On October 27, 2011 at 12:00 pm, Neiman Marcus starting taking reservations for their very special, exclusive and very expensive special-edition of the Ferrari FF. All of the 10 limited edition units, each selling for $395,000, were sold out in just 50 minutes.

Click here for our original post on the Neiman Marcus Ferrari FF.

Haha – and people say the economy is going down the hole.

Click here for more news on the Ferrari FF.

Refresher: Power for the Ferrari FF comes from a 6.3L V12 engine making 651-hp at 8,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 504 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm with 368 lb-ft available from 1,000 rpm. The engine is mated to Ferrari’s patented 4RM four-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, allowing the Ferrari FF to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. Fuel-economy wise, the Ferrari FF manages a combined 15 mpg.

While discarding rumors that he will soon leave the company, Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo let loose some details on what we can expect from the next-generation of vehicles from the Italian automaker.

“I want to shape the next product cycle at Ferrari to assure a bright future at a company that has been inextricably intertwined with my life,” Montezemolo said.

Talking about the next limited-edition supercar, Montezemolo said that the successor to the F40, F50 and Enzo, will be the cornerstone of future vehicles from the company. The model, which is due in 2012, will use the gasoline/hybrid technology shown in the Ferrari 599 GTB HY-KERS concept, which debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. That will help the model cut CO2 emissions by 35 percent along with the help of weight reducing technology previews in the 2007 Millechili concept.

“That car  will incorporate the state of the art of our knowledge in terms of increasing performances while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It will then influence all Ferraris that appear after it,” he said.

Source: egmCarTech

After all the rumors and spy shots, the Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge made its debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting. The new 458 Italia Challenger will join the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season, becoming the fifth model used by Ferrari in its one-make championship. Next year’s season will also be extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.

The 458 Italia Challenge uses the same 4.5L V8 engine from the production car making 570-hp, but Ferrari has upgraded the gear ratios and gearbox software to deliver more torque at lower revs. Weight has also been reduced with the use of carbon fiber, lexan polycarbonate, along with thinner body panels.

Other changes include a lower suspension, single-rate dampers with stiffer springs, 19-inch racing wheels wrapped in Pirelli slick tires, and the Brembo CCM2 carbon ceramic brakes from the 599XX.

Ferrari says that the 458 Italia Challenge lapped the company’s Fiorano test track in 1:16.5, 2 seconds faster than the F430 Challenge.

The Press release said that, “With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients – professional and gentlemen drivers alike – a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world’s leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari’s one-make championship.”

Source: EGMCarTech

edo competition seems to have a fetish with the Ferrari Enzo. They revealed a tuning package last year that increased horsepower of the 660-hp supercar to 700-hp. Somewhere in the middle, edo competition also revealed a performance package that took horsepower up to 800. While that would be enough for many Enzo owners (and there aren’t many) out there, edo felt it could get a little more out of the ultimate Ferrari.

edo decided to increase displacement to 6.3L, added new camshafts, new titanium valve springs, modified cylinder heads, high flow catalytic converters, a more powerful oil pump, high performance exhaust headers and we’ll stop before start sounding like Megan Fox from Transformers. All that increased output by 180 to a total of 840-hp with a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft.

The edo competition Enzo XX Evolution now goes from 0 to 62 mph to come in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of more than 242 mph.

Something makes us feel like edo still isn’t done with the Enzo.

Press Release:

edo competition Enzo XX Evolution

840 horsepower and 100 kilograms (220 lb) lighter

The Ferrari Enzo with its 660 horsepower is arguably one of the most exclusive cars in the world, both in terms of its driving dynamics and purchase price. Those looking for something considerably faster and more exclusive choose the edo Enzo XX 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. This is unmatched by any other 12 cylinder engine at this time! Additionally the intake system of the V12 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 780 Nm (575 ft-lb) is available at 5,800 rpm.

While the power output is increased, the Enzo’s weight is decreased by a respectable 100 kilograms (220 lb). The result in numerical terms is that the edo Enzo XX Evolution accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.0 seconds and 300 km/h in just 19 seconds. The top speed exceeds 390 km/h (242 mph).

The acoustical side of things is 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.

