Novitec Rosso Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider

Novitec Rosso, a German tuner has just created a twin-supercharged Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider, the latest Maranello exotic.

Novitec Rosso has added their own Bi-Compressor system, adding on two belt-driven superchargers tuned to 6.9 psi of boost. It’s $66,400 package adds a water-to-air intercooler in each cylinder bank, a redesigned intake manifold, larger injectors, and revised water and oil cooling. The additions are good for 696 hp, the tuner claims, and 503 lb-ft. A set of lightweight wheels with custom Pirelli tires manage traction the best they can, measuring 235/30 ZR20 front and 325/25 ZR20 rear. And a new set of springs lowers the package slightly. They added a new lowered sport suspension system with a front-lift system so you won’t scrape the front lip on bumps and curbs. Exterior changes include black taillights, side markers, and reflectors, while on the inside they’ve added a sport steering wheel, and bigger carbon fiber paddle shifters.

Novitec Rosso says shifting through the F1-SuperFast2 transmission at wide-open throttle will send you to 62 mph in 3.5 sec. A blast to 125 mph takes 9.7 sec. Top speed: over 205 mph. And remember, this is a convertible.

That’s an improvement over the stock 16M. Using “just” 503 hp and 347 ft from its 4.3 liter V8, that car took 3.8 sec. to reach 60 mph. At 1:26.5 seconds around Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit, the 16M was 1.5 seconds slower than the Scuderia coupe. A supercharger or two has helped with the performance.

What do you think about the Novitec Rosso Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider?

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novitec-ferrari-scuderia-3 novitec-ferrari-scuderia-2

Source: wot. motortrend.com and automoblog.net

Posted in Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M, Novitec Rosso. Tagged with Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M, Novitec Rosso.

By Rick Resch

07/01/2009

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Michael Schumacher takes Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE around Fiorano track

Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE

Michael Schumacher was on hand recently at the Fiorano race track to run a few laps with the new Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE.

Schumacher, the seven-times World Formula One Champion, was a guest at a Pilota Ferrari driving course held by the Italian automaker. He took about 20 laps around the track to test out the new technologies of the HGTE model.

HGTE stands for Handling GT Evoluzione (or Evolution), a new performance package first introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show last March. HGTE features a lower, more stiffened suspension, magnetorheological damper settings which will promise better body control and a new sport exhaust sound for the 599 GTB. The package also comes with a few cosmetic enhancements such as an interior carbon-fiber cabin finish with a meaner-looking grill and a set of new specialized 20-inch wheels on the outside.

Ferrari offers a variety of driving courses, restricted to Ferrari owners, including one that prepares drivers to race in the Ferrari Challenge event. There are four levels of courses that are available-Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course, and they are available in the U.S., China, Japan and of course, Italy.

What do you think about the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE?

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Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE Mike S. 2

Source: worldcarfans.com, easycarblog.com and motorauthority.com

Posted in Ferrari 599 GTE HGTE, Ferrari Challenge event, Geneva Intl. Motor Show, Pilota Ferrari driving course. Tagged with 599 GTB, Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE, Ferrari Challenge event, Geneva International Motor Show, HGTE, Michael Schumacher, Pilota Ferrari driving course.

By Rick Resch

06/30/2009

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Ferrari F450 Mules Caught Out in the Open

F450-muleczech I

The ageing F430 will soon be replaced by Ferrari’s upcoming F450. Spy pictures of the much anticipated car in mule form have appeared over recent months and weeks. There have also been renderings posted and even the car’s sound has been heard at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track.

Now new spy pictures of the F450 completely undisguised have surfaced. They show a number of the car’s main parts including the suspension, the braking system, the new V8 engine and some interior. From these pictures it might not look quite as attractive as one would expect but when the car does come together it will be another important part of history for the Scuderia.

Some specifics of the F450 are already out in the public domain. These include the engine’s power which will tip over the 500 hp (368 kw) mark thanks to the 4.5 liter V8 engine. Ferrari will use some F1-inspired components such as a 7-speed transmission, a KERS-like energy recovery system, handling-assisting software and next-generation traction control.

