Ferrari Cars

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Ferrari FXX

The Ferrari FXX is a race car developed as part of an unusual development program by automobile manufacturer Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. Production of the FXX began in 2005.

The car uses some technology developed from the Enzo and combines it with some all-new developments from Ferrari and some of the suppliers. However, the car is only a part of the overall program: customers pay £1.3 million ($2.5 million USD) but are only allowed to drive the car on special track days approved by Ferrari and after they drive the car they have to brief Ferrari on the car's performance. Michael Schumacher was given the last one (number 30) when he retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006. Ferrari's sister company, Maserati, has developed a similar car, the MC12 Corsa.

Essentially an evolution of the Enzo, the FXX shares some components with its parent car, but significant portions are exclusive to the FXX.

The FXX's engine is based on the Enzo's but has been expanded to 6.3 L (6262 cc, 382.1 cu in) from 6 L (5988 cc, 365.4 cu in), and output has been boosted from 660 PS (651 hp/485.4 kW), as seen in the Enzo, to 812 PS (800.9 hp/597.2 kW) at 8,500 rpm.

The gearbox incorporates the latest developments from Ferrari's F1 program and has a shift time under 100 ms. The brake pads are upgraded compared to those on the Enzo. It does, however, retain the ceramic discs found on the Enzo.

The tires on the FXX are 19 inch slicks custom-developed for the car, though road-legal.

As with the Enzo, the seat and pedal configuration are custom fit to the user's exact measurements.

The FXX features a comprehensive data-monitoring and telemetry that not only allows the driver to improve performance, but also provides Ferrari technicians with valuable data to improve the FXX and future road-going Ferraris.

Ferrari has built 30, originally 29 of these cars, and they have all been sold to preselected past Ferrari customers, except for one that Ferrari S.p.A. kept, including Ferrari's F1 World Champion driver, Michael Schumacher, the 30th. Schumacher's FXX differs from others in that it is the only black FXX without a stripe, it comes with red trim on the wheels, it has matte exhaust tips (regular FXX's have chrome tips), and his personal logo is stitched on the racing seats.

FXX owners also participate in Ferrari's testing and brand development programs. As the vehicle is not street-legal, owners have the option of storing the car at Ferrari's facilities. As part of the FXX program, the car is maintained by the Ferrari factory. The purpose of this particular program is to allow Ferrari's top customers exclusive access to its most up-to-date technology and to use their input to help develop future models. The FXX was reported to cost 1.5 million euro (excluding taxes), for the car and the services that Ferrari provides with it.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Engine

Tipo F133F 6.0 L (5999 cc) V12 engine produces a maximum 620 PS (456 kW/612 hp), making it the most-powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 608 N·m (448 ft·lbf) of torque will also be a high for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay (the original Enzo version could be taller as it would not block forward vision due to its mid-mounted position). The company claims a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph), 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, and 11.0 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Technical details

A traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed sequential manual gearbox called 'F1 SuperFast' is offered. The e-diff active differential from the F430 is not used. However, the Manettino concept first seen in the F430 also appears in this car. Ferrari sourced the Delphi Corporation's MagneRide semi-active magneto rheological dampers.[4] Reviewers of the car have mentioned that the MagneRide suspension gives the 599 a very comfortable ride but allows it to handle well at the same time.

The Fiorano also sees the debut of Ferrari's new traction control system, called F1-Trac. Reportedly tuned using inputs from 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, the system supposedly allows a competent driver to lap the Fiorano test track at just 1 second behind Michael's time.

Miscellaneous details

The first publicly recorded crash of a 599 GTB occurred when Car and Driver writer Aaron Robinson crashed one into the retaining wall of the Passo della Cisa in Italy, a few meters from a monument to Enzo Ferrari (for his finishing fourth in a 1919 hill climb on that same road). The car suffered only minor damage to the front right fender, and Robinson and photographer Mike Valente were able to drive it back to the factory.

To market the 599 GTB in the Americas, Ferrari embarked on a 20,000-mile (32,000 km) trek from Brazil to New York in two cars. The two cars drove through 16 countries and had minimal (mainly suspension) changes made to the mechanicals.

