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VW Golf R32 Twinturbo vs. Ferrari
Posted by Dan on Jan 2, 2010 in Cool Cars
1/4 Mile Race, Hockenheim, Germany
Lamborghini – a Ferrari Killer?
Posted by Dan on Dec 26, 2009 in Cool Cars
Just like when talking about Ferrari, Lamborghini projects a clear image of power and wealth to those who own one of these super vehicles. This is an Italian company founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, so it can be said that this car manufacturing company is fairly new, but it has kept an excellent quality and performance record which rivals that of Ferrari.
Unlike Ferrari’s founder (Enzo Ferrari), Lamborghini’s founded did not have a passion for racing cars like Enzo did, quite the contrary, Ferruccio Lamborghini had a tractor factory!. This tractor factory was indeed the financial base used to create the car company Lamborghini.
The origins of the company as told by Ferruccio Lamborghini’s son is quite amazing. It turns out that Ferruccio went to meet Enzo Ferrari at his factory to complain about he quality of the clutch in the Ferrari 250 GT which he owned at the time (this is a sports car model of the 1950′s). Enzo Ferrari then sent him away by telling him to go drive tractors because he didn’t know how to drive cars. Lamborghini then had his Ferrari’s clutch dismantled and realized that the clutch manufacturer was the same company which provided the clutches for his tractors!, Lamborghini then found a spare part in his warehouse which the thought might solve the problem and voila!, it did the job indeed. Ever since, Lamborghini became a dissatisfied Ferrari client and aimed to beat Ferrari in his own game.
Ferruccio then decided that his cars would have a V12 engine so he hired Giotto Bizzarrini who worked under Ferrari’s engine development team in the past.
And as it turns out, Ferrari and Lamborghini are two automotive groups which are considered rival companies, and equivalents in quality as well as price.
Ever since its creation, Lamborghini has experienced continuous sales growth. It’s cars are among the most powerful, expensive and exclusive in the world, they feature several exclusive characteristics such as high tech V10 – V12 engines, carbon fiber construction and custom styling by the most prestigious automotive designers such as: Franco Scaglione, Zagato, Marcello Gandini, etc.
Among the most recent popular models produced by this company we have: the V12 Lamborghini Diablo reaching a maximum speed of 330km/h; the V12 Lamborghini Murcielago; the V10 Gallardo; the V12 Murcielago LP640 and last but not the least the one of a kind Lamborghini Reventon debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto show. This vehicle manufacturer is without a doubt one of the best in the world.
Racing Series for Ferrari Owners
Posted by Dan on Dec 26, 2009 in Cool Cars
If you bought a Ferrari, you likely made that purchase for investment reasons, you tell yourself. And that is likely true, but what is also true is that you bought it because you love to drive a sports car fast, it cannot be denied. If this describes your relationship to your Ferrari, and if you have had some race training and experience, then you might be ready to participate in the North American Ferrari Challenge Series for non-professional racers who are Ferrari owners competing in racing Ferrari cars against each other.
Ferrari selects a different model vehicle to feature each year of the Ferrari series. For this year, F430 Challenge with a booming 479 hp is the car of choice. The rules stipulate that the drivers compete for fun and in a sense of “fair play.” It is not a jumping-off point for the aspiring race car driver; instead, it is an end unto itself. The Ferrari Challenge Series is sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association.
The series will also be host to the Ferrari Shell Historic Challenge. Vintage Ferrari racing is the hook that draws avid fans to the track to see these lovely vehicles. These races are open to unmodified Ferraris as well as race Maseratis built before the 1980s. They are also open to vintage Alfa Romeos that team Scuderia Ferrari raced during the pre-World War II years.
Several of the races in the series will also showcase Formula One vehicles under private ownership and the FXX, a special 800 horsepower prototype. On the same weekends of the Challenge series, Ferrari owners can participate in Ferrari Driving Clinics. Expert instruction is available to help you get the most out of your sports car, and you will spend time in workshops along with time behind the wheel of your Ferrari, with instructors providing tips to help improve your skills and get the most out of your vehicle.
