Motoring News » Ferrari

458 CHALLENGE DEBUTS AT MARANELLO

eagle6 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:17:01 +0000

The 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting, a traditional event that brings together the representatives of Ferrari’s international sales network.

The new berlinetta, which will flank the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season, is the fifth model used by Ferrari in its onemake championship which, next year, will be extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.

Coming just a few months after the Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the 458 Italia on which it is based, the 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

The direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for

Ferrari’s track-only cars.

Significant work has also gone into cutting the car’s weight. This focused on both the exterior and interior with Ferrari’s engineers concentrating in particular on reducing the thickness of the bodyshell panels and on using lightweight materials, such as carbon-fibre and Lexan.

The new 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19″ racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round. It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari’s extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations – low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.

Another first for a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. Developed in-house by Ferrari, the F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations – wet and dry – have been developed for this application, with control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari’s extensive racing experience in the F1 and GT championships. The F1-Trac is completely integrated with the E-Diff to guarantee maximum acceleration out of corners.

The required ABS, F1-Trac and E-Diff calibration settings are selected via the manettino on the steering wheel, the first time this solution has been adopted on a model developed for the Ferrari Challenge series. The driver can thus either choose from the WET or DRY configurations. In high grip conditions it is also possible to select CT-OFF to de-activate the F1-Trac traction control.

In the course of the intensive development sessions involved in honing the 458 Challenge for the track, the engineers also managed to improve the car’s lap time at Fiorano by two seconds over that of its predecessor, resulting in a new record of just 1’16.5″. Equally impressive is the amount of lateral grip the new car generates – up to 1.6G.

With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients – professional and gentlemen drivers alike – a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world’s leading circuits, as well as the

passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari’s one-make championship.

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THE FERRARI 599 GTO

eagle6 — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:52:26 +0000

With a Fiorano lap time of 1.24 sec the 599 GTO is the fastest road-going Ferrari ever. A mid-front engined V12 berlinetta, in the finest Ferrari tradition, an exclusive limited series of 599 cars will be built on the platform of the production car, but developed with an entirely different concept in mind. It is more closely based, in fact, on the 599XX, the experimental car destined exclusively for track but not competition use. More than virtually any other car, the 599 GTO benefits directly from the carry-over of racing experience and, thanks to numerous cutting-edge technical features, it genuinely pushes the boundaries of road car technology.

The 599 GTO represents the new pinnacle of sports car performance and was designed specifically for enthusiastic drivers who know how to appreciate and exploit its power. It has an unprecedented weight-to-power ratio, achieved thanks to new materials and technologies that have slashed 100 kg from its overall weight and it boasts an aerodynamic package that doubles the downforce of the 599 GTB Fiorano. The 670 CV V12 engine was derived from the 599XX’s but is homologated for road use and the car also boasts new generation carbon-ceramic (CCM2) brakes. Lastly the electronic control systems were an integral part of the chassis development from the start of the project, making the 599 GTO exceptionally responsive and involving in the hands of expert of drivers. It is thus particularly suited to owners capable of making the very most of its levels of performance.

The car’s name recalls both the 599 GTB Fiorano and the 599XX with which it shares the same 5999 cc engine displacement, while the GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) name is a moniker of huge significance in Ferrari history. It was first adopted in 1962 for the 250 GTO, long considered the finest Ferrari ever built, and then later revived for the 1984 GTO, often unofficially referred to as the 288 GTO and widely credited with having invented the modern supercar concept. The new 599 GTO embodies the blistering performance, technological innovation, philosophy and spirit that transformed the 250 GT into the legendary and highly sought-after 250 GTO. In short, it epitomises the very essence of the marque in its utter uniqueness and exclusivity.

ENGINE AND GEARBOX

The 599 GTO’s engine is derived directly from the 599XX, albeit with certain modifications necessary for it to comply with Euro 5 and LEV2 standards and thus gain road-going homologation. Specifically, these involved the addition of one catalyser per cylinder bank and an exhaust silencer. The new car is powered by a 65-degree V12 with a bore of 92 mm and a stroke of 75.2 mm. It has a 6-litre displacement and, with an output of 670 CV at 8,250 rpm, boasts a specific power output of 112 CV/litre and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/CV. The engine offers a constant crescendo of power and torque all the way up to the rev limiter at 8,400 rpm. Torque peaks at 620 Nm at 6500 rpm with impressive flexibility even at low to medium revs and incredible pulling power all the way to the redline. This result was achieved thanks to development work on the engine’s fluid-dynamics and on component friction losses which have been reduced by 12 per cent compared to a traditional 12-cylinder. That was achieved by using Printed Grafal® coating on the piston skirts, superfinished cam lobes (the same process as used on F1 engines), DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the hydraulic tappets and by opting for a new crankshaft featuring counterweights with aerodynamic profiling. The intake system features a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry and short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at highrevs and reduce losses. To maximise volumetric efficiency per cylinder, a connection between the two plenums at the front compensates for variations in the volume and this ensures maximum performance at high engine speeds. At the same time, both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are reduced to 17.5 l/100km and 411 g/km respectively, a result that is fully in line with Ferrari’s commitment to the environment despite increasing power.

