Saturday, November 3, 2007

NOVITEC F430 TUNERO

Novitec F430 TuNero



Amidst the countless tuner displays gracing the Frankfurt Messe, one vehicle caught the attention of our lens and caused the hairs on the back of our necks to stand at attention. The Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero, swathed in matte black from its body to its brake calipers, is pure evil incarnate, and it's got the motivation to match.

Sporting a duo of race-ready superchargers, air-to-water intercoolers, a revised intake system, individual oil coolers, new fuel injectors and a host of other mods, the TuNero puts out 707 HP at 8,350 RPM and 525 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,300 RPM. 62 comes up in 3.5 seconds and Novitec claims that a top speed of 216 MPH is easily within reach.


Novitec F430 Tunero video


We've assembled a number of live and press pics in the gallery below, so go forth and be intimidated.





Tuner Novitec has built a supercharged Ferrari F430 with twin supercharges that push output to 636 horsepower. It has a top speed of 218mph with 0-62phm spring in just 3.7 seconds. It has an adjustable suspension with lowered ride height and a widened track. This Ferrari F430 comes with a custom 19″ or 20-inch center-lock wheels conceal the upgraded Brembo ceramic brakes. Maximum torque of 638Nm is achieved at 6250 rpm. It takes couple of months before it hits the market. Pictures after the jump.




FERRARI GTO

Ferrari GTO



Vandenbrink Design BV of The Netherlands is an automotive design company unveils their special coachbuilt GTO. The company was founded in 2006 by Michiel van den Brink and Robert Koumans which focus on special design and coachbuilding for highly exclusive sportscars.The hand-made supercar will be crafted by Dutchman Alwin Hietbrink, who is known in restoration and rebuilding projects of classic Italian iconic sportscars such as the genuine Ferrari 250 GTO.

Meanwhile the interior/upholstery design is by the Dutch craftsman Henk van Lith, who is specilalist in the making of high quality Italian interiors.The GTO is technically based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano platform and there are two versions available. The first version is the 599 GTO, 6-liter V12 engine that produces 650 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm. The second version is the 6.3-liter V12 which produces 750 hp and maximum torque of 680 Nm.There will be 5 GTO’s to be built for customers. The production will start in 2008 and the first delivery will only be on 2009.The price of a full-options 630 GTO is €993,000 (excluding the base 599 GTB Fiorano and taxes).


Ferrari GTO video


Like many car-enthusiast kids in the 1980s, my bedroom walls were slathered with posters of exotica like Ferrari’s fabulous 288 GTO. So it was with great pleasure that I was able to see this former object of car lust in the flesh, so to speak, when I went down to Norwalk, Connecticut, yesterday to photograph Chuck Schoendorf’s GTO for an upcoming issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine. His car, one of roughly 50 gray-market GTOs here in the States out of the 272 built from 1984-1986, is immaculate, with a throaty, bellowing exhaust rasp to die for, although a problematic slave cylinder precluded my getting behind the wheel. Oh well, that dream may have to wait another 20 years…







FERRARI ENZO

Ferrari Enzo



As a tribute to Ferrari’s founder, and in celebration of the company’s ongoing success in Formula 1, the manufacturer’s latest super car carries the name Enzo. The Enzo represents a modern expression of
Ferrari’s obsession for technology, performance and eye-catching style.

The Enzo’s chassis heralds a new era for Ferrari cars. Pininfarina’s design of this Ferrari represents an unprecedented convergence of styling and function. The marque’s Formula 1 pedigree can be seen in the
Enzo’s nose section, and the entire body is sculpted to secure optimal airflow for engine and brake
cooling. This shaping also generates unparalleled levels of grip-strengthening downforce and minimal drag.

The efficiency of the Enzo’s under-car effects is such that it does not require the sizeable rear wing
needed by a large number of its rivals. Aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds is maintained by automatic
changes in the positioning of the two front flaps and the rear spoiler.