At the debut the F450 will only be featured as a hard top, with the Spider version arriving about 18 months later. There may be a hybrid variant introduced as well since Ferrari has admitted to working on such a system. A public unveiling of the F450 is likely to happen at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

What do you think of the Ferrari F450?

You can see an additional 25 photos of the components of the F450 at the worldcarfans.com website. It can be seen here at: http://www.worldcarfans.com/print/109062420099

Please leave a comment and answer the eight question survey to the right of the article where it says, “We Want Your Opinions!: Click Here to take our survey.”

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Source: worldcarfans.com and czechferrari.cz via jalopnik

Posted in Ferrari F430, Ferrari F450, Fiorano test track. Tagged with F430, F450, LA Auto Show, Scuderia.

By Rick Resch

06/25/2009

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Spy Photos: Undisguised Ferrari F450 test mules

f450-muleczech Hot on the trail of photos supposedly showing a Ferrari 599 Spider, the people over at CzechFerrari.cz have gotten a set of images of what appears to be a government certification mule for the highly anticipated upcoming Ferrari F450.

Usually, Ferrari test mules run with the previous models body panels, hiding the shape from the public eye and leaving us guessing what is concealed underneath. These shots are a different story altogether. Although missing the front and rear ends, these test vehicles show most of the body, the aluminum frame, a bit of the interior and the engine bay-complete with twin-clutch transmission and high-mounted exhaust outlets-giving us what looks to be our closest look at the upcoming replacement for the F430 we’ve seen yet.

The new V8 supercar is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this coming September, with a hybrid version potentially popping up at the Los Angeles show a few months later.

What do you think of this photo?

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Source: autoblog.com and czechferrari.cz

Posted in CzechFerrari.cz, Ferrari F450. Tagged with CzechFerrari.cz, F430, Ferrari, Ferrari 599 Spider, Ferrari F450, Frankfurt Auto Show, LA Auto Show.

By Rick Resch

06/24/2009

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Spy Photo:Ferrari 599 GTB Spider?

Ferrari 599 GTB Spider

The people from CzechFerrari made an interesting find in an unknown location: a Ferrari California-bodied prototype with an awkward removable roof. At first sight, it’s easy to dismiss the mule as just another California being readied for testing, but looking through the driver’s side window reveals an interior that’s noticeably different from the entry-level Ferrari-it’s closer to the 599. While it’s hardly conclusive evidence that Maranello is working on a convertible version of its V12 super-tourer, it’s compelling nonetheless. And with rumors of a drop-top variant circulating for months and a facelift right around the corner, Ferrari could be preparing a 599 Spider before the new model is revealed in the next two years.

What do you make of the photo of this Ferrari?

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Source: autoblog.com, autoscoops.nl and czechferrari.cz

Posted in CzechFerrari.cz, Ferrari 599 GTB Spider. Tagged with 599 Spider, California, CzechFerrari.cz, Ferrari, Ferrari 599 GTB Spider, Ferrari California, Maranello.

By Rick Resch

06/23/2009

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Ferrari F450 delayed to 2009 LA Auto Show

F-450 I There has been news that says the wide-ranging and highly improved technical specs over the retiring F430 model are featured in the latest Ferrari F450. Included in the improvements are engineering design ideas coming from both the Ferrari F1 and GT racing programs, plus radiators located in front of the front wheels, a double-clutch 7-speed transaxle gearbox, a software that cancels understeer and an enhanced version of traction control found in the Scuderia. The new model will be more rigid than the F430 due to its lightweight aluminum structure.

Therefore, the F450 achieves Ferrari’s target of weight reduction to improve both handling and emissions without power enhancements to the powerplant. The new Ferrari F450 may be shown at the 2009 LA Auto Show this coming December as a concept model coming with a hybrid powertrain for the future. The release is dependent upon, however, on further fine-tuning of the carmaker’s best-selling model which will be released for sale early next year. It was set for a September 9 revealing and its engineering was done some time ago, but the carmaker sees Pininfarina the need to adjust the aerodynamics of the car which was only ordered last month by Luca di Montezemolo. The F450 will be introduced as a hard-top only model in contrast to the release of the F430 when both Spider and coupe versions were introduced together.

