Ferrari Archives

New Ferrari 488 Pista Sneak Peek Before Geneva Motorshow!

The Ferrari 488 Pista, which will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is the successor to Ferrari’s V8-engined special series – the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale – which have received critical acclaim for their performance and undiluted handling.

The car’s development evolved directly from the company’s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship – where it has won five Manufacturers’ titles in the GTE class in the six years since the series’ inception, taking 29 out of 50 races – and 25 years’ experience in running the Ferrari Challenge one-make series.

The Ferrari 488 Pista’s extensive weight saving solutions, along with engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic developments all derive from Ferrari’s racing cars: the 488 GTE and the 488 Challenge. The result is a car with an uncompromising mission: to offer track-like performance on and off the road, even when in the hands of non-professional drivers.

Compared to the 488 GTB, the new model weighs an impressive 90 kg less (1280 kg dry) which, when combined with the largest ever increase in engine power for a special series car (+50 cv), results in a new benchmark for Ferrari’s V8 sports cars.

Its engine is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history and is an extreme evolution of the turbo unit that has won the overall International Engine of the Year award titles in both 2016 and 2017.

It punches out 720bhp (530kW) and 770Nm of torque with the highest specific output of in its class (185 cv/l) and is now lighter too, thanks to solutions adopted from the 488 Challenge, including Inconel exhaust manifolds and lightweight crankshaft and flywheel, but also thanks to additional features, such as titanium con rods and carbon-fibre intake plenums.

Ferrari 488 Pista Photo Gallery (more tech details after)

More info on the Ferrari 488 Pista (specifications at the bottom)…

In the Ferrari 488 Pista, torque (770Nm) is higher than the 488 GTB at all engine speeds, delivering a feeling of consistently smooth, powerful acceleration with even faster turbo response times despite the increase in power. The engine sound is unique and unmistakably Ferrari, as such a special car warrants. Both the sound quality and the intensity are higher than the 488 GTB in all gears and at all engine speeds in proportion with the progressive increase in power.

The Ferrari 488 Pista makes full use of Ferrari’s motor-sports experience for maximum aerodynamic performance even on the road. Among the racing solutions adopted is the front F1-inspired S-Duct and the design of the front diffusers which feature a ramp angle that was optimised for the 488 GTE to create strong suction for increased downforce.

The underbody vortex generators have also been redesigned, and the rear diffuser incorporates the same double kink as the 488 GTE to increase the air extraction and downforce generation compared to a traditional diffuser. In addition, the rear blown spoiler is higher and longer and the shape has been optimised. The final result of all these interventions is an impressive 20% increase in downforce.

The vehicle dynamics were designed to enhance driving pleasure and make the car’s full potential available to all drivers, professional or otherwise. The objective was to make the car’s performance on the limit easier to reach and control.

This was achieved by synergies between the development of the mechanical set-up and the electronic dynamic controls integrated into version 6 of the Side-Slip Angle Control system. SSC 6.0 incorporates all the following systems: E-Diff3, F1-Trac, the magnetorheological suspension (SCM) and, for the first time ever, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. The FDE features a world-first: it uses Ferrari software to adjust the brake pressure at the callipers.

This additional level of control further fine-tunes the 488 Pista’s performance through, and powering out of, corners making the car’s handling even more effortless, intuitive and predictable. The extra confidence the system gives means that drivers can more easily control yaw angles, even on the limit, and develop a completely symbiotic relationship with the car resulting in the perfect combination of genuinely extreme performance and driving thrills.

The suspension set-up is completed by new tyres developed specifically for the car by Michelin. The design of the Ferrari 488 Pista is focussed on functional aerodynamic concepts while the cockpit is pared back in keeping with its very sporty vocation. Ferrari Design used innovative elements, such as the aerodynamic S-Duct at the front, as an opportunity to visually shorten the car’s nose, creating an original floating wing effect.

The racing livery colour scheme is an integral part of the design of the car and the way it dives into the S-Duct underscores the berlinetta’s compact yet imposing forms. Contrasting edging on the aerodynamic elements on the bumpers and flanks add structure to the design.

