Tag Archives: FERRARI

NEWS

40% of our new clients are aged 40 and below – Ferrari CEO

Many people dream of owning a Ferrari (myself included) but not everyone has the financial means to turn their dreams into reality.

“Those who are able to splurge millions of ringgit on the supercar from Maranello are typically in their mid-life because, unless they come from a wealthy family, accumulating six figures in their bank account can take ages.

Nevertheless, recently, Ferrari has become increasingly popular among younger buyers.

Speaking to CNBC, Ferrari chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna revealed that 40% of the brand’s new buyers are under the age of 40.

The figure mentioned by Vigna represents a significant increase of 10% compared to 18 months ago.

“I’m not sure about other brands, but for us, it is an achievement thanks to our team,” he added.

The figure can be considered surprising, given that Ferrari is a brand that puts exclusivity before everything else.

Last year, Fortune reported that 81% of new Ferraris were sold to existing customers, with 48% of those already owning more than one Ferrari.

For this writer, however, this is not particularly surprising, as we can see that an increasing number of young people are becoming wealthy by jumping on the cryptocurrency and content creation bandwagons.

Then there are also the young professional athletes and celebrities who enjoy collecting luxury cars like Ferraris.

NEWS

Officine Fioravanti tames the infamously wild Ferrari F40

With a timeless design crafted by the geniuses at Pininfarina, many consider the Ferrari F40 to be the most beautiful Ferrari ever made.

Not only that, but with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, it is also dubbed the greatest analogue supercar of its era.

However, the combination of a potent engine, a lightweight body, and a lack of electronic systems makes the F40 incredibly difficult to tame. Well, this year alone, two F40s have been wrecked in separate incidents.

To prevent the number of F40s from continuing to dwindle, a company from Turin called Officine Fioravanti, has produced a special package to make the car easier to drive without compromising its character.

The package, known as Alte Prestazioni, includes an Ohlins TTX 36 suspension system with four-way adjustment, along with new arms, ball bearings, and hub carriers.

Also included are carbon-ceramic discs and Brembo calipers (six-piston at the front, four at the rear), as well as enhanced ABS. The steering has also been improved with a new box with power hydraulic assistance.

Since the F40 is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ferraris ever produced, not much has been done to lift up its appearance.

However, to give it a more aggressive look, Officine Fioravanti has added larger wheels, measuring 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear. Customers can choose between Michelin Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The price of this package has not been stated, but for those who own an F40, money is likely the least of their concerns.

NEWS

This Ferrari 550 restomod by Touring Superleggera is a beautiful piece of art

RESTOMOD has become a popular modification approach in recent times among premium sports car enthusiasts. The latest to undergo a restomod transformation is the Ferrari 550 Maranello by Touring Superleggera, showcased at the Monterey Car Week.

It can be said that the modification has resulted in a vehicle that is both beautiful and modern while retaining the original characteristics of the Ferrari 550.

Named Veloce12, the original car had all its components stripped down to its bare bones, with the chassis reinforced and the body redesigned.

The original 5.5-liter V12 naturally-aspirated engine was also retuned to produce 503hp and 568Nm of torque, an increase of 25hp from the original 550 model. Particularly noteworthy is its pairing with a 6-speed manual transmission.

With this upgrade, the Veloce12 only needs 4.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a top speed of 320 km/h. It is equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, 380mm brake discs with six pistons at the front and four pistons at the rear, and an adjustable suspension system from TracTive.

The interior cabin features luxurious handcrafted leather upholstery, while buttons and knobs are machined. There is no touchscreen display visible.

Touring stated that all materials are sourced from Italy, and given that the Veloce12 is a grand tourer, it also comes with custom-designed seats tailored for long-distance comfort.

As expected, such a unique restomod vehicle comes with a hefty price tag. Touring mentioned that prices start at USD758,000 (RM3.3 million), excluding the cost of the original Ferrari 550. Only 30 units are planned for production, with the first units expected to roll out in early 2025.

NEWS

Ferrari extends PHEV battery warranty period to 16 years

Cars with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems can offer unique benefits to buyers still hesitant to purchase EVs, but one lingering nightmare for some users is the relatively expensive cost of battery replacement.

This concern is particularly pronounced when they choose to purchase high-performance models such as Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars.

For Ferrari owners, the Prancing Horse brand now offers two extended warranty plans for PHEV models such as the SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider, SF90 XX Stradale, SF90 XX Spider, 296 GTB, and 296 GTS.

The two plans in question are the Warranty Extension Hybrid and Power Hybrid, targeting Ferrari owners who want to maintain the performance and excellence of their hybrid sports cars over time.

 

 

The Warranty Extension Hybrid plan offers a warranty period of up to eight years of ownership, during which high-voltage batteries will be replaced at no additional cost.

Meanwhile, the Power Hybrid plan is a long-term plan that covers all main components, including the hybrid system, from the eighth to the sixteenth year.

This means that if the PHEV battery pack encounters issues in the sixteenth year, it will also be replaced free of charge.

 

 

Interestingly, in the future, supercar PHEV Ferrari owners may be able to enjoy much more advanced and sophisticated battery technology.

According to Ferrari, problematic high-voltage batteries will be replaced with new components that promise the same or even better performance than the original battery.

This long-term plan can also be transferred to any subsequent owner who purchases the supercar after the original owner sells it.

Ferrari also explains that this new plan is available for any supercar no longer covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty, but it requires a thorough technical inspection.

NEWS

We’ll keep making V12 engines until they’re banned – Ferrari

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DESPITE the fact that Ferrari has started offering smaller turbocharged hybrid V6 and V8 engines in its cars, the famed manufacturer is determined to keep its V12 engines alive for as long as possible.