In this case, the F450 Spider will be released 18 months after the coupe. The reason for this is to help the Ferrari California establish itself in the market before a strong-selling F450 Spider arrives on the scene.

What do you think of the Ferrari F450?

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Source: autospies.com

Posted in Ferrari F450, LA Auto Show. Tagged with F430, F450 Spider, Ferrari, Ferrari California, Ferrari F450, LA Auto Show, Luca di Montezemolo.

By Rick Resch

06/22/2009

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Ferrari California tuned by edo competition

Edo Competition Ferrari California

The Ferrari California has received its fair share of both praise and criticism. Some feel that this new grand touring drop-top is too tame and refined to wear the prancing horse insignia. Despite that, as with all Ferraris, the new California is a fast car that will turn heads. But for those who demand more, the German tuner edo competition has the answer.

Although the Ferrari California’s 453 hp rating is impressive, the edo competition Ferrari California has about a 40 hp advantage over the original car, with the 4.3-liter V8 engine increased to 500 hp with 369 lb-ft (@5,200 rpm) of torque thanks to some ECU reprogramming. The Company claims a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. These are impressive numbers, but not much different than the stock model whose engine “allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.” There’s probably not much of a difference between the two on the low end, although Edo’s top speed is 5 km/h faster than it left the factory.

Many options are available for the edo competition California. A tuned high-performance exhaust system with adjustable butterfly valves and high-flow catalytic converters can be installed. Ride height can be lowered by lowering the springs (-35mm) or an altogether new sport suspension system can be provided. Wheel and tire sets in 20 and 21 inches are available. Edo competition has options for those that find the Californias interior a little too plain. The Company has a list of available interior options such as sporty accessories including lavish, premium leather upholstery and will even fulfill custom requests. The tuner says that it “sets no limits to customer’s imaginations.”

Prices for the tuning package, wheels, and other options are not listed, but expect to pay a considerable sum. All options are available now through edo competition.

What do you think of the edo competition Ferrari California?

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Ferrari California edo competition I

Ferrari California edo competition II

Ferrari California edo competition III

Ferrari California edo competition IV Source: printthis.clickability.com, sub5zero.com, edmunds.com and autoblog.com

Posted in Ferrari California, edo competition. Tagged with edo competition, edo competiton Ferrari California, Ferrari California.

By Rick Resch

06/20/2009

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Ferrari Enzo Designer Opens New Studio in California

Ken Okuyama

Ken Okuyama, the well-known past Pininfarina head designer who came up with the much desired Ferrari Enzo supercar, among other drool-inducing vehicles, has opened a new design studio in Southern California.

The latest facility joins his other studios in Turin, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan and occupies the space once taken by Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Design Studio.

In being a roomy 35,000-sq.-ft. space, it features a good amount of designer-oriented goodies like project rooms, model construction capabilities, and an outside viewing area.

While automobile design is a major element of the studio’s mission, designers will also be working to create unique furniture, eyewear, and other consumer goods. Okuyama’s new location has the further capability to build a vehicle to his liking.

Before starting off on his own, Okuyama was the transportation design chairman of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He also has worked for Porsche, Chevrolet, and Honda, helping to design their respective Boxster, Corvette, and NSX sports cars.

When he accepted the creative director position at Pininfarina in 2004, Okuyama had his hand in creating the Ferrari P4/5, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Rossa, Maserati Birdcage 75th, among others.

What do you think about the Ferrari Enzo?

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Ferrari Enzo

Source: wot.motortrend.com

Posted in Ferrari Enzo, Ken Okuyama. Tagged with Art Center College of Design, Ferrari Enzo, Italy, Japan, Ken Okuyama, Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio, Southern California, Tokyo, Turin.

