The Ferrari Museum is dedicating a special exhibition to Michael Schumacher, which will open on the occasion of his 50th birthday on 3 January 2019. It is intended both as a celebration and a mark of gratitude to the most successful Prancing Horse driver ever. Schumacher has a special place in Ferrari’s history, which has been marked by his many records. Between 1996 and 2006 the German champion won five consecutive Drivers’ titles, from 2000 to 2004, and made a major contribution to the Scuderia’s haul of six Manufacturers’ titles over those years.
The Museum’s rooms will look back over the memorable seasons that the seven-time World Champion gifted to all Ferraristi, and that created a legend now bigger than ever in the hearts of all fans. The exhibition will also show Michael’s crucial contribution to the development of extraordinary GT cars in his years at Maranello, as a driver and later as a consultant. The ‘Michael 50’ exhibition is in collaboration with the Keep Fighting Foundation.
The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create a pure, uncompromising roadster using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf.
The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and ‘60s. The striking one-off makes an important and individual styling statement and represents the outcome of over two years of intense work, with close involvement from the client throughout the process.
The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasise the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a wider stance. The client’s passion for Pop Art is reflected in the strong graphics, and the unique combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme underlines the car’s sensual volumes.
The sporting theme is reinforced by specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the integral carbon-fibre roll hoops and a brushed aluminium external fuel filler cap. The seats are trimmed in blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard and the colour is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.
What a sight to behold! Seeing one classic Ferrari is a treat, but how about seeing seventyof them at one go? Yup, more than 70 classic Ferraris from all over the world gathered in Sardinia recently for the second edition of the Cavalcade Classiche.
The event, which attracted clients from over 20 different nations, was created to allow Ferrari owners to share their passion for driving the cars that wrote some of the most glorious chapters in the history of the Prancing Horse.
A fantastic celebration of cars and driving not only for the owners themselves but for all of the enthusiasts that had the opportunity to admire some of Ferrari’s most famous masterpieces on the roads of Sardinia: the 500 TRC, the 340 America, the 250 Europa, the 750 Monza and the 250 California SWB to name but a few of the historic models that made up the exclusive field.
Staged between September 18th and 22nd, the Cavalcade started out from Valle dell’Erica and then explored various areas of beautiful Northern Sardinia each day, from Alghero to the Valle della Luna, from Castelsardo to Porto Cervo and the island of Caprera.
After covering over 800 km, the Cavalcade ended, as per tradition, with a spectacular parade and official presentation of all the cars to the public of Maddalena.
Naza Italia, official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, has officially launched a unique experiential pop-up showroom at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, located at the main entrance until 28th September, is the first of its kind in Malaysia and part of a regional showcase that offers the public a taste of the Ferrari lifestyle.
“The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, an expansive open-air showroom that greets the eyes with the brand’s signature red hue, invites the public to explore the lavish world of the Prancing Horse. Ferrari is known to be a very exclusive brand, however on this occasion we are making it more accessible. Situated amongst other luxury brands at Pavilion KL, this experiential pop-up showroom really does offer customers insight into the lifestyle that complements Ferrari ownership,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.
The palatial pop-up showroom features two impressive V8 stallions from the brand’s current range – the Ferrari Portofino and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T. This is the first time that the Portofino has been made available for public viewing in Malaysia since its official launch in May. The Ferrari Portofino takes its name from one of the most attractive villages on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region. The V8 GT is a stylish symbol of elegant daily living, combining luxury, versatility and on-board comfort in a berlinetta coupé that effortlessly converts to a drop-top. It is the most powerful convertible car that Ferrari has ever produced, boasting an ability to unleash a tremendous 600cv and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The GTC4Lusso T is the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a turbo-charged V8 engine, presenting a whole new Ferrari GT concept that’s aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty, dynamic, and ideal for driving on a daily basis. The grand tourer is further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette. The car’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo engine has a maximum power output is 610 cv at 7,500 rpm.
The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience showroom, which will stand at the main entrance of Pavilion KL until 28th September, features a car display area, an exclusive lounge and reception space. In conjunction with the Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, Ferrari Malaysia is running a contest on Instagram from 22nd to 28th September. Any member of the public with a valid Instagram account may enter the contest and all they have to do is follow the instructions provided on social media.