The concept of the front is echoed in the dolphin-tail rear spoiler which appears suspended to provide an impression lightness and efficiency, while the rear volumes add a sense of power to the tail.

The car’s underlying sense of extreme purpose is also highlighted by the adoption for the first time on a Ferrari of optional new 20” carbon-fibre wheel rims, while other carbon-fibre parts include the engine cover, bumpers and rear spoiler.

Ferrari 488 Pista Short technical specifications…

ENGINE

Type V8 – 90° twin turbo

Overall displacement 3902 cc

Max. power output * 530 kW (720 cv) at 8000 rpm

Max. torque * 770 Nm at 3000 rpm in 7^th gear

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length 4605 mm

Width 1975 mm

Height 1206 mm

Dry weight** 1280 kg

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h 2.85 s

0 -200 km/h 7.6 s

Max. speed > 340 km/h

* With 98 octane petrol

**With optional lightweight content

Ferrari’s most successful F1 car to be featured at Autosport

A very special Ferrari will be featured at Europe’s biggest pre-season motorsport show, Autosport International. The car in question is the legendary F2004, the very F1 car that dominated the 2004 season. It helped Micheal Schumacher to clinch his 7th world championship title. It also secured 15 pole positions that year, 13 for Schumacher.

The F2004 still holds the lap record for seven different racetracks, 5 of which are still part of the Formula 1 calendar. Between Schumacher and teamate Rubens Barrichello, the car managed to secure 12 pole positions during that same season.

Several minor changes were made from the previous year’s specifications that include the rear wing, which was made larger, the rear suspension was redesigned to reduce excessive tyre wear and the exhausts were made smaller, allowing for aerodynamic benefits. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V10 engine that produces close to 1000bhp.

The car will be featured alongside Ferrari FXX-K Evo, Ferrari 488 Challenge and a 488 GTE on the main Ferrari feature, which aims to highlight the Course Clients. This is Ferrari’s exclusive client racing programme, from Challenge car to GT car, through the XX development cars to Formula One.

It’s Ferrari’s way of preparing owners to better handle their vehicles as well as their readiness to handle professional competition. It’s a driving academy worthy of praise. Owners have the support and backing of a professional crew during the sessions.

Many are flocking to Ferrari museums in 2017

Ferrari’s museums worldwide are recording a surge in the number of visitors this year. The automaker has reported that the popularity has grown significantly. More than 500,000 people have visited one of the museums in 2017. The previous record of 478,000, which was set last year has been broken in November.

The new Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena garnered the most interest from fans and tourists alike, reporting an annual growth of 19% in November or 150,000 visitors. The company has attributed the rise in ticketed sales here to the “Driving with the Stars” exhibition. Visitors get to view the Ferrari cars driven by stars from the sporting, cultural,and entertainments worlds.

Adding to this, the museum in Maranello recorded a rise in its ticket sales by about 8%, which equates to a total of 350,000. Over the course of the year, this museum has hosted a number of exhibits that have enthralled visitors from every corner of the globe.

Ferrari’s brand image worldwide has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the introduction of facilities such as this as well as the mega theme park in Dubai. All these, coupled with the fact that Ferrari is doing quite well in several Motorsport categories, have contributed to it’s increased brand awareness.

Like its founder Enzo Ferrari, the Italian automaker’s heart and soul is in Motorsport. It thrives on besting the competition by building the fasted and most advanced machines in the world. It’s road cars are culmination of that philosophy wrapped in silhouettes that are the epitome of automotive beauty.

Alfa Romeo set to return to F1 in 2018

If you thought that the Honda and McLaren Fiasco would be the only thing to look forward to in the 2018 Formula One season, you would be sadly mistaken. Alfa Romeo has just announced its return to the sport after a 30 year hiatus.

It will be joining forces with the fourth oldest team in F1 history, Sauber. The existing team will be officially renamed next season to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. According to an article by Petrolicious, this newly forged partnership will give Sauber access to Alfa’s engineering and technical know-how – a treasure trove of knowledge.

