Friday, 28 August 2009
2005 Citroen C6
Citroen C1
Thursday, 20 August 2009
High cost for Ferrari
Lucky millionaires out there can now upgrade their "basic" Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to HGTE-spec, by buying a tuning kit which has a starting price of £19,703. You can actually buy a whole (old) Ferrari for that.
Ferrari 288 GTOs Gather At Monterey
And a whole slew of them gather together at this year’s Monterey Historics.
To call a car a GTO is throwing down a mechanical gauntlet, especially if the company doing so is Ferrari. Saying that your car is the measure of one of the greatest sports racers of all time is a helluva thing to say. The 288 GTO was just such a boast, and although it never turned a wheel in anger (at least sanctioned by the factory), it WAS intended to race and win. Back in the mid-80s, there was growing manufacturer fascination with a group of race cars, rally cars actually, known collectively as Group B. It went from homologated specials like Renault R5 Turbos to things like Peugeot 205s and Lancia Delta S4s and pretty soon people like Porsche (with there 959) and Ferrari (with the 288 GTO) were interested.
But before all of this could get properly going, a bunch of spectators were killed at the Rally Portugal, and then Henri Toivonen turned his Delta S4 into a crumpled flaming ball in Tour de Corse and the FIA said “Basta!”, and that was that.
The 959 was modified to race (and win) in the Dakar, and the 288 GTO went on to be one hell of road car, although a handful to drive. This was back in the days before “mash-it-and-point-it” traction control, and from the friends I have that own 288s, these things are a real handful, especially in the wet. Although somewhat mitigated, there is, apparently, still turbo lag in there, and the car can go from 200+ horses to 500+ in the blink of an eye … say mid corner … at night … in the rain.
Ferrari's latest the 458 has 570bhp
There are two things that Italy does better than anyone else: outrageous politicians and sports cars.
And while old Silvio has been up to his tricks, Ferrari has been busy building a fabulous new mid-engined sports car to replace the F430, itself a bit of a stunner.
The new car is called the 458 Italia. From the first bit of the name we can deduce that it's powered by a 4.5-litre eight-cylinder engine.
The new engine is direct-injection and has a whopping 570bhp at a screaming 9,000rpm.
It's more powerful than the F430 engine yet it is cleaner and more economical, not that economy is going to bother an owner that much.
What is important is driving slowly past nightclubs and attracting attention by blipping the throttle.
Many car companies claim to learn lots from racing and include the lessons in their road cars. Often it's just marketing talk but with Ferrari it's believable.
The Italia is full of hi-tech gizmos. For starters it has a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox that changes gear faster than a blink, an electronically controlled differential and something called F1-Trac - a traction-control system that maximises acceleration out of corners without the risk of you flying off into a field.
The major controls are mounted on the steering wheel and by major we don't mean the stereo controls. Ferrari gives you a host of buttons to press that change the traction-control settings, throttle response and lots more. Just like on Raikkonen's F1 Ferrari racer.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Driving the Ferrari California
As we pulled up to the historical gates of that famous red brick building in downtown Maranello, I felt the excitement begin to ravish through my body. But this was no ordinary excitement, mind you. It started in my toes and found its way through my extremities like warm cognac being gently poured through my veins, until it gathered enough momentum and intensity, eventually filling my chest and finding its way up my neck before exploding inside my head. I never knew you could feel like that with your clothes on. I almost lit up a cigarette right after. And I don’t even smoke.
It is one thing to come to such hallowed grounds to drive a Ferrari – we’ve done this more than a couple of times before and believe me, so long as your body temperature is above twelve degrees, it doesn’t get any less exciting – but this? This is no ordinary Ferrari. It is arguably the company’s most ground breaking model, if not their most controversial one, and it has the loyalists hopping mad.
Aside from being the very first Ferrari with an electronic retractable roof, they demand to know why the engine is in the front, especially that it is “only” a V8. They also want someone to explain how it can have the power of a third world dictator, but the manners of Kofi Annan. And they want to know who’s idea it was to give it some decent luggage room.
They call it the California; but is it a Ferrari?
First up, before even tackling that question, we need to agree on what a Ferrari is. It needs to be fast. Check. It needs style. Check. It must handle like woman scorned. Ummm, we’re going to have problems here... You see, first impressions of the California is that it is incredibly easy to drive. Too easy, in fact. And there lies the problem. Most Ferrari owners want to feel like a member of some exclusive little club that not everyone is qualified to join, and having a Ferrari that is as civilized to drive in traffic as a Fiat Punto doesn’t sit well them – its almost as if Ferrari has broken the sacred rule and allowed a girl into their little boys club.
