Classic Car: Ferrari Daytona

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is one of the all-time greats among sports car. When it first hit the streets in 1968, it dethroned the Lamborghini Muira as the fastest street-legal production car, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Unlike the Muira, which is a rear-mid engine rear-wheel drive two-door coupe, the 365 GTB/4 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive two-door grand tourer coupe. There is a spider version of this Ferrari, called the Ferrari GTS/4. The unoffical name for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 and Ferrari 365 GTS/4 is the Ferrari Daytona, which commemorates Ferrari's 1-2-3 finish at in the February 1967 24 Hours of Daytona with the Ferrari 330P4. From 1968 to 1973, 1,284 365 GTB/4 Daytonas were made. From 1971 to 1973, only 122 365 GTS/4 Daytonas were made. Between the coupe and the spider, 1,406 Ferrari Daytonas were produced. This car got notoriety from car publications. Sports Car International named the Ferrari Daytona the top sports car of the 1970s. Motor Trend Classic named Daytona the second best Ferrari of all time. The Daytona is very popular among car collectors. The Daytona coupe can cost from $250,000 to $350,000 at auctions. The Daytona Spider goes for prices over $1 million at auctions.

I first saw the legendary Ferrari Daytona at the 2010 Houston Classy Chassis: Concours d'Elegance. This is one beautiful Ferrari. After seeing Ferrari Daytonas on televised auctions, What's My Car Worth, and Chasing Classic Cars, and Top Gear; it is nice to see a Daytona up close in person. Its got a very sleek design. Pininfarina did a great job designing the body of the Daytona.

The Ferrari Daytona is powered by a 4.4L V12, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, that produces 347 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. The Daytona goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of  174 mph. Getting a Ferrari Daytona costs between $250,000 to over $1 million. That is a steep price for a classic Ferrari. However, there was nothing like the Daytona in the 1960s and 1970s. The Daytona was one of the quickest and fastest cars of the 1960s and 1970s.

Top Gear celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Ferrari Daytona with a race against a modern superboat from Portofino to Saint-Tropez during Series 12, Episode 5. The car has also been featured on a few episodes of Chasing Classic Cars. It also has been featured a few times on What's My Car Worth. A red Ferrari Daytona was one of the star cars in Gumball Rally. It was also featured in A Star is Born, The Long Goodbye, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Swiss Conspiracy, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, and Rain Man. A Ferrari Daytona Replica was used in Miami Vice. The Ferrari Daytona is playable in Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Chrono Q Park, Project Gotham Racing 3, Project Gotham Racing 4, Twisted Metal Head On: Extra Twisted Edition, Ferrari Challenge, TORCS, Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast, and Outrun2 SP.

It is a classic Ferrari and a must for any Ferrari collector. It was also very fast for 1960s and 1970 standards. If you want one, prepare to pay a hefty price. The Daytona Spider goes for over $1 million dollars. The Ferrari Daytona marked an end of an era. It was the last of the classic Ferrari super grand tourers. It wasn't until 1996 when Ferrari came out with a super grand tourer when the Ferrari 550 Maranello was released.

CarJunkie
Daytona Coupe picture was taken from a camera phone. Daytona Spider picture was taken from the Ferrari Daytona Wikipedia page

It Came From eBay Hell: Triumph TR3 with an Italian Body and an American Heart

Much like Christine in the Stephen King novel of the same name, this 1957 Triumph TR3 Special began life as nothing more than a…car. Since then it’s mutated into this thing that sports a faux-Ferrari body and a Chevy 350 V8 under the hood.

All that remains of its British donor car are the number and chassis plates, front suspension, windshield wiper motor, tail lights and fuel filler cap. The “coachbuilt body”, as the eBay Motors seller describes it, is a combination of hand-worked aluminium and glass fibre.

There’s also an Edelbrock manifold and carburettor, TH350 transmission and a Ford 9” limited slip differential. There’s also an integral roll bar, four-link rear suspension and wide 275/50R15 rubber.

The seller would like us all to, “Please note the superb quality of the craftsmanship this car has been constructed with, particularly the very high quality of the wiring.” That’s his emphasis, not ours.

Still, if you would like to buy this, “authentic piece of American Vintage Motor Sports History” you can for the low, low asking price of US$19,500.

Though to be honest a car that’s spent twenty-five years in a shed gathering rust dust with a wannabe Ferrari 250 GTO body affixed to it isn’t my idea of a good investment. You can check out our full gallery bellow.

