Ferrari

Grand Tourer, Sports Car, Motorshow, News

Ferrari reveals new GTC4Lusso

News Editor ·

Ferrari has revealed the GTC4Lusso - a new four-seater Grand Tourer which, for the first time, integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive.

Ferrari says the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to the Prancing Horse brand, building on the work of its predecessor, the FF, which won over a new, younger client base that also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30 percent higher mileage than average.

The GTC4Lusso's name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari's favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. The number 4 alludes to the car's four-seater configuration.

Power comes from a V12-cylinder engine developing 680 hp at 8,000 rpm, while maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80 percent available from as low as 1,750 rpm. These figures translate into a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of well over 200mph!

The GTC4Lusso is equipped with Ferrari's 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system, which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. 

There are new aerodynamic solutions, including a new front grille with integrated air intakes, air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. These elements combine to deliver a drag coefficient, says Ferrari, that is "substantially lower than on the FF".

The styling, by Ferrari Design, is a refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with a streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

In the cabin there's a new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25" HD screen with capacitive touch technology and a new steering wheel that's more compact, thanks to a smaller air bag, with integrated controls that are more ergonomic, making for an even sportier driving experience. 

The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

Convertible, Events, News

Ferrari floats on Italian Stock Exchange

News Editor ·

Ferrari shares have begun trading on the Borsa Italiana (Italian Stock Exchange) in Milan.

“Ferrari: A new milestone, a new start”, these were the words Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne inscribed in the guest book of the Italian Stock Exchange during the Ferrari Listing Ceremony on the MTA. 

Raffaele Jerusalmi, CEO of Borsa Italiana presided over the ceremony, which took place a few months after Ferrari’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange last October 21, while Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy, was the guest of honour.

The stock began trading after Marchionne, FCA Chairman John Elkann, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa and Ferrari Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari rang the traditional opening bell.

Thereafter Marchionne made a brief speech, during which he underlined the fact that Ferrari’s listing on the MTA (Mercato Telematico Azionario) represents a new start, rather than a point of arrival and that its now complete spin-off from FCA reaffirms the independence Ferrari has always enjoyed within the group.

He highlighted the brand’s Italian heritage and thanked John Elkann and Piero Ferrari, heirs of Giovanni Agnelli and Enzo Ferrari, who in 1969 forged a historic alliance between their two car firms.

Marchionne also made reference to the forthcoming Formula 1 season, joking with Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene that he expects Ferrari to return to its rightful place at the top of the sport.

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Prime Minister Renzi, who was then presented with a 1:8 scale sized model of the most recent Formula 1 car, the SF15-T.

Diesel, Supercars, News

Limited edition Ferrari F12tdf unveiled

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Ferrari has revealed a new limited F12tdf - paying homage to the Tour de France road race.

The legendary endurance road race was dominated by Ferrari in the 1950s and '60s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions. A race that rewarded cars that combined maximum performance with the driveability and ease of use, the new F12tdf is described as 'the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track'. Only 799 will be built.

Powered by a 780 cv, naturally-aspirated V12 engine, derived directly from the F12berlinetta's engine. The car's 'exhilarating' dynamic behaviour, specifically its lateral acceleration in corners, is due to an 8 per cent increase in the ratio of the front tyres compared to the rear ones. The car's natural tendency to oversteer as a result of the change in tyre sizes is compensated for by the rear-wheel steering system - known as the Virtual Short Wheelbase, which is integrated with the other vehicle dynamic control systems.

Cornering speeds are also higher thanks to the significant increase in downforce, +87 per cent. A redesign of the bodywork, interior, engine, transmission and running gear, along with the abundant use of carbon-fibre inside and out, has slashed 110 kg off the car's overall weight. All of these factors combine to produce 'record performance figures' of 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.9 seconds.

The F12tdf's specification is completed by lightweight alloys with five twinned spokes that are designed to have the narrowest section possible to reduce unsprung weight. Behind the alloys, stopping power comes from new 'Extreme Design' one-piece brake callipers already seen on the LaFerrari. This new-generation system means the car can brake from 62-0mph in just 30.5 metres and from 124-0mph in 121 metres.

Prices have yet to be announced.

Vintage Car, News, Coupe, Sports Car

Businessman leaves £10m Ferraris to RNLI

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Businessman Richard Colton has left a rare Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and Ferrari 250 GT SWB to be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the RNLI.

Initial estimates place the combined value of the two Ferraris as potentially topping Ten million pounds. Richard Colton was a Northamptonshire-based businessman, who for 40 years collected and actively campaigned sensational classic cars. Described by close friends as a shy and private man, he was known to be 'somewhat nervous of the sea', which may have added to his great respect for the men and women who risk their lives daily around Britain's coast.

Colton was keen that his legacy be sold by a British classic car specialist auction house - hence H&H was chosen by his executors. Working closely with the auction house, Jim Kearns Senior Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors was tasked, as joint executor, with ensuring that Colton's estate was executed in line with his wishes, that all proceeds be bequeathed to the RNLI.

Jim Kearns commented; "It is a remarkable and generous legacy. All of us at Wilson Browne Solicitors are proud to be part of such an exciting and wonderful bequest and it's testament to the faith Richard had in us as experts in the field that he not only relied on us for his Will but asked us to ensure that we got the best possible price (as joint executors) so the money could be put to work for the RNLI."

Kearns added; "The exquisite cars really were the impossible gift. To leave them to an individual would have incurred 40 per cent inheritance tax meaning that the cars would most likely have to be sold to pay for it. Leaving them to a charitable cause as noble as the RNLI means that they get the maximum value."

