Ferrari SF90 Stradale (phev) Reviews

Martin Roller has set ambitious sales goals for Ferrari Brisbane.When he was a boy, Martin Roller used to dream about Ferrari.Now he has more than he ever dreamed, after landing the Brisbane agency for the famed Italian sports car brand.It's taken more than two years of negotiations, but the man who built a $100 million empire with 180 employees based on BMW has now got the Italian stallions in his stable.Roller has already opened a 'pop-up' showroom with a difference inside the upscale Space furniture showroom in Fortitude Valley while he waits for the completion of a purpose-built Ferrari showroom in the new Energex building in Newstead. The total spend on the Ferrari business is more than $7 million."I owned a Ferrari 430 Spider and I loved it. I've got my eye on a California convertible," said Roller.But his Ferrari stable is much bigger, as there are three cars in the pop-up and the dealership layout calls for six cars on the floor at any time."Our volume plan for 2015 is 16 new cars. And the Ferrari recommendation is we should sell 1:1 new and secondhand cars."But Roller, as always, is thinking big after investing in a Brisbane rebuilding program that's already included a monster welcoming party for 350 Ferrari owners and insiders."My personal objective is 40 cars, new and used. That's starting from ground zero."It's a similar approach to the one that has worked so well on the BMW front, now including Mini and the BMW i range of electric cars.Roller is originally from Melbourne and, at 55, is a new father to Isabella with his partner Renee. His career began with a degree in transport economics and a graduate diplomas in marketing before time at Mazda, in the advertising industry and then 13 years at BMW Australia."I moved to Brisbane in 1999 when Lindsay Fox concluded negotiations with the Trivett family for Brisbane BMW. I came with Marvin Burke and we had a 45 per cent stake in the business," Roller said."We've grown the BMW business from the seventh or eighth-biggest in Australia through to, in 2013, the biggest. In year one, 1999, we did 700 new and used BMWs, last year we did 2800."We have the biggest BMW new and used cars business, with Mini, operating from Ann Street in Fortitude Valley and Westside BMW in Darra."But there is more to the business than BMW and, in 2011, Roller and his crew took on the Lamborghini franchise for Queensland."In the first full year we did 25 new and used cars. The year before it had been three," he said.But Ferrari was always on his radar, even during a massive buyout of the BMW business by the global Sime Darby Motor Group."The timing was a coincidence but Sime Darby is one of the longest standing Ferrari dealers in the world, through Continental Car Sales in New Zealand."It's actually taken more than two years since we started talking. Lamborghini gave us a taste of the super-exotic car business but we were always after Ferrari. It's only gathered steam since Ferrari took over direct control from a distributor in 2013, with Herbert Appleroth in charge for Australia."Roller said he has a clear objective for Ferrari, and for his final two-and-a-half years before the total handover of the BMW business to Sime Darby."We've always positioned our BMW business as the best. We want to look after customers, and we've also been very profitable," he said."We've worked hard and we've got a great result. We've already got six orders for new Ferraris."Roller said he is now rooted in Brisbane and, even though he can see a stop date at BMW Brisbane, has no plans for an early retirement at 55."I love what I do. I came to Brisbane because that's where the opportunity is. My position has changed somewhat, because we've got an agreement to sell out the balance of our equity."But I'm not going to retire. Retirement is not on the radar for me. There is far too much still to do."

