A quick look at the top 10:

10. Police in the Netherlands have a hand-built Spyker C8. The Spyder Roadster uses a V-8 Audi 4.2 Liter power plant to push this cruiser to its limits in terms of speed and handling. However, it doesn’t quite have the same curb appeal as:

9. Lamborghini Gallardo. Two vehicles in London’s Metropolitan Police have been used since 2005 and 2006 as publicity, provided by Lamborghini. Often referred to as the Yellow Gallardos they bear the yellow and blue markings and are fitted with a small light bar. They are not however, used as part of the department’s regular cruiser force.

8. There’s not much that can be said about the Mini Cooper version of a police car, other that their power plant and sturdy frame can take them many places that traditionally sized police cars can’t go.

7. For luxury, the Lexus IS Humberside features a 5 Liter V-8 with a top speed of 168 miles per hour, although it could be faster except for the electronic governor limits. The extra communications equipment and computers in the vehicle has not slowed it down any and aids officers in their pursuit of the ne’er do wells.

6. Not many crooks can take their eyes off a Porsche Carrera S, especially when it’s flashing red and blue lights in their rear view mirror. This cruiser was used in Germany to attempt to promote car safety as well as some of the illegal methods car lovers use to outfit their vehicles.

5. With many car companies developing show vehicles, putting together police cars, Ferrari wasn’t left out of the loop with its 612 Scaglietti HGTS. The special cruiser, housing the V-12 four-seat vehicle was part of its 60^th anniversary parade through the United Kingdom.

4. When Sussex police get together with young drivers and talk about road safety, the youngsters pay more attention with the police show up in their Lotus Exige. Showing up in such as vehicle often gets the youngsters’ attention and allows the police to address road safety issues.

3. The Mitsubishi Evo-X Lancer offers more than just performance and power. Its image plays a strong part in disturbing crime on the Yorkshire streets in the United Kingdom. The sight of the vehicle is often enough to eliminate the need for a high-speed chase.

2. Only one U.S. vehicle, the Chevrolet Camaro is considered one the coolest police vehicles, but this one, built on a Camaro SS frame, a local car shop built this vehicle for the Haltom City, Texas department and has a muscle-car influence in the community.

1. The number one coolest police car is the 225-mile per hour V-12 housed in a Mercedes CLS Brabus Rocket. It was built for a safety campaign in Germany, but it still causes excitement when it is seen at motor shows around the world.

The Article is a contribution by John Smith; John has a passion for cars and technology, he often looks out for new and innovative technology. His great knowledge makes him an avid writer as well. Visit his site Aanbesteding politievoertuigen and politie aanbesteding.

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Lately, the most expensive and powerful Ferraris you can buy are not for the road. The Enzo was the most recent limited edition range topper, and its track-only FXX model kicked off Ferrari’s “XX” program. The 599XX is Ferrari’s top dog offering now, based on the fastest Ferrari road car you can buy, the 599 GTO. While the Bologna Auto Show normally doesn’t get a lot of coverage, for us at least this Ferrari introduction has put it on the map. Introduce a Ferrari somewhere and we’ll cover it! Ferrari took to the show to in introduce the 599XX Evoluzione, a further upgrade to the 599XX’s performance.

We don’t speak Italian, but even we know that Evoluzione means an evolution – and a very expensive one at that. The Evoluzione features a redesigned aerodynamics kit that includes a active rear wing. It looks not far off one we’d see on a little Honda somewhere, but it has a purpose.

The wing uses a new concept called “opening gap” that features two flaps that rotate electronically to adjust downforce between the front and rear axles. It bases positioning on steering wheel angle, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed. It also pretty sophisticated stuff; Ferrari developed the technology through Formula One experience.

Flaps closed, the 599XX Evoluzione generates 727 pounds of downforce; open 970. Other changes include a new front splitter and rear diffuser. New side exhausts help to boost power from the car’s 6.0-liter V-12 to 740 horsepower, up by 30 hp. Weight has been reduced by 77 pounds as well, making the 599XX good for a 1 second quicker time around Ferrari’s Fiorano track, bringing it to just 1:15.

The Evoluzione package adds about $250,000 to the 599XX’s price, and existing owners of the 599XX can upgrade. The XX package has always been for the most elite of Ferrari customers; it is a car that is based on street legal vehicles but not homologated for racing, making its appeal (theoretically) small. But, most Ferraris aren’t purchased on theoretical appeal. If you are an existing owner that shells out $250,000 to upgrade your car, you’ll get another two years of factory-organized track gatherings. Ferrari has learned a lot through the program; who knows what we’ll see from these cars make it to production. Ferrari’s Formula One program has contributed and will continue to contribute a lot to Ferrari’s production development programs.

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While the idea of turning the costly procedure of automotive research and development into an income-bearing business is something few auto brands could manage, the passion of Ferrari owners have translated into a working strategy to this plan. Since 2010, wealthy enough enthusiasts of the prancing horse brand have wrapped their hands around the steering wheels of a special exotic car called the Ferrari 599XX. When the Ferrari Challenge competition F430 and F458 cars are just not thrilling Ferrari owners, the Ferrari-XX designated vehicles is a radically successful encounter of vehicle R&D merging with the supercar marketplace.

A program started in 2005 with the creation of 30 specially outfitted Ferrari Enzo models, the resulting FXX were built as a track-only vehicle available only under the company’s guidance. On Ferrari specified track days, Ferrari FXX owners (who had forked out $1.8 million US) get to put the non-street legal supercar through its performance paces. A rare, exciting experience for the Ferrari enthusiasts, the Italian sports car company benefits through the collection of vehicle data.

Following the FXX, Ferrari continued the unique test/ownership program creating the 599XX. Unlike its street-going counterpart, 599 GTB Fiorano, but identical to the Ferrari FXX, the Ferrari 599XX came into existence as a vehicle perfected to track-only performance. Ahead of the 2012-2013 session, Ferrari have engineered the Evolution package (also known as the Evoluzione) for the Ferrari 599XX based in part from data collected from previous track sessions. The second time Ferrari added additional excitement in their track-only cars with an Evolution package, examples built on the Ferrari FXX added performance improvements faster shifting gearbox and aerodynamics were included on the Enzo-derived supercar.