By Rick Resch

06/15/2009

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Ferrari Hybrid could debut at LA Auto Show

Ferrari F430 Spider Bio-Fuel at NAIAS 2008

There was a F430 bio-fuel powered prototype that was on the stand at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in recognition of the growing interest in the U.S. for alternate fuels. The V-8 is designed to run on E85 or gasoline. The concept has a modified fuel system and engine control computer in order to handle the corrosive and energy density properties of the higher mix of ethanol. All current production Ferraris can run on 10% ethanol. Peak horsepower is up 10 hp at the same rpm and torque is slightly better. Ferrari estimates a 5% reduction on CO2 emissions. Ferrari claims that experience in Formula One racing helped where gasoline is blended with 5.75% biomass fuel. Last June during Ferrari’s 60th anniversary celebration, the company announced a number of projects to lower fuel consumption and emissions levels. The goal is a 40% reduction in emissions by 2012.

Car and Driver writes that a hybrid concept could debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, for which the media days are December 2-3.

It was also noted that turbocharging besides ethanol may be part of Ferrari’s plan to going green.

It all started three months ago at the Geneva Motor Show, when Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said the company was testing prototypes of a 2009 Ferrari 599 fitted with a hybrid-electric powertrain.

Drawings from the patent applications showed several variations in which the hybrid system provided all-wheel-drive using an electric or a pair of wheel motors to power one set of wheels, with the other mechanically driven. The drawings included both front-and mid-engine layouts.

What do you think about hybrid or alternative fuel cars?

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Ferrari admits it is currently looking at biodiesel, hybrid, and alternative power sources

Source: greencarreports.com

Posted in Ferrari hybrid, LA Auto Show. Tagged with 2008 Detroit Auto Show, 2009 Ferrari 599, 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, Car and Driver, F430, Ferrari, Geneva Motor Show, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

By Rick Resch

06/11/2009

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2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M

ferrari-scuderia-spider16m-1aa2

The 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M is a high performance 2-door sports car.

The body of the car is made of carbon fiber, it features a powerful engine, stylish body structure, alloy wheels and an open top.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is the fastest moving open top car in the Ferrari lineup. The open top is operated by the touch of a button and it can be opened or closed within a few seconds.

The car features a mid engine V8 with a capacity of 4,308 cc. The engine delivers an output power of 510 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 347 lb.-ft. torque at 5,250 rpm. It reaches the speed of 60 mph in 3.6 sec. and the top speed is about 195 mph. The Scuderia Spider 16M features a 6-speed F1 transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily and quickly in 60 milliseconds when the driver flips the paddle.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in two new colors: the standard version is black with grey trim while a tricolor livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Program. The new car also has a special plaque on it’s rear grill commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title. The interior is also underscored by the silver “limited series” plaque just above the air vents at the center of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll bar with a carbon-fiber outer shell and an audio system that can be combined with the removable customized Ferrari iPod Touch 16GB media player.

-Represents the number of times Ferrari has won the World Constructors Championship. The CEO, Luca di Montezemolo is personally for the 16M as he requested a car to celebrate last years constructors title: 16M

-The number of 16M to be built: 499

-Base price: $313,350

-Vehicle layout: Mid-engine, RWD, 2-passenger, 2-door, convertible

-Engine: 4.3L/503 hp/347-lb.-ft. DOHC 32-valve V-8

-Transmission: 6-speed auto-clutch manual

-Curb weight (front/rear distribution): 3,175 lb. (43/57%)

-Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

-Length x width x height: 177.6 x 75.7 x 47.9 inches

-0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.

-Quarter mile: 11.8 sec. at 122.7 mph.

-1.8-mile road course lap: 86.5 sec. *

-Braking, 60-0 mph: 96 ft.

-Braking, 100-0 mph: 288 ft.

-EPA city/hwy fuel economy: 11/16

-CO2 emissions: 1.52 lb./mile

-The kilograms saved over the standard Spider from the introduction of additional carbon fiber and special light weight wheels as well as the deletion of carpet (not optional) and noise reduction material: 176 lbs.

*Ferrari test driver, Fiorano circuit

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ferrari-scuderia-spider-16m-2