Less really does cost more in this Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Goodwood. There is nothing remotely like it, anywhere in the world.It's a combination of a British summer garden party, the world's most upmarket motor show, a classic car event and a high-speed hill climb. Then there is the air show, a rally stage and so, so, much more.Officially it's called the Festival of Speed and it's held each June on the driveway and front lawn — yes, really — at the stately home of the Earl of March, about 90 minutes into the green British countryside from London.The difference is that Charles March has a driveway that is ferocious fun at 250km/h in a retired Formula One car. His front lawn hosts more than 120,000 people over four days.He also knows some very special people, from F1 heroes Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen to rock gods and movie stars. And they like to show their collectable cars and cut loose in the speed trials."This is just amazing. It is unique," Bentley Motors chairman Wolfgang Durheim tells me. He's prowling like a regular punter, taking a close look at the new Jaguar F-Type Project 7 as thousands check the new arrivals in giant temporary showrooms and the Moving Motor Show.And that's what has changed at Goodwood. The event began as a fun run for classic cars and old-timer drivers but the collapse of the last surviving British motor show means the car companies now put all their effort into "The Festival".If you added the investment from all the brands, you would quickly run beyond $50 million. But even that doesn't sound like much when there are classic Ferraris on display that would cost more than $5 million each to put in your garage.The Festival now runs for a full four days and there are regular demonstration runs up The Hill by the most desirable cars on the planet, including the latest LaFerrari, Porsche 919 hybrid and McLaren P1. If you want to see how a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series looks in action, this is the place, and it's the same for Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati, Lotus and Bentley and more.There's an everyday side, too. Peugeot and Citroen and Toyota and Nissan have giant displays and Ford shows the new Mustang that's coming to Australia in 2015.Ford also uses the Festival to reveal its new Focus ST hot hatch, as Land Rover teases a hot rod Range Rover from its new Special Vehicles division, and Aston Martin and Nissan display concept cars created to debut digitally in theVisiting the show is an automotive overload. It takes a full day just to appreciate the size of The Festival. My weekend passes in a blur because Goodwood blurs dreams with reality, the past with the future, and unspeakably exotic cars with road-going runabouts. Goodwood is much more immersive than a regular motor show. And the cars move, which brings the whole thing to life.It helps immensely that the classic race cars, which truly provide something for everyone from the Dakar to Le Mans, fire up all the senses. How can you not smile as a Blitzen Benz from the dawn of motoring chugs up the same piece of bitumen that Kimi Raikkonen tears apart with a near-new F1 Ferrari?This is passion, and excitement, and a smile-a-second reflection of everything that is good about cars. "Why am I here? Where else would I be?" laughs Martine Walkinshaw, widow of Tom and now the driving force behind Holden Special Vehicles and the Holden Racing Team. She has driven to the event in an HSV Commodore and is watching son Sean driving classic Jaguar racers.It should come as no surprise that the death of the Australian International Motor Show has sparked a lot of interest in Goodwood, and how it can be copied and adapted down under. A couple of attempts are already under way and we'll see in 2015 whether the headline act in Melbourne, combining the resources of the VACC and RACV, can get somewhere close to The Festival.But that's still in the future and, despite all the glorious cars from the past and the sight of so many of the motorsport heroes even from my childhood, I'm still deeply immersed in Goodwood 2014.If you have a Bucket List, and you're remotely interested in cars, add the Festival of Speed. At the top.