Evo Magazine named the 599 GTB as the Car of the Year for 2006 despite strong competition from rivals Porsche and Lamborghini and other high-performance cars. The Stuttgart marque has been an evo Car of the Year favorite winning in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2004. Even with the release of the brilliant 911 Turbo (997), it was denied from the list because the 911 GT3 (997) was considered more impressive. Notably, previous GT3s have won the eCOTY in '99 and '03, making the current car a fierce contender for the title. The Porsche came in second with 94.8 points just behind the 599 with 95.4 points. Lamborghini came in third with the redesigned and more powerful Murciélago LP640 garnering 93.4 points. The three sports car marques were clear front-runners with a wide gap ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (89.6), Lotus Elise S (89.3), Jaguar XKR (87.0), Renaultsport Mégane (86.2), Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG (85.4) and Aston Martin DB9 Sports Pack (84.4).

Top Gear Magazine also named the 599 GTB as the Supercar of the Year 2006. However, the Jaguar XK was named overall Car of the Year chosen from the winners of several categories.

Although Ferrari estimated a 0–100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds, tests have achieved a better time. During a track test, Evo Magazine achieved a time of 3.5 seconds and lapped the Bedford Autodrome in 1.23.10, making it faster than the Ascari KZ1, the Porsche 997 Turbo and 996 GT3 RS, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo '04, and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. However, it was still slower than the Gallardo SE ('06) and three other sports cars. Motor Trend timed an even better 0–100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds with a Ferrari test driver.

Road & Track also timed the 0–60 mph time at 3.2 seconds in a road test which appeared in the May 2007 issue.

Autocar UK had a comprehensive 599 GTB review which appeared in the May 16, 2007 issue.

The 599 GTB is also the first Ferrari ever to come with an iPod connection as standard.

The 599 GTB manufacturing process and the Maranello plant were featured on National Geographic Channel's series Ultimate Factories in 2006.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a Gran Turismo car produced by Ferrari since 2004. It is a large two door fastback coupe. The 612 Scaglietti was designed to replace the smaller 456 M; its larger size makes it a true 4 seater with adequate space in the rear seats for adults.

It is produced at Ferrari's Carrozzeria Scaglietti plant, the former home of the car's namesake coachbuilder in Modena, Italy. The design, especially the large side scallops and the headlights, pays homage to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM that director Roberto Rossellini had commissioned for his wife, Ingrid Bergman.

Chassis

The 612 is Ferrari's second all-aluminium vehicle, the first being the 360 Modena. Its space frame (developed with Alcoa) is made from extrusions and castings of the material, and the aluminium body is welded on. The chassis of the 612 forms the basis of the 599 GTB.

Engine

The 612 Scaglietti shares its naturally aspirated 5.7 L (5748 cc) V12 engine with the 575M Maranello. The Tipo F133E engine produces 397 kW (533 hp) at 7250 rpm and 588 N·m (433 ft·lbf) at 5250 rpm with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The car is capable of 315 km/h (199 mph) and has a 100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds. It comes with two six speed transmission options: a conventional manual or the F1A semi-automatic paddle shift system, a much refined version of the F1 system in the 360.

Media

On Top Gear, host Jeremy Clarkson drove a 612 Scaglietti in a race against co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond who took planes, trains, and buses - from the studio in Surrey, England to Verbier, Switzerland. Despite a mechanic leaning on and bending one of the windshield wipers (creating an irritating rattle) and being stopped for speeding, Clarkson beat May and Hammond to the resort lodge, passing the two a short distance from the lodge.

In his DVD Heaven and Hell, Clarkson also claims the car is the most "astonishing" made that year, despite the looks.

Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is a grand touring sports car that will be launched by Ferrari at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is a two door "2+2" hard top convertible. The California will be powered by front-mid mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3 L (260 cu in) V8 (the same engine as in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione)[citation needed], sending a claimed 338 kW (460 PS/453 hp) to the rear wheels. The car revives the "California" name used for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT.