First Impression: Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari is known for producing fast, high performing supercars. The car brand started making rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive V8 supercars in 1975 with the 308 GTB. In 2009, Ferrari started production on the 458 Italia, the latest rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive supercar from the Italian car brand. The 458 Italia is a unique Ferrari. It is one of the few cars that redlines at 9000 rpm and it is the first rear mid-engine Ferrari with direct fuel injection.

I first saw the Ferrari 458 Italia outside a restaurant in Houston. This was right after I saw Top Gear's review of the 458. I love the styling of this car. It also makes appearances at Houston Car and Coffee events. Two 458 Italias were drivable at the 2011 Houston Classy Chassis: Concours d'Elegance for a minimum fee of $40. My first thought is that the 458 looked more aggressive than its predecessors, 360 and F430. The deformed winglets on the front grill lower at lower speed to reduce drag. The body is designed for aerodynamic efficiency and producing downforce. The exterior design of the 458 not only improve performance of the car, but the design also makes the 458 stunning to look at.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5L V8, paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, that produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.4 seconds. It reaches a top speed exceeding 202 mph. Prices for the Ferrari 458 Italia start at $225,000. This is the one of the least expensive cars of the current Ferrari model range and it is also on of the fastest current Ferrari. The price is on par for a car that exceeds 200 mph and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Ferrari 458 Italia during Top Gear Series 15, Episode 6. Clarkson raced the 458 against a Ferrari F430 in a drag race and won. James May drove the 458 Italia during the 2010 USA Road Trip Special. The 458 Italia will be the vehicle for the autobot Mirage in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The Ferrari 458 Italia is playable in Gran Turismo 5, Forza Motorsport 3, Ferrari: The Race Experience, GT Racing: Motor Academy, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Car Town, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon Video Game.

Final Thought: This is an incredible car. The price is average for a car that can exceed speeds of over 200 mph. Most cars that have the performance similar to the 458 Italia start at prices around $225,000. Its rival, the Lamborghini Gallardo, starts around $210,000 dollars. Compared to the LFA, which has the same performance as the 458 Italia and costs $375,000, the 458 Italia is a bargain. The 458 Italia continues the tradition of stylish high performing Ferraris.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

First Impression: Ferrari 599 GTO

In 2010, Ferrari decided to take the 599 GTB Fiorano and modify it. Ferrari removed 220 lbs off the 599 while adding an additional 50 hp and 12 lb-ft of torque to the 6.0L V12 engine. The result is the is a quicker, faster 599. Ferrari calls the improved car the 599 GTO. It is only the third time that Ferrari has used the GTO designation. The other two times Ferrari has used the GTO designation are 250 GTO and 288 GTO.

I first saw the Ferrari 599 GTO at the 2011 Houston Classy Chassis: Concours d'Elegance. It looks just like the 599 GTB Fiorano, except for aluminum floors and the carbon fiber body. The black roof helps the 599 GTO stand out in a stadium filled with classic cars and modern supercars.

The Ferrari 599 GTO is powered by a 6.0L V12, paired with six-speed F1 gearbox, that produces 670 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and its top speed exceeds 208 mph. Prices for the Ferrari 599 GTO start at $426,000. It is quicker and faster than the 599 GTB Fiorano, but the 599 GTO costs nearly $100,000 more than the 599 GTB Fiorano. There are quicker and faster cars than the 599 GTO and at a fraction of the price.

Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear reviewed the Ferrari 599 GTO during Series 16, Episode 2. It was 1.4 seconds faster around the Top Gear test track than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The 599 GTO is playable in Test Drive Unlimited 2 and Asphalt 6: Adrenaline.

Final Thoughts: It is a fast car, but it does not warrant the $426,000 price tag. It is another stunning, fast Ferrari. Ferrari claimed that the 599 GTO is the fastest Ferrari production car, but the Ferrari Enzo is 12 mph faster than the 599 GTO.  It is a great car, but it is just too expensive for what it is.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a digital camera.

First Impression: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

When people think of Ferrari, they think of an Italian supercar with the engine in the middle. Actually, most of the supercars in Ferrari's current range have the engine in the front. In 2006, Ferrari started producing the 599 GTB Fiorano. It is a two-seater grand tourer that Ferrari used to replace the 575 Maranello, a grand tourer with a V12 in the front of the car. Ferrari also has a 599 GTO and a prototype 599 HY KERS hybrid.