Ferrari and California: fast cars and fat wallets. The link between the Italian luxury sports car maker and the film-star state goes back a long way - to the 1950s, in fact.Taking inspiration from the 250 Testa Rossa, particularly in profile, the latest in a long line of Ferraris, the California T, made its Down Under debut this week in Melbourne. Introducing the GT destined to become a classic, Herbert Appleroth, President and CEO of Ferrari Australasia, said: "With its retractable hard top and 2+2 seating set-up, the Grand Tourer is supremely versatile – an everyday GT."Heart and, some would say soul of the California T, is its 3855 cc turbocharged V8 engine which calls on technology fine tuned by Ferrari in iconic models such as the 1984 GTO and the F40 of 1987, and now the latest F1 flyer.Four years of development have resulted in maximum power output of 412 kW at 7500 rpm and top torque of 755 Nm at 4750 revs. Hitting 100 km/h from rest in 3.6 seconds, the surge from zero to 200 km/h takes just 11.2 seconds. Top speed is 316 km/h.At the same time, engineers have pared the car's fuel consumption to 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres and carbon dioxide emissions to 255 grams per kilometre in the combined urban / highway cycle thanks in part to extensive use of lightweight aluminium alloy in the bodyshell and chassis.The mid-front-mounted engine and all main components are confined within the car's wheelbase, making for an ideal weight distribution of 47 per cent front and 53 per cent rear. The engine is 40 mm lower in the chassis than in the previous California to further bring down the centre of gravity.Within 14 seconds the restrained yet sporty coupe converts to an extroverted convertible, secreting its metal hardtop in the boot, which is far from cramped even with the top stored.Luggage space can be further increased by folding the rear seat backs down giving storage access for bulky items such as golf bags or skis. Seating is strictly 2+2 with rear seat comfort restricted to children or smaller than average adults for short trips.The cabin is a combination of handcrafted surroundings such as semi-aniline leather trim housing the latest automotive technology accessed by ergonomic controls and well positioned instruments.Typical of this is the Human-Machine Interface which has been made more driver friendly than before.There are now steering wheel-mounted controls and paddles set closer, giving faster access.Also on hand is the Turbo Performance Engineer, a sophisticated instrument on the central dashboard that consists of a digital display with touch surround scrolling providing pointers, such as response and torque on tap, to the most effective way of using engine performance.Infotainment, including satellite navigation with 3D mapping, is via a 6.5-inch touch screen, or alternatively by using buttons. USB ports in a compartment under the armrest ensure occupants' devices are at hand.Penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre in conjunction with Pininfarina, the California T has retained the dimensions of the previous model with additions to the styling bringing it in line with the latest design aspects of the GT format.The car rides on 19-inch Starburst design alloy wheels, while 20-inch optional wheels are available with the addition of further weight savings. Improved aerodynamics means the drag co-efficient is down to Cd 0.33.Under the skin the car is replete with kit to ensure ride and handling match the potential of the V8 turbo power plant. Particular detail was paid to there being less steering wheel activity for swifter steering; reduced body roll; improved handling and better control on the limit; and heightened chassis dynamics without reduction in ride comfort.Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes feature new pad material producing constant performance in all conditions and less prone to wear. This, plus the latest ABS anti-skid system, has the car stopping from 100 km/h in just 34 metres.An upgrade to the traction control system enables the car to accelerate out of corners more than 8 per cent faster Customers who are happy to shell out $409,888, plus on-road costs, can be flown to Italy to watch their California T being put together at the factory and make sure some of the million or so custom design features they have chosen are being attended to.The first year's offerings are already spoken for but once delivered their California T can be covered by a seven-year maintenance programme which involves an exclusive service every 20,000 km or once a year without distance restrictions.     The California T is a prime example of Ferrari's sporting DNA, calling on all the Italian car maker has to offer in leading-edge automotive technology, while at the same time penning a Grand Tourer with the best design attributes of a luxury sports car. Now for a drive.

Ferrari gives an overview of the first turbocharged California, arriving in showrooms later this year.