Astonishing transmission shift times: While the production Enzo takes 110 milliseconds, the edo Enzo XX Evolution shift times were reduced to an incredible 60 milliseconds! For comparison, an F1 car shifts in 40 milliseconds.

The edo/KW race suspension from the FIA GT series was retuned for the Enzo XX Evolution, promising ultimate driving dynamics. The nose lift functionality is retained. The low-friction 3-way adjustable shock absorbers can be adjusted to the individual tastes of the driver and provide excellent steering precision and feedback. The edoinstalled tire pressure monitoring system displays the pressures for each of the four wheels. Providing ample grip for the edo Enzo XX Evolution are 19 inch front wheels and 20 inch rear wheels with 335 mm wide tires. The drive shafts were replaced due to the higher propulsive forces acting on them. The new units are 4 kg (8.8 lb) lighter and considerably more robust in order to cope with the enormous power increase.

The aerodynamics package is absolutely unique.

It includes a complete exhaust system with tips machined from billet aluminum, now relocated to the top of the body. The tips are plasma-coated using a special process. The newly developed rear skirt featuring winglets and a rear wing profile, adjustable in 3 steps, improves the ground effect and can be tuned to the tastes of the driver. The new retractable rear wing is upgraded with a taller flap resulting in increased downforce and stability, especially at high speeds. New LED tail lights round off the rear view of the car.

A test day with an instructor, mechanics, data logging, transport and hospitality is included in the conversion package.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Source Egmcartech

- Key Competitors: Aston Martin DB9, Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
- Engine: 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp/398 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: Dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox.
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds; Top speed of over 202 mph.
- Fuel-Economy: 13.3 l/100km – 18 mpg combined (U.S.).
- Pricing/Availability: TBA

It’s a brand new Ferrari and in our humble opinion, it’s the best looking Ferrari we’ve ever seen. Why is it called the Italia? Well, Ferrari says that the model is a synthesis of technological innovation, creative flair, style and passion, a combination of characteristics for which Italy as a nation is renowned – hence the Italia name.

The Ferrari 458 Italia will start shipping next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source Autoblog

Novitec Rosso has just released a new customization package for the
Ferrari 599 GTB that increases the output of the V12 engine by 40-hp.

But doesn’t Novitec already offer an 808-hp tuning program for the 599 GTB? Yes, they do; however, this new Performance State 3 package is much cheaper (cheap only if 40-hp is worth 10,490 euros to you) and gives you extra horsepower from the V12 without any alterations to the engine’s inner workings.

With a total of 660-hp, this Ferrari 599 GTB can travel at a top speed of up to 208 mph. Of course, along with the extra power Novitec is offering a bunch of body modifications, which you can learn more about in the press release posted after the jump.

Press Release

New from NOVITEC ROSSO for the 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.

Source Egmcartech

Here it is, after all the wait, Noble has finally take off the wraps on its new M600 supercar. Power for the new Noble M600 comes from a mid-mounted Volvo 4.4L V8 that the Swedish automaker uses in the S80 and XC90. However, Noble has added two turbochargers allowing for up to 650-hp.

The cockpit actually has a twist-dial that allows you to select from three different horsepower settings – 450, 550 and 650 – depending on how fast you want to get to your destination.

Power is driven to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed Graziano manual gearbox. 0 t0 62 mph comes in just 3.0 seconds with a top speed of more than 225 mph.

The new Noble will hit dealerships across Europe in November 2009. Production will be limited to 50 units annually. There are no current plans to export the M600.

Source Egmcartech

Earlier this week we saw the new Ferrari 458 Italia revealed by the Italian automaker. Well, since we’re all more than certain that there will be a convertible version debuting very soon, designer Job Sibal has created his own drop-top version of the new Ferrari supercar.

Refresher: Power for the Ferrari 458 Italia comes from a 4.5L V8 making 570-hp with a peak torque of 398 lb-ft. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Source Egmcartech

After months of speculation and spy shots, Maranello has finally revealed the mid-engined V8 replacement for the Ferrari F430. The all-new Ferrari 458 Italia won’t be shown in public until September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but the official details were released early this morning. A new direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 ups the ante underhood, pumping out 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The redline? A screaming 9,000 rpm. Eighty percent of the F458 Italia’s torque is now available at a low 3,250 rpm, thanks in all likelihood to the new engine’s 12.5:1 compression ratio.