Making its world debut at the Bologna Motor Show, the Ferrari 599XX Evolution major alteration is an active aerodynamic package. Consisting of two electronically adjustable flaps on the rear wing, the active aerodynamic pieces change the profile of the Ferrari 599XX Evolution. Similar to Chevrolet Cruze Eco’s system known as an automatic air shutter system designed to divert air flow otherwise directed to powerplant cooling, the Ferrari 599XX Evolution active aerodynamic package is designed to maximize downforce rather than fuel economy. When the Ferrari 599XX Evolution is running at 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour), the sport car’s profile of 727.5 pounds with the flaps open chances to 970 pounds when the panels are closed. Drastically improving stability at speed, the Ferrari 599XX provides a more controlling experience to the driver.

Other exterior changes performed to the Ferrari 599XX under the Evolution package include a larger front splitter and a more aggressive rear diffuser. Along with the host of aerodynamic tweaks, the handling of the 599XX Evolution is further enhanced through upgraded electronic control systems includes the stability program, anti-lock braking, Ferrari Magnetorheological Suspension System (SCM) and F1-Trac. With the Evolution package, new Pirelli tires carry the Ferrari 599XX through the straights and corners of a racing circuit.

Improved engine performance through the Evolution package sees horsepower of 720 changing to 740 on the latest Ferrari 599XX track supercar. Credited for the extra 20 horsepower is the Evolution Package’s new side exhaust system. Adding extra spring in the Ferrari 599XX’s step equating to nearly 517 feet-pounds of torque, the Italian sports car builder boasts the Evolution package equipped vehicle can lap Ferrari‘s 1.877-mile Fiorano track in just 1 minute, 15 seconds. The lap time for the Ferrari 599XX Evolution would be a second faster than the Ferrari Enzo-based FXX lap record and equal the mark set by a fully race-prepped Ferrari 360.

The Ferrari 599XX Evolution will be ready for track time attacks in 2012 and will continue into the 2013 calendar year. An expensive and exclusive program, viewing one example of the Ferrari 599XX Evolution at an auto show like the Bologna exhibit could be the only time to witness this vehicle in person.

Information and photo source: Ferrari North Europe

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This past Sunday, Italy’s most prestigious sports car builder Ferrari lost a close, early ally pivotal for sculpting some first defining vehicles. At the age of 91, Sergio Scaglietti passed away after more than 30 year of direct Ferrari contributions. A skilled coachbuilder, Scaglietti brought forth the elegant, lightweight sports car form that has made Ferraris identifiable as an exotic car.

Sergio Scaglietti founded Carrozzeria Scaglietti at 31 years of age in 1951 after being involved in the coachbuilding practice since his early teens. Originally operating as a body repair shop, Carrozzeria Scaglietti’s close proximity to Enzo Ferrari’s Modena headquarters led to an eventual collaboration. Starting with a unique four-cylinder sports car called the Ferrari 250 Monza in 1954, Carrozzeria Scaglietti received commissioning to fashion bodies for several more Enzo Ferrari-sourced vehicles for the years afterwards. Known as more of a sculptor of sheetmetal rather than a designer, Carrozzeria Scaglietti would also assist other automotive industrial artists like Pininfarina in bringing car creations to life.

Becoming the most iconic example of Carrozzeria Scaglietti’s labour was the 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa race car. Fabricating a strikingly appealing vehicle around a 3-liter V-12 engine, the 250 Testa Rossa was an organic shape that only skilled craftsmen in Italy like Sergio Scaglietti could create during the golden age era in sports cars. Standout design features formed by Carrozzeria Scaglietti included exaggerated ‘pontoon’ fenders and a headrest bump behind the driver seat. It was reported while Enzo Ferrari disliked the headrest bump, son Dino was won over by the Sergio Scaglietti design touch. The Scaglietti design Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa won the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans and gained a reputation as one of the more beautiful race cars of the time.

Though much of the activities of Sergio Scaglietti are linked to Ferrari, a United States connection leaves Corvette historians admitting and celebrating the Italian man’s contributions. Texas businessperson and recreational sports car racing enthusiast Gary Laughlin commissioned the Carrozzeria Scaglietti to create a competition-quality vehicle based on Italian design principles. A Chevrolet dealer, Laughlin’s pursuit for Scaglietti was initiated when high repair costs for his Ferrari race car committed him to look at the Chevrolet Corvette as the basis for performance. Through a conception process, future sports car legends Jim Hall (builder of the Chaparral) and Carroll Shelby (creator of the Cobra as well as modified Ford Mustangs) were at that time Ferrari drivers guiding Laughlin to the Carrozzeria Scaglietti shops. The Scaglietti Corvette combined the lower, more sensual aerodynamic look along with the performance of a 290-horsepower, fuel-injected 283 cubic-inch V-8 engine. In hopes of some sustainable production, only three Chevrolet Scaglietti Corvette were built off 1959 car frames.

Sergio Scaglietti sold his coachbuilding operations to Ferrari’s parent company Fiat which was later transferred directly to the sports car company. Scaglietti remained an integral figure inside Ferrari through to the 1980s managing body fabrication. Years following Sergio Scaglietti’s service, the Italian sports car maker paid living tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s trusted coachbuilders when naming their 2+2 sports car in 2004. The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 612 Scaglietti carefully retreads on the 1950s coachbuilder’s work replicating it to 21st century technology. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti production was retired (replaced by the Ferrari FF), long enough for the inspiration to watch over the sports car manufacturing from afar crafted from the former Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant.

Information source: Coachbuild.com, Corvette Fifty Years Randy Leffingwell pg. 164-167
Photo Source: Ferrari North Europe, Keith Bluemel

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Compared to say, Lamborghini, Ferrari has a much more plentiful lineup. There’s the FF, California, 458 Italia, 599 GTB Fiorano and the 599 GTO. The Gallardo and Aventador are Lamborghini’s two models. The Gallardo competes head on with the 458 Italia, but when it comes to the Aventador there isn’t a direct competitor at Ferrari. The top dog for Ferrari is the 599 GTO, which is the fastest road going Ferrari ever built. Being front-engined, it is a totally different animal to the Aventador however. Autocar reports a new mid-engined model is coming though as a successor to the Enzo.

Chief Executive Officer Amedeo Felisa confirms the car is being developed, and that it will indeed have a mid-mounted V-12 engine once again. V-12 power trains are currently only found in Ferrari’s front-engined vehicles, and thus Felisa says the new model will “satisfy purists.”

If all goes well it should satisfy pretty much everyone (some will always complain). Hybrid power is being considered, and prototypes with hybrid systems are currently being tested according to Felisa. To save weight, the new super car could employ carbon fiber. The use of this material is something being pioneered by Lamborghini and McLaren. Lamborghini has yet to employ it on a truly wide scale though; McLaren utilizes it heavily in the MP4-12C, a competitor to the Italia.