 Australia gets preview of updated Ferrari California T with new turbocharged engine.Ferrari seems to have an annual program for launching exciting new models.  Eighteen months ago it was the Ferrari F12,  more recently they rolled out the stunning and super-fast hypercar, the LaFerrari, and now it's the turn of the California.  Australia got an early look at the updates 'in the metal' this week, with customer cars dues to start arriving in November.But unlike many updates that are just light or at best evolutionary facelifts, the changes for the Cali are revolutionary -- including a substantial price drop of almost $50,000. The California T -- 'T' standing for turbo -- is the first Ferrari road vehicle to be engineered with a turbocharger since the legendary F40 in 1987. The California is an integral part of Ferrari's business selling some 10,000 units since it was introduced in 2008 – and bringing new people  to the brand.  Ferrari Australasia president and CEO Herbert Appleroth says a staggering 70 per cent of all California owners are first-time Ferrari buyers, they travel 30 per cent further than owners of other Ferrari models and used their vehicles 50 per cent more often, making the California a true 'everyday' Ferrari.The California T arrives with a new high revving 3.9 litre V8 twin-turbo charged engine that produces an impressive 70HP more than it's naturally aspirated predecessor and generates a staggering 50 percent more torque.   Maximum power output is now 412kW at 7500rpm and produces 755Nm at 4750rpm. Maximum speed has increased by 6km/h to 316km/h thanks to the new twin-scroll turbo arrangement, while 0-100 km/h arrives in 3.6 seconds, a reduction of 0.2 and 0-200 in 11.2, a reduction of 2.1 seconds, scintillating performance from the Italian open top grand tourer.  The exterior has truly come of age with a sporty – but still elegant --  aerodynamic flair that salutes the depth of the company's heritage by incorporating past cues like flanks inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa. Working with Pininfarina, the Ferrari Styling Centre has created a sophisticated style that gives the 'Every Day' California T, an authentic Ferrari Grand Tourer look.New 19" starburst designed wheels hide the carbon-ceramic brakes which now feature a upgraded pad that's designed to work in all conditions, resulting in reduced braking distances from 100 km/h – 0 in 34 metres. There are only two features carried over from the previous model, the retractable hard top roof that opens and closes in 14 seconds, and the chassis with its 47:53 front/rear weight distribution. Spring stiffness has been increased by 11% to reduce body roll and pitch with a steering rack that is now 10% quicker and offers more direct turn in giving the California T true sports car agility.The 2 +2 interior has received subtle upgrades that make the California T more ergonomic and comfortable for the driver and passengers.   The dash looks to be more compact and is slightly lower to aid visibility, larger and wider front seats with integrated headrests add appeal to the growing and diverse list of buyers.Interior style and materials have also received a fresh update with the launch version showing off a well-appointed black and tan two-tone leather combo that looked stunning under the lights.  Ferrari boasts they have 15 million different colour combinations to suit all tastes including two new colours designed especially for the California T, California (Red) and California (Blue).Also featured was a new 458 styled steering wheel that incorporates wheel mounted controls with larger gear selector paddles that are attached closer to the wheel.  The Manettino (Ferrari's traction and stability control system) has three functions, Sport, Comfort and Electronic Stability Control Off which add to the dynamic and sporty nature of the car when such a road calls for it.Due to the significant increase in torque from the twin-turbo V8, Ferrari's 'F1-Trac' electronic stability system has now been integrated into the California T to enable better handling and traction especially out of fast corners. The seven-speed F1 dual clutch transmission features longer gear ratios that delivers faster longitudinal acceleration and assists to reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent.  With right hand drive versions still being built in Italy, no test drives were on offer with only the left hand drive model unveiled at the launch.Frist published at MyDrive: VIDEO | Ferrari California T – Australia’s Official PreviewFerrari California TPrice: from $409,880Engine: 3.8L twin scroll turbo 412kW/755Nm0-100km/h: 3.6 secondsTop speed: 316 km/hTransmission: dual clutch 7-speed automatic

The words family and Ferrari do not belong in the same sentence. Yet there is a Ferrari, the FF, which is surprisingly fine as a family friendly four-seater.

The only way to map the outer edges of Planet Ferrari is to go exploring on a racetrack.