As with last year’s California, the Ferrari 458 gets a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox that directs power to the rear axle. Much has been done to reduce internal friction within the new V8, in addition aerodynamic drag improvements. As a result, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s gas mileage improves to a combined 17.1 mpg (US) on the EU test cycle. As this is a Ferrari, talk of fuel consumption really does seem somewhat pointless, anyway. No mention of incorporating any type of KERS hybrid system has been made thus far. The KERS idea, you’ll remember, had taken several spins around the rumormill over the last year or so; maybe that’ll materialize at a later date.

Like its predecessor, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s aluminum structure helps keep weight under control — it tips the scales at just 3,042 pounds dry. So, we know you’re wondering: How quick is it? Based on specs at least, this new coupe does’t disappoint. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.4 seconds, and this will be the first volume production Ferrari V8 to top the 200 mph barrier, with a top whack of 202 mph. Is it still too early to head to the airport for our flight to Frankfurt in September?

ITALIA – Ferrari’s innovative new V8 The 458 Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined berlinetta and will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars. The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders. The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few. A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car 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. However, Ferrari’s track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia 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. 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 an invaluable part. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project.

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 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front 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 inlets and cut drag. The new 4499 cc 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 which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, 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 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs. The car’s soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust’s three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear. This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment. The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h. For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques. With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort. The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit. The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel. With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models. Ferrari 458 Italia – Technical specifications

Dimensions
Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)
Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)
Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)
Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)
Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*
Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV
Engine Type V8 – 90°
Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)
Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific power output 127 CV/l
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Tyres
Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5″
Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5″
Performance
Maximum speed >325 km/h
0-100 km/h
Fuel consumption + emissions
Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km
Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km
Gearbox
Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Electronics

*E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS

**With forged wheels and Racing seats

***Including 5 CV of ram effect Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Soure Autoblog

It’s a risky game, trying to improve upon a Ferrari. There are a handful of tuners (Edo Competition, Novitec Rosso) that arguably manage to pull it off, and now German tuning house Inden Design is aiming to join the ranks with its own modified F430. Fortunately, they’ve kept the modifications reasonable, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and turning an automotive work of art into a rolling atrocity.

Under the hood, Inden Design has only tweaked with the ECU and fitted a new stainless exhaust system – fairly standard mods – yielding a not insignificant 35-horsepower boost to bring total output up to 525 ponies. Sport springs were added behind the multi-spoke 20-inch wheels, while a lip spoiler, side skirts and carbon diffuser round out the aerodynamics.

Meanwhile, Inden has managed to find a few areas inside that weren’t already covered in leather and saw to that with judicious application of cowhide. While we’re not sure we would have the chutzpah to tinker with a Ferrari, if we were so inclined Inden Design’s approach strikes us as a sound. Check out the slick high-res images in the big gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Source Autoblog

The new Ferrari F450 will feature a massively enhanced technical spec compared with the outgoing F430, Autocar has learned from well placed sources in Italy.

The F450 will feature engineering ideas from Ferrari’s F1 and GT racing programmes, including radiators ahead of the front wheels, a double-clutch seven-speed transaxle gearbox, understeer-cancelling software and an upgraded version of the Scuderia’s traction control.

The lightweight aluminium structure of the new car will also bring gains over the F430’s rigidity. It is said to reflect Ferrari’s dream of cutting weight to improve handling and emissions, while negating the need for more power

The F450 may be revealed at December’s LA motor show as a concept featuring a future hybrid powertrain.

But the launch decision is pending while Ferrari fine-tunes the styling of it best-selling model ahead of the sales launch early in 2010.

The supercar was scheduled for an unveiling on 9 September, and its engineering was finished some time ago. But sources say the Pininfarina styling had to be adjusted for aerodynamic reasons and that Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo ordered tweaks as late as last month.

Unlike the launch of the F430, when both Spider and coupé broke cover at the same time, the F450 will make its debut as a tin-top only. This is partly to give the California more time to establish itself in the market before the harder-edged F450 Spider arrives 18 months after the coupé.

Although the F450 will employ cutting-edge tech, it won’t initially adopt any of the new patents that Ferrari recently applied for, including twin-turbo, direct-injection V8 petrol engines and all-wheel-drive hybrid technologies.

