2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution Review

The innovative FXX programme, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009. The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles.

The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

Maranello's engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which will cut the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1'16'' (previously it was 1'18''). The FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 860 hp at 9500 rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car's new traction control system, developed in close collaboration with the GES Racing Division engineers, gives the driver a choice of no less than nine different settings (plus the off position) which are selected using a switch on the central tunnel. This means that the driver really can modify the car's behaviour on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximise performance and reduce tyre wear. The FXX's traction control is also now less invasive and more flexible, adapting more efficiently to the individual driving style of each driver - a requirement pinpointed when this very extreme car was being driven on the track by non-professional drivers.

The FXX's special 19" Bridgestone tyres now last longer too thanks to a new car setup and new front suspension geometry, while the Brembo brakes, which boast large Composite Ceramic Material (CCM) discs, are more efficient with the result that the brake pads last twice as long. Thanks to the drivers' feedback the Ferrari engineers have also developed new aerodynamic solutions aimed at increasing downforce over the rear axle. The FXX now sports a new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which have combined to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25% overall. The active front spoiler control system settings have been adjusted to take these modifications into account too. New telemetry monitoring of the steering angle and brake pump pressure will further boost the interaction between Client test drivers and the company's engineers also. From next year onwards, it will be possible for drivers to have two extra video cameras mounted on their car in addition the existing rear-facing one. This will, of course, give the drivers excellent rear visibility without having to impinge in any way on the car's aerodynamics.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising at international circuits for 2008/2009. Six events are planned for each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia). In addition to these, the FXXs will also be participating, as per tradition, in the prestigious end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

As happened in 2006/2007, the cars will be backed up at each event by a 15-member official team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients. Needless to say, the latter will still be able to organise their own private individual track sessions in their car as well.

Asia Pacific debut of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia has made its Asia-Pacific debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show this week (24 October 2007) celebrating Ferrari’s 60th Anniversary and providing its most demanding customers with a new level of performance and technology.

Ferrari’s fastest full production car lined up on the Tokyo stand alongside the latest version of the 612 Scaglietti, the Coupe and Spider versions of the F430 and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, demonstrating Ferrari’s clear links with Formula One and to celebrate its double world title-winning performance in 2007.

FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA - MAIN SPECIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Lightweight, simple and striking with a distinctive engine and exhaust sound: every last detail of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia exudes uncompromising sportiness as a direct result of its close links to the world of racing, which is reflected in the car's name: "Scuderia". Seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher was also involved in the car's development, with the result that the most advanced single-seater technology is now available to Ferrari's sportiest and most passionate clients.

With a dry weight of 1250 kg and 510 hp delivered at 8500 rpm by its naturally aspirated 4308 cc V8 engine, the "Ferrari 430 Scuderia" boasts an extraordinarily low weight-power ratio of just 2.45 kg/hp, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. It can also complete a lap at Fiorano in a time comparable to that of the Enzo, the Ferrari that has come to epitomize Maranello's philosophy of transferring F1 content to its road cars.

Thanks to its sophisticated aerodynamics, F1-SuperFast2 gearbox and E-Diff coupled with the sophisticated F1-Trac traction control system, this sporty new mid-rear engined berlinetta combines ultra-nimble handling with blisteringly fast acceleration. The result? Absolutely superlative driving pleasure both on the road and on the track.

ENGINE AND ENGINE SOUND

The 430 Scuderia's engine is an evolution of the F430's 90 degree V8 which features a number of modifications to boost its specific power output from 114 hp/liter to 118 hp/liter. The inlet ducts and exhaust system have been optimized, most notably through the adoption of the exhaust geometries derived from the "F430 Challenge" and the use of carbon-fiber on the intake manifold and for the filter housing to aid weight reduction.

Thanks to Ferrari's Formula 1 experience, the 430 Scuderia's ignition system boasts special coils and, for the first time on a market-targeted car, a dedicated CPU capable of monitoring the ionizing currents generated inside the combustion chamber between the spark plug electrodes. This means that every single sparking detonation is detected for every cylinder and sparking is faster and more accurate across the board.

The 430 Scuderia's compression ratio has also been increased to 11.88:1, thanks in part to a new piston design.

Particular attention was paid to achieving just the right sound from the engine and exhaust, as this has always been one of the real trademarks of every Prancing Horse car. Cutting-edge calculation tools were employed to optimize the 430 Scuderia's intake and exhaust systems and sound damping, with the result that the exhaust and engine sound inside the cabin is clear, powerful and particularly thrilling in full acceleration.