More exciting information about Ferrari Malaysia may be obtained from the official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia. Follow @ferrari.malaysia on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and Naza Italia.
On the 120th anniversary of the founder’s birth, the Ferrari Museum pays tribute to his passion for cars with the “Driven by Enzo” and “Passion and Legend” exhibitions, which retrace the countless developments in style and technology over the company’s history.
“Driven by Enzo” shows off the four-seater models driven personally by Ferrari. As is well known, Enzo Ferrari used to try out every car produced at Maranello himself, but not all of them were for day-to-day driving. On his daily journeys, he particularly loved four-seater cars because of their combination of comfort and sportiness and often ferried around his illustrious visitors in them.
His passion for these cars began with the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 and continued for the rest of his life with the 400 GTi, the 412, and finally the Ferrari 456 GT, a car he personally approved in 1988. Even when he decided to employ a chauffeur in 1969, the latter was often a passenger and travel companion of a man who always felt himself to be a driver.
“Passion and Legend” is the extraordinary story of Enzo Ferrari and his company, retraced through cars and images. Ferrari is the transposition into the real world of its founder’s vision and his unconditional love for cars, as we can see in this exhibition of seven decades of the most beautiful cars.
Then we find the 166 Inter of 1948, the first Ferrari mainly for road use, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta “Tdf” of 1956 and again the Dino 246. The exhibition carries on down to the cars of today such as the F12tdf, a special limited series, and the 812 Superfast, the company’s highest performing road car.
With the help of two interactive stations, the exhibitions also allow us to discover the most important 2+2 cars in the company’s history and to take a virtual tour of today’s production facilities. The exhibitions will be at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello until May 2019.
Ferrari has received the Red Dot: Best of the Best Award for the ground-breaking design of the Portofino, Ferrari’s most recent V8-engined GT car. This is the consecutive fourth year that the Prancing Horse receives this prestigious honour for one of its new models. The Ferrari Portofino (below) is an elegant and versatile convertible which features a retractable hardtop together with class-leading performance and luggage space.
Its styling impressed the international judging panel which stated: “Embodying an impressive evolutionary advancement, the Ferrari Portofino fascinates with an exciting design language. It comes across as a fascinating sculptural statement. The integration of the retractable hardtop presents an optimal solution. The haunting elegance is further underscored by the uncompromising quality in material and workmanship. The Ferrari Portofino is the perfect embodiment of novel approaches that point to the future.”
During the Gala ceremony on the 9th of July at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany, the jury of international designers also assigned two Red Dot awards for outstanding design quality to Ferrari for the 812 Superfast (above) and the FXX K EVO (below). The awards are testimony to the unmistakable design and ground-breaking technology that are at the basis of Ferrari’s production.
The 812 Superfast redefined the formal language of front-engined V12 Ferraris without altering either the exterior dimensions or interior space. With a distinct fastback sleekness to its silhouette, sharply slanted crease lines and impressively muscular wheel-arches imbue the 812 Superfast with the power and aggression warranted by its imposing 6.5-litre V12. Here’s our friend GC Mah from Autobuzz.my and his take on the 812 Superfast at Maranello!
The Ferrari FXX-K Evo(arf arf, snigger, snigger.. still find this name quite epic! – Ed.) marks a significant evolution of the XX programme launched in 2005 with cars developed specifically to play an active role in this exclusive research and development programme. The FXX-K Evo features an evolved aero package developed by Ferrari’s engineers in synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers, to push to the very limit the performance of a model that already represents the state-of-the-art in terms of track-only supercars. Watch F1 ace Seb Vettel punish one around a track below!
More than 150 Ferrari Dinos and over 300 customers from all over the world flocked to Maranello and Ferrari on Saturday 30th June for an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the road debut of the first production car.
The Dino, one of the world’s best-loved and biggest selling Ferraris, had a rather long gestation. Fitted with a six-cylinder engine designed by Enzo Ferrari’s son, from whom it has taken its name, the saloon was first presented as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965.
A year later it went on display at the Turin Motor Show but was only officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show the following November.
Thus, the car’s 50th anniversary should really have been marked in 2017, but any commemorative event would have been overshadowed by the Ferrari 70th anniversary celebrations. Hence the decision to celebrate the half-century of another special event, the road debut of the first model in March 1968.
