Ferrari News

Then we head north in a Holden Cruze and Mitsubishi ASX, looking to see how far this pair can go on a single take of fuel.  Ed Ordynski is in the ASX and I have the Cruze, holding  the trip computer just over 6 litres/100km as Ordynski - expert driver - is below 5 litres/100km.The first stop is just outside Port Pirie after 250 kilometres and the figures are 5.3 and 4.2, as we battle wind and rain.  A lunch stop in Waikerie - about 530km into the journey - and then a turn south to follow the Murray both cars maintain sub-6 readings - the ASX in the region of 4.5 and the Cruze 5.5 litres per 100km as we pass the 700km mark near Murray Bridge.The weather worsens as we follow the river south through 730km at Wellington."The ASX was more adversely affected by that, it was 0.3 litres/100km worse off - we did what you need to do into a headwind and that was reduce the speed a little," Ordynski says.Running down through the southern foothills to complete our 1000km journey we return the tanks to full. There are still 15 litres in the Mitsubishi's 60-litre tank, but my Cruze is almost on fumes.  But after thirteen hours of "real-world" driving we have hit our 1000-kilometre target."I would drive like that with people on board and not be embarrassed," Ordynski says.  "You win on fuel use and emissions as well, with 2kg of CO2 for every litre of fuel, you win on maintenance and longevity of the vehicle by driving it kindly as well, it's hard to see a downside."Ed Ordynski’s Fuel TipsLevel 1. Overall factors1. Plan when you need to use your car to avoid unnecessary journeys.2. Plan your journey to avoid peak hour and congested roads.3. Measure your fuel consumption and take pride in reducing it.4. Choose an energy efficient vehicle.Level 2. Anyone can try1. Concentrate on driving smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to conserve momentum.2. Keep tyre pressures at maximum recommended.3. Avoid any excess weight in the vehicle and remove accessories which affect the aerodynamics (e.g. roof racks).4. Choose a manual transmission and learn to drive it properly for optimum fuel efficiency.Level 3. Hard-core methods1. Avoid use of airconditioning and keep windows closed.2. Do not use cruise control but do focus on keeping a constant speed and conserving momentum.3. Drive at low speed - most cars are at their most efficient at around 75km/h in top gear.4. Drive off as soon as the engine is started, especially from a cold start.GREEN STARSMake-model weight price combined fuel con1. Mitsubishi -MiEV 980kg $leased 02. Toyota Prius 1370kg $39,990 3.93. Smart Fortwo 750kg $19,9904.44. Honda Insight 1205kg $29,9904.65. Suzuki Alto 880kg $11,790 4.8GREEN DUDS1. Ferrari 599 1690kg $677,250 21.32. Ferrari 612 1849kg $698,000 20.73. Nissan Patrol 4.8 2440kg $75,690 17.24. Maserati GT S Coupe 1880kg $345,900 16.65. Mercedes ML 500 2148kg $132,400 16.5

Called the F150 to celebrate this year's 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, the new Ferrari Formula 1 car was launched by drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa in Italy yesterday. To comply with the new 2011 F1 regulations, the double diffuser and the blown rear wing are gone, as is the use of apertures in the front part of the floor.  Instead, an hydraulically controlled adjustable rear wing has been added, and Pirelli tyres have replaced the old Bridgestones. The first F1 race of 2011 is in Bahrain on March 13.  Lotus-Renault teams (Renault F1) are set to unveil their car on January 31, 2011, followed by Red Bull, Mercedes GP, Toro Rosso and Williams on February 1, 2011, McLaren on Feb. 4th and Virgin on Feb. 7th.      

The FF (Ferrari Four) all-wheel driver is a gran turismo four-seater with a "shooting brake" rear end which is basically a big hatchback.  Initial thoughts when viewed side-on is that it looks like the 1970s Jenson Interceptor or even the Porsche 928. While there's no harm in borrowing styles from yesteryear - especially ones that are so iconic - and developing them, for a modern world, the FF also imitates some of its contemporaries.  Most interestingly, its side profile bears a stunning resemblance to the BMW M Coupe, albeit the earlier bulbous models. Who would have thought the Italians would look to Germany for styling cues?  Of course, the biggest problem with a shooting brake design is trying to make that big rear end look sleek - like J Lo, rather than Oprah.