In case you didn’t know, Alfa Romeo is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automotive or FCA, and the same is true with Ferrari. This means that next year’s Sauber will be powered by a Ferrari engine, and won’t be a relic either, instead the team will have power units with 2018 specs.

Alfa Romeo was a pioneer of competitive racing during the early days of the automobile. It was involved in Motorsport very early in the company’s history. In fact, it allowed for an environment where young drivers were able to prove what they were made of, including Enzo Ferrari.

Over the years, Sauber has partnered with a number of teams including BMW. But none of them will offer the same prestige as teaming up with the likes of Alfa Romeo. Despite Sauber being a very capable team with an equally good car, they were never really able to keep up with the charging pack.

There was the odd occasion or two, where the team’s brilliance would dominate the TV screens, but these instances were few and far in between. This is partly due to the fact that Sauber never received the required financial backing or technical know-how to take on the factory back teams.

Now however, with Ferrari power, that should change and allow it to take on the front runners like Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari itself. The upcoming 2018 Formula One season is going to be an absolute sizzler. Defending champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-Benz are going to have some stiff competition next year.

Source: Petrolicious

Ferrari threatens to leave F1 if sport’s proposed changes are made

After the recent announcement made by Liberty Media, the owner of F1 regarding certain changes to powertrain specifications, several engine suppliers are up in arms about it. The issue surrounds the proposed idea of standardizing powertrains.

Several automakers, especially those who have worked tirelessly through R&D to develop competitive technology, aren’t willing to forgo this in order to allow for a more level playing field. Ferrari is one such team, and has threatened to walk away from the sport as reported by Motor Authority.

Ferrari isn’t too happy with the proposed plan which was made vocal by its CEO and Chairman, Sergio Marchionne. He likened the move of standardizing such mechanicals to similar rules that define how NASCAR racers are developed and built.

Unlike other Motorsport categories, NASCAR’s rule book dictates pretty much everything that include body dimensions and mechanicals need to be built to a certain code. This effectively ensures that very little can be altered by each team, making sure that the spotlight is shone on driver talent rather than massive R&D budgets.

Renault and Mercedes-AMG, two other major players in F1 share Marchionne’s sentiment. Like Ferrari, they too are engine suppliers to a number of other teams in Formula One and as such, aren’t too happy with having their hands tied during R&D.

This isn’t the first time that Ferrari have threatened to leave, it has done so several times in the past when it didn’t agree with the path F1 was taking. These threats haven’t amounted to anything in the past, probably because whether Ferrari realizes it or not – the two share a symbiotic relationship.

These new regulations haven’t been set in stone and once each team has given its own two cents, certain changes will probably be made to keep the big guns happy. Till then, stay tuned and we will let you more about this issue as it unfolds.

Source: Motor Authority

Hamilton crowned 2017 F1 world champion

After an eventful race at the recent Mexico grand prix, Lewis Hamilton has won the 2017 Formula 1 world championship. The race was anything but ordinary for Mercedes-Benz after the British driver was involved with an accident with Sebastian Vettel early in the race.

This shunt forced both drivers to scramble to the pits for repairs and to change tyres, which effectively left them in second last and last place. They were well behind the charging pack once they rejoined the race. What matters worse was that Hamilton was eventually lapped, which placed him in an unfamiliar situation.

Though many wrote off Hamilton’s chances of sealing the championship title in Mexico, the Briton proved his tenacity and unwillingness to accept defeat by clawing back up the order. He eventually finished in 9th place while closest title rival, Vettel, managed a more successful 4th place.

Despite finishing well ahead of Hamilton, it wasn’t enough to stave off his pursuit of a fourth world title. The race was eventually won by Max Vestappen with Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen completing the top 3.

Hamilton, who is now part of an elite club of five drivers who have won four or more world titles, was unhappy with how he won the title. Based on an article published by F1.com, he stated that felt it was a horrible way to win the title considering the drama that unfolded shortly after the race began.

There are only four other F1 drivers in history that have won four or more world titles, which are Juan Manuel Fanio, Alain Prost, Micheal Schumacher and Sebatian Vettel. It’s a proud moment for the Briton, but we are sure he will be gunning for a fifth title next year.