Despite that, Felisa plans to limit the use of carbon fiber to only Ferrari’s most high-end models at this time, saying: “Today it does not make sense….the weight benefits compared with an aluminium chassis [such as the 458’s] are very small and the costs are huge. In the event of an accident, it is also very difficult to identify whether the chassis has been damaged.”

We’d imagine McLaren would have a little something to say about that. Ferrari’s been in this business a whole lot longer though, so we’ll see have to see how things shake out. As for the new super car, Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo confirmed last week that it would be revealed before the end of 2012.

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Now that the hub-bub of Pebble Beach/Monterey Historics that blend into the Frankfurt show have calmed down, it seems that the big take-away (from Pebble/Monterey at least) was the fact that a 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa prototype rolled off the Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction block selling for a staggering $16.39 million.

Yes, that’s about what the grand total of what a winning lotto ticket would be, and yes, that is a whole lot of money, but there are a lot of factors at work contributing to this cars final selling price. For starters, they didn’t make that many racing TRs back in the day. 34 to be exact, so rarity means the price will go up. There’s also the desirability factor too. These are very pretty and they are very fast and they won a whole lot of races like Le Mans and Spa and so on. And on top of that, answer yourself this question: When was the last time you saw one of these change hands?

They don’t very often, so when they do, stratospheric prices are par for the course. Meaning that this particular TR showed with a final bid of $14.9 million at Gooding’s Friday night’s auction, and then you tack on the ten percent selling fee, the final price was an astonishing $16.39 million.

Yes, due to rarity and all the other stuff I mentioned prices for vintage Ferraris have gone up the last few years, with such notable deals as a 1961 Ferrari California Spyder selling for more than $10 million in 2008, and a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR went for more than $12 million a couple of years back in 2009.

On top of selling the 250 TR, Gooding sold another six cars over the million-dollar mark where the big players in this business hang out. There was a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California that sold for $3.355 million, a 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 that was a factory team car that crossed the block for $2.285 million, and a 1953 Ferrari 375 Vignale Coupe that went for “only” $2.2 million.

And now is when the discussion using terms like “worth” usually crops up.

Is this car, or any car for that matter, “worth” the GDP of a third world nation? In short, yes. Normally I have a very dim view of most car auctions. Those Barrett-Jackson deals on SpeedTV make my skin crawl, and that’s for a really simple set of reasons. The most salient reason is that things like Barrett-Jackson serve as little more than a way to drive up prices on what used to be reasonably affordable fun cars. A 60s vintage Camaro now goes for what a used Ferrari 360 Modena goes for. All thanks to cheap plastic hustlers and buyers that made their scratch as real estate developers or pharmaceutical sales reps.

Don’t get me wrong, cars like early Camaros and Super Bees are cool and fun and all that, but how many of those rolled off the assembly lines back in 1970? Ford probably made more Boss 302 Mustangs in a day then Ferrari made 308 GTBs in a year. So there’s no way a Mustang should sell for more.

Yes, 16+ million is a lot of frickin’ money, but you have to consider who built this car, who raced it, and what happened when it was raced. Obtaining a car like a 1957 TR is sort of like acquiring a Gibson ES 335 that Chuck Berry used. 335s are nice, and can command some serious do-rey-mi, but one that Mr. Berry used, that’s a whole different story. The same thing applies to cars, especially car that helped to cement Ferrari’s reputation as the most storied and successful marque in racing history.

Source: Autblog

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It was years ago now, fifteen at least. I was at the racetrack in Kent Washington (it used to be called Kent International Raceways when I was a kid, then they called it Seattle International Raceways, or SIR for short, and now it’s called Pacific Raceways) for the annual vintage races. Tucked in among the old bathtub Porsches and Chevrons and McLaren CanAm cars, as if they were not all that remarkable were two Ferrari GTOs.

One was an original 250 GTO, the most recognizable of the genre, and the other was a GTO 64, one of only two in existence. I’m pretty sure the 64 was Greg Whitten’s, local car guy and Microsoft kid, since the other remaining GTO 64 lives in Japan.

As the day wore on, various run groups hitting the track, stragglers and racers beset by mechanical maladies trickling in amongst the continued roar from the track, it was pretty much a typical vintage race weekend. Jaundiced eyes would barely flicker over the passing of a McLaren M8F as it rumbled by like a ground-bound fighter plane or the now-serine MG Metro WRC coming back on a hook after some un-Godly expensive bang out on the track.

Like a wave slowly running up a beach, silence crept through the paddock. Ratcheting wrenches were stilled, the grunts of Triumph owners working on that last stubborn bolt quieted, and calmly rippling through the paddock, literally whispered from person to person came the excited words: “The GTOs are heading out! The GTOs are heading out!”

From the far distance first one, then a second V12 engine came to life, the unmistakable sound of tearing silk could mean that it could only be the product of one company: Ferrari.

I watched from maybe 200 yards away as the crowd silently parted, and the 62 lead the 64 from the paddock into the pits and directly out onto the track, maybe hitting freeway speed by the time they were into the kink that is turn one, perhaps a quarter mile away from where I was standing.

Everyone stopped and set down tools or oily red shop rags and, without a word, walked to hang off of the cyclone fence like a bunch of 14 year olds at their first track outing.

The sounds of the engines died off as they rounded turn two and into the steep, downhill plunge to the switchback turns of 3a and 3b, muffled notes as they must have worked their way through 5 and 6 by the section every racer simply called “the pit” (“trust me man, you do NOT want to go off and end up down in “the pit”, it’d be bad, really bad.”), when there was a KRAK!! followed by high pitched rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRowRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRowRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as both racers simply stood on the gas all the way back onto the main straight and didn’t lift off until the braking area of turn 2.

All of the rail-birds and fence-clingers leaned in and tightened their grip and said nothing until the cars were out of sight, and then crowd simply erupted in a cacophony of shouts:

“Sonofabitchdidyouseethat? Oh my GOD! Wow! Holy Shi-neverinmylife! WOW!”

Everyone from software princes to telecom moguls to working class families were literally transformed into bunch of screaming and hollering teenagers; leaping and jumping up and down and slapping complete strangers on the back: “Have you ever seen the like?! Wow! Boy-oh-boy! That was TOTALLY wicked!!”

