Luca di Montezemolo is many things: a snazzy dresser, a political powerhouse in Italy, and, most relevant to us, the chairman of Ferrari. As part of the most recent quarter’s financial results (which were quite good) di Montezemolo announced that the new Ferrari Enzo hybrid supercar would arrive by the end of the year.

In di Montezemolo’s words, “At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”

With rumors of up to 920 horsepower from the V-12 engine and electric hybrid assist system, the next-generation Enzo is going to be the only car to have a shot at the Porsche 918 Spyder’s level of performance–and it may well exceed it. It’s certainly every bit as advanced, if not even more so.

The V-12 engine itself is no small contribution to the whole HY-KERS system, but with two electric motors–one mounted to the gearbox driving the rear wheels, the other used for auxiliary power systems, like steering and climate control–batteries, and all of the electronics that control them, the big internal combustion engine won’t hold the spotlight until the key is turned.

As you might expect with an Enzo, there’s ample F1 tech under the surface: the ECU that controls the hybrid system, including its regenerative and power delivery elements, borrows from Ferrari’s racing program, as does the advanced chassis structure, the traction control, the torque management, and brake distribution.

Ferrari says the new Enzo hybrid with HY-KERS will cut emissions by about 40 percent compared to a non-hybrid solution. Who can argue with 40 percent less junk spewed out of the tailpipe and 920 horsepower? Not us.

Very positive Ferrari first quarter growth

- Revenues of 556 Million Euro (+13.2%)    – 1,733 cars delivered (+11.5%)    – Net profits of 42.1 Million Euro (+17.2%)    – Record industrial net cash of 860 Million Euro

Excellent results from the USA (+16%), United Kingdom (+31%), Germany (+24%) and Middle East (+23%)

Maranello, 10th May 2012 – The Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the company’s accounts for the first quarter of 2012.

On March 31st, Ferrari recorded a string of excellent results: revenues rose to 556.1 million euro (+13.2 per cent) and 1,733 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 11.5 per cent on the same period last year.

These results are the fruit of the success of the 12-cylinder FF and the continuing popularity of the 8-cylinder models, most notably the Ferrari California, which is the company’s best-selling GT, and the coupé and spider versions of the 458 which top the sports car segment.

One hundred per cent of Ferraris are personalised by their owners who, since the start of 2012, have also been able to avail of the innovative Tailor Made programme, which allows each client to tailor their own bespoke car using an extensive variety of unique and exclusive materials, colours and finishes, with the assistance of a specialist team.

The F12berlinetta, the most powerful and high performance Prancing Horse car ever built and the first in a new generation of V12s, made no contribution to these results as deliveries will not commence until the second part of the year.

Trading profit grew by 13.4 per cent to 60.5 million euro, while net profits rose by 17.2 per cent (42.1 million euro).

Ferrari’s industrial net cash position on March 31st was the strongest in its history at 860 million euro. This was achieved despite keeping product investment extremely high and thanks to a net cash flow for the first quarter of 152 million euro.

The one-make series of the Prancing Horse, the Ferrari Challenge, is also proving to be very successful with the 2012 racing season starting with 100 458 Challenge cars on the tracks in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In terms of sales, the US remains Ferrari’s most important market recording growth of 16 per cent even after the excellent figures recorded in 2011.

Sales in Europe were also very positive with excellent results in the United Kingdom (+31 per cent, 177 cars delivered) and in Germany (up 24 per cent). Italy is the exception to this trend with sales of 121 cars, down 65 compared to the first quarter 2011 as a result of the economic situation and the local government’s recent financial initiatives.

In the Far East, after a record 2011, the Greater China market (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to grow with 154 cars delivered in the first quarter. On May 18th, a major new Ferrari exhibition will open at the Shanghai Expo in China where a 1,000 square metre space will host some of our most iconic road models as well as Formula 1 cars. The display will also feature simulators and interactive points where visitors can learn about Ferrari’s history and the Maranello campus.

The Middle East also delivered extremely significant results with sales this first quarter up by 23 per cent and 81 cars delivered.

“After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed,” declared Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo. “We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average.” He continued: “At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”

Brand activities (retail, wholesale, licensing and e-commerce) are up by 10 per cent overall: there are now 50 Ferrari Stores worldwide, including a new store in Madrid which opens officially at the end of May.

Ferrari also retains its leadership in online activities with over 8 million friends on Facebook and almost one million on Google +.

