Ferrari's Revolutionary Breadvan: The Four-Seater, All-Wheel Drive FF

Ferrari's replacement for the 612 Scaglietti has finally come out of the closet ushering a radical new concept for the famed company from Maranello. The FF, which is an acronym for Ferrari Four, is probably the company's most versatile series production model ever featuring seating and luggage space for four, an all-wheel drive system and a shooting brake body style. It will be revealed at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show with sales to follow later in the year.

Designed by Pininfarina, the FF is a large sports car measuring 4,907 mm in length, 1,953 in width and 1,379 mm in height. The elongated roofline, the styling of the rear quarter and the car's proportions bring to mind a variety of older models, one of which is the BMW Z3 Coupe.

The Prancing Horse company has not published any photos of the interior yet, but notes that the FF "can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage". Talking about boot capacity, there's 450 liters of space with all four passengers about, or 800 liter with the rear seats folded.

Ferrari added that it has developed a vast array of personalization options and accessories for the FF, including include six model-specific exterior colors and interior trims.

There's a lot going on under the sheetmetal as the FF introduces company’s first ever [production] four-wheel drive system. Called 4RM, it is said to weigh 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, thus helping to maintain an almost perfect weight distribution [47:53].

The Italian company has released few other details about the system, but it claims "it delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels."

The FF is powered by a brand new 6.3-liter V12 engine with direct injection and Ferrari's HELE tech that includes a stop/start system. Sitting up front, the 12-cylinder motor delivers 660-horses at 8,000 rpm and is hooked up to dual-clutch F1 gearbox. Ferrari said the FF completes the 0-100km/h [62mph] sprint in 3.7 seconds and 335 km/h (208 mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 15.4 lt/100km, equal to 15.3 mpg US, with CO2 emissions of 360 g/km.

The GT tips the scales at a hefty 1,790 kg or 3,946 pounds, but thanks to the powerful V12, it boasts a weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/hp.

Other highlights include the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

More details will be released at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but until then, check out the photos and video below, and tell us what you think about Ferrari's latest model in the comments section.

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2012 Ferrari FF Sports Car

2012 Ferrari FF Front View

2012 Ferrari FF Side View

2012 Ferrari FF Rear View

2012 Ferrari FF Sports Car

2012 Ferrari FF Front View

2012 Ferrari FF Side View

2012 Ferrari FF Rear View

Ferrari FF AWD Sports Car Concept Heading to Geneva, Tipster Provides Initial Details

A Carscoop reader who wishes to remain anonymous, sent us an email with details on Ferrari's long-rumored 612 Scaglietti replacement, which is due to be revealed to a select few on Friday, January 21, before making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. While one can never be 100 per cent sure in these cases, for a variety of reasons, we're almost convinced that the information provided in the email is real. So, without further ado, here's what our tipster told us:

The car will be a pre-production study called the FF, which stands for Ferrari Four, as the GT model will seat four passengers and come with a new four-wheel drive system. Designed by Pininfarina, the FF gets a shooting brake-like body style with a large rear hatch, and a face that brings to mind a chubbier version of the 458 Italia. Inside, Maranello's latest creation will be able to seat four passengers with an impressive -for a supercar- load volume of 450 liters, which can be increased to as much as 800 liters if the rear seats aren't in use.

According to our reader, the FF is powered by a new 6.3-liter V12 engine delivering 660 horses at 8,000 rpm and 683 Nm / 503.8 lb-ft of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. That massive amount of power is transferred to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and a new and extremely lightweight all-wheel drive system.

The 4,907mm long fastback coupe is said to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.7 seconds and top out at 335 km/h (208 mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 15.4 lt/100km, equal to 15.3 mpg US.

We'll be on the watch for any official information and / or photos of the Ferrari model, and keep you updated on any new developments as they occur.