These Challenge races for Ferrari owners are held all over North America. Florida, Virginia, California, and Montreal will provide race tracks that will host the events. They included the Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Infineon Raceway, the Virginia International Raceway, and Le Circuit earlier this season. Upcoming races will be held at the California Speedway and Laguna Seca in August. The Challenge series culminates in a World Finals, to be held in Italy in October. The best owners from Italy, Europe and North America bring their Ferraris together to compete for the glory of becoming the overall champion of all the series.
The North American Ferrari Challenge Series is open to the public, and they are allowed to visit the paddock area to look at all of the assembled Ferraris and take pictures.
BBC: Aston Martin Vanquish v Ferrari 575 Car Review – Top Gear
Posted by Dan on Dec 24, 2009 in Cool Cars
The Top Gear team review the Aston Martin Vanquish. At an extra ¬£60k to the DB9, what makes it so special? Raced against the Ferrari 575, see which one wins… Don’t forget to hit ‘view in high quality’ at the bottom right of the video to get the best picture. Visit www.topgear.com for all the latest news and reviews.
Enzo Ferrari The Ultimate Supercar
Posted by Dan on Dec 19, 2009 in Cool Cars
It goes without saying that almost everyone knows what a Ferrari is. It’s red, it’s fast and it’s certainly a luxury not everyone can have. Every kid, boys and girls, wants to grow up to own a Ferrari. Many man work and toil just to save up enough money to get them a decent Ferrari. But how it all did started?
The founder for Ferrari is Enzo Ferrari. Born on the 18th February 1898 in Modena, Italy, Ezno did not have a very formal education because he was not particularly interested in his studies. He was very determined in racing cars. He took up racing when he was 19 but did not have huge success.
He then left the tracks and secured a job at Alfa Romeo. He took the job as a car racer with them and found bigger success than he did previously. After racing for Alfa Romeo for more or less 20 years, he left the company to set up his own company, the Auto-Avio Construzini to subsequently build his own racing cars under his own name, Ferrari. The rest as they say is history.
The Enzo Ferrari was the Ferrari that was named exactly after its owner. This Ferrari was built in the year 2003 and it was built using some of the Formula 1 technologies. These technologies include F1-style carbon-ceramic brake discs, carbon-fiber body, and sequential shift transmission. To build a car with the best performance, the designers of this Enzo Ferrari also went as far as to use banned Formula 1 technology which is the active and integrated aerodynamics.
The Enzo Ferrari has the largest engine as compared with the other Ferraris. Despite that fact, the Enzio Ferrari was made with inspirations from the racing tracks. With this reason, the frame of Enzio Ferrari was made out of carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb panels.
This frame will then form a rigid tub for the Enzo Ferrari. In the middle of the frame is where the new large engine F140 is at. The all new F140 is actually a twelve cylinder engine. This particularly large engine is attached to the alloy sub-frame at two points. The purpose of this design is to prevent the vibrations from escaping into the passenger compartment.
As mentioned about the inspirations from the Formula 1, this Enzo Ferrari uses an electro hydraulic system that automatically activates the clutch and the gear changes. This is actually a semi-automatic gearbox and it helps the driver of the Enzo Ferrari to change their gears in 150 milliseconds. The driver may also achieve gear changes in 90 milliseconds if he is driving the Enzo Ferrari in sport mode.
The uniqueness of this Enzo Ferrari also lies with the embedded electronic system that they used on the sport car. These embedded electronic systems are included to ensure the comfort of the driver while driving the Enzo Ferrari. The designers included a central computer that can synchronize the engine, the suspension, and the transmissions. Inside the Enzo Ferrari, the designers also included the aerodynamic subsystem to optimize the performance and also the wellbeing of the driver.
Like the founder of the Ferrari, the Enzo Ferrari is truly a unique car of its own. There are those that are similar but they can never compete with the quality and the performance of the Enzo Ferrari. It is no wonder why people still want to own a Ferrari to this day.
Ferrari V12 Engine
Posted by Dan on Dec 12, 2009 in Cool Cars
Ferrari V12 Engine Assembly. From start to finish, one technician is responsible for the assembly……..