Meticulously selected materials and geometries have ensured that the engine sound inside the car is carefully controlled to balance the intake sound with the exhaust, thus giving the driver plenty of feedback. The sound filtering through to the cockpit is now 8 decibels louder, and is clear and powerful regardless of engine speed or driving conditions. The exhaust features a new 6-into-1 manifold which produces a potent, howl with combustion harmonics predominating. The silencer assembly retains the thrilling 12-cylinder soundtrack whilst also ensuring an excellent level of acoustic comfort.

The 599 GTO features the latest version of the Ferrari F1 gearbox with 60 millisecond shift times, making gear changes even more responsive and the car even more thrilling to drive, thanks also to the new multiple downshift feature when keeping the Down paddle pulled when braking hard.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS

The characteristics it has inherited from the 599XX greatly enhance the new GTO’s sporty personality: compared to the 599 GTB Fiorano the steering wheel angle has been reduced 15 per cent, and response times by 20 per cent. The result is sharper turn-in with a smaller steering wheel angle.

Apart from some obvious tweaks to guarantee the car’s road-going homologation, the same innovative methodology used for the 599XX and F1 cars was employed with the GTO: the chassis set-up (springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, tyres) and vehicle control systems were designed and developed in tandem from the very earliest phases of the project. The car has a different 20” tyre and rim set-up too: 285/30 Michelin tyres on a 9.5’’ channel are now used at the front while 315/35 Michelins on an 11.5’’ channel are used at the rear. This set-up guarantees greater lateral acceleration, more stability in cornering and thus faster cornering all round. Rigidity-roll distribution is biased towards the rear to minimise understeer. This translates into less steering wheel angle for any given corner.

With regard to vehicle control systems, the engineers have seamlessly integrated the development of the SCM2 (second-generation Magnetorheological Suspension Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Control) and F1-Trac (Traction Control) systems. The SCM2 is a suspension control system that uses a fluid which reacts to an electronically controlled magnetic field generated inside the damper to change its viscosity. Thanks to new accelerometers and a different ECU, the control software adjusts the intensity of the magnetic field every millisecond which means that the SCM2 reads the road surface instantaneously.

The Stability Control System acts independently on all four brakes. The F1-Trac now estimates grip across a broader range of frequencies. The overall effect is sharper turning into bends and a more accurate line through the corner, with the SCM2 optimally and very rapidly distributing damping between front and rear axles whilst, contemporaneously, the ESP acts independently on all four wheels to increase and control yaw rate. Coming out of the bend, the SCM2 continues to monitor the car’s balance, working in tandem with the F1-Trac to maximise longitudinal and lateral acceleration, thus allowing the driver to accelerate harder and earlier.

Essential to guaranteeing the 599 GTO’s benchmark performance and superlative driver involvement was the work carried out on all areas of the car to reduce weight, including using high-performance composites and track-oriented technologies. Thinner gauge aluminium (-20 per cent) and glass was used, while the second generation CCM2 brakes, forged aluminium wheel rims, hollow roll bars, titanium wheel bolts, and a carbon-fibre racing seat all helped shave off more weight. The boot lid was also redesigned, cutting its weight by 40 per cent. The car’s bumpers, aerodynamic underbody and sill covers were also redesigned and manufactured in composites and carbon-fibre. With regard to the mechanical components, there’s a lighter torque tube and the redesigned exhaust system is hydroformed which means that the sheet metal from which it is made is pressed into the die by a high-pressure hydraulic fluid. This track-derived technique allows thinner gauge metals to be used as well as doing away with any need for welds, thus saving on weight. The fact that despite the restrictions imposed for road-going vehicles, an impressive 100 kg has been cut off the car’s weight means that it has a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/CV.

BRAKES

The 599 GTO’s benchmark performance is due in no small part to its new carbon-ceramic CCM2 brakes which are lighter and more efficient than the previous version. The new brakes guarantee optimal performance and stability even in extreme driving, thanks to exceptionally high fade resistance despite the lighter construction.

The replacement of the system’s resin brake pads with a new carbon-ceramic material ensures bettter performance even when applying the brakes the first time from cold, thus guaranteeing more consistent pedal response. This boosts the system’s predictive accuracy and ability to intervene. The carbon-ceramic pads also ensure that the chemical and physical structure doesn’t change even at the highest operating temperatures which thus avoids the reduction in the coefficient of friction which would impinge on braking efficiency and results in sharper deceleration even after repeated braking from high speeds.

The CCM2 system’s constant coefficient of friction meant that the ABS could be calibrated for high performance. Working in tandem the two systems cut deceleration times and deliver shorter stopping distances.

Special F1-derived fairings known as wheel doughnuts have also been employed inside the wheel rim. As well as their role in improving aerodynamics, these also improve braking efficiency by optimising brake cooling.

