Ferrari News

...at the UK’s Silverstone circuit.

But for those readers who can’t wait any longer, and that probably means you, these computer-generated renderings provide a clue as to how the new Ferrari flagship will look. Based on prototypes spotted in the wild, as well as insider information, the renderings allow us to look past the heavy camouflage and see the stunning beast that’s residing within. They show a mid-engine exotic that’s immediately recognisable as a modern Ferrari, though one that’s significantly wilder than anything that’s yet to leave the halls of the Maranello factory. They show that the new F70 will benefit from an advanced aerodynamics package, which is likely to include active flaps in the front bumper, like on the F12 Berlinetta, as well as additional flaps and new intakes in the rear section. In charge of the styling is Italian designer Flavio Manzoni, who is said to be planning a three-curve profile (one curve for the front fender, one sweeping curve for the roof and one final curve for the rear fender) and extensive glass area for the car. The overall proportions appear similar to those of the Enzo, though the prototypes we’ve seen suggest the F70 could in fact be both longer and wider. The extra length is necessary to accommodate the F70’s new hybrid drivetrain, which is called HY-KERS and based on technology derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 racing efforts.  The particular setup in the F70 will consist of a high-displacement V-12 engine matched to a dual-clutch transmission and electric motor driving the rear axle. A second electric motor will be used to power ancillary features, thus reducing the load on the engine. A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) will ensure the car’s lithium-ion batteries, which are being supplied by Samsung, stay charged. The system’s combined output could be as high as 920 horsepower, while emissions will be around 40 percent lower compared to a non-hybrid solution, Ferrari has confirmed. Additionally, Ferrari is going all carbon for the F70’s platform, utilising some of the most advanced composites for everything from the central monocoque structure to the individual body panels. The end result is an expected curb weight as low 1133kg -- a phenomenally light number with 920 horsepower on tap. The marginally more powerful Bugatti Veyron, for example, weighs about 680kg more than the 1133kg target. Even McLaren's carbon monocoque MP4-12C--rated at “just” 616 horsepower--weighs a portly 500 pounds or so more. The F1 tech doesn’t end there, however. Technological transfer from racing is also fundamental to the design, engineering and construction of the F70, specifically, its ability to optimise longitudinal and lateral dynamic characteristics, and thus improve handling. This will be achieved via torque management, traction control and brake distribution. Next year is shaping up to be huge for supercar fans, as well as fans of advanced powertrain technology. Not only will we see the launch of the hybrid Ferrari, but arch rival McLaren is planning to launch its successor to the legendary F1, and it's tipped to also feature a hybrid system. On top of this, the Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid is set to go on sale, as is the production version of Jaguar’s stunning C-X75 concept. Motor Authority

He was driving the Ferrari in Moscow, Russia, when he allegedly lost control and careened into a roadside pole. The fact that the force of the impact managed to tear his Ferrari in two strongly suggests that speed was a factor. The car’s V-12 engine and front section remained stuck to the pole while the rest of the body was slung to the side.  Despite the severity of the crash, which caused the airbags to deploy and rendered the car a write-off, the driver and three passengers he was carrying at the time escaped unscathed. Motor Authority

The official Ferrari restoration department gets their hands on a lot of special cars, but this one is a standout even in that crowd.Steve McQueen’s 275 GTB4 was brought to Ferrari by its current owner for the authenticity certification process. But to meet Ferrari’s certification standards, the car can only be authenticated if it matches its factory specifications. And McQueen’s Ferrari 275 GTB4 no longer did.McQueen took delivery of the 275 GTB4 when while on the set of the classic thriller ‘Bullitt’ – perhaps not satisfied with the power of the Ford Mustang made famous in the film’s chase scene, he fell in love with the classic Ferrari.The Ferarri’s roof was later removed by a subsequent owner in the 80’s. So Classiche has taken to restoring it to its original coupe form at the current owner’s request.Interest in classic Ferraris has peaked in recent years due to the direct involvement of Ferrari in the form of Classiche which was established in 2006. Classic Ferraris smashed world record auction prices over a number of years culminating in the sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO built for Sir Stirling Moss for US$35 million. 

The factories sent workers home as a 5.8 magnitude earthquake devastated villages and cities in northern Italy's Emilia Romagna region. At least 17 people died when the earthquake - the second in the area in 10 days - yesterday centred on Maserati's home town, Modena. The car maker reported some unspecified damage to its buildings. The first quake was followed three hours later by a 5.6 magnitude aftershock. Factories of the four are in the Emilia Romagna district - Maserati is based in Modena; Ferrari is 18km south west at Maranello; Lamborghini is in the village of Sant'Agata Bolognese, 20km east of Modena; and Ducati is at Borgo Panigale, near Bologna. Both Ferrari and its star driver Fernando Alonso tweeted in the aftermath of the event that the headquarters in Maranello was closing so that staff members could go home. About 5000 workers at the factories were affected. Production is expected to return today or tomorrow. The quake was felt throughout northern Italy, including the financial capital Milan, where some buildings and schools were evacuated, and as far south as Tuscany and Umbria. The severest damage to buildings was reported near the epicentre surrounding towns including Cavezzo, Medolla and Mirandola. The earthquake was the second this month in the region. An earthquake of a similar magnitude centered near the town of Finale Emilia killed seven people on May 20.  

Named after the Circuit de la Sarthe where the famed 24 hours race is held, the brand says the supercar is inspired by Le Mans prototypes from the 1980s. But there’s a definite resemblance to the McLaren MP4-12C, especially around the gills.The Sarther’s 45 per cent front/55 per cent rear weight distribution is centred on mid-mounting the 380kW/650Nm GM-sourced V8.The engine is mated to a six-speed transaxle – combining transmission and differential into the rear axle – rather than the high-tech computerised transmission you might expect in today’s supercar.It’s a bit spare on electronic technology everywhere under the skin, with ABS brakes really the only departure from a thoroughly old-school approach that might appeal to purists.And with a light tubular steel frame, carbon fibre body and honeycomb aluminium floor keeping the weight down to an anorexic 1387kg, you can have some faith in Vencer’s claims of a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 328km/h.However it will still trail behind the Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C who can do the distance in as little as 3.2.Vencer hasn’t released any details of when – or if – it will go into production, and at what price point they will pitch it.

The Ferrari SP12 EC – the last two letters being the rock god’s initials – reportedly set Clapton back about $4.75 million, although Ferrari declines to reveal the price.The SP12 EC was created by the Italian supercar maker’s styling studio Centro Stile Ferrari as a joint project with famed design house Pininfarina. In an official statement, Ferrari confirmed that the one-off car was influenced by Clapton’s love of the 1970s and early 80s 512 Berlinetta Boxers he’s previously had in his enviable carport.

... pack that will provide a whacking 670 kiloWatts for the supercar successor to the Enzo, codenamed F70.  The 'new Enzo' will have a 6.2-litre V12 engine boosted by an F1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System, as well as a full carbon fibre chassis and a price tag that will come close to $1 million in Australia - if the car is actually made with right-hand drive.

Burning rubber on a Chinese landmark isn’t the best way to promote a brand – one Ferrari employee did it anyway. Now Ferrari are up to their eyeballs in apologetic gestures after the dealership worker was filmed doing donuts on a section of a 600 year old Nanjing wall. The hoon-like PR stunt left parts of the Ming-Dynasty era landmark smeared with tyre marks. Worse still, Chinese officials claim structural damage has also occurred which will result in a hefty after-party cleanup bill for the luxury car company. While Ferrari can easily foot the bill – estimated to be over $600,000 – the brand may struggle to win back China’s respect.