I first saw the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano at the 2010 Houston Classy Chassis: Concours d'Elegance. It is a nice looking car, but it was displayed next to the Ferrari California, which is one of the best looking cars on the market. The 599 GTB looks fast and is stunning supercar produced by Ferrari.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is powered by a 6.0L V12, paired with six-speed manual or F1 transmission, that produces 620 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 205 mph. Prices start at $310,543. It is very expensive for a V12 grand tourer. Not many grand tourers can match the performance of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

Top Gear reviewed the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano during Series 10, Episode 3. Top Gear named the 599 GTB its 2006 Supercar of the Year. Evo magazine named the 599 GTB Fiorano its 2006 Car of the Year. Motorweek reviewed the 2007 model. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is playable in Gran Turismo HD Concept, Project Gotham Racing 4, Gran Turismo 5, Forza Motorsport 3, Death Track: Resurrection, Need For Speed: Shift, Forza Motorsport 2, Ferrari Challenge, Test Drive Unlimited 2, and GT Racing: Motor Academy.

Final Thoughts: This is one fast, stunning grand tourer. Not many grand tourers can match the performance of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. But there are several cars on the road that cost half as much as the 599 GTB Fiorano. It is another car in the long line of high-performing Ferraris.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

Classic Car: Ferrari Testarossa

Growing up there was one Ferrari that I had a scale model of. It was a red Ferrari Testarossa. It was one of my favorite cars growing up. The Testarossa was produced from 1984 to 1991, with 7,177 produced. It succeeded the 512BB and was succeeded by the 512 TR and later the 512 M. It was the third to last Ferrari with a flat-12 engine.

I saw the Ferrari Testarossa for the first time at the September 201 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. It is nice to see one of my favorite cars growing up in person. It is a little wide, but still a stunning car with its side intakes.

The Testarossa is powered by a 4.9L flat-12 engine mounted in the middle, which is paired with five-speed manual transmission. The engine produced 390 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. The Testarossa goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 mph. It was one of the fastest cars of the 80s. It cost $181,000 when it was brand new in 1989.

The Ferrari Testarossa was featured in Miami Vice. It is playable in Top Gear, Outrun series, Test Drive, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, London Racer series, Super Stock Cars, Project Gotham Racing 2, Smash Up Derby, Die Hard Trilogy, and several other games. To see all the games featuring the Testarossa, check out www.igcd.net. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear says this car is too wide, but I disagree.

Final thoughts: It was a childhood favorite and is still one of my favorite cars. There are better looking Ferraris than the Testarossa. At the time I wrote this article, a Testarossa is on sale for as low $37,500 on autotraderclassic.com. It is one of the cheaper classic Ferraris and makes a great addition to any car collection in need of a classic Ferrari.

CarJunkie
Photo taken by a camera phone

First Impression: Ferrari California

Ferrari has been around since 1929. Ferrari is responsible for some of the fastest cars ever made. Never has there been a Ferrari with a V8 engine in the front of the car or a Ferrari with a retractable roof. The Ferrari California, first produced in 2008, represents a number of firsts for the company. It is the first Ferrari to have a V8 in the front, the first Ferrari to feature a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the first Ferrari with a folding metal roof, the first Ferrari with multi-link rear suspension, and the first Ferrari with direct fuel injection. With a drag coefficient of 0.32, it is also the most aerodynamic Ferrari. This is the best looking Ferrari I have ever seen.

I first saw the Ferrari California at the 2010 Houston Classy Chassis. When I first saw this car, I thought it is one of the best looking cars I have ever seen. In a room with Lamborghinis, Mustangs, Corvettes, Shelby Cobras, and other classic cars, I could not take my eyes of this car. It has a sleek aerodynamic design and a beautiful interior. This is a high quality vehicle. It is a work of art.

The Ferrari California is powered by a 4.3L V8 that connected to a seven speed transmission dual clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. The engine produces 453 hp and 357 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 mph. Prices for a Ferrari California start at $192,000.  This is one fast grand tourer convertible.

The Ferrari California was feature in both Top Gear and Top Gear USA. In Episode 8 of Top Gear USA, Tanner Foust drove a Ferrari California from Hollywood to Las Vegas and arrived at a casino before Rutledge Wood did, who flew from Hollywood to Las Vegas, then took a cab to the casino. Richard Hammond drove a Ferrari California in Romania during Series 14, Episode 1, where the guys were in Romania to find the Transfagarasan Highway. The California is playable in Test Drive Unlimited 2, Gran Turismo 5, GT Racing, Motor Academy, Asphalt 5, Supercar Challenge, Forza Motorsport 3, and Need For Speed: Shift.

