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Wednesday 30 September 2009

Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder Confirmed

Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder Confirmed

Ferrari has only recently launched the 458 Italia and began the requisite promotional campaign for it. The automotive industry always thrives on the next thing, and reports are surfacing already about the 458’s model derivative, the Spyder, being confirmed by Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo.

Ferrari458ItaliaRedOnTheTrack

To me though, it isn’t a surprise. Was there ever any real doubt Ferrari wasn’t going to produce it? That would have been the real shock. There was some noises about the possibility Ferrari would skip the 458 Italia Spyder because of feared cannibalization of the recently-introduced California drop-top. The 458 Italia is the bread and butter though, and that is what Ferrari will focus on above all else.

As is the usual with Ferrari Spyder derivatives, there won’t be a fancy retractable hardtop – it will be a conventional folding soft-top to save weight. Expect timing to follow a similar pattern to other releases – midway into the car’s life cycle it will be debuted to spark interest once again, after some of the initial hype from the first coupe model fades.

Fernando Alonso Joins Ferrari

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It has now happened. Fernando Alonso had dropped about as many hints as it was possible to do without giving away the “secret.” But now, between the Singapore and Japanese Grand Prix in the early hours of the morning in Japan, Ferrari has announced that Alonso will be racing for the team next year, alongside Felipe Massa.

So that means Kimi Raikkonen is going elsewhere. This must all mean that the championship is almost played out. The final pieces of the puzzle of who is going where have begun to fit together - with no real surprise. We heard, after all, that Kimi Raikkonen might go to McLaren, that Nico Rosberg might go to Brawn and that Rubens Barrichello might go to Williams. Busy time between these two races that are only a week apart!

Here is an Alonso statement from Ferrari:

“Fernando Alonso, just announced as the new official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver, who will drive next to Felipe Massa as of the 2010 season, spoke to Ferrari.com: “I’m very happy and very proud to become a Ferrari driver. Driving a single-seater from the Prancing Horse is everybody’s dream in this sport and today I have the opportunity to make this dream come true. Above all I want to thank Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who really wanted this 3-year contract. We already had an agreement this summer starting in 2011, but then, the last days, the picture changed and we decided to anticipate my arrival in Maranello by one year.

“The years at Renault were fantastic: together we won four World Titles (two Drivers’ and as many Constructors’ Championships) until this day, 21 Grands Prix. I wish the team all the best and let’s hope we gain some good results in the last races this year.

Tuesday 29 September 2009

2009 Sport Car Renault Megane Trophy

The 2009 Megane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of kit after the completion of its development programme which will enable existing cars to be upgraded.
The 2009 Renault Megane Trophy is based on the new Megane Coupe which is powered by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s mid-rear 3.5-liter V6 24V engine that produces 360 hp.
The front and rear light units and windscreen are from the Megane Coupe road car while flowing lines of the bodywork was designed from digital simulation technology to improve the aerodynamic.
The Renault Megane Trophy features front splitter which channel air flow to the extractors and rear diffuser and wing that generated downforce. Downforce has improved by 20 % with the refinements to the set-up and drag was reduced by 15 % , which together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car’s aerodynamic performance over the previous generation vehicle.

Apart from that, the Megane Trophy also features butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. The V6 3.5 24V engine is mated to a semi-automatic gearbox with the same mechanical features as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
The power of the standard 330 hp engine was boosted to 360 hp with the help from the new inlet manifold. Rebuild is still at every 5,500 km for the car’s reliability. According to Renault, with the new aerodynamic gains, the extra power from the engine will enable the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy to lap in similar times to those of a Porsche GT3.

2009 Sport Car Renault Megane Trophy

The 2009 Megane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of kit after the completion of its development programme which will enable existing cars to be upgraded.
The 2009 Renault Megane Trophy is based on the new Megane Coupe which is powered by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s mid-rear 3.5-liter V6 24V engine that produces 360 hp.
The front and rear light units and windscreen are from the Megane Coupe road car while flowing lines of the bodywork was designed from digital simulation technology to improve the aerodynamic.
The Renault Megane Trophy features front splitter which channel air flow to the extractors and rear diffuser and wing that generated downforce. Downforce has improved by 20 % with the refinements to the set-up and drag was reduced by 15 % , which together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car’s aerodynamic performance over the previous generation vehicle.