On Saturday, the cars arrived in the forecourt of the Maranello Museum and then headed to the Fiorano track, where they cars paraded all together. At midday, the Dinos drove into the factory where the customers were given a special tour.
Then at the end of the afternoon a memorable day closed with the traditional drive, one car at a time, under the arch of the historical entrance on Via Abetone Inferiore. This spectacular parade attracted many fans of this much-loved Ferrari.
Ferrari Dino 50th Anniversary gathering photo gallery…
I’ve not slept very well since this drive. I’m still rather perplexed as to how it was possible to create something with so much power and yet dial in so much user-friendliness as well. I’m referring of course to the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, which Piston.my reviewed recently. Here’s the day we’d not soon forget…
Boasting 448kW (610bhp) and 760Nm from a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 mated to a 7-Speed F1-DCT gearbox, the GTC4 Lusso T also benefits from 4-wheel steering and an E-Diff. All this culminates to enable the GTC4 Lusso T to accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in less time than it took you to read this sentence; 3.5sec to be exact. Drive modes are of course selectable via the manettino on the super-mega-multi-function-steering-wheel, which also houses the turn-signal buttons, starter button, suspension settings and even the friggin’ wipers.
Pedal to the floor, and with enough road, in 11-seconds from zero it’ll hit 200kmh, and it will see the bright side of 320kmh flat-out before giving up the ghost, while a slew of active safety systems constantly monitor every rotation of the wheel to ensure the intended path of travel remains exactly that. You can find more of the GTC4 Lusso T’s specifications here.
The Indescribables….
So now you need to forget all that techno babble above, because I really do believe that that’s not what the GTC4 Lusso T is all about. Sure it may look, feel and even sound like a super-sports car, and from most of the reviews I’ve read emanating from the USA and Europe, many of my counterparts there seem to think it is, but I don’t. Dare I say it? The GTC4 Lusso T is not really a supercar, it’s a gentleman’s super-cruiser.
Before the pitchforks and lit torches arrive en masse, accompanied by the Tifosi braying for blood though, let me explain. First-off, it’s a Ferrari, so it’s a given that it has – absolutely has – to be fireballs-out-the-flanks type powerful, and don’t get me wrong, it is. It’s just that in the GTC4 Lusso T – and this despite all the aforementioned figures I regurgitated on you three paragraphs up – is exceptionally, and I mean exceptionally, easy to drive.
It came to a point (when I was alone in the car) where I intentionally tried to get it to kill me and it outright refused. Perhaps it was able to cotton-on to my juvenile nefariousness, and decided to show me just who was smarter of the two. It won. As weird as it sounds, I was actually a bit disappointed that the car didn’t try to kill me; my own cars try to ‘suicide’ my ass all the time…
No, the GTC4 LT is actually docile; fast as hell, but docile. One giveaway could very well be the fact that it has two rear seats. Yes, it’s now possible to ferry 3 of your friends around in a Ferrari, and not just 1. However, now that that’s possible, one must take into consideration that those ‘friends’ may very well be – and will likely be – replaced by ‘family’ at some point or other.
Image from http://www.topcarrating.com/
That’s a whole new ball-game isn’t it? Rhetorical question. Of course it is. If you’re ferrying your wife in front and your 2 kids at the back, it’s 100% guaranteed that you will not be driving the same way as you would be with friends. Think about it; where’s the fun in a family-drive if half the time you’re going to have to stop to clean puke off the floorboards, seats and the back of your neck? Sorry, I needlessly over-emphasized that. My articles should come with a warning sometimes, graphic imagery ahead…
So, has Ferrari created the world’s first family station-wagon supercar? Okay, okay, shooting-brake. Happy? Tomatoes, tomatoes. Sure everyone knows they made a one-off Ferrari 456GT Wagon for the Sultan of Brunei a while back, so have they made one for the masses now? I use that ‘masses’ term lightly of course, seeing as how the GTC4 Lusso T costs more than most bungalows in really nice neighbourhoods. Well, I think they have.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still every bit a Ferrari from fore to aft, top to toe, inside and out. It still imparts an extremely rewarding and spirited drive when (WARNING: Graphic Imagery Ahead!)you’re alone and unconcerned about copious amounts of semi-digested sustenance unexpectedly adorning the interior of your car courtesy of passengers. Attack any road, and it’s guaranteed that the GTC4 Lusso T will be able to handle anything you throw its way, with the kind of ease and panache that almost seems to taunt you to push harder. If cars could talk, this one would be saying “Is that all ya got?”…. a lot.