F1-SUPERFAST2 GEARBOX

The F1-SuperFast2 is an evolution of the F1 gearbox used on all of Ferrari's models and reduces gear-shifting times to just 60 ms, the fastest time of any of the models in the Prancing Horse range, the lowest overall of any automated-manual gearbox. Significantly, Ferrari calculates the gear changing time according to the acceleration gap, not just the time it takes to engage the gear. The various stages are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially). In the case of the F1-SuperFast2, genuinely innovative integrated engine and gearbox management programs allow the combined disengaging/engaging of the gears to take place partly in parallel with letting the clutch in and out.

E-DIFF2: E-DIFF WITH F1-TRAC

The E-Diff2 (which is integrated with the gearbox) is one of the primary components, which clearly demonstrate the 430 Scuderia's links to the track. In use for many years now in Formula 1, it is integrated with the car's stability control system. The "430 Scuderia" is the first high performance road car after the "F430" to sport an electronic differential. Torque is continuously distributed between the wheels via two sets of friction discs (one for each driveshaft) controlled by a hydraulic actuator. The amount of torque actually transmitted to the driven wheels depends on driving conditions and brings considerable advantages in terms of performance, direction stability, active safety and handling feedback.

The F1-Trac traction control system, which is also derived from Ferrari's F1 experience, ensures that even more drivers will be able to extract the maximum performance from the car, thanks to the exceptional cornering, safety and stability it offers. Introduced for the first time on a road car with the "Ferrari 599", it is faster and more precise than a traditional traction control system and optimizes traction by modulating power delivery to help maintain the desired vehicle trajectory. The system estimates the maximum available grip thanks to continual monitoring of the relative speed of the wheels.

The integrated E-Diff and F1-Trac system offers 40% more acceleration out of corners than a traditional traction and stability control system.

RACING MANETTINO

The manettino has already featured in several of Ferrari's road cars but "the 430 Scuderia" features the special racing version which puts the emphasis firmly on track-specific sporty driving and provides the driver with even more choice in terms of the car set-up. With this in mind, the ICE setting available with the "F430" has been removed and a new Traction Control Off setting has been introduced. This deactivates the car's traction control, but unlike the Traction Control Off position, retains the safety of the car's stability control system to ensure a level of safety is maintained.

Another novelty with the "430 Scuderia" is a button on the centre console that allows the suspension to be controlled separately from the predefined manettino strategy. This allows the driver can maintain maximum performance even on irregular road surfaces. Michael Schumacher made a particularly valuable contribution to this area of the car's development. In fact he and the car development team worked together to ensure that the 430 Scuderia delivers both exceptional performance and fantastic driving pleasure, which is within reach of non-professional drivers.

BRAKES

The 430 Scuderia boasts a specific braking system featuring CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs with specific dimensions to cope with the car's increased performance. The front discs are now 18 mm larger than those on the "F430" and are designed to dissipate the extra heat created by the higher performance and are even more hard-wearing for greater efficiency. These components, together with 6-pot calipers, guarantee blistering performance at all times and, equally importantly, consistently efficient braking during prolonged track use.

AERODYNAMICS

The 430 Scuderia's external styling has been honed to improve its aerodynamic efficiency by increasing overall downforce whilst still retaining the same drag values as the F430. The aerodynamic efficiency of the newly-styled rear diffuser has been enhanced by the addition of a revised profile for spoiler at the rear of the engine cover and by the large venturis that run from the front wheel houses to the rear bumpers, achieving the patented "Base Bleed" effect developed by Ferrari as part of the FXX project. The Base Bleed effect has the double advantage of reducing the pressure in the rear wheel arch, thereby increasing downforce and lowering drag by blowing the car's "wake".

Furthermore, the new lower sill profiles ensure a more uniform distribution of air over the lower parts to ensure uniform distribution of the vertical load between the front and the rear of the car.

STYLING AND PERSONALISATION

The 430 Scuderia's ultra-sporty character and blistering performance have led to the redesign of many of its exterior and interior styling features. This was done to give the F430-inspired model its own strong personality and to further enhance the aerodynamics of what is a very extreme car. The modifications made to the exterior focus on increasing downforce. In-depth research went into reducing the car's weight and has led to extensive use of carbon fiber, including some of the bodywork components.

The cabin has been inspired by racing and, once again, the emphasis has been on weight reduction and using technical materials where possible. The new "Super Racing" seat boasts an all-carbon-fiber structure and is available in several different sizes as well as being manually adjustable, including a recline adjustment for the seat back. The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization programme has also been enhanced to meet the 430 Scuderia's specific requirements as well. The Racing and Track area, in particular, now offers carbon fiber kits for the 430 Scuderia to enhance the message that this is a lean, track-focused driver's car. The headlamp assembly, engine cover, front spoiler, side sill kick panels and diffuser are all available in this high tech material. There is also now a choice of wheel rim colours and a specially designed carbon-fiber helmet is available to order.