VIDEO: Ducati Moto GP Riders Race Against Ferrari F1 Stars on Ice

While promoting Jeep products must have been a boring chore for Ferrari’s F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, we’re pretty sure they had a good time competing against Ducati Moto GP’s Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden in a series of races held on ice. Vehicles of choice were the ever entertaining karts and some sweet looking Fiat 500s. Highlights in the video after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Ridelust

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VIDEO: More Track Action with James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

We’ve already seen car collector James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione on the racetrack in Turin, but the video footage wasn’t that impressive. Luckily, Youtube user Marchettino has caught the one-off special on tape (or so to speak) while running some tests on the Franciacorta circuit, near Brescia in Italy. Despite the foggy conditions, this video provides a....clearer picture of what the endurance racer is capable of. Hit the jump to see the clip.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: Youtube

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VIDEO: Tunisians Repossess Ousted President’s Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with a...Forlkift

As a result of the political turmoil going on in Tunisia, president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali has fled the country. But like any dictator on the run, Ben Ali had to leave plenty of wealth behind, accumulated in his 20+ years of totalitarian rule, including his Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which was “repossessed” by angry protesters using a forklift. Video after the jump.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Autogespot

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James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione Hits the Racetrack [with Video]

There’s still much to be discovered about James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione racecar, but judging by the latest update on the dedicated Facebook page, the F430 Scuderia-based competition model has reached the final stages of its development, hitting the racetrack for the very first time.

The finished product is quite a handsome beast, boasting sharp edges and voluptuous curves, complemented by the large rear wing and exposed carbon fiber. When it makes its racing debut later this year, the P4/5 Competizione will most certainly adopt some kind of livery, but to be honest, we like its “natural” look.

Racing pilot Fabrizio Giovanardi and engineer Paolo Garella drove the P4/5 Competizione during the track test held in Torino.

“The test was fine, or better fantastic. The car is so easy to drive and all the controls light and very direct. The circuit was very short but I was able to go up to the 3rd gear. Engine and gearbox very light,” said the first test report, uploaded to Facebook less than 24 hours ago.

To see the P4/5 Competizione in action and hear its magnificent engine sound, scroll down and check out the videos.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Facebook via Jalopnik

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Alonso and Massa Earn their Living Promoting 2011 Jeep Wrangler

We have to admit that we feel for Ferrari's F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. As if being forced to wear jokey caps, blouses and t-shirts full of ads, and drive around exclusively in Fiat Group products such as the Abarth 500 wasn't enough of a pain in the behind (a quick look at their bank statements should ease the pain though...), the dynamic duo is now being used to promote the Chrysler Group's offerings such as the Jeep Wrangler.

According to a press statement from the Italian automaker, this particular photo shoot is one of the many initiatives of the "Wrooom 2011 – F1 & MotoGP Press Ski Meeting", an event organized in Madonna di Campiglio (Trento) in which the Fiat Group is the official sponsor.

The Jeep Wrangler featured at the event is a facelifted 2011MY in Rubicon trim powered by a new 2.8-liter common-rail turbo diesel Euro 5 engine with DPF producing 200 HP at 3,600 rpm and 410 Nm of torque at 2,000-3,200 rpm on models with a six-speed manual gearbox and 460 Nm at 1,600-2,600 rpm when combined with a new five-speed automatic transmission.

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Design Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia

PRESS RELEASE Following international acclaim for their finely honed Porsche GT2, GT3 and Panamera conversions, Oakley Design is now proud to announce their tuning programme for the Ferrari 458 Italia. Production will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque. Outside of this Limited Edition model, individual parts will also be made available for clients who do not require the complete package. With Jon Oakley’s motorsport background central to the company’s philosophy, any change, whether aerodynamic or mechanical, is only done for sound technical reasons.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia Tuning by Oakley Design production will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque. Outside of this Limited Edition mode, individual parts will also be made available for clients who do not require the complete package.

With Jon Oakley motorsport background central to the company philosophy, any change whether aerodynamics or mechanical is only done for sound technical reasons.

