You see DMC is now going further than just tuning cars, and getting into designing and engineering them. With this particular Ferrari they’ve come up with a new body kit made of a special silver carbon fiber. That’s why it’s called the 3S: Surfista Silver Star.

The new components are extensively tested in the wind tunnel for the best aerodynamic efficiency. You get a carbon fiber splitter at front, and a silver carbon rear diffuser. The carbon fiber bit on the license plate bay is also replaced with a silver one.

Performance-wise DMC has turbocharged the California’s V8 from 460 PS (453 hp) to 606 PS (598 hp). As a result the car goes from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds before hitting its 202 mph top speed ( up from 193 mph). To get that power they’ve also used enlarged injection nozzles and a new tailor made crankshaft, new exhausts and an upgraded ECU.

A pair of ADV1 rims, 9Jx21″ in front and 11.5Jx22″ in the rear, finish the package off.

If you’re not a tuner sort of person word is that Ferrari plans its own California upgrade by early next year.

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Source: motorward.com

Spy photographers have managed to snap a second Ferrari model out testing in Italy at the sports car maker’s home turf of Maranello. This time, the disguised model is a California, out testing alongside the 599 successor we reported on two days ago. Sources suggest that this Ferrari California is fitted with a turbocharger and could be hiding a series of performance enhancements and weight reductions.

The most notable difference between the car in these pictures and the standard Ferrari California are the NACA ducts fitted to the front nose. These ducts have historic significance, having been a distinguishing feature of the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO and the Ferrari F40. However, we don’t suspect that Ferrari will use the GTO moniker for this model. Other visible differences include a bulge on the passenger side of the vehicle and a mis-fitting bonnet.

Rumours have been circulating recently about a 30hp increase in power for the 2012 California. These rumours have been all but confirmed by dealers who are now taking deposits for a 2012 California at a premium of 2% above the out going model. At the same time, Ferrari will release a £ 5,000 HGTE upgrade, much like the one offered for the 599 a couple of years ago. A 30kg weight reduction should be felt, and upgrades to the on-board infotainment system.

While these spyshots prove that something is on the books for Ferrari, it has lead to speculation that something more substantial will be presented at a later date. The photographers have suggested that the mule is fitted with a turbocharger which they reported a distinct whine from the engine bay. A dramatic revelation, harking back to the Ferrari F40, the last Ferrari to use forced induction. Whatever is under the hood, Ferrari’s engineers were certainly worried about cooling during testing. The hood was kept open slightly when driving off the track, but closed once the  car began running laps. A cover over the front of the hood was removed prior to  testing, which presumably revealed the NACA ducts we see in these photos.

At the moment, we’re not sure whether the California will breed a Scuderia-style hardcore variant or whether this could be a simple model overhaul. There are of course plenty of other options. It could be a test mule for a different type of engine. Perhaps the Enzo-successors engine. Admittedly, this would be a long stretch as Ferrari are likely to test this engine in a mid-engined vehicle. Perhaps the label on the fuel filler cap gives us a better idea? It say’s ‘Only V-Power’. Why would Ferrari employees need to be reminded?

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Source: wot.motortrend.com and gtspirit.com

Now that Ferrari has launched the FF as the official replacement of the 612 Scaglietti, it’s time for the Italian automaker to wrap up development of the successor to the 599. The car’s replacement was undergoing development in a California shell. What you see here are the first photos that actually give a glimpse of the new car’s shape, dressed in loose-fitting camouflage.

The 599 successor – rumored to be dubbed F620 – will likely be powered by Ferrari’s 6.3-liter V12, churning out over 700 horsepower. Unlike the all-wheel-drive FF, the 599 replacement will continue to use rear-wheel drive, sending its power to the back wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with an F1-style electronic differential. As previously reported, a hybrid drivetrain could also be in the works.