And the crowd only got more vocal as the two GTOs carried on like that for another ten or fifteen laps, no one else on the track, but driving like they were being chased by the devil himself; V12 arias bouncing off the distant hills and mountains, slowly being dampened and absorbed by the pine trees.

I can only imagine what it was like when four times as many GTOs took to the track at Laguna Seca this past weekend.

Source: Autoblog

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Dammit, dammit, dammit! Auction catalogues are evil, evil things. Or at least they are for me. Like that Merc I mentioned in another post, this 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spyder is a seriously great car in a bunch of different ways.

For one thing, it’s a bit odd for a Ferrari, engine-wise that is. ‘Neath the bonnet you will find, of all things a three liter four banger engine. These Monzas were very light and nimble and frickin’ world-beaters. Think of them as aluminum bodied Miatas with a bored and stroked stock four banger punched out from two to three liters, and you’ll get a pretty good idea what they drive like.

No, I haven’t driven one (sadly). But I have seen them race, and you underestimate these little guys at your own peril. They were sort of like 50s, front engined versions of Chevron B19s. Luckily, for the competitors, Enzo only made 25 of the little beasts, whereas Chevron cranked out the 19s like sausages. Another plus for the 750 Monza over the B19s is that they’re much more streetable. Not that you should, but you could … or I could at any rate.

So, in addition to rarity, pedigree, a great, if unexpected mill, what else does this Monza have going for it that makes RM think it will get between $2,500,000-$3,250,000 US when it roils across the auction block at Monterey?

For starters, I mentioned that it is one of only 35 built, and a matching-numbers example (rare for an ex-racer, where parts get swapped out every weekend). Also, and this is SO cool, this particular 750 had a starring role in On the Beach, starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and was driven on screen by Fred Astaire. Yeah, THAT Fred Astaire. And, if I might digress here (and I think I will) On The Beach was not only a great movie (the brittleness of Ava Gardner not withstanding (what Sinatra saw in her, I’ll never understand)) but it is also a great, great car movie. Well, part of it is. The part where Fred takes out the Monza (painted white in the film) for one last race with a bunch of other crazy gearheads when the world is literally coming to an end. Talk about literally going out in a blaze of glory, that’s Mr. Astaire’s aim. Sadly, he ends up winning, rather than kicking the bucket … but he remedies that situation later in the film with great flair and aplomb that would make any gearhead worth the grease under their nails and the scars on their knuckles say, “Yeah man, THAT’S the way to go!”

Anyway, in addition to all that Hollywood cool factor, this particular 750 Monza was also the Brussels Motor Show car for Ferrari in 1955, and it also boasts a race-winning history, including John Von Neumann, Phil Hill, Harrison Evans. Yes, that would be America’s first world driving Champion, Phil Hill.

Restored? Hells yeah! It took them two years to get it looking like this. RM says that ” … this Ferrari 750 Monza is one of the finest examples built and, according to Ferrari authority Brooke Betz, the best example he has ever seen, on content alone.” I ain’t bitching with him, I can tell you that right now.

The mechanical deets work out like this: A 260 hp, 2,999 cc DOHC four-cylinder engine featuring double Weber 58 mm DCOA/3 carburetors, dry sump lubrication (natch), five-speed manual transmission (double natch), independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, de Dion rear axle with transverse leaf springs and trailing arms (scary, sure, but that was pretty much the coin of the realm back then, rear suspension wise), four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. and a short-short wheelbase of 88.6″

This 750 Monza, serial number 0492M, entered 22 West Coast races in 1955-56, and in that time it won twice, scored seven 2nd place finishes, was 3rd twice and 4th four times. That, as they say, is a “significant racing history”.

Source: Jalopnik

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I was just reading a rather interesting, yet still speculative article about what new rides Ferrari would be letting lose on the streets of the world from their Maranello factory, and then these spy shots hit the web today. In some ways, Ferrari’s 599 GTB Fiorano is the longest in the tooth, and, therefore, the one most in need of replacement. But how can you begin to replace a car that is already so potent that it is still one of the world’s benchmarks?

Well, there’s no easy answer to that, other than the mysterious mention of ” … sporting a 700-plus-horsepower 6.3-liter V12 backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox … [and] direct injection … ”

Sure, more displacement and more power can answer a lot of questions, and it’s pretty obvious that of a car of this caliber (remember, the jaw dropping performance of Ferrari’s 458 Italia is for the entry model car), Ferrari is not going to put in a plant that cranks out less … but what else is going on here. Or at least, what else can we determine from the photos? A lot of things. Since this is a test mule undergoing a mechanical shakedown, a lot of the body mods are there to both throw off in the incautious, and simply to cover up what might be going on underneath the composite skin.

For starters, you can see from closer inspection that a lot of these body parts are from the 599 GTO. The hood, for example, has those big breather gills from the 4th Gen GTO. This could have been done only as a ruse, but, as is more likely, it was done to expel the heat emanating from beneath the bonnet. 700-plus-horsepower coming from a 6.3-liter V12 means, more than anything else, heat, and a lot of it. So, under testing, who cares, just get the thermal loading out from under the hood. Most likely though, there will have to be some sort of provisions similar to this on the future Ferrari 599.

Curiously you can see that the front vents on the trailing edges of the upper front fenders have been reduced in size, if not blanked out altogether. You would think that the opposite would be true, but for whatever reason, Ferrari are not doing it this time around.

Something that I would personally speculate is that Ferrari will also do is some sort of combined headlight and aerodynamic treatment as they have done on the 458. You can’t see that here, meaning that it is most likely still in development (i.e. figuring how much bypass air to route over the tops of the fenders to cut lift) which is why the headlights seem to be attached with gaffers tape.

The same goes for the radiator and brake openings as well as that totally kluged strip of pop-riveted metal just below the front of the hood. All of that area will have to be carefully sculpted in one of Ferrari’s three in-house wind tunnels to make the car serve the multiple masters of thermal loading, aero balance and aesthetics.

Towards the back, it seems that they haven’t done anything at all different with this test rig (other than go with the GTO bits). The brake inlet is there ahead of the rear wheels as is the massive outlet just aft of the rear tires. The huge GTO diffuser is still in place too, so it looks like they aren’t even interested in tackling the rear end aero just yet.

My best guess: Engine, cooling and interim drivability testing.

Ferrari is looking to get the big bugs of the plant worked out with this guy, and then they’ll start futzing around with the rest.