AERODYNAMICS AND STYLING

The 599 GTO’s aerodynamics have benefited significantly from Ferrari engineers’ experience in F1 and with the 599XX which allowed downforce to be greatly increased without impacting on drag. Thanks to solutions transferred from the track car to the road-going version, the GTO generates downforce of 144 kg at 200 km/h. The focus was on all the areas that have the greatest direct impact on aerodynamic performance: the front, sides, rear, underbody, and, obviously, the cooling flows. The cooling ducts for the discs and pads have been optimised while the wheel doughnuts reduce the energy loss caused by turbulence created by the rims themselves. The front bumper was widened to improve the fairing-in of the wheels and there is also a new wider sill design to improve the fairing of the rear wheels. The sill also features a more pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central section of the underbody. Work on the nose of the car was aimed at narrowing the width of the wake generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The car is also equipped with a splitter, an aerodynamic surface between the front wheels which diverts the air flow to the rear of the car. In transferring this feature from the 599XX to the 599 GTO it has been transformed into a separate wing that improves downforce over the front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator. At its rear, the geometry of the splitter guarantees the flow always separates at the same point and thus the efficiency of its pressure is maximised, also greatly lowering drag. The underbody itself incorporates a new, lower front section with 599XX-inspired diffusers ahead of the front wheels to optimise downforce, and a new double-curve rear diffuser, the result of F1 research. Behind the wheel the effect is of a very short wheelbase, almost as if it was cut short just behind the driver’s seat.

CAR-DRIVER INTERFACE

The car-driver interface was designed to maximise car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The fact that the tyres, brakes and engine unit are being continuously monitored for performance and potential will prove reassuring indeed to both professional and less expert drivers alike. The ergonomics are designed for very press-on driving both on the track and on the road.

The Racing manettino puts the emphasis firmly on track-specific sporty driving offering the driver greater freedom in configuring the car’s electronic control system parameters. The CT OFF setting, which deactivates traction control, has been incorporated to give the driver control of the car on the limit without losing the assistance of the stability control on the edge. The fact that the control systems can be deactivated is proof of a handling set-up that is balanced in any condition and on any surface.

The five options are:

LOW GRIP for slippery surfaces; SPORT for good grip conditions; RACE for maximum performance in optimal driving conditions, particularly suited to the track; CT-OFF for maximum driving involvement in ideal grip situations. Ideal both for having fun or for improving driving skills, it allows power oversteer right to the very edge of control but still with a good safety margin. CST-OFF (Stability and Traction Control Systems deactivated) instead eliminates all electronic control systems leaving the driver absolute freedom in his track driving.

In addition the GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer (VRE), a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate updates on vehicle performance. Lastly, the GTO is also fitted with specific carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier, distraction-free use in high-speed driving.

INTERIOR AND PERSONALISATION

The 599 GTO’s cabin reflects its sporty character. It is also quite functional as a result of the significant weight savings made to boost performance. However, although use has been made of lightweight technical materials, the interior is in not Spartan in the least. Bare aluminium has been used for the floor and there are numerous carbon-fibre features too. The standard version of the car offers a cordura and 3D technical fabric trim with matching stitching and Alcantara®. Alcantara® and leather trim is also available on request too. The ergonomics of the F1 gearbox console have been completely redesigned to ensure that the controls are within even easier reach of the driver. The entire interior is trimmed in matte carbon-fibre and technical fabric. The overall result is that although there is no question that this is an extreme car, it remains both classic and elegant.

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FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI OVERVIEW

eagle6 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:55:45 +0000

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families.
The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m² and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

The Park is located on Yas Island – set to become a global tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation and entertainment facilities – on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland. Abu Dhabi, at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, was chosen as the ideal location to build the Ferrari theme park, motor sports being extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a unique and intensely fun way, together with a wide variety of Italian delicaciesand of course unique shopping experiences.

The Park is owned by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company. Farah Leisure Parks Management L.L.C, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc. (international leisure facilities management and operating company) will be responsible for managing and operating Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Ferrari’s key principles of excellence and performance in the context of technological innovation will underpin every aspect of the project.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Key information

General

World’s first Ferrari theme park
World’s largest indoor park
Opening in 2010
Owned by Aldar Properties PJSC
Managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management L.L.C, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc.
Located on Yas Island on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland
Yas Island is a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30 minutes from the city of Abu Dhabi, and 50 minutes from Dubai
Adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, hosting the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Building

Designed by globally renown architectural firm Benoy
Building height is 45m (147.6 ft), with a roof edge circumference of 2,200 m (7217.8 ft)
Enclosed space (area accessible to the general public) is 100,000 m² (1,076,391 sq ft)
Over 35,000 tonnes of steel have been used to reinforce the structure
Landscaped area around the main building is 450,000 m² (4,843,759 sq ft)

Roof

Design inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body
Made from metal and glass designed to reduce glare and heat
Total surface area is 200,000 m² (2,152,782 sq ft)
The Ferrari logo is 65m x 48.5m, the largest Ferrari logo ever created
Highest point is 48m, with a total of 6,900 metres of roof guttering

Rides

Designed by one of the world’s most prominent design firms Jack Rouse Associates
Over 20 state-of-the-art rides and attractions
Featured attractions include:
- The world’s fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car
- G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again
- State-of-the-art racing simulators using a similar system as those used by the Ferrari racing team
- Flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine
- Driving and Racing school for junior drivers, with expert training
- Aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari

