According to the timing sheets for the Nürburgring 24-Hour race, the P4/5 Competizione set a lap time of 6:51 during qualifying. That would make it faster than the of 6:58.16 in 2010, and the fastest -powered vehicle to ever run the ‘Ring.
In case you don’t remember, the 700-horsepower 599XX was also a purpose-built, track-only racer driven by a test driver. On the other hand, we don’t have specs on the P4/5 Competizione to compare, but that doesn’t make the achievement itself any less impressive. The only car ahead of the P4/5 Competizione in the not-street-legal category is the Pagani Zonda R, which . Glickenhaus himself told Jalopnik he thought the feat was “pretty cool” and that Ferrari was welcome to challenge it.
is not an outfit that would miss out on the enormous opportunity presented by the Chinese market. Having won the grand prix there three times out of the first four it was held, the Prancing Horse marque launched a there in 2009, followed by an even more exclusive .
For 2012, Ferrari a special-edition to mark the year of the dragon, and to launch it, the local dealership in Nanjing rented out a section of the Great Wall. It’s what they did with it, however, that has local authorities seeing red in more ways than one.
Apparently at some point during or after the demonstration, an employee of the dealership got behind the wheel of the limited-edition V8 supercar and pulled some smokey donuts. The problem is that the stunt left tire marks burnt into the ancient surface, leaving authorities understandably upset. What repercussions will ensue remains to be seen, but we certainly wouldn’t want to be ticking off China’s notoriously strict government.
If you’ve gotten used to being centered around two model lines – and – based on the same platform, get ready to broaden your horizons as the Modenese automaker does the same. Maserati has a vast array of new products in the pipeline, including a pair of new sedans and a new SUV set to be built in Detroit, plus production of the 4C sportscar for sister-company Alfa Romeo. And now reports are emerging that its long-rumored plans to take on the with a new sportscar are coming to fruition.
According to the reports from Italy fueled by comments attributed to Maserati CEO Harald J. Wester, the model could revive the GranSport – a name last used on the ultimate iteration of the 4200 GT coupe that preceded the current GranTurismo. Only this time, it would be a mid-engined V8 supercar similar in approach to the .
If that sounds suspiciously close to the , the rumors suggest that it would undercut its big brother’s price at under $200k. After all, the sister brands didn’t seem to have any trouble bringing the Maserati GranCabrio and into the same arena, or to turning the Enzo into the MC12 – pictured above – the last mid-engined supercar the Trident marque produced. Which gives us hope that this particular product of the rumormill could amount to something. And when we’re talking about mid-engined supercars from Italy, that could be a very good thing indeed.
is on a bit of a naming spree. Back in April, it was revealed that the Italian automaker (and hopeful SUV maker, too…) put its legal stamp on the names and , the first of which, as you’re likely aware by now, is the moniker adopted for the concept version of its future sport utility vehicle.
Deimos, on the other hand, has yet to grace any bullish Italian supercars, at least none shown to the public, so we’re curious to see where that ends up. Muddying waters even further is a report from Car and Driver that Lamborghini has also recently trademarked the name Huracán.
Huracán, in case you hadn’t made the connection yourselves, is the Spanish word for hurricane, but it’s also the name of a Mayan god of fire, wind and storms, according to C&D. That dovetails nicely with Deimos, which was the name of a terrifying mythological Greek god.
What either of these as-yet unused names has to do with Spanish bulls or matadors (if anything), we have no idea. We also can’t say with any certainty what future Lambos, concept or production, will be graced by these names. But we certainly look forward to finding out.
Go back just a few years ago, and you’d easily conclude that and hybrids would go together about as well as ice cream and pickles. But a lot’s changed since then, and Ferrari is making no secret of the fact that it’s developing hybrid powertrains of its own.
The first system it developed is the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a type of regenerative braking device developed with its sister company, Magneti Marelli, for use in Formula One. That lead to a similar system installed in an experimental version of the called the displayed at the 2010 . More recently reports surfaced that Ferrari had patented a more conventional hybrid powertrain system, leading to speculation that the KERS type had been abandoned for road-car use – most poignantly in the upcoming successor to the Enzo. But while Ferrari apparently pursues development of that more conventional hybrid system, it appears that its next mid-engined V12 hypercar will adopt an evolution of the HY-KERS system displayed on that green 599 two years back.
A revised HY-KERS system has just been announced by Ferrari at the , where the Prancing Horse also marked the Asian debut of its new F12 Berlinetta. Ferrari says the new system – installed on a V12 engine mounted amidship – is more effective than the one that preceded it, bringing emissions down to 40 percent of what a conventional engine with the same output would produce (compared to a 30 percent reduction from the previous incarnation), all while bringing engineers closer to their target of producing one kilowatt of energy for every kilogram of weight the system adds.