Apart from that, the Megane Trophy also features butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. The V6 3.5 24V engine is mated to a semi-automatic gearbox with the same mechanical features as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
The power of the standard 330 hp engine was boosted to 360 hp with the help from the new inlet manifold. Rebuild is still at every 5,500 km for the car’s reliability. According to Renault, with the new aerodynamic gains, the extra power from the engine will enable the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy to lap in similar times to those of a Porsche GT3.

2009 Sport Car Audi R8 GT3


Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16” within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

2009 Sport Car Audi R8 GT3


Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16” within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

Sport Car Ferrari F430


Ferrari F430 is a sports car manufactured by Ferrari. The F430's brakes were collaboratively designed with Brembo. The F430 features E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip differential which enables to vary torque distribution based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration.

2009 Sport Car Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia


Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated a police version of the company’s newest super sports car to Prefect Antonio Manganelli, the head of the Italian State Police with a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace.
The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, which replaces the previous Lamborghini Gallardo Police Car in use by the Italian police force since 2004 has a 560 horsepower engine that can reach speeds of up to 203 mph. The car will begin service with the Lazio Highway Police Department in order to continue accident and crime prevention to sustain security on the Italian roads.
Its predecessor is proof of Lamborghini’s outstanding product quality. Since 2004, Rome’s police force has had the first-generation Lamborghini Gallardo in regular police service. The sports car has clocked nearly 87,000 miles of patrol duty on the motorways of central and southern Italy, as well as on emergency medical transport detail.

Sunday 27 September 2009

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Live Image

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia, that debuts today at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, is an 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a mid-rear mounted engine, and represents a genuine break with the past in terms of Maranello’s previous high-performance sports cars. Designed to fulfil the expectations and ambitions of our most passionate clients, the 458 Italia continues the Ferrari tradition of putting the thrill into driving as a result of track-derived technological innovations.

Maranello’s racing experience can be felt not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. This is one of the areas where Michael Schumacher’s contribution, right from the early stages of the project, was of fundamental importance.

Thanks to a new 4,499 cc V8 engine, which punches out 570 CV, the F1 dual-clutch gearbox and a 1,380 kg dry weight, the 458 Italia boasts an extraordinary weightpower ratio of 2.42 kg (a power-weight ratio of 413 CV per ton). This means it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds and hits a maximum speed of over 325 km/h.

The 458 Italia delivers superb vehicle dynamics with an ideal weight balance for a midrear engined sports car – 58 per cent rear, 42 per cent front. Evolved electronic control systems also help guarantee maximum performance in all driving conditions. Its new suspension set-up, featuring twin wishbones with L arms at the front and a multilink set-up the rear, is tuned for ultimate road-holding and superlative handling. This, together with a more direct steering ratio, ensures the car is extremely responsive whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

As is the case with the Scuderia’s Formula 1 single-seaters, the engineers focused their efforts on achieving maximum efficiency right across the board with this car. The result is that the Ferrari 458 Italia produces only 307 g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption of just 13.3 l/100 km (combined cycle), a benchmark for the entire segment.

Aside from the work done to reduce both internal friction in the engine and overall weight, this result has been achieved thanks to aerodynamic research which focused on cutting drag and maximising downforce.

The 458 Italia is thus a synthesis of technological innovation, creative flair, style and passion, a combination of characteristics for which Italy as a nation is renowned. Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, chose to pay homage to this fact by adding the name of the car’s homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

Styling and aerodynamics

Every Ferrari is the result of an uncompromising design approach that integrates styling and aerodynamic requirements. The Pininfarina design features compact, aerodynamic lines, underscoring the concepts of performance-oriented efficiency that inspired the project.

The nose features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator intake and cut drag.

The oil radiators for the F1 gearbox and the dual-clutch are situated in the tail and air is fed from two intakes on the top of the rear wings. This solution provides a base bleed effect, an aerodynamic function that was developed by Ferrari for the FXX and which reduces drag by feeding the hot air out of the radiators under the nolder and into the slip stream. Using experience gained in aerodynamic development on the Ferrari F430 GT2, the flat underbody now incorporates the air intakes for engine bay cooling. These are positioned ahead of the rear wheelarches where they use pressure differences to efficiently channel air flow to the engine bay, at the same time generating more rear downforce.

The car’s sills are characterised by two keel forms that act as fairings to the rear wheels, while the rear bodywork between the rear diffusers acts as the surround to the novel triple exhaust tail pipes, a styling cue that recalls the legendary F40 and gives the 458 Italia’s tail an aggressive sporty stance. The engine, in mid-rear V8 Ferrari tradition, is visible below the engine cover.