Source: Autoblog

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Amongst Pininfarina’s most prized relationships was established with auto racing entrepreneur named Enzo Ferrari in 1948. More than 6 decades of threads, the pair has cooperated in creating 26 concept and production cars.

While other designers would have the privilege to shape early Ferraris, a Pininfarina-designed 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter made a striking style statement of what can be expected through merging talents of two hot-blooded, Italian automotive men. The first solely Pininfarina production model for the prancing horse was the Ferrari 250 GT short wheel base version released for 1959 model year. The long hood combined with the fastback roof made the car an ultra-sleek Italian shape. An Italian shape many top-flight automakers would replicate.

As Enzo Ferrari’s dreams of an established sports car maker was realized, his regret was the early adulthood death of son Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari. Along with the corporate friendship, Pininfarina was commissioned to design a memorial to the departed Ferrari heir. Entering production in 1968, the Dino 206 radiated youthful charm and ambition. One of Ferrari’s more mass produced vehicles, the 206 became a significant model for the Italian sports car giant being their first mid-engined road car. A fitting legacy, the vehicle also incorporated a V6 engine the late Alfredo Ferrari helped developed.

Though the Dino was associated with Ferrari, it would be until 1973 when the first official Ferrari was mid-engined. Being a large advocate for central engined sports cars, Pininfarina influenced Ferrari through the designing of the Dino and subsequent design studies like the Ferrari P6 concept car. This wedged-shaped design directly translated to the purely two-seat Ferrari BB 512. With the superior aerodynamics and a flat 12-cylinder engine Ferrari’s first forte into a mid-engined protection car was known to achieve 188 miles per hour. The Ferrari BB 512 would only remain impressive until what is arguably the most popular Ferrari ever.

Introduced in 1984, the Ferrari Testarossa is a sensual sight bridging the earliest Ferrari sports cars with the latest. Defined partly with the wide stance, the Testarossa is quickly distinguished by two large sets of side ribs before massive air intakes serving as a necessity to feeding air to rear-mounted radiators. Accepted as one of the most commercially successful Ferraris ever built, Testarossa became particularly noted for appearing on the 80s television show Miami Vice. The Italian term for “redhead”, Testarossa, under the skill tailoring of Pininfarina, translates to a certified knockout in every language.

Beside the runaway success of the Testarossa, the Ferrari-Pininfarina relationship for the 1980s included an ultimate street-going Ferrari, the F-40. Radically for its time, Pininfarina used Kevlar and carbon fibers among eleven unique elements in formulating Ferrari F-40′s body panels. A moving tribute to 40 years of Ferrari production cars, the supercar is the last new Pininfarina creation Enzo Ferrari would green light. He died in 1988, months after being present for the Ferrari F-40′s unveiling.

Though the principals of both companies have passed, the now classic Italian alliance of speed and design could never be stronger. Very productive during the 1990s, as well as the 2000s Ferrari and Pininfarina continued to develop wonderful creations. The Ferrari 360 Modena, introduced as a design concept at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, emerged as a well-balanced piece of Pininfarina beauty and the sports car company’s mid-engined sports car mastery. Ferrari California, Ferrari 458 Italia and the innovative Ferrari FF are now the latest result of the Pininfarina’s prancing horse whispering.

Spotlight Die Cast Offerings:

Spotlight Die Cast Offerings: Based on the gigantic international following for Ferrari, the auto company has prospered as much from merchandising as from vehicle itself. In die-cast form, leading die-cast companies accurately and faithfully record the love affair between Pininfarina and Ferrari.

Ferrari’s history can be vividly illustrated through a $1 Hot Wheels diecast or a highly detailed Kyosho that can wear a price tag of over $500 US. Both Kyosho as well as Mattel’s Hot Wheels division feature an extensive lineup of Pininfarina designs from the 250 GT to the contemporary Ferrari 599 GTB and 458 Italia. The latter manufacturer are releasing highly-detailed accounts in 1/43 and 1/18 scale for practically every Ferrari including little known Pininfarina-designed 1960s concept, the Modulo.

On diecast collectors wanting to get deeply acquainted with the manufacturing of a Ferrari but unable to afford the plane ticket to Maranello, Maisto provides an alternative. Part of Maisto’s 1:24 scale Assembly Line, several late model Pininfarina-styled Ferraris can be constructed by the collector. Supercars like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and even the Ferrari F50 can be built into showcase-quality representation of automotive design excellence supplied by Pininfarina.

Traditional Hot Wheels 1:64 line routinely issues old as well as new examples of the Pininfarina-Ferrari pairing. The Ferrari F430 and the 458 Italia are some of the attractive scaled representations delighting many young car enthusiasts.

Information Source: Ferrari, Kyosho USA, Maisto, Mattel Pininfarina S.P.A.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

Related posts:

1. Pininfarina History in Diecast Form Part 5: (1990-Present)
2. Pininfarina History in Diecast Form Part 3: (1950-1970)
3. Pininfarina History in Diecast Form-Part 1 (1930-1950)

Right. Sure, I can understand this, but it still doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. When spy photos leaked a while back showing something that looked like an updated Lancia Stratos, the automotive world was abuzz. When it turned out to be true, and that the wealthy (okay, richer than Croesus) German fellow had the car built using a Ferrari F430 Scuderia as its base, our lust was justified on a more than looks alone. Then things got even better. There were growing rumors of a limited run of these beasts being available for us, the little people, to, if not purchase, then at least lust after.

Sadly, our (lottery winning fueled) dreams have just been crushed, it would seem. Ferrari, makers of the F430 Scuderia have apparently said ” alcun modo all’inferno ” to the limited production run idea.

The original Stratos was really the first purpose built rally car. Up until it rolled out of Bertone’s and Lancia’s shops back in 1971/72, the world of rallying was an arena for stuff like Citroen DSs and Volvo Amazons and Mini Coopers. Lancia bringing this thing to a rally competition was like someone bringing a rocket launcher to a knife fight. Not just in terms of looks alone (which are, to this day, stunning and modern), but also from a mechanical perspective. Sure, it had state of the art this and that, but it also had a full on Ferrari V6 residing under the rear clamshell.

It did to its competition what Conan the Barbarian could only dream about: “Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.” Or, in the case of the Stratos, the lamentation of a bunch of Scandinavians who were getting beaten like gongs.