Having said that, there were those who were opposed to sliced bread, too. Several decades later, I think we can all agree that it is the way to go. Gnawing off bits of your finger just to make a sandwich doesn’t make the experience any purer. Same goes with the California. Being easier to drive only means you can now drive it harder, and I have to say that the all-new double clutch, seven speed sequential gearbox is insane. It doesn’t matter what anyone tells you, this is awesome. If you hear any negative reactions about it, I guarantee you it is coming from those who haven’t figured out how to build one yet, and will hide behind the “purity” curtain.
It is so good in fact that the gearbox alone can probably take full credit for the California being able to match the acceleration of the 430 despite being 628 pounds heavier and 30 PS less powerful than its mid-engined sibling. To call it perfect would only dilute the word. Then there’s the all-new direct injection petrol engine; aside from being the greenest Ferrari ever built, the engineers have managed to bring the fuel consumption down and the power curve up, making 75% of its torque available as early as 2,500rpm, and delivering the outstanding balance by 5,000rpm.
Dreaming of a Ferrari? Here is the answer
Australia's Supercar Club, which makes luxury cars available to a pool of members, is drawing new clients every month who would rather borrow an Aston Martin or a Lamborghini on the weekend to release their inner James Bond than own one.
"I joined the club so that I could enjoy the benefits of the cars without the expenditure," said Rod Spencer, an IT consultant from Melbourne.
Luxury car clubs have become a popular alternative to the costly hobby of owning, insuring and maintaining high-priced hot wheels, giving car enthusiasts easy access to the keys of dozens of exotic cars.
Amid the financial crisis, sales of luxury cars have fallen sharply with Lamborghini, Bentley and Maserati this year reporting sales down more than half from a year ago in the United States alone. Sales for Ferrari and Porsche are down 30 percent.
This fall-off in luxury car sales has been a boost for clubs like Australia's Supercar Club which has sought to take advantage of this surge in interest by launching new ways to attract members seeking an auto adrenaline rush.
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Ferrari 599
Monday, 17 August 2009
Ferrari Encouraged By Massa's Progress
Ferrari driver Felipe Massa arrives at a hospital in Sao Paulo
However, Domenicali did not comment on Italian media reports saying the Brazilian's recovery was going so well that he might be back at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sept 13.
"Felipe is in excellent form and his recovery is going very well," Domenicali told the Italian team's website (www.ferrari.com) after visiting the 28-year-old in Brazil.
"I'm very happy about Felipe's state. The medical checks that have been carried out over the last two weeks continue to be very encouraging. Now it's important to be patient and take one step at a time, without any hurry."
Massa, last year's championship runner-up, spent several days in an induced coma and on a respirator in hospital after he was hit just above his left eye by a bouncing spring from Rubens Barrichello's Brawn car during qualifying for the race.
Accident: A loose spring from Rubens Barrichello's car is pictured here just moments before it struck Felipe Massa on the head
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Ferrari 458 Italia Spotted on the Road
Following the official release of pictures and information of the brand-spanking new Ferrari 458 Italia, the first on-the-road picture has appeared! It has a high-contrast black and white covering to obscure the design lines to save some surprise for the upcoming international motor show in Frankfurt (which is officially confirmed btw).
The 458 replaces the outgoing F430. Details regarding the 458 include the fact that it has a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 570hp, it is run by a new 7-speed double-clutch transmission and goes from zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 202mph.
Aerodynamic advances include small aero-elastic winglets and a rear diffuser for downforce. The dry weight is 3042 lbs and it boasts a 42/58 weight distribution.
Michael Schumacher Cancels Formula 1 Return
Per Michael's personal website, "Yesterday evening, I had to inform Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali that unfortunately I'm not able to step in for Felipe. I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.
After all the hype surrounding Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula 1 racing to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa, it turns out he actually won’t make it back into the cockpit for Ferrari.
I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power. All I can do now is to keep my fingers crossed for the whole team for the coming races."
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Ferrari and Lamborghini to Release Hybrids in 2015
Ferrari is testing hybrid technology in its 599 GTB supercar.