If you really feel the need to know more about the 20-inch alloys, 46:54 F&R weight distribution and CS brake discs that are bigger than most cars’ wheels and tyres combined, feel free to click here. But, come on, does it really matter? I didn’t think so. – Chris Wee.
In occasion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Prancing Horse is launching a unique ‘Piloti Ferrari’specification for the Ferrari 488 Pista. This special custom creation, the latest from the exclusive Tailor Made programme, was designed to recognise the success of clients who race Ferraris and will make its debut on the eve of the legendary French endurance race at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Inspired by AF Corse’s no. 51 car, with which Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles, this special finish for the new Ferrari 488 Pista is available exclusively for customers involved in the company’s motor sports programmes.
The exterior features a new livery with stripes in the colours of the Italian flag recalling the racing version of the 488 GTE, embellished by a laurel celebrating the WEC title, the logo of the championship and the word “PRO” indicating the class the car raced in. The Italian flag livery features again along the car’s flanks which are also adorned with the personal race number each client will be able to add.
The version that will be unveiled at Le Mans carries the number 51 used by the world championship drivers. The matte black S-Duct and the natural carbon-fibre ‘dovetail’ suspended rear spoiler and vent surrounds round off the personalisation of the exterior. The ‘Piloti Ferrari’ 488 Pista will be available in four different colours inspired by the world of racing: Rosso Corsa, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring.
The interior, in black Alcantara®, includes seats upholstered with a special perforated version of the same material that incorporates the Italian flag in the central band of the backrest. The national colours are also clearly visible on the edge of the gearshift paddles and on the floormats which, like the carpeting itself, are made of a special technical fabric. The number that features on the external livery also appears on the base of the steering wheel, while all the carbon-fibre trim parts have a matte finish. The personalisation of the interior is completed by an exclusive identification plate and sill trim in carbon-fibre, the latter with the Tailor Made logo.
The ‘Piloti Ferrari’ 488 Pista is powered by the latest 720-cv version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 which has been voted best engine in the world for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards.
A confirmed future classic, the incredible Ferrari SP38 – the latest offering from Ferrari’s One-Off Programme – has been unveiled at Fiorano where, after the ceremonial handover to one of Ferrari’s most dedicated customers, (We weren’t told who, Nick Mason maybe? – Ed.) the car was immediately put through its paces in a series of hot laps.
Designed by the Ferrari Design Centre on the chassis and running gear of the 488 GTB, this unique car reflects the specific vision of a client with a deep passion for racing. The result is a model that can be driven both on road and on track, while at the same time expressing all the beauty and innovation inherent in Ferrari’s road cars.
The all-new bodywork, in a newly conceived three-layer metallic red, marks a radical departure from the language aesthetic of the donor car. The twin-turbo, twin-intercooler set-up of the award-winning 488 GTB inspired the team to reference the mighty F40 as an icon from which to instruct the project’s general direction.
Compared to the 488 chassis, the visual mass of SP38 appears concentrated over the rear wheels as the wedge design sharply stretches towards the front. In plan view, the strongly tapered nose expands towards muscular wheelarches, giving the car potency and agility. Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the mandatory DRL (daytime running lights) units relocated to add character and functionality to a slim bumper lip reminiscent of the 308 GTB.
On the side, the defining air scoop of the 488 GTB is completely concealed where the sheet metal folds in on itself from the low belt-line on the door and into the rear wheel-arch and three-quarter light.
The effect is dramatic, as it reinforces the importance of the rear volume while, at the same time, maintaining the air flow to the intercoolers at the base of the side window. The dynamic styling continues over the engine cover, which sheds its rear glass and is treated as a flip-up assembly in carbon fibre with shutlines slashing the flanks in a gesture directly reminiscent of the F40’s.
Three transversal slats slash across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat, and the smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40. The trailing edge of the spoiler links seamlessly with the wing and with the aerodynamic diffuser at the bottom, to create a suggestive frame surrounding the tail volume.
A full Tailor Made cabin trim puts the finished touches on this truly special Ferrari, which will be on public display for the first time at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Saturday 26th May 2018.