Our sources suggest that the F620 will be much lighter than the outgoing 599, due in part to a larger usage of aluminum in the body construction. As for design, it’s safe to assume that the coupe will take a large influence from the 458 Italia, with some cues from the FF thrown in for good measure. Then again, it’s a Ferrari, so we doubt the finished product will be anything but stunning.

Expect to see more of the F620 as it continues its development testing over the next few months. The car is expected to make its debut at next year’s Geneva International Motor Show in March and could go on sale by late 2012.

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Source: autoblog.com and wot.motortrend.com

With the Ferrari California now three years old without a change, 2012 will reportedly breathe some youth back into this drop-top thanks to a bevy of internal engine component upgrades, as well as a lightening of the chassis and an improvement of suspension response times, according to CAR.

The list of changes – should they turn out to be true – are actually quite impressive, ranging from better-machined internal engine components including a micro-cast exhaust manifold, along with new engine computer mapping that all come together for a 30 horsepower boost from 453, to 483hp. It’s worth noting that the extra power is only available when the tank is topped off with 98 octane fuel, though the ECU will accommodate 95 octane as well. Torque also gets a bump, from 358 to 373 lb-ft of torque.

But that isn’t all that will be improved upon, as the magazine reports that lighter materials used on the chassis will help shave a very commendable 66.1 lbs from the vehicle, always a welcome change. Then factor in that the optional Special Handling Package will feature an upgraded magnetorheological suspension control system, resulting in a response time being halved from 10 to 5 ms. The dampers will also be able to switch between either extreme of hardest to softest, or softest to hardest in just 8 ms.

But that’s not all, either! The report also claims that the seven-speed F1 twin-clutch transmission will be added into the mix, dropping the zero-to-62 time of just 3.85 seconds, compared to the four-second time of the current model.

All in all, the performance changes seem quite thorough for a mid-cycle refresh, but will likely be a welcome change to prospective future buyers. As for cosmetic changes, the only update will come in the form of an optional silver grille, which will be matched by an equally unimportant upgrade from 30 to 40 gigabytes for the infotainment system’s hard drive – which will also gain syncing capability with Apple and Android phones.

What do you think about the improvements to the 2012 Ferrari California? Does it make it more appealing?

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Source: leftlanenews.com and autoblog.com

This is a short new promotional video of the Ferrari California drifting on snow and ice. Despite the car being rear wheel drive, the test driver keeps it under control. Proves that any Ferrari California or Ferrari for that matter, can be driven in the snow with the right skill. No need to have a 4WD like in the Ferrari FF.

The Ferrari California has a 454hp/4.3L V-8 engine, with a Seven-Speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. It’s important to note this is the first Ferrari with a front engined V-8, where as the majority of the marquee’s vehicles have the engine mounted in the middle. The car is 2+2 configuration, meaning it can seat 4 people. It can accelerate to 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds. The top speed is 193mph. It is estimated that over 60% of buyers to the Ferrari California are new to the brand. Most are rumored to be sold out for 2011.

The video was shot in the mountain town of Saint Moritz, Switzerland, where there are over 300 days of sunshine every year, making it an ideal location for tourists looking to ski, snowboard, or participate in other snow activities. Many athletes come to Saint Moritz for high altitude training. The town hosts St. Moritz Match Race which is held on the lake right next to the town. The St. Moritz Match Race event is part of the famed World Match Racing Tour. The Tour extends over 3 continents, and sailing teams come from all over the world compete in Sailing Duels. The mountain town even hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928, and again in 1948.

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Source: torquenews.com

Although we first heard about Ferrari’s latest ‘Tailor-Made Program’ back in July, the Italian supercar marque waited until last week’s 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show to formally announce it.

In Frankfurt Ferrari had a dedicated stand for the Tailor-Made Program, with several custom cars similar to the Lapo Elkan inspired ‘Blue-Denim’ California pictured here.

The Tailor-Made Program provides clients with an extensive range of exclusive cloth trim, colors, finishes and technical materials for a final specification inspired by unique classic Ferraris and by motorsports.