Be the crowd puller with Ferrari Accessories
Posted by Dan on Dec 5, 2009 in Cool Cars
What do we remember Italy the most for – Pizza, Spaghetti or Ferrari? Enzo Ferrari founded his company in 1928 and his sole intention of sponsoring car racers and manufacturing racing cars. After fifteen years of its inception, Enzo Ferrari came out with his first model of racing car. Today, Ferrari is almost synonymous with car racing and luxury.
The Ferrari driving experience is unique and unmatched by any other car. If a Ferrari is on the road be sure that all eyes will be on it. It has amazing power which helps it speed away on the roads. Most people show their respect for the Ferrari by making for it when they see one. Owning a Ferrari is indeed considered as a proud moment in one’s life.
The Ferrari accessories help improve the already elegant Ferrari. The accessories can be categorized into three groups. The first category of accessories improves the cosmetics of the car. The second category of accessories improves the performance of the car and third which are used by fans of Ferrari all over the world but has nothing to do with the car as such.
There are a variety of cosmetic Ferrari accessories available. You can use the bug deflectors or the muffler tips. There are mirrors which can enhance the look of your Ferrari or you can use some lights to improve the image. Stickers are available to adorn the car and you can choose one to match your style statement. But be sure not to use some wordings that will undermine the importance of the Ferrari brand. Ferrari itself has been designed for style and these Ferrari accessories will help in customizing the car to match your style.
Ferrari is known for its performance and power yet there are the Ferrari accessories which will help in improving the performance of the car. The performance chip is one of the accessories which will add a noticeable change in the power of the car. Like for any other car, these are custom made and designed for the Ferrari and once installed will improve the power and torque transmitted by the engine. However unlike other cars, the performance chip for the Ferrari comes with a much higher price tag. The other accessories which will improve the car that you just drove out of the showroom are air intakes and exhaust systems. You can also upgrade the suspension and chassis of the car for improvement in performance. All Ferrari accessories come with a high price but it is worth the buy since it is for the most revered car of the world.
Ferrari is designed as a racing car and all Ferrari accessories are also designed for races. This means that they are able to withstand high wear and tear. All accessories are strong and sturdy and will not buckle under ordinary pressure. The high price of these accessories can be attributed to this better design.
There are Ferrari fans all over the world but most of them will not be able to afford a Ferrari. The third category of Ferrari accessories appeases such fans. Like the car, they are also characterized by highest form of quality and design. You will find many accessories to choose from such as T shirts, caps and key chains. The number of Ferrari fans has never been matched by any other car. And it should be no surprise since Ferrari has been reigning the number one spot in car racing for years. The kind of awe that a Ferrari elicits is best illustrated by the sale of Ferrari accessories all over the world.
Ferrari
Posted by Dan on Nov 28, 2009 in Info
This Car Ferrari was founded by Scuderia Ferrari.the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A.. Ferrari’s cars are among the most desirable of vehicles to own and drive, and are one of the ultimate status symbols of wealth in the world. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s, and 2000s.1929–1946
Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce road cars when he formed Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena. Ferrari prepared and successfully raced various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was officially hired by Alfa as head of their racing department.
In 1940, Alfa Romeo was absorbed by the Fascist government of Benito Mussolini as part of the Axis Powers’ war effort. Enzo Ferrari’s division was small enough to be unaffected by this. Because he was prohibited by contract from racing for four years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories. Also known as SEFAC (Scuderia Enzo Ferrari Auto Corse), Ferrari did in fact produce one race car, the Tipo 815, in the non-competition period; it was thus the first actual Ferrari car (it debuted at the 1940 Mille Miglia), but due to World War II it saw little competition. In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello, where it has remained ever since. The factory was bombed by the Allies in 1944 and rebuilt in 1946, with the war ended and the Mussolini government overthrown, to include a works for road car production. Right up to Il Commendatore’s death, this would remain little more than a source of funding for his first love, racing.
“Scuderia Ferrari” literally means “Ferrari Stable”; the name is figuratively translated as “Team Ferrari”. (It is correctly pronounced “skoo deh REE ah”.)
shelved plans for an IPO because Fiat Auto has now returned to profitability, thus removing pressure from the group.Enzo Ferrari’s true passion, despite his extensive road car business, was always auto racing. His Scuderia started as an independent sponsor for drivers in various cars, but soon became the Alfa Romeo in-house racing team. After Ferrari’s departure from Alfa, he began to design and produce cars of his own; the Ferrari team first appeared on the European Grand Prix scene after the end of World War II.
