spot-on with fantastic braking in and gobs of torque out. It exemplifies why the 355 remains what Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson calls one of the best sports cars in the last 50 years.

IN THE GARAGE: 1995 Ferrari F355 Spider

October 6, 2011 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Rare twin-intake Spider with fresh service


VIN	ZFFPR48A7S0103249
Exterior	[Fer 312] Rosso Barchetta
Interior	Tan Leather
Motor	3.5 L 40V DOHC V8 rated at 380 bhp
Gearbox	6-Speed Manual
Odometer	58,305 mi.
Exterior Condition	Outstanding (1)
Interior Condition	Excellent (2+)
Drivetrain	Outstanding (1)
Braking	Excellent (2+)
Suspension/Ride	Excellent (2)
Tires/wheels	Excellent (2+)

ALONG CAME A SPIDER. When the Ferrari F355 was introduced as a Berlinetta in 1994, it was both a radical departure from and a return to form to the best V8 Ferraris that preceded it. It was—and remains today—state-of-the-art performance and technology combined with graceful yet aggressive lines. By returning to the smooth profile and round taillights of the iconic 308/328, while retaining classic touches like retractable headlamps missing from the modern cars, Pininfarina penned what many consider to be the most beautifully styled of the V8 Ferraris. In 1995, the Berlinetta coupe was joined by a targa-roof GTS and a convertible-top Spider. 1995 was unique in that these cars were outfitted with dual air intakes, resulting in slightly higher horsepower from later models. With Spiders seeing production later in 1995, it is rare to find one with dual air intakes, such as the one presented here.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It’s dazzling, deep and glossy and the Rosso Barchetta color is a perfect complement to the F355 Spider’s sexy, elegant lines. Perhaps even more spectacular is that it is 100% original with no respray and no touch-up. None. The car has never had any accident damage, much less frame damage that was reported at auction a year or so ago. It’s one of the unfortunate casualties of cars sold at auction: frame damage can be suspected without verification and if left uncontested by the prospective buyer, it stays in the report. A certification from a Ferrari mechanic will be provided to verify NO FRAME DAMAGE. Ever. And despite relatively high miles for a Ferrari, a tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve the car’s integrity. It can be argued that because the car was used regularly, it performs better and had its needs tended to much more attentively than low-mileage cars. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of adverse conditions. Inside, we find a sumptuous leather interior that shows no wear, no cracking or fading. Stitching around seats and instrument pod is intact (you don’t see that every day). AC, windows, top and all controls/instruments work properly. Carpets are clean, fresh and unmatted. The canvas top is free of tears, snags or runs and is a deep dark black. As gorgeous as the car is aesthetically, perhaps its most beautiful attribute is its motor. Like any Ferrari motor, it is a sublime piece of machinery but with a fresh (April 2011) major service performed by Ferrari of Denver, this one is nothing short of majestic. A complete engine-out belt service was done, exhaust manifold (common issue) replaced, plugs, fluids, etc. All told, a $20,000 bill. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with tight linkages up and down through all gears. Tires are near-new with excellent (90+% tread). The end result is what you see here: a gorgeous original example of an F355 that’s intended to be driven.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We nestle into the sport seats covered in rich leather and turn the key. Behind us the 3.5 litre motor comes to life with a gasp of its 40 valves leading to a sexy growl telling you it’s ready to go. Pulling away, all is surprisingly civilized at lower RPMs, but with a more spirited right foot, the motor and factory sport exhaust compose a symphony. It’s a deep, primal, grumble that quickly finds a screaming pitch as it approaches the 8,500 limit. The clutch and shifter together are crisp, tight and positive. Ride is surprisingly tight for a Spider. There’s no shake and rattle over road imperfections. Handling, typical of any Ferrari, is magnificent. Despite a lack of electronic aids, it’s a very forgiving car. If you’re inclined to kick the tail out, it’s balance and natural instinct for forward motion make it easy to right. If your style is more fluid, cornering is spot-on with fantastic braking in and gobs of torque out. Fresh tires on the lovely factory fluted 5-spoke wheels (my and many others’ all-time favorites) keep grip steady and strong. It’ll blow your hair back and we haven’t even taken the top down. Lowering the semi-power top, and it becomes a sun-seeking grand tourer, ready for a drive in the country or down the coast, turning heads along the way. With its robust performance, lively handling and classic good looks, this is car that evokes passion and grace. La dolce vita.

10 for 10 under 10: 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT WS6

February 5, 2010 / moto+match / 0 Comments

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT WS6
Typical asking prices*: $4,000-$6,000
Collector status: Buy and hold

It is somewhat ironic that a car used as a basis for crappy replicas of other collector cars (Ferrari F40 and Testarossa for example) should be considered a collector car itself. But then the Pontiac Fiero was an irony from the beginning. It was given a reluctant go-ahead by GM brass only because it was proposed as an economical commuter car. The irony is that somehow it ended up with a mid-engine layout and arguably perhaps the most “exotic” looking design to ever come out of Detroit. Initially it was indeed limited by economy car underpinnings like a 92-bhp 4-cylinder and suspension carried over from GM’s X-body cars. This of course caused a great deal of disappointment from both press and enthusiasts who had higher expectations. By its final year of production in 1988 however, the Fiero grew into a respectable “sporty” car with a 140-bhp V6 and suspension more befitting a mid-engine car. The GT version in particular, with its flying buttress roofline, was now more adept at playing the part of a legitimate contender, at least among its peers like the Toyota MR2. With the WS6 suspension package, it was a nicely balanced, spirited performer for its day. Despite being a good seller, GM didn’t see a need for a another two-seat sports car, as that niche was being filled by the Corvette. Some might argue that with its late-blooming sporting characteristics, the Fiero GT may have even posed a threat to the Corvette’s sales. In any case, the Fiero was killed after a successful five-year run. In those five years, nearly 400,000 were produced and they are plentiful in the used car market. Many have been modified, some have been abused, but there are a few that remain unmolested and appreciated for what they are. That, along with relatively low production numbers for the year, make the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT WS6 an excellent example of how capable the American auto industry can be when they don’t mean to be.