Insiders say that’s partly because buyers might not yet be ready for a hybrid Ferrari with eco-friendly features such as stop-start and energy recovery technology, and partly because the firm is confident it can meet European emissions standards by further developing direct-injection technologies, at least until 2014.

However, Ferrari may unveil a hybrid concept F450 at the LA show. Ferrari feels that it needs to unveil its hybrid concept as quickly as it can to claim road-car ownership of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from Formula One. That would give it a head start over Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota and Renault and buy it time to develop road-going versions.

Source Autocar

Did Al & Eds Autosound in West Hollywood,Ca inspire Ferrari to use an iPod as the radio in the new Scuderia 16M just like we did two years ago in the F50?

We will never know the answer to that but it seems possible. This weekend I was visiting a Ferrari dealership and noticed something that nobody knew anything about nor did we know was coming! If you choose an iPod interface as an option for your new Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M there is no radio. Instead it comes with an iPod that has the “Prancing Horse” preloaded to your iPod Touch screen saver and additional Ferrari exhaust notes.

The iPod Touch clips into a specific holder exactly where the radio would go. Obviously there is no am/fm or satellite radio option but you do have a very cool iPod integration. The volume is controlled but a separately mounted + and – volume switch mounted in the center console.

Al & Eds Autosound in West Hollywood did this exact type of integration into a Ferrari F50 two years ago! Very cool Ferrari but why didn’t you make it work with an iPhone? The built in GPS of an iPhone would give Ferrari users so much more.

The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are just starting to hit showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be working a new compact front-engined model, and now we have new spy shots of the replacement for the F430.

The images depict a test mule for the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of one of the windows shows the internal codename ‘F142’ but the actual name of the car is more likely to be based on the size of the engine just like the current F430. Recent speculation has suggested that the new model will be fitted with a 4.5L V8 engine and labeled the F450. However, it is still too early to confirm what Ferrari has planned as the car isn’t expected to be launched until late next year at the earliest.

Some details we can gather from the spy shots include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots show a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window.

While the styling of the F430 replacement is expected to remain similar to the current model, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it is looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.

The new model is expected to go on sale towards the end of next year but Ferrari is rumored to be preparing an early reveal at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source MotorAuthority

There is a great amount of speculation on the upcoming Ferrari F430 successor and details are few and far between.

The Prancing Horse rarely produces concept cars, but when it does, they make ‘em count. So expect some of the green concessions from the Mille Chili concept to appear in the new mid-engine supercar, internally code-named project F142.

The car is likely to feature the direct injection and dual-clutch transmission which debuted in the California, coupled to a regenerative braking system which the company developed in partnership with sister company Magneti Marelli. The supercar, which could pick up the F450 or F470 nameplate depending on the displacement of its high-revving V8 engine (with the possible addition of a turbo or two) is expected to be even lighter than the 430 Scuderia’s mill. However, don’t expect a Spider version to follow: that mantle’s been taken up by the front-engine California. That’s about all we can say with or without any degree of certainty at this point, but reports peg the car’s debut in October of this year – making the Frankfurt Auto Show a likely venue for the unveiling – with deliveries beginning at the start of next year.

Source Autoblog

The 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia designed by Novitec Rosso impresses with a twin-supercharged at 708-hp.

It takes cojones to tuck into a new Ferrari in hopes of ending up with an improved street machine. Pininfarina showcars don’t really count, since that’s like cheating. And race-prepared GT2-class racing cars don’t count either, since we don’t see any Le Mans racers parked in front of sushi bars or Circle K.

But the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso is another thing entirely. While a impresses, this twin-supercharged Novitec Rosso enters the territory of shock and awe.

Novitec’s Wolfgang Hagedorn does business in the German town of Stetten (an undeniably manure-perfumed burg in the German province of Swabia, not far from Stuttgart). He’s a hell of a businessman, but he’s still what many non-risk-takers would call a nut case. After years of up-rating Fiats and Alfa Romeos (not hard to do in the 1990s), Hagedorn sucked it up in 2001 and bought three for tinkering purposes. At the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show he revealed his supercharged Ferrari 360 Modena by Novitec Rosso and orders quickly appeared.