Fast-forward forty years (give or take), and out comes this new “one off” Stratos. No, there were not any racing plans, so there was no lamentation from the likes of Sebastien Loeb or Petter Solberg. But there was a lot of lamentation from the likes of people like me when it turned out to be one guy’s ego trip. Sure, the rumored limited production run had me re-jiggering my list of cars I’d get when that Lotto ticket pays off, but that didn’t seem all that likely (both the limited run and me winning the lotto).

So, in some ways, the mention that Ferrari is putting the kibosh on the deal both confirmed my vainglorious lotto musings and seemed par for the course for the boys from Maranello.

Ferrari has been crazy vindictive at times when it comes to people nosing in on what they consider their territory. Have you ever heard the story of the Favre GTO reproductions? It’s nasty. Screaming. Yelling. Threats of suits and counter suits. And finally, very mysteriously M. Favre ending up murdered in his garage. No, no one is saying Ferrari had anything to do with his death … but before that, they were falling on him like a ton of lead.

That’s not the case with the nouveau Stratos though. Even though Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo only had positive things to say about the Stratos when he gave it his imperious once over a few months back, the creators of the car now say they have reached something of a deadlock on the project. Ferrari will not allow its suppliers (specifically Pininfarina, who did the design and assembled the New Stratos) to take the car from the single example it currently is into being a limited production ride. And this is in spite of the more than 40 prelim orders the new Stratos has received from potential (stunningly rich) buyers.

Ergo, the New Stratos guys are looking into “other avenues” for production.

What does “other avenues” mean? Hell if I know. But if they think they can do an end run around Ferrari/ Pininfarina, they might want to ponder on that for a while. Sure, Northern Italy is choked with panel beaters and automobile subcontractors, even ones that can do full blown race car tech for anyone with a checkbook (Dalara, for example), but the “little shops” in and around Maranello will essentially have to answer this question: “Would I like to be in on making 40 or 50 or 60 really cool follow-on Stratos for this century, or would I like to work for Ferrari again?”

Because, you know that Ferrari would most likely take a dim view of someone who was complicit in doing an end run around their wishes.

Hmmmm …. I wonder if McLaren has any free space in their kilns?

Source: Autoblog

Related posts:

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For all automakers, the need to build a recognizable image depends heavily on visibility of the brand and association with the vehicle. For niche market auto companies, the efforts to build a brand persona cannot depend on word of mouth or the overwhelming testimonials of ownerships. For exotic car companies, the way to provoke desirability in their product is often found in auto racing.

Without doubt, the most effective sports car auto company using auto racing to promote their brand, the first Ferrari road cars were constructed and sold mainly to fund a founder Enzo Ferrari’s passion for motorsports. Making the most noise in Formula 1 and professional sports car racing, their outreach brought Ferrari to the pinnacle of exotic vehicle recognition. Starting in 1993, Ferrari began bringing their customers into the action of auto racing. Providing an extravagant connection to the spirit that spawned the Italian auto company, the Ferrari Challenge allows some caretakers of F430 and 458 Challenge-type cars the ability to race in competition with other Ferrari owners.

Holding 6 events in 2011, the Ferrari Challenge is staged for the seemingly mere thrill of speed. Maintained by Ferrari North America and the GrandAm organization, the Ferrari Challenge is meant for amateur racers only. While the fraternity of Ferrari owners is limited, the participation in the series is limited only to those possessing a Challenge prepared vehicle and drivers voted in by the Ferrari Challenge Committee. Along with providing selected owners access to professional race circuits including Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve grand prix track, a social element is attached to each race allowing comfort for those preferring the enchanting overflow of Ferrari red. For $110 US, any Ferrari owner can register as a VIP guest for a race day where high-class meals and hospitality rooms.

Joining the Honda Indy of Toronto for 2011, the Ferrari Challenge drivers were granted the chance to open up the Italian-sourced supercars on streets commonly left open to commuters and everyday driving. Unrestricted with the absence of other vehicles as well as standard traffic laws, the Ferrari Challenge does exist under a tight set of rules. Unlike some production-based sports car racing categories were little elements of latitude eventually totals to a completely different vehicle from the street version, the F430 and 458 cars used in the Ferrari Challenge almost completely stock. To insure full compliance with the Ferrari Challenge series production car, only factory-authorized Ferrari outlets can make race preparations to the vehicle. Engines are sealed to prevent modifcations and the famous Pininfarina-designed bodies are only allowed to adjustments to exterior livery. The result is a fulfilling chance of an actual, production line supercar in race action.

While it is easy to note the drivers are truly gaining the most from the Ferrari Challenge competition, the races present spectators a simmering hot sensation. Fans get the sight of seeing the wedged-like, mid-engined supercars at speeds close to the maximum obtainable by these machines. Hearing the crisp, Italian-bred V-8 engines soaring to the higher echelons of the rev range, we are brought to the understanding Ferrari cars are honestly at home at high speeds. There is certainly some magic on display within the Ferrari Challenge competition. Maybe for the more jealous among us, there could be some pleasure in seeing a Ferrari F430 or 458 Challenge returning to the pits damaged. Based on the soulful creation of each and every Ferrari, such thoughts could border on witnessing cruelty.

Brought to North America in 1994, the Ferrari Challenge has given the company a special connection a motoring desire that propelled Enzo Ferrari to construct a sports car that delights so many.

Information Source: Ferrari Challenge
Photo Source: Chris Nagy

Video Available at:

Ferrari Challenge at Honda Indy 2011

Related posts:

1. Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale
2. Revealed: Ferrari F430 Scuderia, not Challenge Stradale
3. Supercar Recall: Ferrari 458 Italia Fire Fix

You have made it to the top. Successful and in charge, you want to live life to the fullest. All the money you’ve made has allowed you to indulge in your favorite hobby, collecting cars, but now you find yourself stuck in the office all day. As far away from your obsession as possible. Have no fear, you are not alone. Car lovers dwell in office spaces the world over and the most artistic of us have designed everything a car lover would need to remodel that drab cubical into a high class gear head power office. What do you need in your office to keep you revved up and making that money? A desk, some chairs, adequate lighting, and a few other creature comforts, I’m sure.

So let’s start with a desk. This has to be the center piece of your office, the place where all the deals go down. For you F1 lovers, there’s the F1 inspired desk from PitStop Furniture. At a modest $450, you won’t be too over the top.

Formula racing isn’t for everyone. Some people like to keep a lower profile. If you want your desk to reflect that more subtle image, this desk may not be for you. A nearly complete Mini could be the place where you get all of your work done. For about $4,500 this desk would probably cost about the same as the real deal, but you can’t drive a real Mini into your office building, no matter how easy those guys on The Italian Job make it look.