Speaking to Car Expert, Ferrari’s head of product marketing Emanuele Carando assured enthusiasts that the company will continue to produce cars with the 6.5-litre engine for as long as the regulations allow them to.

“We will produce naturally aspirated V-12s until the law [no longer] allows us to. We hope the law in the future will continue to show opportunities, probably working on new petrol which is more sustainable,” said Carando.

In the 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider, the Ferrari 6.5-litre V12 engine can rev up to only 9,500 rpm, but technically it is capable of reaching 10,000 rpm.

Ruggero Cevolani, the head of the V12 program, explained that the lower rev limit was deliberately chosen to maximise power delivery and avoid “drop off in the sensation of constant acceleration.”

He further added that Ferrari is first and foremost an “engineering company,” and that’s why performance is a top priority.

Previously, Ferrari’s chief designer, Flavio Manzoni, acknowledged that the V8 turbo engine outperforms the V12 in terms of performance. Not only that, he also stated that the 12-cylinder engine is not the most efficient.

However, the company will continue to fight for the engine to ensure that it lives on for as long as possible, as it is more emotional than smaller engines.

Ferrari is not the only luxury brand still interested in producing V12 engines. Aston Martin also has a similar direction with the upcoming Vanquish model, which is said to have a more powerful twin-turbo V12 engine.

NEWS

Ferrari 12Cilindri: A powerhouse with disappointing name

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THE Ferrari 12Cilindri, while packing a punch with its powerful engine, falls short in the nomenclature department. The name does not do justice to its remarkable performance.

The 12Cilindri proudly boasts a 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, generating an impressive 819hp and 678Nm of torque.

Placed in a front-mid configuration with a characteristic long front hood, it embodies the classic Ferrari aesthetic. The front-mid configuration, positioned ahead of the cabin but behind the front axle, ensures optimal balance.

This V12 unit has a longstanding heritage, dating back to the Enzo. Remarkably, the 12Cilindri achieves stringent standards without hybrid assistance or electrification. This allows the engine to deliver its peak power with unadulterated sound and force.

The V12 engine incorporates Aspirated Torque Shaping technology, utilizing electronics to modulate torque delivery in gears three and four. Paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox located at the rear for weight distribution, it boasts a 30% faster gear shift compared to its predecessor, the 812.

Ferrari claims the 12Cilindri accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and achieves 200km/h in under 7.9 seconds. The Spider variant, slightly less swift, accomplishes 0 to 100km/h in 2.95 seconds and reaches 200km/h in 8.2 seconds. Both models boast a top speed exceeding 340km/h.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is equipped with advanced chassis control systems, including Side Slip Control 8, four-wheel steering, a choice of 20 or 21-inch rims, and Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires. The chassis is also 15% stiffer than its predecessor, the 812.

As expected, the 12Cilindri comes with a high price tag, retailing at USD423,000 (RM2.006 million) for the coupe and USD466,000 (RM2.209 million) for the Spider. Given Ferrari’s high demand for V12 engines, these models are likely to be quickly sold out.

In conclusion, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri impresses with its power and performance, its nomenclature may not reflect its true capabilities. However, it is anticipated that the allure of Ferrari’s V12 engines will continue to drive strong consumer demand.

NEWS

Ferrari is spotted testing Tesla Model S in Maranello

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THE Prancing Horse brand is reported to be testing an electric-powered model near its manufacturing plant in Maranello.

Based on a video by the Varryx YouTube channel, Ferrari engineers were seen selecting a Tesla Model S Plaid equipped with high-voltage stickers and 19-inch rims.

This is part of Ferrari’s preparation to launch an electric vehicle expected to debut in 2025.

By using the Tesla Model S Plaid as the test car, Ferrari’s first electric vehicle is likely to feature two to three electric motors and power that could potentially match the Lanzador model from its competitor, Lamborghini.

For reference, the Tesla Model S Plaid is capable of producing up to 1,020 hp, while the Lamborghini Lanzador can reach up to 1 megawatt (1,341 hp).

In recent years, many parties have begun using Tesla electric cars to study the engineering behind EVs, such as Porsche, Volvo, and Ford.

This is because Tesla was among the earliest to enter the EV arena and one of the first to offer electric vehicles with a relatively long range.

Therefore, it makes sense for other manufacturers to try to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of Tesla to apply them to their own products.

NEWS

Lewis Hamilton to drive for Ferrari in 2025?

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The recent news surrounding Formula One (F1) has been plentiful. Following the rumors of Petronas aiming to bring F1 back to Sepang, there are now reports suggesting that Lewis Hamilton is set to drive for the Ferrari team next year.

The seven-time world champion is reported to have agreed to move from Mercedes-AMG Petronas to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. This news has been widely publicized by major news outlets such as Autosport and PlanetF1.

Hamilton, who will be approaching 40 years old by 2025, is expected to partner with Charles Leclerc, who recently signed a contract with Ferrari last week.

While Hamilton still has a contract with Mercedes until the end of 2025, it seems that the second year of the contract is merely an option for him to take.

As of now, it has not been confirmed whether Hamilton has indeed signed a contract with the Italian giant. Ferrari and Mercedes have both declined to provide any comments regarding this development.

BBC Sport has begun reporting that they have confirmed the move as a “strong possibility.”

Hamilton has dominated the F1 sport with Mercedes in the turbo hybrid era, securing six out of seven championships and eight constructor titles with the team.

The news of Hamilton’s transfer has been a sensation for the past few years. We eagerly anticipate further developments, and we will report as soon as we receive the latest updates on this matter.