Food & Beverage

A broad range of dining, quick service and beverage locations offering Italian inspired delicacies as well as a variety of international dishes
Highlights include:
- Two restaurants inspired by the real Maranello food experience
- A true Italian ambiance of a traditional delicatessen, including:
  - Customised fresh pasta and pizza made-to-order
  - An array of international dishes to satisfy all tastes

Shopping

Visitors can expect a retail experience that celebrates Ferrari’s rich heritage in a way never seen before
Highlights include:
- 825 m² store celebrating Ferrari’s rich history with vintage and contemporary racing memorabilia
- Souvenir photo opportunities for capturing the thrill of the moment
- “Interactive Corners” where children can customise their own park souvenirs
- 1300 m² flagship store offering Ferrari and special Ferrari World Abu Dhabi items
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- 458 CHALLENGE DEBUTS AT MARANELLO
- THE FERRARI 599 GTO

FERRARI 458 ITALIA RECEIVES GQ MAGAZINE’S “SUPERCAR OF THE YEAR”

eagle6 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:01:52 +0000

The Ferrari 458 Italia has been declared “Supercar of the Year” by GQ Magazine, the UK’s most important and influential men’s style magazine. The magazine described the newest addition to the Ferrari range as “a motor that elicits the most primal response from all who see it, while moving engineering on to a whole new level”, with the engine in particular being described as a “masterpiece”.

The GQ Magazine award comes on the back of another recent award from BBC Top Gear Magazine which voted the Ferrari 458 Italia not only their “Supercar of the Year” but their overall “Car of the Year”.

The Ferrari 458 Italia was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September to immediate critical acclaim. Following an extensive international media test drive programme in Maranello, the home of the fabled Prancing Horse, the car has been the subject of enthusiastic reviews, with its handling, roadholding, ride comfort and performance all being subject to the kind of superlatives rarely seen from the world’s leading journalists.

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FERRARI SPEAKS JAPANESE

eagle6 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:39:56 +0000

Ferrari.com debuts today with its new Japanese language version. After the launch last year of the completely redesigned site, in English and Italian, the world of Ferrari has now been further enriched by the addition of this new online tool dedicated specifically to its clients, enthusiasts and fans in the great Asian nation.

The new version of the site is an acknowledgement of the Japanese public’s enormous passion for the Ferrari brand. It aims to foster an even closer relationship between the Prancing Horse and the Japanese public, and boost already-high user participation by eliminating any language barriers. In a further acknowledgment of the Asian world’s passion for Ferrari, we now also have a Chinese language version of Ferrari.com under construction.

The launch is being accompanied by a fun video which not only introduces visitors to the site contents but includes a welcome greeting in Japanese from Ferrari employees, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo, CEO Amedeo Felisa and GES director Stefano Domenicali.

Enthusiasts, clients and fans can navigate the site content, enjoy live news updates from Maranello and experience Prancing Horse emotions, activities and products at close hand. They’ll discover interactive areas, exclusive images, complete information on all the cars, the F1 Scuderia, News, Community and the Ferrari Store. Thanks to the Maranello Experience, they can even enjoy a virtual tour of the entire company through video clips and other images. The site also allows users to select and personalise the cars in the current range.

Japan has long been one of Ferrari’s most important markets and we have had a presence there since 1965. Ferrari Japan was opened in 2008 to cater to the needs of our growing number of Japanese clients and their brand experience. This same philosophy inspired the new Japanese language site. Today, there are five dealerships in the country: Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Another will open in the spring of this year also. The Ferrari Owners’ Club in Japan has over 600 members and there is also a very large body of collectors in the country. The very first Corso Pilota Ferrari driving course was held in Japan in 2009 as part of the programme organised by Ferrari to allow clients improve their knowledge of their cars and their own skills behind the wheel.

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STP’S FERRARI CHALLENGER

eagle6 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:30:32 +0000

The legendary USA fuel additive brand STP – its 50-year history steeped in high-level motorsport – is returning to UK tracks for a major title assault on the 2010 Avon Tyres British GT Championship, backing a Chad Racing Ferrari 430 Scuderia GT3 for Daniel Brown and Chris Hyman.

Brown and Hyman are no strangers to the series, the former making his mark last year, at just 17 years of age, with three race wins in the MOMO Mosler.

Brown’s stellar performance – which followed a Rookie-winning season in Formula Palmer Audi – earned him the title of British GT ‘driver find of the season’ last year by Autosport.

Hyman’s 2009 British GT season experience, in last year’s Chad Racing Ferrari 430, is the ideal complement to Brown which, together with the newly-prepared 430 Scuderia, provides the team with all the ingredients for championship victory.

Additional backers of the Essex-based team this year include car styling accessory brand, Brown & Geeson, and MOMO, both of whom have supported Daniel Brown since his entry to motorsport at the age of 14, in the T-Car series.

Chad Racing Team Manager, Piers Masarati, commented: ‘It’s great to have such an iconic brand as STP with us, and we are confident that the Daniel Brown/Chris Hyman line-up in our new 430 Scuderia will mount a serious challenge at the front of the GT3 field this year.’