As for the F12, Ferrari has revealed that its latest supercar set a lap time at Fiorano of one minute, 23 seconds, making it the company’s quickest road car yet: a full second quicker than the 599 GTO it replaces, and about two seconds quicker than the Enzo, the and the 430 Scuderia. With that kind of progress, we can count on the new hybrid V12 hypercar to set an even quicker time still. for the press release and video clip.
European buyers now know what to expect from the Ford Transit Custom cargo van. The work version of the van bowed at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show this week with the new exterior and more refined cabin that first appeared on the .
Buyers outside of North America will be able to choose between a short wheelbase version with a total length of 16.3 feet or a long wheelbase configuration that spans 17.5 feet from stem to stern. Indoors, the van can deliver up to 212 cubic feet of cargo area, or three european pallets stacked three-feet high. In addition, the floor offers enough space between the wheel wells to accommodate a 4×8 sheet of material.
The Transit Custom isn’t headed to the North American market, though, which begs the question: Why do we care? is set to replace the aging with a different Transit van that’s specific to our continent, though that vehicle will be based on the global Transit Custom we see here. According to Ford, our van will yield 25-percent better fuel economy than the current E-Series thanks to either the same Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 currently found in the nose of the or a diesel powerplant. The North American Transit is also supposed to weigh in 300 pounds less than its predecessor.
is known for hyper-exotic supercars, speed and big price tags. There is a reason, though, that we didn’t mention fuel efficiency. Hopped-up V8 and V12 engines don’t exactly conjure up images of tree-hugging, and, for the most part, we’re more than okay with that.
That could change, at least a little bit, with a patent that describes a hybrid powertrain that passes on flywheel technology in favor of a more mainstream effort. Car and Driver reports that the Italian supercar maker has filed patents for hybrid technology that would use a pair of electric motors and a battery pack.
The hybrid system would utilize one electric motor that assists the powertrain while the other runs auxiliary systems like air conditioning, infotainment and power steering. The patent also reportedly mentions that the technology would play nicely with a front-mounted 90-degree engine, making the a likely destination if this system ever sees the light of day.
There has been some speculation that Ferrari might opt for a production version of its racing-derived Kinetic Energy Recover System (KERS) that captures energy via a flywheel to provide short bursts of energy. KERS, which doesn’t utilize a battery pack, is already used in Formula One racing, and Ferrari introduced a in 2010 that included the fuel-saving tech.
Soon will disocntinue the as it ushers the new F12 Berlinetta into production, but until then the GTO holds its place as king of the hill. So before the ultimate incarnation of the 599 is swept off into retirement, Romeo Ferraris has developed a series of enhancements to the Ferrari flagship.
Given that Maranello has put just about everything it has into the 599 GTO, there wasn’t a lot of room to play around. So the tuner has released two small upgrades. Stage 1 encompasses a new air filter and exhaust for a 15-horsepower boost, while the Stage 2 kit remaps the ECU as well for 40-horsepower upgrade to bring overall output up to 710 hp – putting the final iteration of the 599 within spitting distance of its replacement’s 740 hp.
A series of extra carbon fiber components are also offered, but Romeo Ferraris apparently holds enough reverence for the donor cars to keep the modifications to a minimum.
is an automaker the operates in two spheres: racing and road cars. The company builds the latter to fund the former, but while the two have long operated as fairly separate units, there is plenty of room for overlap. Like its Corse Clienti department.
Established to facilitate privateer racing teams running Ferrari GT cars in various series, the Corse Clienti division also runs the firm’s elite XX development program that allows some of its best customers the opportunity to act as “client test drivers.” In other words, people pay big money – and by big, we mean millions – to test out new equipment developed by Maranello’s skunkworks before it’s implemented on future road cars.
The program started with the Enzo-based FXX back in 2005, which was succeeded by the 599XX in 2009. But like the FXX led to the even more extreme FXX Evoluzione, so has the 599XX. More an upgrade package than a new car, the $250,000 evolution kit includes a bigger front splitter, giant rear wing with moving foils, a 30-horsepower upgrade to 740 and another two years of factory-supported track days.