Technical development of the car’s shape started using CFD (Computational Fluid- Dynamic) techniques which helped optimise the management and interaction of the internal flows prior to wind tunnel testing. The latter was carried out on Ferrari’s rolling road facility using modular 1:3 scale models. The final solution chosen ensured adequate cooling to the running gear, while, at the same time, achieving a high level of aerodynamic efficiency (1.09) through excellent drag and downforce figures (Cd 0.33 and Cl 0.36 respectively) with 140 kg of downforce at 200 km/h and no less than 360 kg at top speed.

The front-mounted coolant radiators are trapezoidal in shape and positioned to minimise the impact of the internal cooling flows on drag and downforce. The oil radiators for the gearbox and clutch are are situated in the tail with air fed from two intakes on the top of the rear wings. The hot air from the radiators creates a base bleed effect, venting into the car’s low-pressure trail below the nolder and reducing drag.

The air intakes for engine bay cooling are situated on the aerodynamic underbody, where differences in pressure channel the air in the most efficient manner, and are positioned to increase rear downforce. Similarly air is channelled from the front air dam to the rear diffuser where the position and number of the fences has been developed to optimise the distribution of the vortex to improve rear downforce.

Engine

The engine is a dry-sump 90 degree V8 with a displacement of 4499 cc and is mid-rear mounted. It is an entirely new design engineered to reach a maximum of 9,000 rpm – a first on a road car – with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and maximum power output of 570 CV. This equates to an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, a new benchmark for a naturally-aspirated production engine.

The generous torque available – 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, with over 80 per cent available from 3250 rpm – ensures rapid pick-up from all revs. The specific torque output of 120 Nm/l is another record.

The design of the engine components has been influenced by the carry-over of racing technology – F1 in particular – for maximum fluid-dynamic efficiency in order to achieve both performance and fuel consumption objectives, and meet the most stringent international emissions restrictions. The piston compression height was reduced as per racing engine practice. Similarly, thinner compression rings have been adopted to minimise friction between piston and liner. A graphite coating was applied to the piston skirt for the same reason.

To help further reduce internal friction, the cylinder block has four scavenge pumps. Two pick up oil from the cylinder heads and front and rear of the engine via dedicated oil recovery ducts outside the crankcase area, and two pick up oil from below the crank throws. The recovery ducts of the latter are interconnected in two groups of four cylinders to optimise the scavenge function and create a strong vacuum (800 mbar) around the crankshaft. This solution prevents excess oil splashing out of the sump and onto the rotating crankshaft and thus reduces power loss caused by friction. It also reduces losses due to windage caused by the pumping action of the pistons.

The engine oil pressure pump features variable displacement geometry which reduces the amount of power absorbed at high revs. Lowering the pump’s displacement actually increases the power available at the crankshaft for the same amount of fuel used.

As is traditional for Ferrari engines, the new V8 is equipped with continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams. The aluminium intake manifold has been lightened by reducing the wall thickness. It has short, almost straight inlet tracts to reduce losses and a system that varies the geometry of the manifold, optimising the volumetric efficiency throughout the rev range. This is achieved by incorporating three pneumatic throttle valves in the central section between the two plenums. The engine mapping provides four different configurations of the valves for optimum torque values at all revs.

The use of GDI with Split Injection improves engine performance by modulating the injection in two phases, increasing combustion efficiency and the torque at low revs (by up to 5 per cent). A high injection pressure (200 bar) guarantees adequate pulverisation of the petrol and an optimal air/fuel mix right up to 9000 rpm. This feature again results in better performance and lower fuel consumption.

The exhaust system was designed to provide the kind of thrilling soundtrack owners of Ferrari’s V8s are used to whilst also guaranteeing high levels of acoustic comfort. One of the main objectives with the exhaust was to reduce weight. The catalytic converter is attached to the central section of the exhaust by a flexible element to reduce the amount of vibration transmitted and to thus allow thinner metal to be used. Similarly the pre-catalytic converter has been eliminated, lowering overall weight and reducing back pressure whilst still respecting strict Euro 5 and LEV2 emissions.