   But, if you think the F1 desk looks like it was built from the Erector set you had as a kid and the Mini looks a tad worn for the wear, then perhaps you need the The Executive Desk from designer Dale Mathis. At the tune of $21,000, this clear top desk lets you become memorized by the daily gear grind. You can sit and stare straight down all day long as you see this functional piece of art at work, just don’t forget you need to work too.

Now that your desk situation is under control, you need to find your throne, the place at which you will sit for 8-12 hours a day. At Racechairs.com you can find any number of chairs that will fit your decor and your body.

The “12 Hours of Sebring” chair has to be the most ironic and my number one choice for a few reasons. First, unless you pay for it, there is no seating in Sebring, a fact that they neglect to mention when you buy passes or look on the website. Secondly, at about $400, it won’t break the budget.

Budget? What budget, you say. Money is no object? Then buckle up. You can enjoy the same seating as the owner of a Ferrari Scuderia 16M for the everyday low price of $25,000. Touted as one of the most comfortable seats from Ferrari, don’t expect it quick- each chair is custom made.

You now have a sweet chair to sit in behind that power desk, but what will you be working on? Why, a car inspired computer, naturally. Computer manufacturer ASUS has teamed up with Lamborghini to introduce the ASUS- Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop. Now, you can speed through the cyber world like it’s the Autobahn because this $2,200 laptop has the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processor that not only helps you get the job done, but gives you the best gaming performance out there. (Just don’t tell the boss…)

With the coolest desk, the sickest chair, and the fastest computer you now have a line of people waiting to see you. They know that you are the one who can make things happen, but what will you have them sit on? Carbon fiber sitting chairs are a great choice. GarageWorks Industries has a line of modest looking carbon fiber chairs, including a rocking chair for when your mom visits starting at about $1,400.

But, if the carbon fiber chair is just a tad to plain for your tastes, you can always step it up a notch or three. You can have your guests sit in style in a Porsche 917 1970′s inspired seat from Inspired Designs, while you run through the numbers. But at about $5,800, you may be a bit more picky who you give the green light too for a test sit.

If you’re after something a bit more elegant then look no further than Aston Martin Heritage Designs. They have handcrafted a love seat out of the boot of an Aston Martin DB6. The sofa is a custom order that may run you upwards of $7,300.

Every visitor to your office will more than likely have something they will need to set down. You want to give them another stylish and car inspired piece to do that with, a table. Different’ sizes and shapes, coffee tables and end tables can make or break a look. If you have gone with the F1 Inspired office with the carbon fiber chairs, why not keep with it by investing in carbon fiber tables? From $800 up, a carbon fiber table from Seibon will not only be indestructible, but also a sleek and chic way to impress.

If your tastes for the unique have won your designs over, then have no fear, I have the best coffee table for you, one made from an engine block. Many tables made from blocks are custom orders and can range in price from $500 to a couple of thousand. It’s best to not get one made from an inline formation, the wedge of a V engine will support a glass top better. Most will be made from a Chevrolet V-8, but a connoisseur can have anything, including an Aston Martin V-12 converted into usable work of art.

Now, you have all of the basics covered, desk, chair, computer, seating, and tables, but what about the accessories that will drive home the fact that you’d rather be racing than working? No problem. You can provide all the lighting you could ever want with a pair of Maserati inspired and Lumina produced lamps.

With the work day being stressful on a loyal servant such as yourself, you find that music in the background soothes your soul. But, not just any stereo system will do, oh no. You want the best, so you shell out $20,000 for a Ferrari speaker tower called the Art.Engine. It should pair up nicely with your Ferrari FMP160 MP3 player.

Ah, another tumultuous work day comes to a close. You made the numbers you needed to this month and you would like to pour a toast to the entire office to celebrate. You duck into your office and see what you have in the final piece in your office transformation, a Jaguar Etype V-12 engine block that has been transformed into a wine rack. Each cylinder now capable of holding a full 720mL bottle of bubbly, you’ll be looking for reasons to pop a cork at 5:00.

You have created your ultimate work space, a gear heads paradise away from the garage and you like it. Sure it’s set you back more than some people pay for houses, but your life is cars. You went to a lot of different places to get these goodies, and you are now basking in your stylistic glory. But, if you’re way too busy to do all of the digging and running around to find all of these pieces you’re in luck; LA Design Studios in Poland as developed a whole office furniture line inspired by the Shelby AC Cobra 427 from the mid-1960′s(pictured first). So, instead of each piece bringing it’s unique characteristics to the room, all the pieces will coordinate to make your space feel like it was designed by Shelby himself. This one stop shop won’t save in the budget however, but at least one check is easier to write than 15.

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The only true disappointment with many auto shows is the limited or non-existent opportunity of seeing the greatest creations in motoring in motion. Taking place on the first weekend of July, the 2011 edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed is an outside exhibition where museum-quality, near priceless machines are seen and heard. Within a well-forested area where plenty of green space, the event is also considered as “the largest motoring garden party in the world”. First held in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has grown as a multi-day world gathering that featured some of the most marvellous pieces of motorsport history.

With motor vehicles as ancient as the 1909 Blitzen-Benz, presentations of auto racing’s golden age within the 1950s through to the 1970s intrigued as signs of automotive technology progression. The Chaparral 2J CanAm sports car and a Ford GT40 were a few of the classic motorsport combatants in motion at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. A fantastic opportunity for 150,000 spectators to be willingly schooled in auto racing history, the hills of Goodwood connected to the 21st century with future classic vehicles. Fresh off a victory at the 24-Hour of Le Mans, the Audi R18 Tdi was driven by Audi Team Joust driver Marco Werner. A British touring car-fitted Chevrolet Cruze as well as GT3 class sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the all-new McLaren MP4-12C brought into prospective over 100 years of power and glory. In amongst all the motoring history, automobiles transcending the timeline included the Audi Ur-quattro S1, Porsche 917/30, Jaguar XJR9 le mans prototype and a Hennessey Venom GT supercar.

Beyond the beauty of the race cars themselves, the most attractive quality for the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the reuniting of the world’s most successful motorsport drivers with vehicles having provided a significant role in defining their careers. This year, the spectacle of cars and drivers side-by-side has never been stronger as Indy car, Formula 1, sports car, rally car and motorcycle racing. Awaking the hills on the Friday kicking off the three-day event, past racing greats such as Formula 1 World champion Emerson Fittipadi, three-time open wheel champion Bobby Rahal and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser began navigating the Goodwood hill, a 1.16-mile rising 300 feet to a finishing summit. While there were some timed runs with certain cars, it could be forgivable that most vehicles were more paraded up Goodwood‘s track.