‘We started an intensive test programme last November and broke the lap record at two of the championships circuits. For sure, we will be stronger than last year and with our two cars, we feel confident we can mix it with the other strong pairings in the championship this year,’ he continued.

‘I especially look forward to helping develop Daniel’s driving. In testing he has been everything I expected, quick and consistent, and paired with Chris, who was so quick in FPA and British GT last year, they will be a force in the Championship,’ he concluded.

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FERRARI 458 ITALIA RECEIVES BBC TOP GEAR MAGAZINE AWARD

eagle6 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:55:07 +0000

The Ferrari 458 Italia has scooped two prestigious awards from BBC Top Gear Magazine, one of the world’s most influential automotive magazines. Not only did the British magazine nominate the 458 Italia ‘Supercar of the Year’, but also, for the very first time for Ferrari, the coveted title of ‘Car of the Year’. This brings Ferrari’s tally of consecutive Top Gear Magazine Awards to the astonishing figure of eight in seven years.

The Ferrari 458 Italia was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September to immediate critical acclaim. Following an extensive international media test drive programme in Maranello, the home of the fabled Prancing Horse, the car has been the subject of enthusiastic reviews, with its handling, roadholding, ride comfort and performance all being subject to the kind of superlatives rarely seen from the world’s leading journalists.

In electing the Ferrari 458 Italiaas their ‘Supercar of the Year’, BBC Top Gear Magazine underlined how it has established ‘the new benchmark in getting from A to B as rapidly as possible.’ They also described the 570-hp V8-engined berlinetta as ‘a game-changing car.’

When nominating the car for the overall top award as ‘Car of the Year’, BBC Top Gear Magazine described how it became ‘our winner because the scope of its abilities is absolutely breathtaking’, concluding that the Ferrari 458 Italia ‘isn’t just a worthy winner, it’s off the scale!’

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‘FERRARI 599 CHINA’ AUCTIONED IN BEIJING FOR 1.2 MILLION EURO

eagle6 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:28:54 +0000

The unique Ferrari 599 China was won tonight by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes). The auction was the climax of the Gala dinner organised by Ferrari at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns. The proceeds from this auction will fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University’s Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s headquarters.

The gala dinner was attended by Ferrari owners and collectors, joined by Ferrari Asia Pacific CEO Mr. Marco Mattiacci, contemporary artist Lu Hao, professors of China’s leading Tsinghua University Cen Zhangzhi and delegate of Politecnico di Milano University Bruno Pizzigoni. A few Ferrari objects, in particular a helmet and a model car signed by Michael Schumacher, who this morning personally unveiled the car to the international media, were also auctioned together with a racing overall worn by F1 driver, Giancarlo Fisichella. The innovative appearance of this unique model, blending classic Chinese elements with Ferrari distinctive features, immediately aroused great interest among the guests.

This follows the spirit of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, carried on by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, in investing in young talents and research. Ferrari was involved before in goodwill activities with Chinese associations, dedicated to youth.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Overview

eagle6 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:44:24 +0000

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will host a number of attractions, including rides for children of all ages, providing the complete Ferrari experience: over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h and emulating the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, or the G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m, through the roof and back down again.

The Park is located on Yas Island - set to become a global tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation and entertainment facilities – on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland. Abu Dhabi, at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, was chosen as the ideal location to build the Ferrari theme park, motor sports being extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a unique and intensely fun way, together with a wide variety of Italian delicaciesand of course unique shopping experiences.

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UNIQUE ONE-OFF VERSION OF FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO

eagle6 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:18:21 +0000

Ferrari announces the creation of a unique one-off 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition, signed by Chinese artist Lu Hao, which will be auctioned on the 3rd of November at a special Gala Auction Event hosted by Ferrari in Beijing. This exclusive car follows the announcement in September of a small series of specially-designed 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition models which won wide acclaim.

The one-off incorporates a number of the features of the China Limited Edition cars, a very limited series of less than a dozen cars finished in two-tone Rosso Fuoco with silver roof and characterised by unique Chinese design elements.

This one-off model represents an even more exclusive version, thanks to a very special exterior finish which draws inspiration from Ge Kiln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. Lu Hao has blended traditional design elements with Ferrari’s innovative styling to create a truly unique vehicle using a ‘cracked’ glaze pattern which is elegantly coloured, with clearly defined cracks etched at different depths.

Only a few hundred pieces of Ge Kiln porcelain exist today, all of which are priceless treasures. The ‘cracked’ glaze pattern has the lustre of jade and is often used to symbolise the qualities of a true gentleman. Porcelain is one of China’s most distinctive ancient arts which was brought to the West via the Silk Road thousands of years ago. Using Ge Kin porcelain as the inspiration for the one-off version is a perfect complement to Ferrari’s China Limited Edition Model.

As one of China’s most successful and influential contemporary artists, Lu Hao has exhibited his work in major museums and galleries around the world. For this project he drew inspiration from China’s rich cultural heritage, and as a Ferrari owner, he has a particularly intimate connection with the brand.

‘The 599 China Limited Edition model is a true masterpiece, combining rich Chinese artistic heritage with Italian design in a most spectacular way,’ says Marco Mattiacci, CEO of Ferrari Asia Pacific.