Dual-clutch F1 gearbox

One of the important novelties on the 458 Italia is the introduction of the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox which guarantees faster yet smoother changes. The technology is based on the independent management of even and odd gears which are pre-selected using two separate input shafts. The gear shifting time (the overlap between the opening and closing phases of the two clutches) is zero and thus there is no interruption of engine torque to the driven wheels. Compared to the California gearbox, response times have been reduced and the 458 Italia has specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower revs. The E-Diff 3 electronic differential has also been integrated into the gearbox, resulting in a more compact and lighter unit.

Chassis

The modular chassis is an all-new design. New alloys join the traditional aluminium, along with high-resistance aluminium extrusions, developed by the aviation industry, and innovative manufacturing processes, such as heat-forming. The aim was to keep weight down to the benefit of performance and handling. The result is a chassis with improved structural rigidity, with torsional rigidity up 15 per cent compared to the F430, and beam stiffness up 5 per cent.

Suspension

The 458 Italia’s front suspension employs a novel new double wishbone set-up which features an L-shape design for the lower wishbone, with the rearward facing arm longer than the one in line with the wheel axis to provide greater longitudinal flexibility. This in turn improves the car’s ability to absorb bumps and it also reduces suspension noise. Another benefit is in terms of greater transverse rigidity which improves handling. The same characteristics are shared by the new rear multi-link suspension and, combined with specific tyre development, overall vertical rigidity has thus been improved (+35 per cent with respect to the F430) for less body roll, and the engineers were able to introduce a more direct steering ratio (11.9° compared to the F430’s 16.9°, a reduction of 30 per cent) which makes for quicker and more responsive steering on both road and track.

The 458 Italia also features the latest, second-generation Magnetorheological Suspension Control shock absorber system. Compared to the system first introduced on the 599 GTB Fiorano, SCM2 boasts an evolved ECU (-50 per cent input time) and a damper force generation time of 8 ms compared to the 599’s 15 ms. There is also a new piston rod bushing in the damper which reduces internal friction (-35 per cent) for more precise small-bump control and improved ride comfort.

Vehicle dynamics and electronics

On the 458 Italia the E-Diff and F1-Trac control software are integrated in the same ECU. This minimises communication times between the two systems and, at the same time, the individual logics were evolved to improve vehicle performance.

A new Power On strategy has been developed for the E-DIff governing traction out of corners and is integrated with the F1-Trac logic, an evolution in the combined action of both systems which is also connected with the high-performance ABS control logic, which is specially set up for high-grip surfaces.

The electronic differential continuously distributes torque to the rear wheels, both in Power Off (turning in for the corner) and Power On (accelerating out of the corner), guaranteeing excellent vehicle stability and control in all driving conditions and on all surfaces. The E-Diff 3 now works in a more integrated manner with the F1-Trac, using a series of F1-Trac parameters and evaluations (such as estimates of grip) both in manettino positions in which the F1-Trac is inserted (Sport – Race) and those in which it is deactivated (CT Off and CST Off). Compared to previous versions, E-Diff 3 delivers improved torque distribution coming out of corners (in Sport, Race, CT Off and CST Off), which translates into improved grip, better roadholding and more progressive handling on the limit. The result is an improvement of 32 percent in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models and a lap time at Fiorano of just 1′ 25” seconds.

High-performance ABS

Since the beginning of 2008 Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes have been standard on all Ferraris. The 458 Italia is no different and is equipped with 6-pot aluminium callipers with 398 x 223 x 36 mm discs at the front, and 4-pot aluminium callipers with 360 x 233 x 32 mm discs at the rear.

The 458 Italia boasts outstanding braking distances (100-0 km/h in 32.5 metres; 200-0 km/h in 128 metres) thanks to the development and optimisation of the Bosch control logic and the evolution of Ferrari’s Pre-Fill logic, which reduces response times by activating the pistons in the callipers, thus minimising the gap between the brake pad and the disc as soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator. Similarly, these excellent results were achieved thanks to a specific calibration of the ABS for medium/high grip surfaces, and by integrating the ABS control logic with that of the E-Diff 3 to ensure a more accurate estimate of the vehicle speed and hence better braking torque control, as well as enhanced vehicle stability.

Interior design

The Ferrari Styling Centre set out to re-interpret Ferrari’s traditional sports car interior themes in an innovative and functional way. The interior reflects the design rigour of the exterior of the car, with clean, uncluttered forms that highlight the new driver-oriented cockpit inspired by the racing world.