The most recent was held at Japan’s Suzuka circuit, where the 599XX Evoluzione hit the track for the first time since delivery to its eager new owners. It was also the first time the upgraded track car was run in public, following its back in December. Of course, now that the range is being phased out, we can’t help but wonder what Ferrari will base its next developmental track car on: the new F12 Berlinetta? The ? The upcoming Enzo successor? It’s early to tell, but you can check out the 599XX doing its thing in the video clip and press release , along with the fresh crop of high-resolution images we’ve added to the gallery.
Ferrari has been known to produce one-off vehicles for customers, most notably the F430-based created for a wealthy Japanese collector in 2008 as well as the created on the 599 FTB Fiorano platform in 2009.
Now, if the Ferrari afficianados over on are correct, Ferrari Special Projects program has built a third vehicle, this time for musician Eric Clapton, who is known to be a .
The car looks to be based on the 458 Italia and has distinct styling references to the 12-cylinder Ferrari 512 BB built in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a large lower grille, hood slats and flying buttresses at the rear. Judging from the photos, the interior appears to be relatively unchanged from the 458 Italia, and the mid-mounted 4.5-liter V8 is likely still in place as well.
We will try and find out more details about this special Ferrari, but until then, check out the photos of the car in the gallery above.
“You need to get in touch with Steven Ewing right away,” said the instant message. It was from Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, and since fleet manager Ewing was online, I pinged him. “Hey, are you available to grab an for the weekend?” he asked. “There’s one in New York.”
Before answering, a flurry of thoughts raced through my head. Did I have plans this weekend? How much would I really get to drive the car? I don’t usually go into the city on Fridays. Should I make the exception? Then I looked out my window, saw the I was scheduled to drive that very same weekend and banged out a brief reply.
The relentless expansion of M-engineered and branded wares doesn’t just stop at the and the . Here in , announced the latest line of M performance parts that spans the spectrum from appearance bits to powertrain upgrades.
M Performance exhausts will be available for the new (in Europe), along with the and . Carbon fiber front splitters join black kidney grilles in the catalog, as does a new version of the M Performance steering wheel. BMW also claims to have some suspension components are in the works, and all this kit will be on sale and ready for installation at BMW dealers in the United States this summer.
yanked back the sheets on the company’s at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and the grinning horse has plenty cause to smile. It boasts a ludicrous 740 horsepower V12 under its hood that’s capable of launching the vehicle to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. Hesitate for another 5.3 seconds, and you’ll waltz through the triple-digit barrier with ease.
Ferrari took the time to let the F12 Berlinetta loose for a few blistering laps around Fiorano, and the coupe managed to snatch the lap record from the . The newcomer did the deed in a scant 1:23, besting the previous champ by a full second, and the mighty Ferrari Enzo by two seconds.
Engineers positioned most of the vehicle’s weight toward the hind quarters, with 54 percent of the vehicle’s curb weight pushing on the rear rubber. While the styling certainly isn’t for everyone (see below for a gallery of the car’s styling buck from Pininfarina), there’s no denying the performance on tap. for the full press release.
While the “F12berlinetta” F12 Berlinetta may have a name seemingly designed to drive English teachers (and website editors) insane, the 740-horsepower V12 is just plain demenziale. Making 509 lb-ft of torque, it’s enough to propel the 3,362-pound car from 0-62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and 0-104 mph in 8.5 seconds, according to Ferrari. Of course, the true measure of any Prancing Horse is the lap around Fiorano, which the Maranello automaker says can be completed in just 1:23. (The previous record-holder was the GTO at 1:24, while the Enzo clocked in at a leisurely 1:25.)
Ferrari says the new F12 Berlinetta has a lower and more rearward center of gravity thanks to a redesigned suspension and gearbox, with 54 percent of the weight resting over the rear tires. A 0.299 Cd and 76 percent more downforce allows a top speed of over 211 mph.
The F12 Berlinetta will be shown for the first time at the upcoming , and we’ll be on hand to chronicle the festivities for your viewing enjoyment. While you wait, click to watch a pair of official videos and read the full press release.
Audi has yet another race trophy to place in its awards cabinet after claiming the overall victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia this past weekend for the second straight year. The win was achieved by the Phoenix Racing team, which also campaigns an Audi in Germany’s DTM series.
Like any endurance race, the victory didn’t come easily for Audi. Heavy rains and fog made for difficult racing conditions through much of the 12 hours, and a spin in the leading Audi R8 LMS temporarily relegated it back to third place. By the time the checkered flag waved, though, the Audi was back in front and beat out the second place Mercedes SLS GT3 by just over a minute.
The win at Bathurst is just the latest of many for Audi and its privateer-run R8 LMS race cars, marking the 119th time the car has claimed victory since it was introduced three years ago. The R8 LMS has been particularly successful over the last year, having also won the 24 hours races at Spa and Zolder as well as the GT3 class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
for a full recap of the race via the official press release from Audi.