Are you waiting for the highly anticipated successor to the Ferrari Enzo? What does it look like? Anyone know?

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Source: csmonitor.com

Italian sports car maker Ferrari has apologised after one of its cars drove on an ancient Chinese monument, prior to a publicity event, causing damage.

Ferrari suggested the incident was the fault of a local dealership employee.

The car was filmed wheel-spinning on top of a 600-year-old Ming-dynasty era wall in the city of Nanjing.

Footage of the screeching vehicle has infuriated China’s online community, hitting a nerve in a society where such cars are a symbol of privilege.

One web user called it a “rude insult” to Chinese tradition and culture.

The incident, in the run-up to a Ferrari show, left tyre marks on the wall.

But most public anger has been directed at city officials after reports emerged suggesting they had agreed to rent the use of the wall to the Ferrari dealership for about $12,000 (£8,000).

City officials have retorted that the car company did not have approval.

“No enterprise or individual is allowed to use the city ramparts in Nanjing for commercial purposes,” Nanjing Cultural Relics Bureau Captain Wu Jing said.

Ferrari has denied the episode was a publicity stunt and has laid the blame with a member of staff at a local dealership.

“Unfortunately, an employee of the dealership – not a Ferrari employee – took it upon himself to drive the car in the way that you will see in the video, with the very regrettable result that tyre marks were left on the ancient monument.

“Ferrari SpA has unreservedly apologised to the Chinese authorities and local community for any damage and offence caused, and has promised to work with the necessary officials to repair any damage caused by the negligence of this individual.”

Other than the tyre marks, physical damage to the monument does not appear to be substantial.

The night-time spin, shortly after the car had been hoisted on to the wall, reportedly led to the cancellation of the event itself, a celebration of 20 years since Ferrari entered the Chinese car market.

The word Ferrari has now been blocked on Chinese microblogs, perhaps as part of an effort to contain criticism of the actions of government officials.

Who do you think is responsible for the defacing of the Nanjing wall?
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Source: bbc.co.uk

With its sleek design, blood red paintwork and bespoke features, the Fahrradi Farfall FFX looks like a next generation Ferrari supercar.

Based on the Italian sports car manufacturer’s £1million track-only Ferrari FXX, it took Austrian artist Hannes Langeder a year to create.

The designer shot to fame in 2010 after a lightweight Porsche he created was driven by motor expert Richard Hammond on Top Gear.

The vehicle’s name was inspired from the Italian for butterfly after it was described by one expert as moving ‘silently and with the weightless elegance of a butterfly’.

Made from a combination of plastic and light-weight steel, the unique bicycle weighs just 100kg and is steered using pedals which control 11 different gears.

Langeder even claims the vehicle actually lifts off the ground when ridden by a fast enough cyclist.

The eco-friendly car is currently on display at an automotive exhibition in Austria where it is considered road-safe.

Check out the video. It gets humorous as you watch it. Would you purchase this bike if you couldn’t afford the real Ferrari FXX?
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Source: metro.co.uk

The United Kingdom is honoring 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with a Diamond Jubilee event stretching from May 10-13. As part of the celebration, Ferrari owners and collectors will display some of the marque’s most historic and significant cars on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Ferrari’s identity is tied to its Cavallino Rampante (Prancing Horse) logo, so it’s fitting that any Ferrari-sponsored tribute to Queen Elizabeth would also include a display of horsemanship.

Thanks to Ferrari’s financial support of the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment, these world renown horsemen will perform an event known as the Historic Carosello, which consists of precision riding, often set to music, culminated by the Regiment’s famous final charge.

Ferrari will be represented by its chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, who will attend the Jubilee on its final evening. As the Italian automaker points out, both the Carabinieri and Ferrari share values rooted in tradition, but with an eye towards innovation, determination and passion. Both are ideal representatives of Italian excellence, fit for a queen on her Diamond Jubilee.

From the comments on YouTube for Ferrari.com, some people dislike the two Ferrari FFs that are going to represent the company for the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. What Ferraris would you use for the event?
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Source: motorauthority.com

STETTEN, Germany — German tuner Novitec Rosso is offering a new upgrade for the Ferrari 458 Spider, similar to the kit it introduced last year on the 458 Italia hardtop.

The 458 Spider’s makeover starts with a number of lightweight clear-coated carbon-fiber aero bits, including a two-piece front spoiler, side flaps, sill skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing, air vents and mirror covers.