Source: F1.com

Ferrari FXX-K Evo is the Prancing Horse’s pride and joy

Ferrari has just introduced the new FXX-K Evo, a track-only supercar that is based on the wealth of technology and performance that the automaker has amassed over the years. The car incorporates the lessons learnt in several Motorsports categories that the Italian automaker competes in actively, which are Formula 1, GT3, GTE and Challenge.

The new racer joins the FXX and 599 XX as part of the XX programme that was launched in 2005. Its objective is to allow a small group of enthusiasts to enjoy the very latest in automotive technology on and contribute to the research and development needed to improve on the formula.

Like its predecessor the FXX, this new car is aimed at a small, highly-select group of Ferrari clients who want something exclusive and is considered the pinnacle of hypercar performance. And as the name suggest its an evolution of its predecessor.

The car features significantly redesigned aerodynamics and overall better weight reduction. Ferrari engineers utilized lessons learnt in Formula 1 to built the car with innovative carbon-fibre component crafting processes.

Aerodynamic efficiency has been increased resulting in figures that closely shadow that of race cars that compete in the GT3 and GTE championships. This also mean that it gets the same advantages achieved in lateral acceleration in cornering and stability .

Downforce has increased by 23% over the previous car, offering 640kg when it is travelling at 200km/h and more than 830kg when pushed to its limits. Much of this is achieved through the car’s twin-profile fixed rear wing. It works seamlessly with the integrated active spoiler to generate the perfect balance of downforce and drag.

The car’s vortex generators clean the flow field striking the wing of the effects of the wake of the hot air flow from the radiators, which vents onto the bonnet. As for the other side, they create a downwash component in the flow which boosts the twin-profile’s downforce capacity.

Apart from this, the front and rear bumpers have also been changed to improve air flow management along the car’s body. Adding to that, the ground effects is improved by vortex generators on the under tray. Working together with the rest of the aero kit the car is said to offer 30% improved downforce.

Other modifications include new front brake air intakes, improved steering wheel with shift paddles from F1, a larger 6.5″ rear video camera that displayes telemetry data of performance and car status readouts as well as the KERS status.

Ferrari’s new FXX-K Evo has already gone through significant testing and will play a major part in the automaker’s XX Programme in the 2018/2019 season, which will take place from March to October next year at nine different race tracks.

Ferrari CEO confirms plans to build new SUV

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO and effectively head honcho of Ferrari, has confirmed that a Ferrari SUV or a FUV if you will, is in the cards. Sergio Macrchionne confirmed to Bloomberg that the Italian automaker will be building such a vehicle but admitted that they won’t be rushing into anything.

Marchionne’s reasoning behind this is, the brand needs to understand the new relationship and ensure that the new vehicle remains exclusive while still remaining attainable. Unlike Porsche with the Cayenne, Ferrari isn’t interested in creating a high volume SUV to improve its bottom line.

Rather, the automaker wants to make an SUV that is blessed with Ferrari credentials, be able to build them in a ‘sufficient enough volume’ yet, making sure that like many vehicles that preceded it, a certain level of exclusivity is maintained for added value.

Regarding rumours of a potential sell off of Jeep to Chinese automotive giant Great Wall, Marchionne refuted the claim stating that such a move was not be in the company’s best interest at the moment. Jeep holds great value to FCA and though it is opened to a tie up with other automakers to improve its product portfolio, it won’t happen overnight.

This comes after rumours surfaced in August that Great Wall Motor had placed a bid to FCA for the aqquistion of its highly coveted SUV brand, Jeep. In recent years, Chinese automakers have been attempting to establish a beachhead in western markets. Like Geely with the acquisition of Volvo and Lotus, Great Wall may be trying to mimic the move with Jeep.

Whatever the case maybe, FCA’s decision to turn down the proposal, will enable Ferrari to employ the expertise of Jeep’s engineers and their wealth of knowledge as the Italian firm goes to work on creating their very own SUV. Much to the dismay of Ferrari purists, the allure of luxury SUVs has proven too strong for the automaker to resist.