Final Thoughts: This is a beautiful Car. A work of art. It maybe a fast car, but it has the lowest top speed compared to the other cars in Ferrari's current range. For a car company that has never made a hardtop convertible or put a V8 in the front of the car, Ferrari did well. As far as current Ferraris go, only the 458 Italia cost less than the California. Whoever owns this car will have a great time driving it.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a camera phone

Classic Car: Ferrari F40

Ferrari is known for making high performance vehicles.  One the best known Ferraris is the F40.  The F40 was produced from 1987 to 1992, and only 1,315 F40 were made. This car is important in automotive history.  It was the first road legal production vehicle to break 200 mph.  It is considered by some to be "the greatest supercar ever made."

I first saw the F40 at the 2010 Houston Classy Chassis Car Show.  This car looks fast and is just gorgeous to look at.  This car has also been on displayed at the  December 2010 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. My friend said that this was his favorite car on displayed.

The Ferrari F40 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V8 that produced 471 hp and 426 ft-lbs torque. Its 0-60 mph time is 3.5s, the same as a Pagani Zonda, and has a top speed of 201mph.  When it was released, it was the fastest street legal production vehicle, dethroning the Porsche 959.  This car is fast for modern supercar standards.

The F40 has been featured in Test Drive Unlimited, Forza 3, Gran Turismo 5, and many other video games.  Richard Hammond test drive one during the finale of Top Gear Series 16.  Wayne Carini of "Chasing Classic Cars" named his classic car dealership after the Ferrari F40.

Final Thoughts:  This is one fast car and absolutely stunning.  This is a must have for any classic car collection.

CarJunkie

Photos taken from a camera phone

Wanted: Responsible Person to Drive World’s Top Supercars

How’s this for a dream job? Britain’s Repairacar is seeking a very special someone who can drive supercars from a customer’s address to one of their repair shops and back. It’s all very glamorous – the opportunity to drive supercars as diverse as Aston Martins, Ferraris and even the occasional Zonda or Bugatti Veyron – though it does include some taking of public transport.

A company spokesperson explains:“[The successful applicant] will also be expected to make their own way back to base from any corner of the UK and Europe – using public transport.”

So what they’re offering are a couple of hours on a bus or train in return for the chance to drive a selection of the world’s greatest supercars? Who could say no? Well, Repairacar, for one. You see, they’re not just looking for any Tom, Dick or Harry:

It Came from eBay Hell: Toyota Celica-Based Ferrari F430 Replica

There are probably more Pontiac Fiero-based imitations in the world than real Ferraris. Today, though, we have something a little different. No, it is not a Pontiac Fiero-based Lamborghini Miura (we have already had one of them), it is a Toyota Celica that has been transformed into a passable F430 replica.

Did I say passable? Well, only just. From the front, it looks okay, with the hood, headlights and A-pillar being sufficiently F430-like. As you move back, however, it all starts to unwind. The awkward side window treatment, slab-sided rear flanks and the shape of the rear windscreen just seem wrong. Though you can’t expect much from trying to transform a front-engined, front wheel drive Japanese coupe in a mid engine, rear wheel drive Italian exotic.

Things only get worse inside; the interior is essentially stock seventh-gen Celica with stick on parts that are supposed to give the impression of a Ferrari interior. Suffice to say, it does not work. The seller is asking US$45,000 for a car that nominally pulls around $7,500 on the used market, a frankly ridiculous price. You can check out our gallery (if you dare) and leave your bit in the comments section below.

 

Ferrari Unleashes Fresh Batch of Photos of FF Four-Seat GT Playing Around in the Snow

Citing "outstanding interest" and "numerous requests", Ferrari has unleashed a handful of additional photos of its new flagship four-seat GT, the FF. This is the second time after the initial presentation of the supercar in late January that the Italian firm has published pictures of its first-ever all-wheel drive model, yet somehow we still haven't seen the car in its entire form. In this latest batch, we get to see a very lightly camouflaged black prototype and a final model in Ferrari's traditional red color, both fooling around in the snow.

The new FF replaces the 612 Scaglietti in Ferrari's range, and is powered by a 660HP-strong V12. It will be unwrapped at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

Credo E-Bone Designer Peter Simon Takes on the Ferrari Enzo

Remember the humorously named yet somewhat plausible Credo E-Bone? It was a design study for a hydrogen powered bus from Hungarian artist Peter Simon, and with a name like "E-Bone", who could forget?