The selection is available in three innovative collections–Classica, Scuderia and Inedita–specifically conceived by Ferrari’s own Styling Center.

In creating their bespoke cars, clients will be assisted by their own personal designer throughout the decision-making process, right up until delivery.

Note, the latest Tailor-Made Program isn’t the first of Ferrari’s vehicle personalization services. In fact, it isn’t even the second.

There’s also the ‘Special Projects’, which spawned the Ferrari Superamerica 45, as well as the original ‘Carrozzeria Scaglietti’ and ‘One-to-One’ programs.

With so many options for customers, it’s little wonder that every Ferrari sold this year had some form of personalization.

Have you had a Ferrari created in the ‘Tailor Made Program’ yet or will?”

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Source: motorauthority.com

Ferrari will replace two of its five core models, the 430 Spider and the 599 GTB Fiorano, in the next two years, while adding a sportier variant to its  best-selling model, the 458 Italia.

Here is a look at Ferrari’s future product plans:

458 Italia: U.S. shipments of Ferrari’s best-selling model began in June last year. A freshening is planned in 2014. Ferrari is adding a sportier  variant, the 458 Scuderia, in 2013.

458 Spider: At the Frankfurt show in September, Ferrari will debut the 458 Spider, which will replace the 430 Spider. The powertrain will be unchanged,  while a retractable hard top will replace the canvas top offered on the 430. Sales in Europe begin in September. U.S. shipments follow in the first quarter of 2012.

California: A freshening for the Ferrari  California is planned for 2013.

599 GTB Fiorano: In 2012 Ferrari will replace the 599 GTB Fiorano with a redesigned model still known by its code-name, F152. The new car will remain a two-seat coupe with rear drive and a direct-injection V12 longitudinal  engine mounted in the front. The model will debut in March at the Geneva auto show, with European sales to begin in the summer and U.S. shipments by year end.

FF: The first all-wheel-drive Ferrari debuted in March at the Geneva show, went on sale in July in Europe and will arrive by year end in the States. Ferrari is building 800 units a year of the four-seat FF coupe; production is sold out until the end of 2012.

The FF, which stands for Ferrari Four, replaced the company’s 612 Scaglietti  flagship. The FF is marginally bigger and roomier but at 3,946 pounds weighs the  same as the Scaglietti despite adding awd.

The FF is powered by a new 660-hp, 6.3-liter V12 direct-injection engine that takes the car to 208 mph.

Limited-edition car: The successor to the Enzo limited-edition  supercar is set to go on sale in 2012. The all-carbon fiber model will be  powered with a new, normally aspirated V-12 and will herald weight-reduction and  fuel-saving technologies that Ferrari plans to adapt to its entire range by the  end of decade.

It is unclear how many units Ferrari plans to build. The company built 399 units of the Enzo, launched in 2002, and 349 units of predecessor, the 1995 F50.

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Source: autoweek.com

For better or worse, Ferrari is to begin a program in which it will personalize cars to the sometimes eccentric tastes of its clients. The program, dubbed “Tailor Made,” will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

To demonstrate the possibilities of the personalization scheme, Ferrari showed several customized cars at an internal dealer meeting. One, a California created for Fiat executive Lapo Elkan, featured blue-denim upholstery, blue paint and matching blue wheels. Another example was a 458 Italia outfitted with orange leather seats.

Ferrari did not specify whether it would place any restraints on the program in the interest of good taste. Expect more details to follow when the program is outlined in full at Frankfurt.

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Source: leftlanenews.com

There’s mass luxury, like, say Starbucks. There’s affordable luxury, like the occasional trip to Saks or Neiman Marcus. And then there’s unaffordable luxury, like Ferrari, the Italian car brand whose entry-level vehicles start at around $190,000.