Ferrari Enzo Video





Power

The Enzo’s powerhouse is a new, super-light, 6.0 litre V12 engine, boasting several unique features. The
engine has been designed with high power performance goals in mind, with a specific output of 110
horsepower per litre. This is combined with outstanding torque at low rpm and an engine which is smooth
and easy to handle. The V12 engine produces 383 lb/ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm, and its
responsiveness is guaranteed by variable exhaust and inlet valves, together with computerised
management systems for each row of cylinders and a drive-by-wire throttle.





The Enzo’s Formula 1 influence is further demonstrated by the coupling of the gearbox to the engine’s rear
– this casting also doubles as the engine oil tank. The 6-speed gearbox is equipped with triple cone
synchronisers which ensure faultless shifts on all ratios. These synchronisers are controlled by an
electrohydraulic system which is activated by paddles situated behind the steering wheel. Ferrari do not
offer a fully automatic gearbox option.





Interior Styling

The Enzo’s new, three-spoke steering wheel has a diameter of 350 mm, complete with a flat top, a row of
LEDs to indicate engine revs and three controls situated either side of the airbag, linked to the principal
car functions. The grouping of all essential controls around the grip allows more space for the twin
gearshift paddles to nestle behind the wheel. Also behind the wheel is the instrument panel, dominated by
the rev counter, either side of which are the 250 mph (400 km/h) speedometer and a screen on which
numerous displays can be viewed.

Potential owners will be subject to an invitation to the Ferrari factory, where the cockpit of their car will
be designed to meet their specific requirements. The cushion and backrest of the leather-trimmed,
adjustable Sparco seats are available in four different sizes, and the accelerator and brake pedals can be
moved in any direction – even sideways for those drivers who favour braking with their left foot.

















Friday, November 2, 2007

FERRARI FXX EVOLUTION

Ferrari FXX Evoluzione




Ferrari has unveiled the modified version of the Ferrari Enzo known as the FXX Evoluzione and the model will be extended to 2008/2009 in Maranello. The FXX Evoluzione has been upgraded with an evolution package to improve its handling and performance. The Evolution package was developed by its Client Test Drivers and with the help from Michael Schumacher.

The FXX Evoluzione is built purposely for track driving for Ferrari’s R&D programme in order to improve its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics.


Ferrari FXX Evoluzione video



With the development of the new kit, the lap time for FXX’s Fiorano will be cut to under 1'16” (previously it was 1'18”). The FXX’s 6.3 liter V12 engine can now produce 860 hp at 9500 rpm and the gearshifting dropped to 60 ms.

Similar to Formula 1 drivers, the car’s new traction control system developed by Ferrari and GES Racing Division engineers, gives the driver at least 9 different settings selected using a switch on the central tunnel to modify the car’s behaviour on the track from corner to corner to maximise performance and reduce tyre wear.


With the new setup and front suspension geomatry, the FXX Evoluzione special 19? Bridgestone tyres now last longer. For braking performance, the FXX is fitted with Brembo brakes, made of large Composite Ceramic Material (CCM) discs and this help the brakes to last longer.

Other new features include active front spoiler control system settings, new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25% overall.




FERRARI GG50 CONCEPT


Ferrari GG50 Concept




Engine
Type : V12
Displacement cu in (cc) : 351 (5748)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM : 540(258) / 7250
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM : n.a.
Redline at RPM : n.a.

Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R : ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R : 245/35 ZR20 - 305/35 ZR20
Driveline : Rear Wheel Drive

Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in : 187.6 × 76.1 × 52.5
Weight lb (kg) : n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s : n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h) : n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km) : n.a

GG50 Philosophy

The idea of creating a Ferrari to mark 50 years of activity in the world of car design took shape in September 2004 at the Paris Motorshow, where Giorgetto Giugiaro talked about this flight of fantasy directly with the President and CEO of Ferrari Luca di Montezemolo who cued the model around which the vehicle concept should be developed: the 612 Scaglietti 12 cylinders four-seater coupe.

Montezemolo also gave Giugiaro two inputs: although no restrictions would be posed on creative-thinking, the vehicle must be perfectly in keeping with the Ferrari tradition and transmit a sensation of compactness, even being highly enjoyable.