Radically new and intuitive ergonomics see the driver set in the centre of a simple, streamlined lay-out. The upper and lower surfaces of the dashboard are trimmed in leather while the instrument binnacle sits atop an aluminium insert that forms a single, structural element housing the satellite pods and secondary commands. The original shape of the air vents was inspired by the design of Formula 1 exhaust chimneys in use up until a few years ago.

The slim and minimalist centre console features a sculpted aluminium casting which houses the F1 panel. This panel includes the Launch Control along with the secondary gearbox controls for reverse and auto settings. There is also a leather-trimmed ergonomic wrist support for actioning the F1 panel buttons and the electric window lifts. The console also includes two Alcantara-trimmed storage trays for small oddments.

The door panel is fitted with side airbags and its simple sleek lines are enhanced by the fact that the demisting vents for the side windows are now positioned on the corners of the dash. There is additional oddments storage space in the soft leather pocket at the bottom of the door.

Driver-car interface

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All main controls are now located directly on the steering wheel, while secondary functions are set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and the panel ahead of the driver includes comprehensive instrument displays. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in high-performance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari’s F1 experience.

Steering wheel and dash

In a radical move that emphasises the vicinity of Ferrari’s road cars to its F1 cars, the steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated and all the major commands are now on the steering wheel for maximum vehicle control at all times.

The 458 Italia is equipped with a Racing manettino switch which is biased towards more sporting set-ups, giving the driver a wider selection of track-oriented electronic control parameters. In fact the F430’s ICE setting has been dropped in favour of CT Off which de-activates the traction control while maintaining the stability control.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, while the one on the left controls the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance display on the lefthand TFT screen. The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car – engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT Off and CST Off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme allows Ferrari clients to personalise their car to suit their own tastes and requirements. As with the rest of the range, there are four main personalisation areas dedicated the 458 Italia: Racing and Track, Exterior and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

The car’s sporting character can be further underlined by fitting the optional diamond finish forged alloy wheels or the Racing Superleggero (super lightweight) seats in carbon-fibre. Naturally, there is a virtually infinite number of trim combinations available for the interior, with a choice between leather, carbon-fibre and Alcantara.

Samples of colours and materials as well as virtual configuration tools are available to clients at every Ferrari showroom to help them choose their specifications. They may also request out-of-range colours and content to ensure their 458 Italia is truly unique.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
2010 Ferrari 458 Italia




2010 Ferrari 458 Italia2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

Fisichella disappointed with Ferrari struggle

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Felipe Massa wins Bahrain GP 2008


Giancarlo Fisichella was bitterly and visibly disappointed after qualifying a lowly 18th for his second Grand Prix at the wheel of a Ferrari.

The Roman veteran had an uncompetitive weekend at Monza two weeks ago after replacing the hapless Luca Badoer, but had expected a step forward on the Singapore streets.

"Unfortunately the improvement has not come," Fisichella is quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport.

"The track is very bumpy, the walls are extremely close and I am missing the confidence when I am braking," he explained.

Fisichella said he is losing most of the lap time compared with his teammate Kimi Raikkonen under braking.

"Every time I come to a braking point I think, 'This is a Ferrari, not a Force India'. You have to brake differently and change down the gears later.

"The field is so close together and (the cars) look alike but they are completely different," he continued. "The best thing for me would be a full test day so I can get some more confidence."

Fisichella said the problem is not Ferrari's engine, with many commentators believing the Mercedes he has raced for most of 2009 is clearly the best in the field.

"The power (of the two engines) is about the same but the driveability of the Ferrari is better," said the 36-year-old.

Fisichella's former teammate Adrian Sutil sympathises with the Italian.

"I don't know what I would have done in the same situation (of being offered a Ferrari seat)," the German said. "It would be a difficult decision.

"I am glad that I sat in the Force India at Monza and got my points," he added.

Saturday 19 September 2009

Configuring Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari sent me a link to its new online configurator for the just-presented 458 Italia. It’s one of the benefits of owning a Ferrari…of course Ferrari doesn’t take into consideration that the combined values of my 328 GTS and 308 GT4 wouldn’t cover the sales tax on a 458 Italia.

Despite the undeniable fact that it will take a minimum of 25 years of depreciation before affording one, I decided to create one to my specifications. I like to stand out in a crowd — except to police, so I’m going not for Rossa Corsa (red), but for TdF Blue with black and charcoal interior.

As with most Ferraris, color has a drastic effect on the overall presence of the vehicle. To me, black (angry), silver (sporty) and TdF (elegant) look great.

What do you think?