Known for its customization programme for the Porsche 997 GT2, Oakley Design revealed today its tuning kit for the latest Ferrari 458 Italia. Because the car is quite perfect the tuning company decided to install a carbon-fiber front spoiler which adds 45kg of downforce over the front axle at 150mph (240km/h) but also a racecar style centrally positioned radiator vent designed to channel air out over the bonnet instead of under the car. And this is not all, as the tuning company installed new air exit ducts beside the headlamps.

Finally, a new rear spoiler with Gurney flap adds 25 kg of downforce over the rear axle at 150mph. This works together with the underbody diffuser to reduce the Italia overall drag by smoothing out the separating airflow. The only exterior alterations made for cosmetic reasons are the signature Oakley Design carbon fibre roof panel, mirror covers and engine cover insert below the rear window glass. These are matched in the engine bay by carbon-fibre panels covering the inner wings and rear bulkhead.

In order to optimize the sound of the engine, the car features a complete titanium exhaust system with triple outlet pipes and no bypass valve shaves a huge 30kg from the Italia’s aft section.

The design is completed by the 20-inch Oakley Design lightweight composite wheels which save a significant 8.0kg of unsprung weight per corner. For those who don’t know the standard 458 Italia comes with 570bhp and 540 Nm of torque but with some ECU tweaking the car delivers now 627bhp and 567 Nm of torque. With these numbers, the car ca sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds (standard version can sprin in 3.4 seconds) and has a top speed of over 330 km/h. We have bad news though: the production of this customization programme will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque.

VIDEO: James Glickenhaus Takes Ferrari P4/5 to France for High Speed Tests

James Glickenhaus’ P4/5 Competizione project may have missed its June 2010 deadline, but luckily for the famous car collector, he still has the “normal”, Enzo-based Ferrari P4/5 to kill some time with, while waiting for the custom racecar. In the latest footage available on Youtube, Mr. Glickenhaus took the car to France for high speed testing, followed by some R&R time in Paris. Check out the video after the break to see the simply breathtaking P4/5 in action.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Autoblog

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First Details of Underground Racing’s Twin Turbocharged Ferrari 458 Italia

While Underground Racing admits that Ferrari has done a great job with the 458 Italia, the North Carolina-based tuner wants to spice up the Italian supercar as “something’s missing” from the stock setup. And what may that "something" be, we hear you ask? Why a turbo kit, or even better, how about two? Underground Racing will develop a Stage 1 system that will be fitted to the stock engine, while the Stage 2 conversion will be a more comprehensive update, including a custom built powerplant and force induction. More photos and videos alongside with performance numbers are said to follow soon.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Teamspeed via WFC

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Forbes' Top 10 List of the Most Expensive Cars in the World

For most people a $50,000 car is well out of reach, while others happily spend double or triple of that amount on a ride. However, even those enthusiasts might not be so keen to whip out their checkbooks when confronted with the price tag of these vehicles featured in a special list compiled by Forbes.

These are the most expensive cars in the world, usually bought by the kind of people who don’t even break a sweat amidst the worst economic crisis. Forbes' list in not without its flaws as the publication added two vehicles (the Enzo's successor and the upcoming Pagani Zonda C9) that have yet to be revealed, let alone be priced. Nevertheless, you can check out the complete list of exclusive toys for the real tycoons after the jump.

10. Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe – Price: $447,000

You can’t go wrong with a Rolls-Royce Phantom, but if you really want something special, than opting for the Drophead Coupe is a no brainer. Powered by the same 453-horsepower V12, the open top version with its optional teak deck made of 30 different pieces of fine-grain wood, is in a league of its own, just like the people who can afford it. Even so, it’s the least expensive car in the list.

9. Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce – Price: $455,400

A very different beast compared to the Drophead Coupe, the Lamborghini LP670-4 SuperVeloce is the swan song of the Murcielago series. Boasting a 6.5-liter V12 engine, capable of 670 hp, the four-wheel drive Italian supercar can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 3.2 seconds. Owner of this beast not only have to be rich, but capable as well, especially if they're going to specify the car with the six-speed manual transmission.