Novitec Rosso fits its NF4 ultralight forged-alloy rims — 21 inches in front, 22s in the rear — wrapped in Pirelli P Zero high-performance rubber in sizes 255/30ZR21 and 335/25ZR22. A hydraulic suspension system enables ride height to be raised or lowered by 1.6 inches, while sport springs drop clearance by another 1.4 inches.

The tuning house also provides a power upgrade for the Ferrari 4.5-liter V8, bumping output to 602 horsepower and torque to 420 pound-feet, thanks in part to the addition of a reprogrammed ECU and a special carbon-fiber air box with modified air routing, as well as a new exhaust system consisting of two high-performance manifolds, sport catalysts and a rear muffler.

Novitec Rosso quotes a new top speed of 201 mph for its modified 458 Spider.

Do you like the colors of the Novitec Rosso Ferrari 458 Spider? It reminds me of a bumblebee with the black and yellow colors.

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Source: insideline.com

MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari recently hit the 8-million mark when it comes to Facebook fans and celebrated by posting a YouTube video of the Ferrari 458 Italia noting the achievement. Ferrari says the 1:37 video is a thank-you to its legions of fans.

The 458 Italia is seen going through its paces on a track and writing out the number 8,000,000. As you might expect, the soundtrack includes plenty of squealing tires and the roar of an engine.

“The passion for the Prancing Horse has reached great height: we are now over 8 millions!” said Ferrari on its Facebook page.

Other automakers pale in comparison to Ferrari in terms of Facebook fans, ranging from 3.2 million followers for Lamborghini to a mere 9,899 for Fisker Automotive. Porsche counts 3.6 million Facebook fans, with Maserati trailing well behind its automotive competitors with just 409,000 followers. In terms of domestic automakers, Ford is well ahead of GM and Chrysler with 1.4 million Facebook fans. GM has 373,877 Facebook followers, with Chrysler racking up 290,478. However, GM’s Chevrolet brand has 1.1 million Facebook followers.

Automakers around the globe are tapping into social media, from Facebook and Twitter to YouTube and Flickr, to win younger customers and to spread messages about new products. Many, including Ford and Ferrari, can be found employing the latest social media tools, including Pinterest, the popular online pinboard.

What will be the count of loyal fans on Facebook be this time next year, do you know? Take a guess.
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Source: insideline.com

State Police in New Jersey are investigating the police escort provided to a super car club in 2010 after this video of about a dozen cars going over 120 mph with trooper protection surfaces. This follows revelations of a similar escort requested by NFL running back Brandon Jacobs.

Watch the fleet of high-priced exotics clearly speed past regular traffic at higher-than-posted-limits while some poor guy without influence in a Toyota Corolla gets a ticket from a non-escorting trooper on the side of the road.

The video is slightly NSFW for all the obscenities from the guy in the Mitsubishi Evo experiencing a police escort he calls “the highlight of my life.”

According to the annoying people in the Evo, this group got a police escort to drive over 120 MPH on the Garden State Parkway. There’s a Ford GT, multiple Ferraris, a Porsche, a Maserati, an Audi and various other high-priced vehicles.

It appears to be part of a rally (the videographers call it the “Gumball” but it is apparently a local Ferrari Rally in Red Bank) and the driver seems to have driven two hours to get there hoping to be a part of this drive.

Since the revelation of this video two officers were suspended without pay and a third station commander was reassigned, pending investigation.

In a statement, the New Jersey Attorney General told reporters “We will not tolerate any conduct by a member of the State Police that puts the public in jeopardy, as this unauthorized caravan had the potential to do.”

So much for free-wheeling high-speed caravans in New Jersey. Anyone ever take part in one like this in New Jersey or another state have more video?

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Source: jalopnik.com

An abandoned Ferrari Enzo, worth over $1 million dollars, was nowhere to be found at a government auction of abandoned Emirati cars, The National reported.

Thousands of expatriates fled high-flying Dubai after its economy crashed in 2009. Fearing debtors prison, formerly rich foreigners simply left their supercars at the Dubai airport parking lot, where the vehicles accumulated dust and, eventually, the attention of the government.

On Wednesday, car enthusiasts hoped to find the fabled Enzo at a government auction. But they were sorely disappointed. Emirates 24/7 said the car was not auctioned right away because it may be evidence in a trial for other crimes. The cars are usually auctioned off in a batch – not as individual vehicles – as a way of recouping unpaid fines, the National wrote. Jalopnik estimated the car could go for between $1.4 and $1.85 million.