Famed for its two-seater, rear-wheel-drive supercars, the Italian manufacturer has revealed its first four-wheel drive, the four-seater Ferrari FF.  The latest addition to the Maranello prancing horse fleet is also a hatchback or "shooting brake", but unlike any normal hatchback. Its 6262cc direct-injection V12 engine delivers 485kW of power that slings the red missile from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335km/h. But the main point of difference in the "Ferrari Four" is the addition of four-wheel drive for the first time which places it in even closer competition with all-wheel-drive Lamborghinis.  Ferrari's patented 4RM four-wheel drive system is claimed to weigh half as much as other systems to provide a balanced weight distribution of 53 per cent over the rear axle. While no details of how the drive system works have been released, it is believed Ferrari favours a part-time system.  This could be a system that is activated by driver selection, when slip is detected in the rear wheels or engaged at lower speeds then kicks into rear-wheel-drive for better fuel economy and performance. It is integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems and has the latest version of Ferrari's magnetic suspension damping system and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Carsguide has published spy photos from Carparazzi of the car heavily disguised but looking frumpy in the rear end.  However, with the covers removed it appears Italian design house Pininfarina has produced a sleek supercar that looks like an aerodynamic version of the 1970s Jensen Interceptor. It has generous space for four passengers and even 450 litres of luggage. With the rear seats down, luggage space increases to 800 litres.The new four-seater gran turismo style puts it in direct competition with the emergence over the past few years of other four-steer GTs such as the Porsche Panamera and Aston Rapide. The FF will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will arrive in Australia early next year.  Australian importer Ateco says it will replace the 612 Scaglietti in its four-car line-up. The current Scaglietti sells here for $698,000, but the FF's drive system is expected to boost that price.  It would join Ferrari's current Australian line-up of California Convertible ($459,650), 458 Italia ($526,950) and 599 Fiorano ($677,250). The Italian manufacturer is currently enjoying record sales in the US and China and in Australia, Ferrari sold 126 cars last year, up 21.2 per cent which is double the market trend. Ateco spokesman Edward Rowe says the FF will appeal to "people who want a Ferrari that is able to used across a broad range of uses.  What's been happening over the past 10-15 years is Ferrari owners' average mileage they drive has been increasing significantly every year and Ferrari owners want to be able to use their cars in a much wider range of uses," he says. "The idea of this car is it's fully capable of going to a high-speed performance day and then take you and your family and skis in the car down to the snow for a ski weekend.  This illustrates the enormous breadth and ability of this car." Rowe says the FF is "still a true supercar" in performance and handling.  "It remains a true mid-engined Ferrari but at the same time it's like no other Ferrari that's gone before it." Rowe says they already have "double figures" of customers "putting their hand up" for the FF. Ferrari FF Price: TBAEngine: 65-degree 6262cc direct-injection V12Power: 485kW @ 8000 rpmTorque: 683Nm @ 6000 rpmDimensions (mm): 4907 (l), 1953 (w), 1379  (h) Dry weight: 1790kg Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear Top speed: 335 km/h0-100km/h: 3.7 secEconomy: 15.4L/100kmCO2: 360g/kmFerrari FF

Hidden beneath the billowing black blankets is the upcoming replacement for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.It is caught by Carparazzi on a road close to Ferrari's home base at Maranello in Italy and it doesn't take much imagination to strip away the disguise of a car that is expected to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.Carparazzi reports the bodywork will have a frontal design very close to the latest 458 speedster, a four-tailpipe exhaust system and a prominent rear hatchback to make the 612 more practical than the mid- engined members of the Ferrari family.The 612 successor is expected to have an advanced all-wheel drive system, seven-speed double-clutch transmission and a 6.3-litre V12 engine making 500 kiloWatts. The package is promising a 0-100km/h launch in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h.

The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe was bought by the Beatle in 1965 and is expected to sell for between 120,000 euros ($A156,188) and  170,000 euros ($A221,267). Lennon's biographer, Philip Norman, described how car dealers descended on the singer's home when the news emerged that he had passed his test and offered him a "gleaming smorgasbord" of luxury cars. But it was the Ferrari that caught his eye, with Lennon paying STG2,000 for the car, It was soon joined by his trademark Rolls-Royce, complete with psychedelic paintwork, and a Mini. The car will be sold by auction house Bonhams at a sale in Paris on February 5.

"The 458 Italia is an extraordinary Ferrari," says Car editor Phil McNamara. "That one of the fastest, most thrilling and communicative supercars of all time is also one of the easiest to drive day in, day out is a remarkable achievement. "Next year's new McLaren supercar will have to be extraordinarily talented to dislodge the Italia." Car magazine's "Performance Car of the Year" test took place over more than 4000km in Europe earlier this year, with competitors from eight different brands. The 458's Car gong follows a chestful of COTY medals including those of Fifth Gear, BBC Top Gear Magazine and Auto Express. The Ferrari 458 Italia was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 and has since had journalists flailing for superlatives.

Usain Bolt is used to spending his days at a track, but for once he is not the fastest thing there. The current 100m and 200m world-record holder spent some time at Ferrari's Fiorano test track in Maranello, Italy, as both passenger and driver of the 599 GTB Fiorano and 458 Italia.Ferrari test drivers Dario Benuzzi and Raffaele De Simone took the wheel first, before handing the keys to Bolt for some laps and lessons on car control."It’s a little bit like me, very reactive and determined!" Usain Bolt says, having stepped out of the 458 Italia. “I was really scared, but it was a good scare. I’m excited like a child.” he says.Usain Bolt is not new to driving fast cars. Major sponsor Puma provided Bolt with a new BMW M3 Coupe, which he crashed in April 2009 when driving on a wet highway. The crash rolled the BMW several times, but Bolt escaped with only minor injuries.