FERRARI TODAY

Classic Colours Debut - Ferrari has introduced 10 heritage-inspired historic colours and matched interior trims. The entire range of 10 historic colours together with the 16 contemporary shades is available for all models. For the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in the new shade "Ivory" is on the stand.

Financial Performance - 2007 is proving to be a particularly impressive year for Ferrari from a financial perspective. Revenues increased by 14% in the first half of the year, with a forecast that the operating result will reach 15% by the end of the year. Ferrari's output will also exceed the 6,000-car mark for the first time in 2007. North America, Germany, Italy and the UK continue to be the company's largest markets together with France, Switzerland and Japan. These fantastic results are a testament to the exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship at Maranello, a standard also recognised when Ferrari was named Best Place To Work in Europe 2007.

New Service for our Clients - With demand for luxury products continuing to boom in existing and emerging markets, it is relatively easy for luxury brands to sell exclusive products which are often very expensive. What really counts at times like this is the exclusive relationship that the brand has established with its loyal clients and enthusiasts. Ferrari has always had a very close and personal relationship with its clients. This relationship has been further enhanced by the wide range of services which have been introduced over recent years: the "Ferrari Classiche" division which safeguards the future of historic and vintage Ferraris; the "Corse Clienti" division which organizes track activities and our single series championships; the "Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Programme", now supported by a sophisticated Car Configurator; "Financial Services" which offers clients a range of personalized financing options for everything from GTs to F1s, and, of course, a whole plethora of new advantages to the 430 Scuderia clients; the Ferrari Owners' Clubs plus the Ferrari Owners' Site with its own array of exclusive services. The aforementioned are just a selection of the many activities and services being offered by the Prancing Horse to its clients.

Personalization. 100% success rate - Launched in 1997, the "Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Programme" offers clients the opportunity to tailor their car to meet their specific personal tastes and requirements ;to turn their Ferrari into a truly unique and creative piece of engineering. There are four distinct personalization areas: "Racing and Track", "Exteriors and Colours", "Interiors and Materials", "Equipment and Travel". However, in addition to these, clients are also welcome to make specific non-catalogue requests: since Sergio Scaglietti first began working with Ferrari, the Prancing Horse cars have been tailor-made for their owners. Today, in fact, practically 100% of all road-going Ferraris include personalization features requested by their owners.

FERRARI IN JAPAN

Founded in 1976, the official importer Cornes & Co has developed a close partner ship with three of its own retail outlets in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya as well as two independent dealers. In 2007 sales are expected to climb about 300 units.

FERRARI ASIA PACIFIC REGION

Established in 2006 with its headquarters in Shanghai, the Asia Pacific Division has been created as a direct investment from Ferrari Spa to oversee the Asia and Australasia markets.

The Asia Pacific Regional Office also runs the Chinese market, where Ferrari has been represented by a joint venture since 2004, as well as other 12 markets within the Asia Pacific Region, all of which see the local presence of a Ferrari official importer - Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand.

Ferrari Asia Pacific operates in line with the Maranello corporate commercial strategy, with the objective of creating synergies with the local structures and improving Ferrari's position in one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world. Its activities range from monitoring and assessing opportunities to support each market achieve a sound growth, consolidating Ferrari brand position across the two continents in the Region, and effectively drive the commercial expansion of the network.

2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia

On Sale: Spring 2008
Expected Pricing: About $220,000


The Ferrari F430 Scuderia, a lightweight version of the F430 coupe, goes on sale next spring.

The F430 Scuderia, which joins the F430 Coupe and Spyder already on the market, is powered by a 510-hp, 9000-rpm, 4.3-liter V8 engine that makes almost 30 horsepower more than the standard F430 engine. Ferrari says it can go from a dead stop to 62 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. The engine uses a carbon-fiber intake manifold and a sophisticated spark plug ionization-monitoring ignition system. A paddle-shifted six-speed semiautomatic transmission is standard on the car.

The Scuderia model is a lightweight version of the existing F430 coupe, with a few extra grilles and vents on the body for cooling, and a pair of pointed stripes running over the body from nose to tail. Ferrari says it is completely street legal in the United States, but the car has only the bare minimum of creature comforts for the weekend racer who wants the fastest version available.

Some of the exotic extra-cost features on the Scuderia version include the latest version of the F1 Superfast2 software, which reduces gearshift time down to 60 milliseconds. A new traction control system incorporates F1-Trac traction and stability control with an E-Diff2 electronically controlled clutch-pack differential. Ferrari says the Scuderia version marks the first time all three systems have been combined in a single black box control system. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment.

For the Scuderia interior, the seat shells are made of carbon fiber and come in different sizes to suit any driver. Optional carbon fiber parts for lighter weight on the body include the headlamp assembly, engine cover, front spoiler, side sill panels and the rear diffuser. Ferrari says it will offer buyers a color-matched carbon-fiber helmet to go with the car, among 18 other customization options.