Ferrari GG50 Concept Video




GG50 Exterior Design


Although being 3.5 inches shorter than the Scaglietti, the Ferrari GG50 appears instantly to be even more compact than the series-production car as a result of the subtly rounded nose and tail angles. “In bird’s view, all cars look like a rectangle”, explains Giugiaro. “As a consequence, the dimensions are perceived optically as being the same as the maximum length”. In the GG50, however, Giugiaro rounded to an extreme the loop between the cowl and the front wheelhouse, applying the same treatment to the rear. “When viewed three-quarterwise, this also enhances the look of the car optically, making the car appear leaner and bolder. In a nutshell, rather than having a fender lip that clearly defines the bodyside edge, a seamless line flows toward the centerpoint where the two extremities meet”.

From a structural architecture standpoint, the GG50 relinquishes the Scaglietti’s third compartment for a nimbler tail, an instantly recognizable fastback.

A very bold statement of performance and design is the general impression perceived. A compact coupe, ready to bite the grit, with the rear seats so well concealed as to be perceived as a classic two-seater. The bodyside is immaculate. The air intake – providing cool air for front brake system cooling – meanders along almost in parallel with the ground line and creates a bas-relief that fades into the rear.

As for the more stunning Ferrari cars, the belt line arches in correspondence to the rear wheel highlighting the generous wheelhouse’s taut muscle. The boldly tapered rear profile gains form and shape from the side view, in that emerging from the tail-end mirror are the dual tail lamps, which, of course, are round.






GG50 Interior Design


Whilst the GG50’s exterior drew breath from a universal chalkboard, its interior was fashioned as the mock-up progressed.

In addition to retaining as mentioned earlier the wheelbase, also retained was the interior appearance of the Scaglietti. However, when working on the fullsize mock-up, Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio, decided to eliminate the closed-in feeling back in there by sloping the rear window at the side.

“Getting in and out of a 2+2 coupe is never an easy feat, because access is directly proportional to the door’s length, which cannot be stretched to the infinite. Indeed, the GG50 door’s structural frame mesmerizes the Scaglietti’s door framework. However, enhanced headroom has been gained by sloping the rear window, thereby making it much easier to get in and out of the car than expected. Just try getting in and out of the car and you’ll see how easy all this can be”, explains Giugiaro.

One other thought of mind went to the driver’s right hand. Used by tradition to change gear, drivers do not use their right hand as much as before due to the F1 gear change fitted on the steering wheel.

As such, repositioned to the right-hand side of the dashboard are certain commands and controls once found by tradition on the left-hand side, such as the lights and, not least, the handbrake, in this exercise, electric.

FERRARI 575M SUPERAMERIKA

Ferrari 575M Superamerica







Engine

Type
: V12

Displacement cu in (cc) : 351 (5748)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM : 540(397) / 7250
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM : 434(588) / 5250
Redline at RPM : 7500

Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R : ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R : 255/40 - 295/35 ZR18

Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in : 177.5 × 75.5 × 49.8
Weight lb (kg) : n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s : n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h) : 199 (320)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km) : n.a.



Ferrari 575M Superamerica





Limited Edition 575M Superamerica

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Superamerica combines Ferrari 12-cylinder berlinetta power with a highly original, innovative take on the convertible concept.

The Superamerica is the first production car to employ an innovative rotating roof movement in combination with electrochromic technology developed exclusively for glass surfaces of these dimensions with Saint Gobain.

The Fioravanti-patented electric rotating roof movement allows the Superamerica driver to drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (200 mph top speed).





Derived from the 575M Maranello, the Superamerica is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. Its big 12-cylinder engine has been boosted to deliver 540 bhp too. The new car can also be fitted with the GTC Handling package which offers Ferrari’s very latest high-tech features including carbon ceramic brakes.

The Superamerica’s unusual electric roof has been dubbed Revocromico to highlight the unique combination of its rearward rotation movement and electrochromic technology. It has a carbon-fibre structure and the boot capacity remains unchanged whether the roof is open or closed too. The glass rear window also acts as a highly effective wind deflector when the roof is open.

The use of electrochromic glass means that the driver can completely control the level of light entering the cockpit. There are five tint levels available and the glass can go from dark to light in under a minute, at the touch of a button.






Ferrari 575M Superamerica Engine


FERRARI F430 SCUDERIA

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.



FerrariF430Scuderia Video


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.