The owner reportedly racked up thousands of dollars in parking fines before flying away, tail between his legs. One can only imagine that the debt-drowned playboy thought his expensive, red car meant the rules did not apply to him.

A Lebanese man told the paper, “We were all day figuring out where it was and when. We called everybody. It was very hard to get information. We were going around to all the police offices trying to find out where it was.”

The New York Times wrote in 2009 that up to 3,000 cars had been abandoned near Dubai’s airport as foreigners – laid off during the economic downfall that struck Dubai after the mortgage crisis hit the United States and set off a global market panic – were forced to flee.

The bubble burst had a marked effect on Dubai’s massive, multi-lane highways, which were once choked with shiny, expensive traffic. “So many used luxury cars are for sale,” the Times wrote in 2009, that “they are sometimes sold for 40 percent less than the asking price two months ago, car dealers say.”

At the time, The National waxed poetic about the sad emblem of Dubai’s quick decline. “There is little sadder than the sight of a once proud sports car slumped in the gutter, its top down, tyres all but flat and its gleaming black paint job lost beneath an ever-thickening layer of dust.”

The Ferrari Enzo is one of the most expensive and fastest cars ever produced by the luxury Italian carmaker. Made of carbon fiber, its top speed is 350 km/h, or 217 mph. Only 400 Enzos were made, but at least three have run into bad luck. Aside from the Dubai orphan, a Canadian Enzo crashed into a chilly lake, and a speedy turn on a Malibu, California stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway ended in death, destruction, and intrigue.

What do you think will eventually happen to this Ferrari Enzo?

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Source: globalpost.com

HY-KERS Ferrari  is displaying the latest version of the HY-KERS system at the Beijing auto show  this week. The system, which is now officially in a developmental phase, has  been adapted to a V-12 engine and dual-clutch gearbox in a mid-engine layout,  giving us a glimpse of how it may be installed in the upcoming  successor to the Enzo.

The system uses two electric motors: one coupled to the transaxle; the other  at the front of the engine to run the vehicle’s auxiliary systems. Both electric  motors are connected to the batteries, which can be mounted in the vehicle based  on space requirements and configuration.

Ferrari says the KERS system is designed to  increase vehicle power while reducing emissions—up to 40 percent for the  European cycle. The technology  has trickled down from Formula 1 racing and is said to optimize torque  management, traction control, and brake distribution to increase the car’s  handling and acceleration abilities.

The transaxle-mounted KERS motor delivers power to one of the two main shafts  via one of the gearbox clutches for continuous power delivery and acts as a  generator by recovering kinetic energy during braking to recharge the batteries.  The KERS motor’s function is controlled by an F1-derived engine management  system. The automaker claims that it is close to achieving the 1 kW (1.34 hp) of  power per 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of weight target for the system’s weight.

Work on the system has moved from the experimental phase to the developmental  phase, Ferrari says. The automaker expects the system to be ready for the Enzo  successor’s debut this fall. The HY-KERS system is expected to supplement the  upcoming supercar’s  6.3-liter V-12 engine to the tune of 120-hp, for a total of 920 prancing Italian  stallions.

F12 Berlinetta The Italian  automaker also brought the F12  Berlinetta to Beijing. The new front-engine V-12 flagship is smaller,  lighter, and more powerful than the 599 GTB Fiorano it replaces, making it the  fastest Ferrari road car until the Enzo successor arrives this fall. No official  power stats have been revealed but we expect the 6.3-liter V-12 to crank out 730  hp and 508 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari claims the 3363-pound coupe  to reach 62 mph in 3.1 seconds; 124 mph in 8.5 seconds; and top out at more than  210 mph.

What do you make of the new HY-KERS system and the Ferrari F12berlinetta?

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Source: motortrend.com

Go back just a few years ago, and you’d easily conclude that Ferrari and hybrids would go together about as well as ice cream and pickles. But a lot’s changed since then, and Ferrari is making no secret of the fact that it’s developing hybrid powertrains of its own.