Amid a generally blah spring for car sales, Ferrari just turned its best half year in history, with revenues up nearly 20 percent from the year before. Worldwide, it delivered 11.8 percent more cars in the first half of 2011 than it did in the first half of 2010. And the U.S., its largest market, is booming. Sales in North and South America (with the U.S. accounting for the overwhelming majority of sales) were up 23.9 percent in the first half, to 939.

The numbers are impressive given the many headwinds to Ferrari sales. Rising uncertainty in the economy and the weak dollar, which makes Italian imports more expensive, would be expected to put a crimp in sales. You’d also think that the new normal of careful purchasing and concerns about flaunting wealth in an era of 9 percent unemployment would hamper sales.

It’s not your normal car dealership. Only two vehicles are on display. Much of the space is filled with accessories —- luggage, clothes, model cars that go for about the price of a gently used Hyundai. Vivaldi plays in the background as visitors sip espresso in little glasses.

If the rich have done well in the past few years, the extremely rich have done extremely well. Ferrari North America President Marco Mattiacci notes that the number of high net-worth individuals grew last year and is back to the level of 2007. “What has changed is that people now want to spend, they want to enjoy life,” he says. While anyone can walk into a Ferrari showroom, it’s very hard to walk out with one. “Our philosophy is always to deliver one unit less than the market demand, as a way to keep exclusivity,” says Mattiacci. The current wait for a California coupe (price: about $192,000) is six to eight months. (Mattiacci himself drives a Jeep Cherokee, made by another unit of Fiat.)

Unlike other luxury car makers, Ferrari hasn’t adjusted to the new era by introducing a lower-priced, more accessible version. In fact, it went in the other direction. “We don’t define our segment on price, we define it on best-in-class product,” says Mattiacci. “Our customer is looking for something extremely exclusive. They don’t want to see the same car in the parking lot.”

The newest entry is the FF, a true four-seater, roomy, fit for a family. It costs about $300,000, and is the perfect bauble for the type of guy (almost all U.S. Ferrari buyers are male) who wants to drop his kids off at the soccer game in comfort. Why did Ferrari develop what could be described as a crossover? “Different Ferraris for different Ferraristi,” says Mattiacci. “A lot of customers said, ‘I would like to go Colorado to my ranch, I would like to go to ski, I need a Ferrari to go there.’”

There is one significant difference from the pre-crisis days. Most buyers can afford to pay cash, but today some 40 percent of car buyers in the U.S. rely on a lease or loan from Ferrari Financial Services, a financing unit started several years ago. (The typical customer using financing has annual income of $1.5 million a year and liquid assets of more than $10 million.)

Matiacci foresees more growth and new dealerships in the U.S. But as with luxury brands, Ferrari may find that the greatest prospects for growth lie in China. Sales in China more than doubled in the first half of 2011; its network of dealers in the former worker’s paradise is expected to rise from 10 to 15.

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Source: finance.yahoo.com

Close your eyes and picture a convertible Ferrari. Now open them. What kind of roof did it have? If you’re thinking of folding cloth, Ferrari’s made plenty of those throughout its history. But of the last three to roll out the gates of Maranello, only one of them had a soft top. And a makeshift one at that.

That was on the limited-edition SA Aperta. The one-off Superamerica (also based on the 599, and like its namesake predecessor) had a flip-top glass panel, and the California (the only production convertible the company currently offers) has a folding metal roof.

The question, then, is what type of roof the anticipated upcoming 458 Spider will incorporate. The jury’s still out, but reports suggest it won’t be a soft-top like the F430, 360, 355 and 348 Spiders that came before. Instead it could feature some new kind of glass or metal contraption that will slide down behind the two seats when stowed.

The versatility could come at the expense of the clear engine cover that lets you peer into that state-of-the-art 4.5-liter V8 and its Rosso red cam covers. But whatever type of roof the 458 Spider packs, you can bet Ferrari is working hard at keeping weight to a minimum and rigidity to a maximum.

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Source: autoblog.com