Well, Simon is back, only this time he's taking on something a little more exotic than public transport: he's envisioning the next generation of Ferrari's legendary Enzo. An ambitious task, though one the Hungarian takes on with a plomb.

With more of his trademark organic styling and a design philosophy that both incorporates and rebuffs Ferrari's past and present models, Simon's Enzo is a wonder to behold. From the look of it, Simon's Enzo was hatched, not styled. I can't help but be reminded of the Mitsuoka Orochi: another organically-styled sports car with love it or hate it styling.

A successor to the original Enzo, of which just 400 were produced between 2002 and 2004, has long been rumored though never confirmed by the Italian automaker itself. Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit: Peter Simon's Enzo is an interesting response to that brief.

Quick Chop: Ferrari FF Spider

While we're waiting for Ferrari to release some additional photos with more revealing views of its new four-seat, all-wheel drive, FF sports car, we thought we'd share this photoshop of a Spider version of Maranello's latest creation, made by a reader of a French car site. The chop was created by simply erasing the shooting-break-style roof of the standard FF and adding some details on the car's rear quarter. While it's pointless to pass judgment on the photoshop, it would be interesting to hear if you think a Spider version of the FF with four seats is something that Ferrari should consider building in the near future. Voice your thoughts in the comments section after the jump.

Saab Recalling 2010-2011MY 9-3 Models Due to Faulty Fuel Pumps

Saab is recalling 4,400 passenger cars from the 2010-2011MY 9-3 series manufactured from June 2010 through October 2010 to fix fuel pumps that can seize and cause the engine to stall. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of these fuel pumps may have internal components with incorrect specifications.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia Tuning by Oakley Design

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.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 599 Fiorano HY-KERS Hybrid Concept

Geneva, 2 March 2010. Ferrari presents a vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the 80th edition of the Geneva Motor Show based on the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with an advanced new hybrid transmission.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 599 Fiorano HY-KERS Hybrid Concept

Ferrari made it official today and unveiled the hybrid Hy-Kers we gave you a sneak peek of, and for those of you who think the guys in Maranello are going soft by going green(er), this car is a real Ferrari that could be in showrooms soon.

Maranello promises the Hy-Kers hybrid concept will offer stellar performance along with improved fuel economy and emissions. It makes that point clear in calling Hy-Kers “an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.”

The HY-KERS displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is an example of how Ferrari is studying the application of hybrid technology to high-performance sports cars. Central to Ferrari's objectives is maintaining the balance, handling and performance characteristics typical of its cars despite the inevitable disadvantages in terms of weight represented by applying hybrid solutions to existing models.

To this end Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt a lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved by the careful integration of all system components, positioning them below the centre of gravity and ensuring that interior and luggage space are entirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion batteries are positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower than in the standard car. In addition, a part of the weight gained by fitting the electric motor, generator and the batteries is offset by being able to do away with the traditional starter motor and battery.

Ferrari stepped into the limelight once again this year at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show where they debuted their vettura laboratorio, the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS hybrid concept sports car. Known for their screaming V-12 exotic sports cars, Ferrari is for the first time experimenting with the inevitable future of electrification. The HY-KERS is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, which is one of the best torque producing vehicles Ferrari has to offer, now amplified with the hybrid-electric motor rated at an astonishing 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to center of gravity (CoG), lower is better. It is a concern in any car, but this concept is essential in a sporting car. By using clever packaging, the CoG of the HY-KERS is actually lower than a traditional 599. This clever packaging also keeps the hybrid equipment from infringing on any interior space.

As with most hybrids, the HY-KERS can run in full electric mode based on engine load and other factors. Unlike lesser hybrids, the HY-KERS does not feature a Continuously Variable Transmission. The electric motor mounts to the rear of a seven-speed dual clutch F1 transmission. Weighing about 88 pounds, the electric motor produces about 100hp to aid the not-anemic V-12. Hybrid battery charging is provided by using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System built on the experiences from last years Formula1 program.

The new hybrid system incorporates pioneering engineering principles into every detail of the vehicle. The flat lithium-ion batteries are located on the floor pan of the car resulting in a lower center of gravity. The compact electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp from the electric motor.

The vehicle incorporates a similarly designed system to that of Ferrari's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from last year's Formula One program. Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module which was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well as managing the power supply and recharging the batteries, the module also powers the engine's ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive. It also incorporates the hybrid system's cooling pump. Ferrari has also applied this F1 technology to help optimize the dynamics of the car, enhance traction and improve overall braking balance of the HY-KERS.