Since then, Hagedorn has really made his Ferraris true specialty models, much more than simple tuner cars. And so here is the newest Novitec Rosso, Hagedorn’s improved Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the V8-powered berlinetta that beats the lap time set at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track by the overly worshiped Ferrari Enzo.

How can the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso possibly improve on a car already so impossibly super?

A look through the polycarbonate rear glass (so like a sneeze guard at the buffet table) in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia’s rear deck reveals all. Here are two compact, belt-driven, Rotrex centrifugal superchargers fed by two immense carbon-fiber air boxes. Two front-mounted water-cooled intercoolers (with double the efficiency of the units that Novitec formerly specified in this sort of application) help keep the intake air at the right temperature. This engine conversion is referred to as the Novitec Race Bi-Compressor Engine kit, and the full deal runs $89,999 through Novitec’s full-service importer CEC.

Getting more out of the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia evidently doesn’t take much, as each Rotrex screwgie hits its max boost at 7.0 psi. It’s all available in the twitch of an ankle from low revs all the way to 8,350 rpm, where the horsepower count surges from 503 hp to 708 hp. Meanwhile, the torque has been wrenched from a measly 347 pound-feet up to 533 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm. Novitec has managed to keep all the heat-inducing friction and combustion in control by applying competition-level cooling upgrades.

The Ferrari-engineered 136E V8 engine (which also sits in the Alfa Romeo 8C and assorted Maseratis) is otherwise stock. So is the Scuderia’s six-speed automated manual F1-Superfast2 gearbox; and its shift times remain wildly quick going up or down (70 milliseconds in the Race, CT-Off and CST-Off settings of the manettino mounted on the steering wheel).

Naturally, the ECU has been fiddled with by a local German fiddler to boost the engine’s self-confidence, while the port fuel injectors are now higher-flow units, a fact that further ruins the Scuderia’s already sufficiently ruinous mpg rating. But if you whine about this mpg thing at a barbecue for Novitec Rosso owners, you’re probably a waiter from the catering company.

While the technicians at Novitec’s facility in Stetten have fiddled not one bit with the wheel alignment, new stiffer springs all around slightly alter the over-the-road feel of the five suspension settings afforded by the manettino, and the overall ride height is 1.2 inches lower than that specified by Maranello. The Ferrari MagneRide dampers are too complicated to modify, so the settings are the same as before.

Aside from hunkering lower to the asphalt, the Novitec Rosso version of the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia also features a wider track front and rear thanks to a combination of spacers and the very sharp, yellow-accented, 20-inch Novitec NF3 three-piece aluminum wheels. The wheels themselves measure 20 by 8.5 inches in front and 20 by 12.5 in back. On dry roads, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Plus tires are terrific, 235/30ZR20s in front and 325/25ZR20s in the rear. But it also rained at times during our thrill ride and these wide, semi-slick Michelins become bobsleds under such conditions.

Overall, the Novitec’s crisper dynamics can be clearly felt, especially when the supercharged throttle delivers such enlightenment that we repeatedly lunge past the braking point before corners. In such circumstances, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia’s standard carbon-ceramic brake discs are much appreciated.

Even without any bodywork modifications, the 430 Scuderia’s lower ride height adds approximately 80 pounds of downforce at both front and rear during high-speed dashes, while the stiffer springs and stickier tires improve stability at ultrahigh speed. Once Novitec’s taller final-drive gear is installed, the top speed climbs to 216 mph from 199 mph.

As Hagedorn reminds us, “There’s no need to improve much at all on the interior or exterior packaging of an already special-trim Ferrari.” While we fundamentally agree, we can’t help but wonder whether this isn’t Maranello holding Stetten under its thumb. Is this another keep-our-look-and-you-can-keep-the-cavallinos sort of deal for which Ferrari is so famous when dealing with those who dare to modify the factory’s products?

Within this car’s cabin, you’ll find all the familiar Ferrari touches, particularly the perfect Scuderia seats. Additions by Novitec include a flat-bottom, suede-upholstered carbon-fiber steering wheel, and it features the significantly larger carbon-fiber shift paddles, plus there’s a set of anodized aluminum pedals. The larger shift paddles on the steering column make a drastic improvement for flicking shifts at any point of the steering action, especially through and exiting hairpins.