Ferrari 458 Italia: The Best Just Got Better

ferrari_458_01

The wait is finally over. Ferrari has unveiled the 458 Italia, one of the most anticipated debuts of the Frankfurt auto show, and it is stunning.

We’ll say this up front — we fell in love with this car the moment we saw the the pre-release photos and videos. The 458 is one hot car, and judging from the specs, a force to be reckoned with on the street.

The new 4,499 cc V8 engine produces 570 horsepower and 398 foot-pounds of torque. The F1-derived dual-clutch gearbox and superlight 3,042-pound dry weight (3.274 ready to drive) mean the 458 Italia shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.4 seconds. Top speed is just a hair over 200 mph.

To read the specs, it seems the 458 can’t get any better. For starters, it has an ideal weight balance for a mid-engined sports car – 58 percent rear, 42 percent front. More F1-derived tech includes the electronic control system that Ferrari says guarantees optimal performance in all conditions. The new suspension, featuring twin wishbones with L-arms up front and a multilink setup out back, is tuned for maximum handling. The F430 is one of the best-handling cars on the planet, and the 458 promises to raise the standard.

For all the performance, the Ferrari emits a relatively low (for its class) 307 g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is 13.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the Euro combined cycle, which by our count is roughly 17.1 mpg. Ferrari says it sets a new standard for the class, and that fuel economy figure is on par with the Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette and Audi S5, to name a few.

As if the Italia’s stunning looks aren’t enough, the bodywork up front also features small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator intake and cut drag. The drag and downforce numbers are as impressive as the looks: A Cd 0.33 for drag and Cl 0.36 for downforce. At 200 km/h the 458 puts out 140 kilograms of downforce and no less than 360 kilos at top speed.

Faster yet smoother changes are on tap with this latest iteration of the best gearbox on the planet. Thanks to two separate input shafts and a liberal dose of F1 tech, Ferrari says the gear shifting time is essentially zero and there is no interruption in power sent to the wheels. The new E-Diff gearbox is lighter and more compact than the unit found in the F430.

No price was announced at the Frankfurt debut, but whatever the bottom line is, we are sure it will be worth every penny.

ferrari_458_02

ferrari_458_03

Edo Competition Turns The Ferrari Enzo Into Street-Legal XX Evolution

Despite only 400 Ferrari Enzos being produced in total (not including the even more extreme FXX and FXX Evolution models), German tuner Edo Competition has managed to turn the ultra-rare supercar into a street-legal version of the FXX Evolution.
Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo XX Evolution
Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo XX Evolution

For anyone unfamiliar with the FXX and FXX Evolution, the cars are a development test-bed for new technologies that will eventually filter across to Ferrari’s road cars. Those few lucky owners are given the chance to drive it regularly on Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Italy, where the automaker’s own engineers compile useful data from the track sessions to help develop future models.

For this reason, the FXX cars were never intended to be driven on public roads. That was never going to stop Edo Competition’s founder Edo Karabegovic, who saw modifying them as a challenge. One year ago we saw Edo Competition modify the FXX to make it street legal and now the company has taken the Enzo and essentially converted it into a street-legal version of the FXX Evolution.

A bump in displacement from 6.0 to 6.3-liters, new camshafts, new titanium valve spring retainers and connecting rods, modified cylinder heads, new high performance exhaust headers, high flow catalytic converters, mufflers and air filters: that's the scope of Edo Competition's engine modifications. The standard hydraulic tappets are replaced with newly developed solid tappets, enabling the 12 cylinder engine to rev to an incredible 9,600 rpm. Additionally, the intake system of the V-12 was modified, a new high performance clutch--available with “strada” or “pista” friction pads--and a more powerful oil pump were installed. The power output is increased by 180 to 840 horsepower. Without mufflers more than 860 horsepower is possible. The maximum torque of 575 pound-feet is available at 5,800 rpm.

While the power output is increased, the Enzo's weight is decreased by a respectable 220 pounds. The result in numerical terms is that the Edo-prepped “Enzo XX Evolution” accelerates from 0 -62 mph in 3.2 seconds, 124 mph in 9.0 seconds and 186 mph in just 19 seconds. The top speed exceeds 242 mph.

The acoustical side of things are obviously not being neglected. A stainless steel muffler featuring remote-controlled butterfly valves is available on request. This setup lets the driver switch the high performance exhaust between two different sound levels.