Money raised from the sale will be used to build a new lifeboat called Richard and Caroline Colton, named after Richard and his late wife.

Guy Rose, Legacy Manager at the RNLI, said: "We are deeply grateful and humbled by Mr Colton's generous gift and his decision to benefit the RNLI in this way. Six out of every 10 lifeboat launches are only made possible because of gifts left to us in Wills, so they are vital to saving lives at sea. Mr Colton's generosity will be felt most by our volunteer crews and the people whose lives they save."

The auction takes place on 14 October 2015 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge.

News, Supercars

Kensington Council plans Supercar crackdown

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Supercar owners could face prosecution in London as the local Council aims to crackdown on 'the problem of supercars'.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea this week begun a consultation on introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - in response to requests from residents in the Brompton and Hans Town ward for the Council to address the issue of high performance cars speeding in the streets, drivers revving engines, and vehicles causing obstructions.

In recent times, the summer months have seen an influx of Supercars - including Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis - brought over by wealthy Middle Easterners as they arrive to stay in their London properties. This results in much annoyance to local residents as the traffic on roads around Harrods becomes more like a luxury moving motor show.

A PSPO is a new measure, created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which is intended to deal with activities carried out in a public space that have a detrimental effect to the local community's quality of life. This PSPO would enable the Council to impose restrictions within a particular area and the aim is to stop individuals or groups committing antisocial behaviour in public spaces. 

Cllr Tim Ahern, Cabinet Member for Environment, Environmental Health and Leisure, said: "I know there has been a lot of coverage of expensive cars racing around Knightsbridge and also parking up and revving their engines. We want to take steps to discourage these drivers from their antisocial behaviour."

However Alex Prindiville, owner of Prindiville, central London's only supercar showroom commented: "The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's proposal to draft a new set of anti-social behaviour laws to deal specifically with the 'menace' of wealthy Middle Eastern supercar drivers is heavy-handed and unnecessary". He goes on to say "Existing laws are already perfectly adequate to deal with the minority of supercar drivers who step out of line, provided they are properly enforced."

Convertible, News, Supercars

Ferrari reveals new 488 Spider

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Ferrari has unveiled the new 488 Spider, its most powerful mid-rear-engined V8 convertible to date.

Powered by a 3902 cc turbo-charged V8, that debuted recently in the 488 GTB, the powerplant pumps out 660bhp at 8000rpm. The 488 Spider can cover the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 3 seconds flat and from 0 to 124 mph in 8.7 seconds. The new engine not only offers 98bhp more powerful than the previous naturally-aspirated V8 but also has lower CO2 emissions.

Ferrari says the turbo V8 has a unique character, delivering increasing levels of power right across the rev range, completely eliminating the traditional turbo lag with a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds. This is thanks to a sophisticated production process made possible by Maranello's facilities - which are shared with the F1 team - to help transfer racing technologies to road cars.

Ferrari claims it was the first manufacturer to introduce the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) on a car of this particular architecture, ensuring lower weight (-25 kg) and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top. This model has its own distinctive soundtrack created using solutions such as exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping and a flat-plane crankshaft. It was also further enhanced, says Ferrari, by an in-depth study of harmonics and tonality at different engine speeds. The sound is described as 'seductive but never invasive' when the top is dropped, with both volume and clarity increasing as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal and revs rise, 'reinforcing the sensation of massive performance'.

This is also the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider ever built, thanks to the introduction of several innovative devices, including a blown spoiler and an aerodynamic underbody incorporating vortex generators. The Ferrari Styling Centre completely reworked the aesthetics compared to the 488 GTB. Designed around the concept of the retractable hard top, the 488 Spider has a spaceframe chassis made of 11 different aluminium alloys. This yields the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupe, improving the chassis' performance by 23 per cent over that of its predecessor. The RHT folds backwards in two overlapping sections to rest flush on the engine, taking 14 seconds for the top to fully retract or deploy.

The Ferrari 488 Spider will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, 2015.

News, Sports Car

Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa up for auction

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The real star of the '80s television series Miami Vice is coming to auction in the US.

The 1986 Ferrari Testarossa driven by Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they fought the underworld of Miami was one of the quintessential poster cars that found itself plastered on many a teenager's bedroom wall in the 1980s.

The Testarossa up for auction is powered by a 4.9 litre, 390-horsepower flat-12 engine, a traditional five-speed manual gated shifter, beige leather, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control and air conditioning and of course giant '80s mobile phone. After Miami Vice ended its series run in 1989 the car was placed into storage until earlier this year.

It was rumoured that Enzo Ferrari himself proposed that the Ferrari factory could supply two black Testarossas for use on the show, according to auctioneer Mecum Auctions. From that day forward, it was this Testarossa that became the show's signature car. The only significant change came when the Ferrari was repainted white at the behest of Director Michael Mann for better visibility in night scenes. This particular Testarossa quickly moved into cult status along with other series props such as Ray Ban sunglasses, Armani jackets, Scarab speedboats and enough firearms for a small army.

Now showing 16,124 miles and authenticated by both Ferrari North America and Ferrari Classiche, with documented service records from Shelton Ferrari in Fort Lauderdale, the Miami Vice Ferrari recently received an 'engine-out' service at a cost of $8,000.

If you find yourself in Miami and fancy bidding, the auction takes place at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa - Del Monte Golf Course on August 15. To view the Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa or to register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com where you can watch the auctions progress live.