Part of the proceeds generated from the sale of this car will be used on an educational sponsor programme aimed to help young Chinese students in the automotive engineering field. Details of this programme will be released during the auction.

This is just the latest example of charitable events organised by Ferrari in China since Ferrari Maserati Cars International Trading – Shanghai Co. Ltd was set up in 2004. Other fund-raising efforts have seen Ferrari donate over €500,000 to local charities.

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THE FERRARI 458 ITALIA UNVEILED

eagle6 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:50:41 +0000

The Ferrari 458 Italia, that debuts today at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, is an 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a mid-rear mounted engine, and represents a genuine break with the past in terms of Maranello’s previous high-performance sports cars. Designed to fulfil the expectations and ambitions of our most passionate clients, the 458 Italia continues the Ferrari tradition of putting the thrill into driving as a result of track-derived technological innovations.

Maranello’s racing experience can be felt not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. This is one of the areas where Michael Schumacher’s contribution, right from the early stages of the project, was of fundamental importance.

Thanks to a new 4,499 cc V8 engine, which punches out 570 CV, the F1 dual-clutch gearbox and a 1,380 kg dry weight, the 458 Italia boasts an extraordinary weightpower ratio of 2.42 kg (a power-weight ratio of 413 CV per ton). This means it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds and hits a maximum speed of over 325 km/h.

The 458 Italia delivers superb vehicle dynamics with an ideal weight balance for a midrear engined sports car – 58 per cent rear, 42 per cent front. Evolved electronic control systems also help guarantee maximum performance in all driving conditions. Its new suspension set-up, featuring twin wishbones with L arms at the front and a multilink set-up the rear, is tuned for ultimate road-holding and superlative handling. This, together with a more direct steering ratio, ensures the car is extremely responsive whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

As is the case with the Scuderia’s Formula 1 single-seaters, the engineers focused their efforts on achieving maximum efficiency right across the board with this car. The result is that the Ferrari 458 Italia produces only 307 g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption of just 13.3 l/100 km (combined cycle), a benchmark for the entire segment.

Aside from the work done to reduce both internal friction in the engine and overall weight, this result has been achieved thanks to aerodynamic research which focused on cutting drag and maximising downforce.

The 458 Italia is thus a synthesis of technological innovation, creative flair, style and passion, a combination of characteristics for which Italy as a nation is renowned. Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, chose to pay homage to this fact by adding the name of the car’s homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

Styling and aerodynamics

Every Ferrari is the result of an uncompromising design approach that integrates styling and aerodynamic requirements. The Pininfarina design features compact, aerodynamic lines, underscoring the concepts of performance-oriented efficiency that inspired the project.

The nose features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator intake and cut drag.

The oil radiators for the F1 gearbox and the dual-clutch are situated in the tail and air is fed from two intakes on the top of the rear wings. This solution provides a base bleed effect, an aerodynamic function that was developed by Ferrari for the FXX and which reduces drag by feeding the hot air out of the radiators under the nolder and into the slip stream. Using experience gained in aerodynamic development on the Ferrari F430 GT2, the flat underbody now incorporates the air intakes for engine bay cooling. These are positioned ahead of the rear wheelarches where they use pressure differences to efficiently channel air flow to the engine bay, at the same time generating more rear downforce.

The car’s sills are characterised by two keel forms that act as fairings to the rear wheels, while the rear bodywork between the rear diffusers acts as the surround to the novel triple exhaust tail pipes, a styling cue that recalls the legendary F40 and gives the 458 Italia’s tail an aggressive sporty stance. The engine, in mid-rear V8 Ferrari tradition, is visible below the engine cover.

Technical development of the car’s shape started using CFD (Computational Fluid- Dynamic) techniques which helped optimise the management and interaction of the internal flows prior to wind tunnel testing. The latter was carried out on Ferrari’s rolling road facility using modular 1:3 scale models. The final solution chosen ensured adequate cooling to the running gear, while, at the same time, achieving a high level of aerodynamic efficiency (1.09) through excellent drag and downforce figures (Cd 0.33 and Cl 0.36 respectively) with 140 kg of downforce at 200 km/h and no less than 360 kg at top speed.

The front-mounted coolant radiators are trapezoidal in shape and positioned to minimise the impact of the internal cooling flows on drag and downforce. The oil radiators for the gearbox and clutch are are situated in the tail with air fed from two intakes on the top of the rear wings. The hot air from the radiators creates a base bleed effect, venting into the car’s low-pressure trail below the nolder and reducing drag.

The air intakes for engine bay cooling are situated on the aerodynamic underbody, where differences in pressure channel the air in the most efficient manner, and are positioned to increase rear downforce. Similarly air is channelled from the front air dam to the rear diffuser where the position and number of the fences has been developed to optimise the distribution of the vortex to improve rear downforce.

Engine

The engine is a dry-sump 90 degree V8 with a displacement of 4499 cc and is mid-rear mounted. It is an entirely new design engineered to reach a maximum of 9,000 rpm – a first on a road car – with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and maximum power output of 570 CV. This equates to an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, a new benchmark for a naturally-aspirated production engine.