In terms of the drivetrain, while the production Enzo takes 110 milliseconds for gear shifts, the Edo Enzo XX Evolution shift times are reduced to an incredible 60 milliseconds. For comparison, an F1 car shifts in 40 milliseconds.

Other mods include a race-spec suspension set-up from KW Automotive that features low-friction 3-way adjustable shock absorbers, tire pressure monitoring systems, Edo Competition wheels, and several aerodynamic aids.

A test day with an instructor, mechanics, data logging, transport and hospitality is include

Ferrari 458 Italia Configurator

Ferrari 458 Italia Configurator

In the midst of all the IAA 2009 press releases, Ferrari managed to find time to give us an online 458 Italia configurator. Along with the new peak into what the option’s list will be, they offered us a few more photo’s which we’ve included at the end of this post.

To get you started we’ve included a few pictures of our 458 Italia, inside and out! We started off with a Nero exterior alongside some 20-inch forged sport rims. Next we chose to add an Argento Alluminio colouring to the brake callipers and ticked the tyre pressure check, Scuderia shields, front and rear parking sensors and the rest of the options.

The interior was the tricky part. We’ve never really had a thing for Ferrari interiors. However, after a running through the options we went two-tone with Nero as our main colour and Sabbia to finish it off! Bianco stitching seemed to look fine so we ticked that box. We stuck to all the standard colours after this and finished our 458 Italia off with Alcantara arm rest’s, Ipod connection and Sat-Nav!

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Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Auto Show


Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Short of a test drive or actually owning one, this is the next best thing... the official Ferrari 458 Italia Movie! As we've seen this past week the new Fezza has made it's public debut at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

It's the official movie for the F430 replacement as is surprisingly good! It's not full of cheesy-ness and features a red and yellow 458 on a race track in a toe-to-toe battle. Filmed on the Mugello circuit in the Tuscan hills the two cars "play" together for a lap of the track.

Seeing the car in action and hearing the wonderful 4.5 liter V8 using every last one of its 562 horsepower is a treat, and I have personally watched this film, well... several times.

Enjoy the movie, it helps if your volume knob goes up to 11, and the slideshow!

Monday 14 September 2009

Enzo Ferrari XX by Edo Competition

Enzo Ferrari XX by Edo Competition

Enzo Ferrari XX by Edo Competition
Enzo Ferrari XX by Edo Competition


Power increase 170 hp – contains new steel cylinder and piston 6.3 l (same like FXX ), new camshafts, new Titan valve springs, new Titan connecting rods, new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, sport catalytic stainless, sport catalytic converter, sport air filter, air-ram system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all bearings new, new oil pump, new gaskets, and dyno running with all work
Sport catalytic converter stainless with two level switch controlled sound system, new tail pipes in carbon. Volume of the exhaust per button push adjustable
Ceramic sports break system with 396 mm brake disc front and 360 mm brake disc rear, special brake pads in front and rear
Wheels can be painted in different designs
Tyre-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel
Design modification outside for example complete different colour
Independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping like FIA – GT MC12
Air-in-take from carbon
Weight reducing program 100 kg!!
New Racing wheels front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 Michelin, rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20 Michelin

Sunday 13 September 2009

Ferrari leaves Raikkonen's F1 future open

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari

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Ferrari left Kimi Raikkonen's future open to speculation Sunday despite the 2007 Formula One champion reaching the podium for a fourth straight race at the Italian Grand Prix.

Team principal Stefano Domenicali refused to say whether the Finn will drive for the team next year despite being under contract for 2010.

"I think that, as we have said, we don't want to discuss this now, because I don't think it is correct," Domenicali said.

Speculation is intense that Ferrari is set to hire two-time world champion Fernando Alonso from Renault, especially after the Italian team signed Spanish bank Banco Santander as a main sponsor for five years from 2010.

Raikkonen has single-handedly kept Ferrari third in the constructors' series thanks to his recent performances, including a victory at Belgium. Teammate Felipe Massa is still recovering from surgery on multiple skull fractures after a violent crash in Hungary, but is expected to return next year.

"We are happy with the performance of Kimi because he is playing fantastically, he is driving very, very well," Domenicali said.

Raikkonen beat McLaren duo Lewis Hamilton and Alonso by a single point to capture the world title in 2007.