The first system it developed is the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a type of regenerative braking device developed with its sister company, Magneti Marelli, for use in Formula One. That lead to a similar system installed in an experimental version of the 599 called the HY-KERS concept displayed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. More recently reports surfaced that Ferrari had patented a more conventional hybrid powertrain system, leading to speculation that the KERS type had been abandoned for road-car use – most poignantly in the upcoming successor to the Enzo. But while Ferrari apparently pursues development of that more conventional hybrid system, it appears that its next mid-engined V12 hypercar will adopt an evolution of the HY-KERS system displayed on that green 599 two years back.

A revised HY-KERS system has just been announced by Ferrari at the Beijing Motor Show, where the Prancing Horse also marked the Asian debut of its new F12 Berlinetta. Ferrari says the new system – installed on a V12 engine mounted amidship – is more effective than the one that preceded it, bringing emissions down to 40 percent of what a conventional engine with the same output would produce (compared to a 30 percent reduction from the previous incarnation), all while bringing engineers closer to their target of producing one kilowatt of energy for every kilogram of weight the system adds.

As for the F12, Ferrari has revealed that its latest supercar set a lap time at Fiorano of one minute, 23 seconds, making it the company’s quickest road car yet: a full second quicker than the 599 GTO it replaces, and about two seconds quicker than the Enzo, the 458 Italia and the 430 Scuderia. With that kind of progress, we can count on the new hybrid V12 hypercar to set an even quicker time still.

Success for Ferrari at Beijing Autoshow. Huge crowds on the stand to see the F12berlinetta and the HY-KERS

Beijing, 23th April 2012 – After a hugely successful unveiling at Geneva, the F12berlinetta, the first in a new generation of Maranello’s flagship12-cylinder cars, makes its Asian debut at the Beijing International Motor Show. The event will also host the world premiere of the evolution of the HY-KERS concept, coupling hybrid technology with mid-rear architecture to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the combined cycle by 40 per cent whilst boosting performance.
The F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance road-going Ferrari ever. Powered by a truly exceptional V12 engine, it is built around an evolution of Ferrari’s transaxle lay-out and features cutting-edge components and electronic controls. The F12berlinetta also boasts extremely advanced aerodynamics and a design that exudes an innovative yet classic beauty.

The car’s wheelbase is shorter, its engine and driver position are lower and a new suspension and gearbox layout has yielded a more compact tail section. The result is a shorter, lower and narrower car than the previous V12 coupé. It also boasts perfect weight distribution (54% over the rear axle) and a lower centre of gravity further back in the chassis.

With a Fiorano lap time of 1’23”, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h covered in 8.5 s, the F12berlinetta delivers absolutely benchmark performance. The handling balance achieved ensures maximum driving involvement even at low speeds, a feature thus far the sole domain of mid-rear-engined cars. The sporty handling is equally nimble and responsive on the road as on the track.

Great attention was paid to reducing fuel consumption and emissions which have been slashed by 30 per cent, with the result that the F12berlinetta tops its segment in terms of efficiency with 15l/100 km and 350 g/km of CO2.

The other important unveiling at Beijing is the evolution of the HY-KERS project adapted to a mid-rear engine layout. The powertrain on display consists of a 12-cylinder engine and dual-clutch gearbox coupled to an electric motor. A second electric motor is dedicated to the auxiliary systems and is located in front of the V12. The two electric motors are connected to the batteries which can be positioned in the car in line with the available space and final configuration.

The objective of this configuration is to create a sports car that, thanks to the integration with the electric motors, increases power while at the same time reducing emissions. The KERS features new, smaller and lighter electronic components which come close to achieving the declared target of 1 KW per kg of extra weight added by the hybrid system.

Technological transfer from F1 was fundamental to the design, engineering and construction of an innovative electric motor used to optimise the car’s longitudinal and lateral dynamic characteristics, namely torque management, traction control and brake distribution, to the benefit of sportiness and driving pleasure.

The HY-KERS’ electric motor delivers power using one of the gearbox’s two clutches and is mated to one of the two main shafts. The result is instantaneous, continuous power delivery between the electric motor and petrol engine. During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque to recharge the batteries. This crucial task is managed by a dedicated ECU, also F1-derived, which not only controls the electric motor, but also governs the power to the auxiliary systems (power steering, brake servo, air conditioning, onboard systems).

Work on the system has now reached the end of the experimental phase and the development phase will commence in the coming months. With the same nominal power output of a normal ICE, the HY-KERS system will enable Ferrari to reduce emissions by 40 per cent over the combined cycle.

Do you think that Ferrari and hybrids go together? You be the judge.
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