2015 Formula 1 : Hamilton proves unbeatable and moves level with Senna at Suzuka

2015 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Champion : 
Lewis Hamilton #44 Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Lewis Hamilton had hoped to equal his hero Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 race victories in Singapore, but in the end he did it at Suzuka - an altogether more appropriate venue given that the great Brazilian sealed all three of his world championship crowns there.

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New Ferrari launch cancelled because of snow

Snow at Fiorano and Maranello cancels Ferrari's 2012 launch - Photo : Ferrari/Twitter

MARANELLO : February 2, 2012 – There was no let up from the snow last night, which continued to fall on Maranello and the surrounding area and the situation does not appear to be changing this morning. The forecast is still bad both in terms of predictions of more snow fall and of a further drop in temperature.

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The new Ferrari 458 Spider

2013 Ferrari 458 Spider - The world's first mid-rear engined berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show/i>

MARANELLO : August 23, 2011 – The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out.

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New Ferrari special projects one-off to debut at Villa d’Este

Ferrari Superamerica 45

MARANELLO : May 19, 2011 – New York collector and Ferrari enthusiast Peter Kalikow visited the factory to take delivery of his Special Projects Ferrari Superamerica 45, a unique one-off model. Styled internally by Ferrari Design and engineered and built in-house, the car was specified by Mr Kalikow to celebrate 45 years since he first became a Ferrari client and will make its public debut on the 20th of May at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

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Closer Look! : Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari 458 Italia

MARANELLO : August 27, 2009 – 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.

Images : Ferrai 458 Italia

[Source : FERRARI]

ITALIA - Ferrari's innovative new V8

Ferrari 458 ITALIA

MARANELLO, Italy : July 28, 2009 – While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.


The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased.

However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia 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. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front 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 inlets and cut drag.

The new 4,499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers' endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia's exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello's engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari's recent models.

Ferrari 458 Italia - Technical specifications

• Dimensions
  
  
  
  • Length: 4527 mm (178.2 in.)
  
  
  • Width: 1937 mm (76.3 in.)
  
  
  • Height: 1213 mm (47.8 in.)
  
  
  • Wheelbase: 2650 mm (104.3 in.)
  
  
  • Dry weight: 1380 kg (3042 lbs)
  
  
  • Weight/power ratio: 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)
  
  
  • Weight distribution (front/rear): 42%/58%
  
  
  
  


• Engine
  
  
  
  • Type: V8 - 90°
  
  
  • Displacement: 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)
  
  
  • Maximum power: 570 CV (425 kW) @ 9000 rpm
  
  
  • Maximum torque: 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
  
  
  • Specific power output: 127 CV/l
  
  
  • Compression ratio: 12.5:1
  
  
  
  


• Tyres
  
  
  
  • Front: 235/35 ZR20 8.5"
  
  
  • Rear: 295/35 ZR20 10.5"
  
  
  
  


• Performance
  
  
  
  • Maximum speed: >325 km/h (>202 mph)
  
  
  • 0-100 km/h: <3.4 s
  
  
  
  


• Fuel consumption - emissions
  
  
  
  • Fuel consumption: 13.7 l/100 km
  
  
  • Emissions: 320 g CO₂/km
  
  
  
  


• Gearbox
  
  
  
  • Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
  
  
  • Electronics
  
  
  • E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS
  
  
  
  

[Source : FERRARI]

edo competition Ferrari California

edo competition Ferrari California

The Ferrari 599, 612 and 430 have had offspring. The open two-seater, dubbed the California Spider, with its retractable aluminum hard top is the new entry level model among the sports car offerings from Maranello. Having been introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show last October, the California Spider can now be admired on our roads, too.


For those who wish to further personalize the appearance and performance of this exceptional sports car, edo competition is now offering very special accessories.

Newly-developed wheel/tire sets in 20 and 21 inches are guaranteed to draw amazed looks from passers-by. The wheels are available in several attractive designs. Customers can also opt for a lowered ride height or the addition of a sport suspension system. The sport suspension is adjustable in both compression and rebound damping, allowing for a custom tailored ride for cruising, spirited driving, or competition.

To make sure the performance of a vehicle as special as the California is up to par in all aspects, edo competition also offers custom ECU recalibration. After reprogramming the production ECU, the 8-cylinder engine now generates 367 kW (500HP) and 369 ft-lb of torque at 5,200 rpm. In addition to the recalibrated electronics edo competition can install a newly-developed high performance exhaust system featuring adjustable butterfly valves and custom designed high flow catalytic converters with a 200 cell per square inch metal core.