One final Novitec modification can be found when the manettino switch is clicked into the slippery-road setting farthest to the left. Finding ourselves in a dense but silent neighborhood at night, we set it here and the transmission automatically stays in 2nd for creeping speeds while the bypass valves close to lower exhaust noise considerably. Besides this Novitec software change (useful for avoiding the attention of the constables), this car also has the ability to hydraulically lift the nose 1.6 inches to avoid a scarred chin in parking garages and driveways. Up to now the only Ferrari from the factory with this feature has been the Enzo.

As Ferrari expands its brand name into any number of marketing agreements and even theme parks, it’s easy to wonder about the soul of the company from Maranello. We were thinking this recently while contemplating the forthcoming Ferrari California, the company’s new hardtop convertible, which looks as if it has been created to serve the agendas of far too many cooks.

So it was nice, then, to drive the all-conquering 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso, an authentic Ferrari lust machine. Letting Novitec Rosso have at the Ferrari 430 Scuderia has ended in an even harder-core Scud. It’s a car never meant for every day, and this genuine Ferrari-style concept thoroughly validates the leaner and even meaner German approach.

Source Edmunds Inside line

Inspired by Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars, Iranian designer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi created this latest concept of Ferrari future car. The Zobin is an aerodynamic single seater with compact dimensions (4,114mm long and 1,855 mm wide).

Source Car-show.org

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M was revealed at Italy’s Mugello circuit in drop-top form. Although not good for a track-capable Ferrari, it does come with 16 GB iPod Touch in the dash. Doesn’t that just add weight?

Whatever. Aside from the obvious lack of a roof, the only differences that visually set the coupe and spider versions apart are the unique side-badging and a new center stripe package. If you’re wondering what 16M stands for – it’s “16th Manufacturers”; as in the 16th F1 Constructors title Ferrari won in 2008. Check out the gallery below for the first live images from the event and the pretty press shots below that. Then hit the jump for the full press release straight from the Italian.

Source:jalopnik

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M will be released with an open top version with all of the lightweight coupe features.

After winning its 16th Formula one constructors championship last week, Ferrari has chosen this week to release a open top version of the F430 Scuderia. The Scuderia Spider 16M gets all the goodies from the lightweight Scuderia coupe like the 510 hp 4.3L V8 and the 6-speed F1 paddle shift gearbox. Ferrari is claiming the Scuderia Spider is the fastest open top model they’ve ever tested around the Fiorano test track, presumably beating out even the might F50 of decade ago. The Scuderia is 176 lbs lighter than a standard F430 spider at 2954 lbs dry. That’s claimed to be good enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a terminal velocity of 195.7 mph. As a limited series model Ferrari has of course added lots of distinguishing features like a carbon fiber shell around the roll bar, number plaque on the dash and special interior trim packages. Only 499 Scuderia Spiders will be built and they will undoubtedly be priced higher than the $277,000 US base price of the coupe. For those with access to that much disposable cash, it will surely be worth the price of admission. The press release is after the jump.

Source Autoblog

Project Kahn, a UK tuning firm, just launched their version of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Appealing to their limitless elegance, the firm has heavy alterations including new wheels, suspension and exhaust system.

Project Kahn has created some magnificent looking vehicles in the past including their take on the Aston Martin DB9 and the Bentley Continental GT. Not to mention owner Afzal Kahn isn’t afraid of dropping $870,000 for the right to own the UK ‘F1′ license plate. Basically, there is no limit as to what Project Kahn can achieve as long as they do it with elegance.

The UK based tuning firm has just revealed their version of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The Project Kahn Ferrari 599 gets Kahn Carbon F1-X 8.5×20 front wheels and 12×21 rear wheels. That’s it?

Not really, Kahn also lowered the suspension and increased the noise with an enhanced exhaust system. Power still comes from the V12 producing 620-hp with the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of over 205 mph.

Source: egmcartech

CAR put together a puzzle on Ferrari’s next V8 supercar and found that the Ferrari F430 replacement is known in Maranello as the F142. Unlike the current F430, which is an evolution of the 360 Modena built between 1999 and 2003, the follow-up is a brand-new design.

Due in late 2009 or early 2010, it will be the first Ferrari to follow the blueprint set by the 2007 Mille Chili concept. That means the new model will be a little more compact and significantly lighter than the model it replaces. Good for economy, performance and handling…

Source: carmagazine.co.uk