With internal combustion engines powering most of the cars of yesterday and today, 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones revved-up something completely different. Called the Lotus 56, Jones piloted a 1968 jet turbine powered Indy car designed to go after a Brickyard victory. An aerodynamic wedge-shaped vehicle, the Lotus 56 was a revision to a 1967 vehicle Parnelli Jones almost guided to a win at the Indy 500. As the race’s sanctioning body outlawed turbine-powered cars in 1969, the Lotus 56 retired winless in competition. Shown off at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the car was brought back to life projecting its unusual automotive sound to the crowd.

As an assortment of modern race vehicles rolled at the English motoring festival, current motorsport stars presented themselves to the crowds through the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the show. Recent Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, Formula 1 driver for Red Bull Racing Mark Webber and Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg were among a few names at Goodwood. IZOD INDYCAR Series point’s leader for Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Dario Franchitti showed some respect to some older racing machines than his regular Dallara-Honda. Driving a Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II, Franchitti also received a second chance to pilot the 1965 Lotus 38. First rear-engined vehicle to win at the Indianapolis 500 in the hands of the legendary Jimmy Clark, Franchitti first connected to his fellow Scottish driver Lotus 38 last year in a photo-op at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Other active racers at Goodwood Festival of Speed included the McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Trusted with a variety of McLaren cars, the pair drove the 6-time winning 1980s McLaren MP4/1, the 2008 driver championship-winning MP4/23 car and the McLaren MP4-12C supercar. The Ferrari, Lotus-Renault GP and Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars would also take to the Goodwood hill.

Having formally announced his retirement during mid-June, 81 year-old British driving ace Sir Sterling Moss gave the Goodwood crowd a show of motoring greatness. Well-regarded as the best Formula 1 driver never to win a world championship, Moss appeared to have exempted the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. On the two days he was attended the event, Sterling Moss took the wheel of the 1961 Ferguson Project 99 (a car Moss declared his favourite Formula 1 car). For those wondering, yes the Ferguson name on the Formula 1 car was connected to the farm tractor company. In fact, the all-wheel drive open wheel racer was built as a showcase for the gearboxes employed on the tractors. Driven by Sterling Moss to victory in the 1961 International Gold Cup, non-championship Formula 1 held at Oulton Park, England racing in wet conditions. The victory is recorded as the last win by a front-engined Formula 1 car and the only victory by a four-wheel drive. Timed on the Goodwood hill, Moss negotiated the classic Ferguson Project 99 through the circuit in 1 minute, 42.6 seconds. While Sterling Moss was 6th fastest in the machine, the Ferguson Project 99 was wheeled to a best in category time of 1 minute and 2.3 seconds on Saturday in the hands of Stuart Rolt. Stuart Rolt is the son of the car co-developer and Formula 1 driver Tony Rolt.

Apart from the moving motorsport history lesson, many automotive companies provided traditional static displays. Showing off their latest products, Jaguar exhibited their CX-75 supercar while Ferrari brought the upcoming FF grand tourer to the public show. Displaying some modified performance with a hybrid powertrain, Honda allowed viewers to witness the Mugen-prepared CR-Z sports car.

After three days, the fortunate motoring-adoring crowds left having sampled a feast of dynamic automotive and motorcycle racing history. A 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed is an event words would fail to fully-encompass.

Information source: The Goodwood Estate Company Limited, Ferrari, Honda UK, Jaguar
Photo source: Ferrari, INDYCAR, Jaguar

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Idioti insapore! Non hai il senso dello stile a tutti? Nessuna comprensione della tradizione?

Such shocking, sad and disheartening news from Maranello today: The sale of Ferraris painted the traditional Italian Racing Red are down. Even worse, red accounts for less than half of the cars coming out of factory on via Ascari.

In the early 1990s 85 percent of all Ferrari models rolled out of the factory painted red. A good solid number if you ask me. Our sources add that ” … it’s tough to understand how 85 percent of all customers could buy such a rare horse, yet insist upon such a common color.” Which, to me, is just a prime chunk of evidence that the boys at AutoBlog really are a bunch of craven shills with about as much sense and understanding of history as your average American (i.e. almost none). Anyway, from a once acceptable 85 percent, sales of red Ferraris are now at an abysmal 45 percent in 2010.

Supposedly “greater differentiation” is one of the reason for the decrease output of red cars from Maranello. Although I don’t fully get what “greater differentiation” exactly means. They also note that Ferrari is now offering a far greater range of colors today than they did in the past. This is no doubt true. Hell, when Ferrari started out, they only offered cars in red.

One of the most discussed aspect of the 1957 250 GT coupe that Enzo made for Ingrid Bergman and put on display at the Paris Show was that it was painted silver. Silver! Okay, actually “Grigio Ingrid” to quote il Commendatore. But still, the color caused a bit of a stir.

Ferrari also noted when mentioning the drop in cars painted red that there seems to be a growing craze for two-tone liveries, with the roof painted a different color than the rest of the body. Which, in some cases, the latest iteration of the GTO for instance, works really well. Red with a flat black roof looks really good on that car.

Ferrari has also announced that they have perfected a “three-layer painting technique that utilizes three coats of paint for a deeper and more brilliant color than has been offered in the past.” Nice! And that explains why more recent Ferraris that I have seen look to have paint that is 18 inches thick, yet applied to a body panel seemingly no thicker than a playing card.

Ferrari also commented that they are now offering complete car color customization (if this was an article about “Big Daddy” Ed Roth, I would have had to write that Kar Kolor Kustomization, wouldn’t I). You can bring them in a Pantone chip, and they’ll match it. That’s nice of them. Il Ragazzi from Maranello say that special-order finishes have gone up from only one percent ten years ago to ten percent today.

Still, this is just awful, rotten news.

I blame it on the Nouveau riche. It must be from the recent glut of freshly minted hedge fund “managers”, reality show participants and Donald Trump wannabes (or perhaps that pointless clown Trump himself). Only people with a complete lack understanding and tradition would do something like this.

As far as I’m concerned, you buy an Italian car, any Italian car, you get a red one. Your French car purchase should be blue, and your German car should be in silver (white, if you want to be an originalist).

Some people, I tell ya …

Source: AutoBlog

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