Thursday 10 September 2009

2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX

2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX

2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX Specifications

Engine V12 cylinder 6.3 ltr.
Power est. 800 hp/(588 kW) / 8.500/min
Max. torque est. 780 Nm / 5.800/min

Performance

Top speed > 380 km/h
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.2s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.0s
0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 19.0s

edo Tuning Program Enzo XX

Power increase 170 hp – contains new steel cylinder and piston 6.3 l (same like FXX ), new camshafts, new Titan valve springs, new Titan connecting rods, new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, sport catalytic stainless, sport catalytic converter, sport air filter, air-ram system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all bearings new, new oil pump, new gaskets, and dyno running with all work
Sport catalytic converter stainless with two level switch controlled sound system, new tail pipes in carbon. Volume of the exhaust per button push adjustable
Ceramic sports break system with 396 mm brake disc front and 360 mm brake disc rear, special brake pads in front and rear
Wheels can be painted in different designs
Tyre-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel
Design modification outside for example complete different colour
Independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping like FIA – GT MC12
Air-in-take from carbon
Weight reducing program 100 kg!!
New Racing wheels front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 Michelin, rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20 Michelin

2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX
2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX
2009 EDO Competition Ferrari Enzo XX

Ferrari 599 GTB Official Detail

2009 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari 599 GTB

An Extra 40 hp, Striking Design and Exclusive Accessories

The Ferrari 599 GTB is the focus of the latest new product developments from NOVITEC ROSSO, the worldwide leader in customizing the great cars from Maranello. The new developments include a performance kit that increases power output of the V12 engine by 40 hp / 29.4 kW, a striking and aerodynamically efficient design program and numerous exclusive accessories.

In addition to the familiar twin compressor engines with up to 808 hp / 594 kW NOVITEC ROSSO now also offers classic engine tuning for the six-liter twelve-cylinder four-valve engine. The Performance Stage 3, starting at 10,490 Euros, increases power output from standard 620 hp / 456.3 kW to 660 hp / 485.7 kW without any alterations to the engine's inner workings.

The conversion consists of new engine electronics and a complete NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. The new engine management system comprises new mapping for ignition and injection as well as increase in maximum engine speed to 8,550 rpm.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system features four tailpipes with diameters of 90 millimeters and is available in two different versions. In addition to a conventional version there is also a system with controllable exhaust flap. Using the little ‘Manettino' switch on the steering wheel, the driver can change the exhaust note from sporty subdued to bona fide racing sound.

After the conversion throttle response of the V12 engine is even crisper with further improved driving performance. The higher redline speed increases top speed by five km/h to 335 km/h.

For even faster and more precise shifting of the six speeds of the 599 GTB's F1-Superfast transmission NOVITEC ROSSO offers longer carbon-fiber shift paddles.

Even better looks and better aerodynamic efficiency: These are the attributes of the NOVITEC ROSSO body components, which received their finishing touches in the wind tunnel. The front spoiler lip for the production bumper gives the 599 GTB an even more aggressive expression and reduces lift on the front axle. For a perfect aerodynamic balance the rear of the car is upgraded by NOVITEC ROSSO with a new rear wing and diffuser.

New rocker panels with large air dams give the coupe a more muscular stance.
All NOVITEC ROSSO aerodynamic components are also available in clear-coated carbon fiber.

Further innovative NOVITEC ROSSO exterior accessories are black taillights, side markers and auxiliary brake light as well as the new LED rear fog lights.

Three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels are important components in the spectacular appearance of the customized 599 GTB. They are available in a number of different color combinations. The double-spoke wheels exceed the size of the production wheels by one inch on front and rear axle, and are fitted with Pirelli high-performance tires. The front axle features size 9Jx20 wheels with size 275/30 ZR 20 tires. On the rear axle size 12.5Jx21 wheels with tires in size 355/25 ZR 21 make full use of the available space under the wheel arches.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport suspension allows both ride height and damper rates to be set according to each customer's individual preferences. But that's not all: By pushing a button in the cockpit the front of the car can be raised by 40 millimeters to safely navigate parking-garage ramps or speed bumps. Upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h the front of the car automatically reverts to its original position.

NOVITEC ROSSO offers a multitude of individual options for the interior of the two-seater sports car. The product lineup includes a leather/carbon-fiber sport steering wheel with flattened bottom for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle, aluminum foot pedals and foot rest. Additional customization requests can be fulfilled with custom-altered seats tailored to the individual owner and with leather and Alcantara interiors perfect down to the last detail.

2009 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari 599 GTB
2009 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari 599 GTB






2009 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari 599 GTB
2009 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari 599 GTB