This well-matched combination enables the engine to develop its new-found power in an impressive manner. The treatment also provides a torque increase that is particularly noticeable in everyday driving. As a result, the performance figures of the edo California Spider are improved as well: It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a phenomenal 3.9 seconds and the top speed is an impressive 315 km/h (196 mph).

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers’ imaginations. Special interiors or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality

Images : edo competition Ferrari California

[Source : edo Competition]

Formula One: Ferrari threatens to quit if budget cap goes ahead

Ferrari's board of directors says it will pull out of Formula One competition if a budget cap is enacted for the 2010 season

Ferrari's board of directors met at company headquarters in Maranello, Italy, on Tuesday and confirmed that the company will quit Formula One if the FIA's plan to introduce a "budget cap" in 2010 goes ahead.


FIA president Max Mosley wants to allow teams to run with a £40 million ($61 million) spending limit, minus marketing expenses, engine costs and driver salaries. The FIA expects such a cap to allow new teams to enter the championship at a reasonable--in F1 terms, anyway--price. Teams will be allowed to operate while ignoring the budget cap if they wish, but with performance restrictions not imposed on those who choose to accept the spending limit.

This effectively will create a "two-tier" F1, and the budget cap has left established teams, including Ferrari, seething.

"The board of directors . . . examined developments related to recent decisions taken by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on April 29, 2009," Ferrari said in a statement. "Although this meeting was originally called only to examine a disciplinary matter [involving McLaren-Mercedes], the decisions taken mean that, for the first time ever in Formula One, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.

"The board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula One in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari's uninterrupted participation in the world championship over the last 60 years--the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950--would come to a close.

"The board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams. The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula One over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations.

"The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of the FOTA's endeavors to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula One are the priorities for the future. If these indispensable principles are not respected, and if the regulations adopted for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula One world championship.

"Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia's approach to motor sport and to Formula One in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values."

Ferrari is not the only team known to be willing to quit F1 if the two-tier system comes to fruition. Toyota boss John Howett toldAutoSport at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend that Toyota was not willing to race under such a scenario, and Red Bull owner Dieter Mateschitz said that he would pull both of his teams--Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso--from F1, too, while BMW and Renault are also believed to hold the same attitude.

Almost certainly, McLaren-Mercedes holds the same view, though its recent troubles with the FIA over the 2007 industrial-espionage scandal against Ferrari, and this year's lying affair at the Australian Grand Prix, are likely keeping the team silent on the matter for now.

[Source : Autoweek]

Official Grand Opening Of First UK Ferrari Store

Ferrari Store UK

MARANELLO, May 6, 2009 – Ferrari Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen today officially opened the UK’s first Ferrari Store at 193-197 Regent Street in the very heart of London. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Räikkönen and Dany Bahar, Ferrari Senior Vice President, Direzione Commerciale & Brand. The Ferrari driver then performed the now-traditional signing of the store counter after which there was a special reception for a select group of guests and Ferrari Owners. The day also featured a spectacular display of both new and classic Ferraris which, having first called to the Store, parked on Conduit Street for all to admire.


The design of the two-storey 530 square metre London Ferrari Store is entirely the work of the Studio Iosa Ghini. The design concept sees the Store as much as a homage to the history and spirit of Ferrari’s twin souls of racing and luxury as a straightforward retail outlet. Each area of the Store has thus been carefully designed as a unique, special space in which shoppers can truly embrace the Ferrari experience. Needless to say, the Regent Street Store offers a wide selection of products from the Prancing Horse ranges for GT car clients, Formula 1 tifosi, and Ferrari enthusiasts.

The Regent Street Store joins the other prestige Ferrari Store locations worldwide, including those in Rome and Venice (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), San Francisco and Miami (USA), Macao (China), Abu Dhabi (UAE), to mention but a few. It was created and will be managed by the Percassi Group, a high profile Italian and international retail company that also owns the Ferrari Store in Milan which opened its doors in September 2005. The Ferrari Store development programme includes plans to bring the number of openings to more than 40 over the next three years in Europe, America and the Middle and Far East.

Images : Ferrari Store UK

[Source : FERRARI via NEWSPRESS]