The generous torque available – 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, with over 80 per cent available from 3250 rpm – ensures rapid pick-up from all revs. The specific torque output of 120 Nm/l is another record.

The design of the engine components has been influenced by the carry-over of racing technology – F1 in particular – for maximum fluid-dynamic efficiency in order to achieve both performance and fuel consumption objectives, and meet the most stringent international emissions restrictions. The piston compression height was reduced as per racing engine practice. Similarly, thinner compression rings have been adopted to minimise friction between piston and liner. A graphite coating was applied to the piston skirt for the same reason.

To help further reduce internal friction, the cylinder block has four scavenge pumps. Two pick up oil from the cylinder heads and front and rear of the engine via dedicated oil recovery ducts outside the crankcase area, and two pick up oil from below the crank throws. The recovery ducts of the latter are interconnected in two groups of four cylinders to optimise the scavenge function and create a strong vacuum (800 mbar) around the crankshaft. This solution prevents excess oil splashing out of the sump and onto the rotating crankshaft and thus reduces power loss caused by friction. It also reduces losses due to windage caused by the pumping action of the pistons.

The engine oil pressure pump features variable displacement geometry which reduces the amount of power absorbed at high revs. Lowering the pump’s displacement actually increases the power available at the crankshaft for the same amount of fuel used.

As is traditional for Ferrari engines, the new V8 is equipped with continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams. The aluminium intake manifold has been lightened by reducing the wall thickness. It has short, almost straight inlet tracts to reduce losses and a system that varies the geometry of the manifold, optimising the volumetric efficiency throughout the rev range. This is achieved by incorporating three pneumatic throttle valves in the central section between the two plenums. The engine mapping provides four different configurations of the valves for optimum torque values at all revs.

The use of GDI with Split Injection improves engine performance by modulating the injection in two phases, increasing combustion efficiency and the torque at low revs (by up to 5 per cent). A high injection pressure (200 bar) guarantees adequate pulverisation of the petrol and an optimal air/fuel mix right up to 9000 rpm. This feature again results in better performance and lower fuel consumption.

The exhaust system was designed to provide the kind of thrilling soundtrack owners of Ferrari’s V8s are used to whilst also guaranteeing high levels of acoustic comfort. One of the main objectives with the exhaust was to reduce weight. The catalytic converter is attached to the central section of the exhaust by a flexible element to reduce the amount of vibration transmitted and to thus allow thinner metal to be used. Similarly the pre-catalytic converter has been eliminated, lowering overall weight and reducing back pressure whilst still respecting strict Euro 5 and LEV2 emissions.

Dual-clutch F1 gearbox

One of the important novelties on the 458 Italia is the introduction of the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox which guarantees faster yet smoother changes. The technology is based on the independent management of even and odd gears which are pre-selected using two separate input shafts. The gear shifting time (the overlap between the opening and closing phases of the two clutches) is zero and thus there is no interruption of engine torque to the driven wheels. Compared to the California gearbox, response times have been reduced and the 458 Italia has specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower revs. The E-Diff 3 electronic differential has also been integrated into the gearbox, resulting in a more compact and lighter unit.

Chassis

The modular chassis is an all-new design. New alloys join the traditional aluminium, along with high-resistance aluminium extrusions, developed by the aviation industry, and innovative manufacturing processes, such as heat-forming. The aim was to keep weight down to the benefit of performance and handling. The result is a chassis with improved structural rigidity, with torsional rigidity up 15 per cent compared to the F430, and beam stiffness up 5 per cent.

Suspension

The 458 Italia’s front suspension employs a novel new double wishbone set-up which features an L-shape design for the lower wishbone, with the rearward facing arm longer than the one in line with the wheel axis to provide greater longitudinal flexibility. This in turn improves the car’s ability to absorb bumps and it also reduces suspension noise. Another benefit is in terms of greater transverse rigidity which improves handling. The same characteristics are shared by the new rear multi-link suspension and, combined with specific tyre development, overall vertical rigidity has thus been improved (+35 per cent with respect to the F430) for less body roll, and the engineers were able to introduce a more direct steering ratio (11.9° compared to the F430’s 16.9°, a reduction of 30 per cent) which makes for quicker and more responsive steering on both road and track.

The 458 Italia also features the latest, second-generation Magnetorheological Suspension Control shock absorber system. Compared to the system first introduced on the 599 GTB Fiorano, SCM2 boasts an evolved ECU (-50 per cent input time) and a damper force generation time of 8 ms compared to the 599’s 15 ms. There is also a new piston rod bushing in the damper which reduces internal friction (-35 per cent) for more precise small-bump control and improved ride comfort.

Vehicle dynamics and electronics

On the 458 Italia the E-Diff and F1-Trac control software are integrated in the same ECU. This minimises communication times between the two systems and, at the same time, the individual logics were evolved to improve vehicle performance.

A new Power On strategy has been developed for the E-DIff governing traction out of corners and is integrated with the F1-Trac logic, an evolution in the combined action of both systems which is also connected with the high-performance ABS control logic, which is specially set up for high-grip surfaces.