Ferrari hasn’t gone too far out of its league. The 599 HY-KERS will still integrate with the original V-12 hyper-revving engine allowing the driver to snap the throttle open and be tossed back against the seat faster than the original model. Ferrari claims the hybrid stallion can achieve 124 mph in 7.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the current 599. The seeds have been sown in Ferrari’s debut of green technology.

Ferrari hopes to have Hy-Kers technology in showrooms within three to five years. The system can be adapted to front- or mid-engine vehicles, according to Automobile, and the first production car to use it will be available only as a hybrid. According to the Daily Mail, Ferrari says the technology could double the cost of the 599, but Maranello hopes to bring those costs under control as it ramps up production.

2010 Novitec Rosso Super Sports Cars Edizione 747 Bi-Compressor Engine

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is already one of the hottest-performing supercars on the market, but some people just don't know how to leave well enough alone. Some of those people work at Ferrari, who've worked tirelessly on the 458 Italia to supplant the 430's already legendary performance. And some of those people work for Novitec Rosso, who've come back yet again with another mod job for the Italian stallion.

2010 Novitec Rosso Super Sports Cars Edizione 747 Bi-Compressor Engine

It takes its name from its rated power output of 747 horsepower: To mark the farewell of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, NOVITEC ROSSO presents the Edizione 747. The world’s leading tuner of the super cars from Maranello turns the lightweight model into one of the most powerful super sports cars of our time. And with its matte yellow and grey paintjob it is also one of the most spectacular-looking cars of our time.

Called the Edizione 747, the custom Scuderia may not be as big as a jumbo jet, but it packs nearly as much thrust. Strapping a pair of superchargers to that high-revving 4.3-liter V8, along with a few more tweaks here and there, brings output up from an impressive 510 horses to a bonkers 747 horsepower. Intercoolers and revised aerodynamic cooling keep the engine running cool. 

Twenty-inch NF3 rims wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber mounted to sport springs that drop the ride height by a further 30 milimeters, available with an adjustable front end that can lift 40 mm to clear curbs and speed bumps at the touch of a button. Novitec's also decked out this particular example with a two-tone yellow and matte black paint scheme, and given the interior a few mods to complete the package.

At the heart of this special model lies the 2010 new NOVITEC ROSSO 747 Bi-Compressor engine that boosts power output of the V8 that normally produces 510 hp / 375 kW by 237 hp / 174 kW. Driving performance improves accordingly: With a sprint time for 0 – 100 km/h of less than 3.4 seconds, 9.4 seconds to 200 km/h and just 22.9 seconds to 300 km/h the NOVITEC ROSSO model is the most powerful and quickest Scuderia in the world. Just as impressive is the top speed of 351 km/h.

The Edizione 747 specification is the ultimate high-end version and is limited exclusively to the Berlinetta model of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The layout of the engine conversion corresponds to all NOVITEC ROSSO Bi-Compressor conversions for the mid-engine sports car. Each cylinder bank is fitted with an intercooler and a cogged-belt-driven high-performance supercharger with a maximum boost pressure increased for this version to 0.53 bar. 

The intercooling system features its own dedicated water circuit. The radiator of the system is located behind a special centrally placed air duct in the front apron. To guarantee perfect durability even under high ambient temperatures the conversion also includes more effective radiators for water and oil.

The result of this labor is a unique symbiosis of superior power and excellent running smoothness. With a rated power output of 747 hp / 549 kW at 8,500 rpm the NOVITEC ROSSO Edizione 747 Bi-Compressor engine surpasses its naturally aspirated brethren by 237 hp / 174 kW. The increase in torque from standard 470 Nm to 738 Nm at 6,300 rpm represents an enormous plus in low-speed power.

As a tribute to the outgoing Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Novitec Rosso has unveiled its new Edizione 747. As the name suggests, the V8 engine has been upgraded with a bi-compressor to produce a total of 747-hp with a maximum torque of 544 lb-ft. 0-62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds while 0-124 mph takes 9.4 seconds. To speed comes in at 218 mph. Novitec also threw in a new intercooling system that features its own dedicated water circuit and is given a maximum boost pressure figure of 0.53 bar.

To lend the Scuderia better suitability for everyday use despite the lowering NOVITEC ROSSO offers an innovative hydraulic lift system for the front axle. At the push of a button in the cockpit the front is raised by 40 millimeters. It allows drivers to safely navigate parking ramps, low curbs and speed bumps. 

After safely passing over the obstacle, another push of the button reverts the suspension to its original position. If the button is not pushed the front end reverts to its original position automatically once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h.