When is a teaser no longer a teaser? When there’s no more secret left to hide.
With the emergence of leaked photos and info on the final car, Ferrari’s choreographed striptease of the new F620 GT is basically a moot point. Yes, the usual fanfare will accompany the car’s official unveiling on February 29th, but with , it’s ultimately anticlimactic.
Regardless, Ferrari soldiers on with a follow-up to its first . The new clip gives a good view of the lightweight aluminum skeleton under construction at the Ferrari factory in Maranello.
You can watch the new Ferrari F620 GT “teaser” video , and then just to see the final car in all its glory right now.
On Wednesday, Ferrari will fill in the remaining blanks.
We’re about five days away from when will , the front-engine/rear-drive V12-powered successor to its . As usual, the Internet can’t wait.
An image of the F620 GT was published today on , who claims it was sent to them by a reader. The timing was fortuitous, as we also have an image of the F620 GT, supplied to us by sources who have seen the car in person. While not an official rendering of the F620 GT from Ferrari, it’s the best look yet at what will be unveiled on February 29.
Our friends at were also nice enough to provide some specs, which come directly from Ferrari. The F620 GT’s 6.3-liter V12 will produce 740 horsepower and 690 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful twelve-cylinder engine ever made by Ferrari. With a redline of 8,700 rpm, this powerplant will move the Italian grand tourer to 60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds and 100 mph in 8.3 seconds. It’s also lighter, lower and shorter than the 599 it’s replacing.
With five days still left to go before Ferrari officially debuts the F620 GT, expect the Internet to continue digging.
Exclusive can be an overused word in the automotive industry, but if anyone can claim the description, it’s Mosler. The Florida-based supercar manufacturer recently announced that it will be limiting production of its MT900S Photon supercar to a single unit for 2012. Having that sort of exclusivity comes at a cost, though, and the customer that decides to pick up Mosler’s 2012 allocation will have to shell out upwards of $479,000.
So what’s so special about the Mosler MT900S Photon? For starters, it’s one of the lightest supercars on the market, weighing in at just under 2,500 pounds thanks to a composite chassis and carbon fiber body panels. Motivation comes from a 7.0-liter V8 borrowed from tuned to deliver 535 horsepower, allowing the Mosler to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. Despite having a design that’s more than a decade old, the Mosler still looks somewhat modern (if kit-car like), particularly with in Proton guise that adds additional aerodynamic modications.
for the brief press release from Mosler Automotive, or have a look at the car in more detail in the gallery above.
With dozens of major automakers competing to separate us from our hard-earned cash in return for the newest, greatest development in motorized transportation, there are new cars making their debut just about every day. But the vast majority of them are not, of course, from . Even with four production model lines, the purveyor of exotic performance machinery doesn’t have a new model to roll out every day. But that rare occurrence is coming up, and in typical Maranello style, it’s coming up fast.
We’re talking, of course, about the F620 GT, a new front-engined, rear-drive V12 supercar designed to succeed the . We’ve brought you spy shots of the prototype undergoing testing at Fiorano and seemingly countless rumors of its composition, but soon we won’t have to squint at spy shots and speculate at details as the car’s unveiling is just around the corner.
Although the supercar’s public debut is expected to take place at the in just a couple of weeks from now, Ferrari will reveal the car it calls its most powerful to date in all its glory a little before that, on February 29. In the meantime, you’re invited to crank up the speakers, strap on a bib and for a teaser video where a camouflaged prototype clears its throat in spectacular fashion.
A year-and-a-half-ago we heard that the model to replace the Ferrari Enzo was at the for inspiration. Then we heard, nearly one year ago, that this Ferrari . Add those two ingredients to a 7.3-liter V12 and stir in Ferrari’s talk of light weight, and the resulting supercar will be a 920-peak-horsepower celestial stallion that weighs just 2,500 pounds, according to a report in Automobile.
The V12 will be responsible for 800 of those horses, 100 more than the replacement, the F620, that will use a and that we’ll see at the in early March. The supplemental 120 hp will be provided by a KERS hybrid setup.
The carbon fiber body is expected to hold largesse down to around 2,500 pounds, which – if all of these numbers come true – would mean a supercar that weighs 500 pounds less than 651-hp Enzo, and about the same as the 2,546-pound, track-only FXX, but that has about 100 more ponies. If all goes to plan we’ll see it in the fall – until it starts moving, at least, when we’ll just have to listen for the sonic booms.