In 1949, Luigi Chinetti drove a Model 166M to Ferrari’s first win in motorsports, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chinetti drove for all except twenty minutes of the Grand Prix race. He soon became the American dealer for Ferraris and established the North American Racing Team, Ferrari’s official racing arm. The dealership is reported to have kept the company in business through sales to wealthy Americans, such as Briggs Cunningham, who bought the first one Chinetti sold through the new dealership.
The Scuderia joined the Formula One World Championship in the first year of its existence, 1950. José Froilán González gave the team its first victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix.
Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari its first Drivers Championship a year later. Ferrari is the oldest team left in the championship, not to mention the most successful: the team holds nearly every Formula One record. As of 2005, the team’s records include fourteen World Drivers Championship titles (1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), fourteen World Constructors Championship titles (1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), 179 Grand Prix victories, 3,445 and a half points, 544 podium finishes, 174 pole positions, 11,182 laps led, and 180 fastest laps in 1,622 Grands Prix contested.
Notable Ferrari drivers include Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Luigi Chinetti, Alberto Ascari, Wolfgang von Trips, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, John Surtees, Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, Niki Lauda, Carlos Reutemann, Jody Scheckter, Gilles Villeneuve, Didier Pironi, Michele Alboreto, Gerhard Berger, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi,Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher, Kimi Räikkonen, and Felipe Massa.
The Scuderia Ferrari drivers for the 2006 F1 season were Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa. At the end of the 2006 season the team courted controversy by continuing to allow Marlboro to sponsor them after they, along with the other F1 teams, made a promise to end sponsorship deals with tobacco manufacturers. A five year deal worth a reported $500 million was agreed.[citation needed]
The drivers for 2007 are Felipe Massa and Kimi Räikkönen.
Ferrari road car timeline, 1947-1967 v • d • e Next ->
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s
7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Sports 125
S 166
S 195
S 212
Exp 225
S 250
MM 250
Monza 250 GT
Tour de France 250 GT
SWB 250 GTO
159
S 250
S 250
Export
GT 166
Inter 195
Inter 212
Inter 250
Europa 250 GT
Europa 250 GT
Boano 250 GT
Ellena 250 GT
Coupe/Spider 250 GT
Lusso 275 GTB 275 GTB/4
2+2 250 GT
2+2/GTE 330 GT 365 GT
America 340
America 375
America/MM 410
Superamerica 400
Superamerica 500
Superfast 365
California
Type 1960s 1970 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
FR GT America 330 365 365 GTB/4 Daytona 550 575M 599
250 275
2+2 250GT 330GT 365GT GTC/4 GT4 400 400i 412 456 GT 456M GT 612
RMR V6/V8 Dino 206 Dino 246 308i 308qv 328 348 360 F430
208 F355
2+2 Dino GT4 Mondial 8 Mondial 3.2 Mondial T
flat-12 316BB 512BB BBi Testarossa 512TR F512M
Supercar 250 GTO 250 LM 288 GTO F40 F50 F50 GT Enzo FXX
The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia. While his beautiful and fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not the performance. Ferrari road cars, noted for magnificent styling by design houses like Pininfarina, have long been one of the ultimate accessories for the rich. Other design houses that have done work for Ferrari over the years include Scaglietti, Bertone, Touring, Ghia, and Vignale.
In 2005, four universities were granted the opportunity to design the next vehicle line-up for Ferrari in a student competition named ‘Ferrari Concepts of the Myth’. Twenty winners were allowed to show off their concepts in a ¼ scale model and present their work to the board at Ferrari to allow for three out right winners to have the chance to work in the Ferrari design studio at Maranello.
As of 2007, the Fiat Group owns 85% of Ferrari, Mubadala 5%, and Enzo’s son Piero 10%. Fiat has shelved plans for an IPO because Fiat Auto has now returned to profitability, thus removing pressure from the group.