8. Ferrari SA Aperta – Price: $520,000 (estimated)

Showcased at this year’s Paris Auto Show, the SA Aperta (aperta means “open” in Italian) was Ferrari’s way of celebrating the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina. Based on the 599 GTO, the SA Aperta has a removable soft-top roof and features the same 670 hp V12 engine. With a 0-to-60 time of just 3.5 seconds, the sexiest 599 is quite a performer and a rare car, as only 80 will be built.

7. LeBlanc Mirabeau – Price: $728,000

The LeBlanc Mirabeau is a pureblooded Swiss racecar, which happens to be street-legal at the same time. Wealthy playboys aren’t going to be overwhelmed by luxury with this one, as leather and other comfort features cost extra. This machine is all about speed and handling, relying on a supercharged V8 for power, that delivers 700 hp and 850 Nm of torque.

6. SSC Ultimate Aero – Price: $750,000

Considered by many a Bugatti Veyron-killer, the SSC Aero Ultimate can reach a top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h), thanks to its 1,287 hp V8 engine. Unlike the LeBlanc Mirabeau, this beast comes with quite a long standard equipment list. Many body parts are made from carbon fiber, but the lightweight material has been also used in the cabin.

5. Ferrari F70 – Price: $870,000 [Estimated]

For some reason, the fifth place in Forbes' list is taken by a car that may be anticipated but has yet to be introduced or announced; the successor to the Ferrari Enzo. Forbes names the car F70 and says it is expected in 2012 with an estimated price of $870,000 - we have no idea how they came up with this price. The vehicle shown in the picture is Ferrari's Millechili concept.

4. Pagani Zonda C9 – Price: $1.3 million [Estimated]

The Pagani Zonda C9 may not be out yet, but it has been scooped and even teased by the company. Believed to feature a 700 hp engine from Merc's AMG division that won’t be a derivative of the V12 used for the SL65 Black Series, the upcoming Pagani C9 will have gullwing doors and more rounded body panels. Only 40 units will be built, each featuring a high-tech carbon-titanium chassis, almost 4,000 new parts compared to the outgoing Zonda and specially developed Pirelli tires. Forbes estimates that the car will be priced at around $1.3 million.

3. Maybach Landaulet – Price: $1.405 million

Initially presented at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the Maybach Landaulet is based on the 62S and it has a soft top that offers rear passengers an unhindered feeling of space. Powered by a twin turbo V12 engine, the Landaulet is a luxury apartment on wheels, complete with refrigerator, folding tables and two champagne flutes in hand-polished 925 sterling silver.

2. Koenigsegg Agera – Price: $1.5 million (estimated)

With a body made out of carbon fiber and aluminum, the 910 hp Koenigsegg Agera can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 3.1 seconds. It’s a proper supercar and then some, as the Swedes claim it offers the most luggage space in this segment. Not the highest priority when buying a vehicle of this kind, but for one and a half million dollars, it's a welcome plus.

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – Price: $2.6 million

It’s hard to pinpoint the raison d’etre of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, given that the “stock” Veyron is also ridiculously fast reaching a top speed of 407 km/h (253 mph). True, the Super Sport did reach a Guinness World of Records-certified top speed of 431 km/h or 268 mph, however the car shipped to clients are restricted to 415 km/h (258 mph). So, you have to pay a hefty premium over the less capable Veyrons (the Bugatti 16.4 Grand Sport costs $1.86 million and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 $1.59 million) for a mere 8 km/h (5 mph) increase in top speed . But in the rich man’s world, prestige is very important, and we’re quite sure that billionaires will happily fork out the dough for the 1,200 horsepower supercar.

Is a car worth that much money? It’s a tough question to answer, but you can voice your opinion in the comments section below, as we’re curious to see which one would you choose.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Forbes