Then the Sheikh - the last of the original magnificent seven who created the UAE - died and all the music stopped.  The beer ran out, Ferrari World didn't open, the parties were cancelled and a sombreness closed in as depressing as the dust storms that swirl Dubai's heaven-reaching buildings. Later that day, at a post-launch dinner, two tables were empty.  The Chinese journalists, I was told, were shopping. "Really?"  "No, not really," came the response.  "They're in gaol." Welcome to Dubai. A city or a kingdom or a country or a shopping mecca. You decide. Dubai can be a lot of things to a lot of people but it comes with silent warning tags.  It reminds me of the US. Complex and brash, excesses of poverty and wealth all topped by a thick coating of hypocrisy. You don't show affection when walking with your wife/partner/girlfriend in Dubai. You don't show emotion of any kind, really, except to recognise you are in another person's country and you do as they do. Wear what they wear, drive like they drive. When it comes to the car, they drive pretty much like what we drive. There's a lot of Altona-built Camrys and Elizabeth-sourced Commodores.They're not big on luxury Europeans. In 300-plus kilometres, I counted four Audis, about the same number of BMWs though there were a few more Mercedes. And four motorcycles. Commodores with Chevrolet badges were relatively common, though Hyundais were dominant. The deserts crowd the city but SUVs are few and the only 4WD of note was the Toyota FJ which we get in March. They drive on the other side of the road and tend to disregard speed limits, though just recently the police - who, you will learn, are not to be argued with - were issued with hand-held cameras and the revenue is soaring, according to a taxi driver on the windswept trip to the hotel from the airport. On the road test in Kia's promising Optima, the bitumen through the sand was impressive in quality. You can build up a bit of speed out here, too, but the car moves around a bit when the winds whip the flanks and the steering gets uncomfortably light. Caution, too, for the camels. Australians may be practised at screening the rural horizon for kangaroos and this augurs well for a blast across the sands towards Abu Dhabi. Camels are the same colour as kangaroos are the same colour as the sand, so can easily become invisible save for the fact they prefer to walk on the road. Where you are. At 120km/h or more. It's all good for the heart.  Wadis (oases) come and go in a blink of palm leaves and the road finds interest as it climbs towards Hatta through rich red rocky earth piles that show no vegetation. Further, at Kalba, the road skims the edge of the Gulf of Oman with its flat, pale water and distant oil rigs.  The car is very comfortable, notably quiet and the features and fittings reflect a thoughtful and careful methodology. It should do well, even though the car wasn't exactly the one bound for Australia in January. On the return to Dubai, a coffee stop filled us with sticky buns and Nescafe from a jar at a wadi with beige buildings and beige dust interrupted only by a few green palm trees and a black bitumen highway. I expect Dubai's 850m-odd high Burj Khalifa to become the lighthouse to guide me back to the hotel but it's clouded by dust.  It is an uninspiring return, repeating the almost full stops over countless speed humps - yes, on the freeway - and the tedium of dozens upon dozens of roundabouts. At dinner, with Kia bosses, talk moved from the death of Sheikh Saqr to the postponement that day of the Ferrari World opening to new cars to free trade to Chinese journalists.  "Why are they in gaol?" "They were arrested after photographing the police station. You are not allowed to photograph public buildings in Dubai. The Chinese were photographing everything." "Are they still there?" "I don't know."

But don't think about buying one. Only 80 cars are being built and the SA Aperta is already a sellout to customers with have been waiting as long as two years to see their new car for the first time. For once, because the car is only being built in right-hand drive, none of the newest Ferrari model is coming to Australia. The Aperta, which takes its name from the Italian word for open, is a celebration of the 80th anniversary of Ferrari's long-term design partnership with Pininfarina in Italy. The SA tag comes as a salute to Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina. It is the first V12-powered Ferrari convertible in five years, although the Italian brand is doing huge business now with the V8- engined, soft-focus California droptop. "The last time there was a V12 convertible was the Superamerica in 2005," says Edward Rowe, spokesman for Ferrari in Australia. But the SA Aperta is not the only Ferrari hero in Paris this week, as the California is going hybrid. There are no details yet but it will be something special from the Italian brand. It's the same with the SA Aperta, even if the car is silly expensive - more than $600,000 - and a sellout. Ferrari says it proves you can have a convertible that is as rigid as a sedan, and without any major weight penalty. Just as importantly, Ferrari promises that each of the 80 buyers will be able to make their car unique with a nearly-endless combination of colours and trims. But there is one shortcoming - the SA Aperta is not a new-age hardtop with a folding metal roof. Unlike the California, which has a clamshell top, the open-air 599 has an old-school folding fabric roof. But Ferrari even has an excuse - call it a reason - for the roof choice. "It has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad," it says. Pininfarina, first the designer Sergio and then his company with the same name, has been responsible for Ferrari bodywork since the 212 Inter of 1952. Among the more memorable Pininfarina designs for Ferrari are the 250 GT SWB of 1959, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona of 1968, the Dino 246 GT of 1968, the F40 of 1984, the F50 of 1995 and the one-off P4/5 of 2006. It is also responsible for the latest 458 Italia, which comes after the F355, 360 Modena and F430 line.