Ah, hybrid vehicle technology. Few things get [H] readers’ blood boiling like a discussion on the merits/scams of hybrids. Better save up some blood pressure medication because 2015 will see two iconic Italian supercar manufacturers, Ferrari and Lamborghini, launch their own hybrid models.
Rather than being an all out green warrior however the Lamborghini hybrid will utilise a small electric motor in slow moving urban traffic but will allow full use of either a 10 or 12 cylinder engine (yet to be decided) when in full flight.
Ferrari driver Luca Badoer steps in after Michael Schumacher withdraws
Badoer, 38, is a Ferrari test driver whose name was first floated by Italian media after Felipe Massa's crash took him off the race circuit. He joined Scuderia Ferrari as a test driver in 1998.
Badoer told Ferrari's website he had mixed feelings about his chance to drive in a F1 race.
"Since I've been a child I always wanted to race for Ferrari and now I've got the possibility to make this desire come true," he said. "I'm really sorry for Michael, because I know how much he wanted to return. I'm saying that as his friend and his fan."
Schumacher had agreed to drive in Massa's place, but he cancelled his return to F1 as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycling accident earlier this year. He says he informed Ferrari officials Monday evening that he would not be able to step in for Massa.
"I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing," Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said. "In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world.
"No doubt his return would have been good for Formula One and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again. In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances."
Montezemolo said the team gave Badoer "the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."
Badoer began racing Formula 3 cars in 1990. He marked his first season with a win at Vallelunga, Italy, and in his second season in 1991 he won four races, finishing fourth out of 50 competitors in the championship, according to the Ferrari website.
"Luca earned wide and definitive recognition in 1992, when he won the Formula 3000 intercontinental title with four race victories and five pole positions," Ferrari said. He began driving F1 cars in 1993 for the Scuderia Italia Team, joining Ferrari in 1998 after 51 Grand Prix startsFirst look at Ferrari's all-new '458 Italia' supercar
Its new 4.5-liter V8 engine produces 570hp (425kW) and 400lb-ft (540Nm) of torque, enough to blast the car to 62mph (100km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and on to a 202mph (325km/h) top speed, yet it uses less fuel than the car it replaces - the already amazing F430. But these raw figures are just the start of the technological story of Ferrari's newest model.
While the outgoing F430 was largely based on the 360 Modena that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics are all new.
The car also benefits hugely from Ferrari's F1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which it responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased.
The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again, input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played a major part.
The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140kg at 124mph (200km/h) generated by the new model.
The new V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines that contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers its peak 570hp (425kW) at 9,000rpm and, with a power output of 126hp (94kW) per liter, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment.
Maximum torque is 400lb-ft (540Nm) at 6000 rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3,250 rpm.
The 458 Italia is also equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission similar to the unit found in the California. According to Ferrari, the addition of a dual-clutch transmission plus direct injection technology helps lower the car's CO2 emissions to 320g/km and fuel consumption to 13.7L/100km. A low kerb weight also helps here and Ferrari engineers have managed to keep the weight of the 458 Italia down to 1,380kg with a 42/58 front to rear weight distribution.
Dimensions stand at 4,527mm in length, 1,937mm in width, and 1,213 in height. The wheelbase measures in at 2,650mm.
The Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. Furthermore, the integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac traction control systems (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32% increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Citroen C-SportLounge
Citroen C-Cactus
2008 Citroen C5
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Ferrari's 2009 model: F1 legend Schumacher in top condition
Raring to go: Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher may be coming out of retirement, but he looked in peak physical condition on Thursday after a second day of kart racing in Italy to prepare for his Formula One comeback.
The 40-year-old German has embarked on a rigorous training regime which has resulted in him losing over six pounds in weight.
'We had two very good karting days,' the seven-time world champion said. 'Arms, upper body, shoulders, neck - an excellent practice indeed.'
Earlier this week he had voiced concerns about a neck problem sustained in a motorbike accident in February, claiming it 'pinches a bit', but he seems to be back in rude health.
Schumacher has agreed to fill in at Ferrari while Brazilian Felipe Massa recovers from a freak accident in qualifying at last month's Hungarian Grand Prix.
He is not allowed to use Ferrari's F60 car before the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23 because track testing during the season is banned.
Schumacher is to undergo medical checks next week to determine whether he is fit enough to return.
Not a great start: Michael Schumacher has to push his cart at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, Italy