In as little as 30 months, we might be able to get a glimpse of the new SUV, which is the timeframe that Marchionne has given before they decide on production details. This, is a case of never say never, which begs the question, when will we see another Lamborghini SUV?

Source: Bloomberg

Kode 57 is an extremely exotic version of an Enzo

Custom coach-built cars are a rarity these days let alone ones that look far more stunning than the vehicles that they are based upon. Pininfarina, a world renowned coach builder and design house has had a hand in producing some of the most stunning Italian cars the world has ever seen.

Ken Okuyama is former head of design and one of Pininfarina’s most accomplished designers of his generation, who can also lay claim to the design work on the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte. He decided to leave the Italian design outfit to set up his own design house bearing his namesake, and develop his own cars.

His latest creation has been featured on Jay Leno’s ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ Youtube channel where he gives us a complete walkaround to highlight the extensive work that went into his creation. Check out the video for the full scoop on what was done to manufacture this unique exotic.

This latest project from his firm, is an Enzo resembling supercar that marries Italian styling with aerodynamic functionality. The front end and fenders feature similar styling to that seen on open wheel racing cars. It is fitted with a low profile windshield made from polycarbonate and oozes class and performance unlike anything else on the road.

Powered by a Ferrari sourced 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 600 horsepower, the car known as KODE 57 is a more extreme version of an Italian sports car. Unlike what we are used to seeing from Ferrari, the top of the front mounted V12 engine of the Kode 57, is left bare and devoid of covers or casings.

The rear seems a bit too busy and a major departure from what we are used to seeing from the Italian automaker, which makes Okuyama’s creation all the more unique. Without the need to refer to a ‘design language guide book’, has allowed Okuyama considerable leeway at cherry picking the best design cues of Italian exotics and combining them with his own visions and designs.

The result is an awesome two seat sports car that emits a distinctive Ferrari V12 exhaust note and looks like a cross between a Ferrari Enzo and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss edition. It’s a stunning masterpiece built for a very special customer of Okuyama’s, who wanted a unique car that still retained the essence of an Italian exotic.

Four amazing cars that were on display at IAA

Frankfurt played host to some of the more interesting reveals in recent years. A number of automakers brought out some pretty interesting and luxurious offerings. H.R. Owen, a leading luxury vehicle dealership is gearing up to have these vehicles put on sale soon.

The company deals with the world’s most sought-after premium car brands which include Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and BAC. Here, were are going to a cover a number of more memorable cars that were unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Bentley Continental GT

The first car worthy of mention is Bentley’s new Continental GT, which sports a smoother and more rounded design, more prominent circular headlights with DRLs and of course an all-new engine. Its an enhanced version of the company’s famous 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ferrari Portofino

Like Bentley, Ferrari too had something pretty interesting to show us. It launched the Portofino, an entry level Ferrari and a successor to the California T. It’s a drop-top GT that is powered by a 592bhp engine and a E-Diff3 limited-slip differential.

It is supposed to be lighter than its predecessor, and that coupled with a more powerful engine, means that the Portofino requires just 3.5 seconds to get from 0-100km/h, a mere 0.1 seconds slower than the more expensive and sophisticated GTC4 Lusso.

Bugatti Chiron

Bugatti’s main reason for showing up at Frankfurt was to flaunt its Chiron hypercar at its rivals. The Chiron made the news recently for setting a remarkable pace record by accelerating from 0-400km/h and back to a standstill in just 41.96 seconds.

What’s even more remarkable than this is that the Chiron needed only 3.112km to accomplish this feat. It’s an astonishing vehicle both in terms of capability and styling. H.R. Owen’s Bugatti London showroom will have an example on display for order and for the general public to salivate over.

Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster

Last but not least, Lamborghini was there too, primarily for the Aventador S Roadster. Compared to the standard car, the S version has more power and a four-wheel steering system. Though not revolutionary for the time, the Aventador is still one of the most extreme hypercars on sale today.

Unlike Ferrari and McLaren, Lamborghini vehemently believe that naturally aspirated engines still offer the best driving experience one would want. And until it’s no longer economically viable, they will continue to make these amazing non-boosted vehicles for the elite.