Ferrari says the F430 Scuderia weighs 2775 pounds, a sizeable weight reduction of 220 pounds when compared to the regular F430 coupe. No U.S. pricing information was available at the time the car was unveiled, but it should be well above the $200,000 plateau when it arrives in the States.

Scuderia Ferrari was the original name of the company when it was strictly a racing team. The F430 Scuderia was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show by seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, and Ferrari says Schumacher was instrumental in the development of the car.

Ferrari 612 Sessanta Review

The 612 Sessanta is produced on the body of the 612 Scaglietti introduced during the Geneva Motor-Show 2007, and thus comes with the full enhancement package used for the latter. It is available only with F1 gearbox and provides the following features. Special contents: Exterior colours The sixty cars shall be available alternatively in the following exterior colours: Two-colour special style: Grigio scuro (Colori Classici ’50-’60) / Nero with grigio scuro side line Rubino Micalizzato / Nero Daytona with Rubino Micalizzato side line. The following special colour features are added as well: Special colour of underbody black in technical black Colour treatment of the front headlight and rear bumper details in silver. Exterior contents Electro-chromic panoramic roof panel with three transparency positions New monolithic and forged 19”/19” wheel rims Specific wheel cups Radiator grill with specific painted frame Chromium-plated rear grids with black chromed special exhaust pipes "612 Sessanta" emblem on front fender Interior colours Interiors are featured by a single-colour environment, with slightly contrasting stitching. Two choices are available. New Natural leather, “Terra Bruciata” coloured (exclusive colour on 612 Sessanta), including: Marrone carpets Interior details in Grigio Scuro (dash cross member, door panel details, tunnel plate) Black seat belts Terra Bruciata colour for steering wheel, dashboard, rear shell, and upper interior part Those interiors are exclusively available with Grigio Scuro / Nero livery. New Natural leather Charcoal coloured, including: Grigio Scuro carpets Interior details in Rubino Micalizzato (dash cross member, door panel details, tunnel plate) Grigio seat belts Charcoal colour for steering wheel, dashboard, rear shell, and upper interior part Those interiors are exclusively available with Rubino Micalizzato / Nero Daytona livery. Interior content Steering wheel with three-position Manettino and Engine Start button Exclusive upholstery style for seats, door panels and rear sides Specific central tunnel upholstered and fully equipped, with 2 cup-holding compartments and rear handles Four pockets on door panels, two of them closed Specially-styled instrument cluster Unique plate celebrating the 60-year anniversary on F1 gearbox plate Leather upholstered and equipped boot

Ferrari F430 Fastest on Water (too!) Review

Eugenio Molinari has established two new world water speed records on Lake Como, navigating a boat, fitted with an engine of a Ferrari F430. The two records were set in the categories Endurance Group B class S1 and S2, which are dedicated to Granturismo boats with a minimum weight (including commander and fuel) of 1,100 kg and 1,450 kg (with ballast) with an average speed of 123,288 km/h and 122,035 km/h on the running kilometre. Boat and engine derive from serial production, while the engine has been slightly altered so that it could be used on water. This is not the first time that shipmasters have used engines from Ferrari for competitions and high performances. Already in the year 1953 a boat had been fitted with an engine from Ferrari, a 375 F1. Today's record-setting boat will be part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Ferrari at the upcoming weekend in Maranello. "I dedicate this record to Luca di Montezemolo, on the occasion of the 60 years of Ferrari; Montezemolo leads the company with passion and great innovative energy, maintaining the spirit of the Prancing Horse," said 71-year-old Eugenio Molinari after setting his 71st record. The mid-mounted engine, a V8 90° with 4308 cc and 490 BHP at 8,500 rpm, propels the Berlinetta from Maranello. Its maximum torque is 465 Nm (47,4 kgm) at 5,250 rpm. For the employment off shore the engine had been modified in the areas of its respiration, exhaust and control. The cooling system remained unchanged, while the radiator paraflu/air had been changed to a heat exchanger paraflu/acqua. The cooling circuit of the latter uses a pump external to the engine, moved by the specific transmission of the boat, which pumps cooling water to the heat exchanger and the exhausts of the engine. In the last half a century Eugenio Molinari, 71, triumphed numerous times (F1 world champion with engine on board, 4 times European champion, 4 times Italian champion). Today he set his 71st record. Molinari won the Pavia-Venezia race, the longest race on water in the world, eight times and set the average speed record of 188 km/h at the "Giro del Lario" race, for which he was awarded the title "Fastes man on earth on navigable waters". The Italian Olympic Committee, Coni, awarded the prestigious "High speed gold medal" to Molinari; the medal is exclusively for men, exceeding 200 km/h.