The electronic differential continuously distributes torque to the rear wheels, both in Power Off (turning in for the corner) and Power On (accelerating out of the corner), guaranteeing excellent vehicle stability and control in all driving conditions and on all surfaces. The E-Diff 3 now works in a more integrated manner with the F1-Trac, using a series of F1-Trac parameters and evaluations (such as estimates of grip) both in manettino positions in which the F1-Trac is inserted (Sport – Race) and those in which it is deactivated (CT Off and CST Off). Compared to previous versions, E-Diff 3 delivers improved torque distribution coming out of corners (in Sport, Race, CT Off and CST Off), which translates into improved grip, better roadholding and more progressive handling on the limit. The result is an improvement of 32 percent in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models and a lap time at Fiorano of just 1′ 25’ seconds.

High-performance ABS

Since the beginning of 2008 Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes have been standard on all Ferraris. The 458 Italia is no different and is equipped with 6-pot aluminium callipers with 398 x 223 x 36 mm discs at the front, and 4-pot aluminium callipers with 360 x 233 x 32 mm discs at the rear.

The 458 Italia boasts outstanding braking distances (100-0 km/h in 32.5 metres; 200-0 km/h in 128 metres) thanks to the development and optimisation of the Bosch control logic and the evolution of Ferrari’s Pre-Fill logic, which reduces response times by activating the pistons in the callipers, thus minimising the gap between the brake pad and the disc as soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator. Similarly, these excellent results were achieved thanks to a specific calibration of the ABS for medium/high grip surfaces, and by integrating the ABS control logic with that of the E-Diff 3 to ensure a more accurate estimate of the vehicle speed and hence better braking torque control, as well as enhanced vehicle stability.

Interior design

The Ferrari Styling Centre set out to re-interpret Ferrari’s traditional sports car interior themes in an innovative and functional way. The interior reflects the design rigour of the exterior of the car, with clean, uncluttered forms that highlight the new driver-oriented cockpit inspired by the racing world.

Radically new and intuitive ergonomics see the driver set in the centre of a simple, streamlined lay-out. The upper and lower surfaces of the dashboard are trimmed in leather while the instrument binnacle sits atop an aluminium insert that forms a single, structural element housing the satellite pods and secondary commands. The original shape of the air vents was inspired by the design of Formula 1 exhaust chimneys in use up until a few years ago.

The slim and minimalist centre console features a sculpted aluminium casting which houses the F1 panel. This panel includes the Launch Control along with the secondary gearbox controls for reverse and auto settings. There is also a leather-trimmed ergonomic wrist support for actioning the F1 panel buttons and the electric window lifts. The console also includes two Alcantara-trimmed storage trays for small oddments.

The door panel is fitted with side airbags and its simple sleek lines are enhanced by the fact that the demisting vents for the side windows are now positioned on the corners of the dash. There is additional oddments storage space in the soft leather pocket at the bottom of the door.

Driver-car interface

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All main controls are now located directly on the steering wheel, while secondary functions are set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and the panel ahead of the driver includes comprehensive instrument displays. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in high-performance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari’s F1 experience.

Steering wheel and dash

In a radical move that emphasises the vicinity of Ferrari’s road cars to its F1 cars, the steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated and all the major commands are now on the steering wheel for maximum vehicle control at all times.

The 458 Italia is equipped with a Racing manettino switch which is biased towards more sporting set-ups, giving the driver a wider selection of track-oriented electronic control parameters. In fact the F430’s ICE setting has been dropped in favour of CT Off which de-activates the traction control while maintaining the stability control.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, while the one on the left controls the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance display on the lefthand TFT screen. The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car – engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT Off and CST Off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme allows Ferrari clients to personalise their car to suit their own tastes and requirements. As with the rest of the range, there are four main personalisation areas dedicated the 458 Italia: Racing and Track, Exterior and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

The car’s sporting character can be further underlined by fitting the optional diamond finish forged alloy wheels or the Racing Superleggero (super lightweight) seats in carbon-fibre. Naturally, there is a virtually infinite number of trim combinations available for the interior, with a choice between leather, carbon-fibre and Alcantara.

Samples of colours and materials as well as virtual configuration tools are available to clients at every Ferrari showroom to help them choose their specifications. They may also request out-of-range colours and content to ensure their 458 Italia is truly unique.

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MORE NEWS ON THE FERRARI 458 ITALIA

eagle6 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:28:26 +0000

In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italia’s interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in high performance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari’s F1 experience.

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have thus reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss. The button to select the shock absorber setting is now positioned next to the ‘Engine start’ button where it falls readily to hand. Behind the wheel are a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, the Bluetooth connection, sat-nav, digital speedo and rear parking camera. Clustered on the left-hand satellite pod instead are the optional cruise control, buttons for choosing the video setting of the left-hand dash TFT screen and the on-board computer interface. The latter controls the trip computer, the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance and the display of the car’s set-up.

The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car – engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT off and CST off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Along with the photos now on-line, the Ferrari site also includes an exclusive video interview with Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A., who provides in depth insight into the 458 Italia’s design philosophy and exterior styling. The next release on www.ferrari.com will include an analysis of the car’s performance characteristics with an interview with seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

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