Production

The California will be built in a new production line adjacent to the existing factory at Maranello. The existing production line produces 27 cars per day, or 6,000 per annum. Ferrari plans to produce 5,000 Californias in the first two years of production, there by increasing Ferrari production by 50% with introduction of the model.[2]. The model, according to many motoring magazines, is sold out until 2012.[citation needed]

Performance

The California has top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph) and it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) under 4 seconds. Although 285 kilograms (628 lb) heavier and 30 PS (30 hp/22 kW) less powerful than the mid-engined Ferrari F430, the California reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in the same time as the F430 thanks to the dual-clutch transmission.

Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Serving as the successor onto the Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia was unveiled by Michael Schumacher at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed to compete with cars like the Porsche RS-models and the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, meaning super light weight, it is lighter (by 100 kg/220 lb) and more powerful (515 PS (508 hp/379 kW) at 8500 rpm.) than the standard F430. Thus the weight-to-power ratio is reduced from 2.96 kg/hp to 2.5 kg/hp. In addition to the weight saving measures, the Scuderia semi-automatic transmission gains improved 'Superfast', known as 'Superfast2', software for faster 60 millisecond shift-times. A new traction control system combines the F1-Trac traction and stability control with the E-Diff electronic differential. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia does 0-60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 3.1 s, with a top speed of 199 miles per hour (320 km/h).

The cosmetic differences between the 430 Scuderia and the F430 upon which it is based include a re-styled front fascia, modified side-skirts, twin exhaust tips, a revised rear diffuser design, 19" wheels designed specifically for the 430 Scuderia, carbon-fibre wing mirrors, carbon-fibre challenge grille, two racing stripes along the middle and the 430 Scuderia badge.

Ferrari F430 Challange

The F430 Challenge is based completely on the road-going Ferrari F430. The engine has been left alone, and the body has received very few styling changes. The transmission is derived from Ferrari's Formula 1 program, and offers the same 150 ms shift times as in the standard F430. Fifth and sixth gears have been tweaked, as well as the final drive ratio, for the Challenge. Weight saving efforts have affected all areas of the car, the most noticeable of which being the cockpit. Inside, the F430 Challenge has no carpets, stereo, and the standard seats have been replaced with full racing seats, as well as the steering wheel being replaced with a racing version. The new wheel can be easily detached for easy access into and out of the car. It also has buttons for pit radio, and for interfacing with the digital instrument display. A full roll cage and racing harnesses are also present in the cockpit. The characteristics of the car have been retained from the standard gearbox's "Race" mode. Traction control is permanently disengaged, along with the stability system. The car does retain ABS and ASR though. The racing modifications are present in most all of the components, with the E-Differential being replaced by a mechanical one, and the suspension settings modified for racing.

Performance

The engine is the same 90° 4.3 liter V8 as in the standard F430. The output remains the same at 483 hp, as well as the torque at 343 ft-lbs. The engine is equipped with Double Overhead Camshafts and contains 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is, and always has been, naturally aspirated, meaning there is no turbocharger or supercharger. The engine is mounted behind the cockpit, and faces longitudinally (along the length of the car).

The transmission is the 6-speed, paddle operated, sequential manual found in the F430. The transmission uses Formula 1 technology and can shift gears in 150 ms. The brakes use carbon ceramic material, which is very resistant to brake fade. Both front and rear suspension use double wishbones and anti-roll bars. The exhaust system is updated for the Challenge car, placing the outlet ports higher in the back of the car. The back also includes a new grille to help with drawing heat out of the engine

Ferrari F430 Spider

The F430 Spider is the convertible version based on the coupé. The 430 Spider is Ferrari's 21st roadgoing convertible. The Spider is - just like the coupé - quite similar in looks to the Ferrari 360.

Despite the car's mid-mounted engine Ferrari's engineers found a way of creating a hood that automatically folds away inside the engine bay, thus ensuring purity of line. The striptease from a closed top to an open-air convertible is a two-stage folding-action that has been dubbed "a stunning 20 second mechanical symphony". After a short to and fro, the entire top disappears into a closed storage area between the seating and the engine.

The interior of the Spider is identical to that of the coupé.