The biggest Ferrari show on earth will descend on Sydney from the 11-13 of April and will turn the entire town red. Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek, 24kms west of Sydney, will host Ferrari Racing Days, the largest gathering of road and track Ferraris to ever converge on a single location in Australia.The three day event will showcase the best that Ferrari has to offer while highlighting the most powerful brand in the world. Ferrari Racing Days will put on a show like no other manufacturer before it.You can expect to see close racing from the Ferrari 458 Asia Pacific Challenge series and watch on as the Ferrari Corse F1 and Clienti XX take to the track in their finely tuned track cars that leave nothing to the imagination in performance and sound.There will be plenty of action both on and off the track with streets of hospitality tents as guests indulge in the luxury and opulence that Ferrari clients and fans have come to expect. Ferrari Racing Days has a short but successful history traveling to Brazil, Italy, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States and now, Australia.The event has created a logistics nightmare for the organisers as they bring together race cars and crew as they fly into Sydney from all parts of the globe. Set to arrive this week are sixty shipping containers full of equipment and cars including some 300 Ferrari race engineers to prepare the field of road and track Ferraris.“Ferrari Racing Days is an event never seen before in Australia, a focus on Ferrari’s road and race heritage converging in one place to give the fans, drivers and owners the opportunity to engage with each other and the brand like never before” said Herbert Appleroth, Ferrari Australasian President and CEO.Ferrari Racing Days highlights• Ferrari F1 race car and Pit Demonstration to highlight the inner workings of their F1 team.• The FXX and 599XX Ferrari Clienti program, which includes six cars of each technical program, driven by Ferrari’s most privileged and wealthiest clients.• An official round of the Ferrari 458 Asia Pacific Challenge series, 30 Ferrari Challenge EVO race cars battling it out for Australian line honours• Ferrari’s new hypercar, La Ferrari including the Ferrari Enzo, F50, F40 and the 288 GTO.• Ferrari Pre-Owned and Ferrari Approved Warranty Vehicle Display.• Ferrari showroom, Ferrari 458 Speciale, FF, F12 Berlinetta, 458 Taylor Made Spider including Ferrari’s customisation program, Atelier.A cavalcade of up to 200 Ferraris will converge on Sydney from several locations around Australia and together they will drive across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the welcome party at the Sydney Opera House and then they will be on display at Ferrari Racing Days.First published at MyDrive: VIDEO |Ferrari Racing Days – The Biggest Ferrari show on Earth  

More than $170 million worth Ferraris of are being primped, preened and primed today for the biggest Australian event in the history of the famed Italian brand.That's the combined worth of more than 400 cars that have targeted Sydney Motorsport Park for the inaugural running of the Ferrari Racing Days, an event that combines everything from a series of grand prix speed runs to a children's play zone.The first and only public appearance of LaFerrari, the sellout new $1.5 million Ferrari supercar, headlines the event but there are also nine F1 cars, a group of FXX customer racecars and two rounds of the 458 Challenge to spark the track action through Saturday and Sunday."It's the biggest event for Ferrari in Australia and probably the southern hemisphere," says Herbert Appleroth, chief executive of Ferrari Australasia. "To have 400 cars, when the total Ferrari carpark in Australia is only around 2000 cars, is just amazing. Lots of owners are driving their cars to Sydney and I know we have people coming from Perth for the event."The headline cars have been freighted from Italy and around the Pacific region in an airlift that's too costly for Appleroth to discuss. It's the same story for the shipment of more than 40 container loads of cars, parts and equipment, as well as the factory technicians to prepare the cars and run a full-scale F1 pitstop simulation."But you should see the bill for the insurance. It's just insane," he jokes. The Racing Days in Australia follows similar successful events in Japan and Malaysia and, as always, F1 track action is the pivotal play.Appleroth says nine grand prix Ferraris are installed in the garages at Sydney Motorsport Park, six for private owners and three that belong to Ferrari. One of those will be used by F1 test driver Marc Gene, one is a spare, and the third is just for display."You cannot take any chances. People want to see our cars in action," Appleroth says. The F1 cars will share the track with a rare 333 SP sports racer that will be handled by V8 Supercar driver Tony D'Alberto and there will also be sessions for FXX customer cars, two races in the 458 Challenge and track time for owners in their own cars."The owners are not going to puddle around. They'll have a go, and we'll have Marc Gene to coach them," Appleroth says. "It will be non-stop action. We're hoping for up to 10,000 spectators and they will see something unique in Australia."