The Most powerful Ferrari and arguably the most beautiful gets its world premiere at Geneva.

Most powerful ever 800 cv production engine

Ferrari has selected the 87^th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show for the world premiere of the new 12-cylinder berlinetta, the 812 Superfast, the most powerful and fastest Ferrari in the marque’s history.

This new car not only introduces a plethora of innovative features but is also particularly significant as the V12 series marked the official start of the glorious Prancing Horse story in 1947, 70 years ago this year.     

The 812 Superfast thus ushers in a new era in Ferrari 12-cylinder history, in doing so building on the invaluable legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdf. 

It is aimed at clients demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range: an uncompromising sports car that will deliver exhilarating driving both on road and track yet also be comfortable enough to allow its owners enjoy it as an all-round experience.

Engine

Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12 engine that unleashes 800 cv, the 812 Superfast is the new benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, achieving maximum power output at 8,500 rpm, which translates to a specific power output of 123 cv/l. Figures that no other front-engined production car has ever even come near to delivering and which ensure the kind of thrilling top-end performance that is the exclusive characteristic of Ferrari’s noble V12 heritage.

The engine’s power is underscored by a full, rich exhaust sound that exploits the acoustic clout delivered by its increased displacement.

Maximum torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm, a significant 80% of which is already available at 3,500 rpm, improving both driveability and pick-up even at low revs.

These performance levels were achieved in part by adopting a 350 bar direct injection system for the very first time on a high-performance engine and pairing it with variable geometry intake tracts conceptually derived from those of naturally-aspirated F1 engines.  

The 812 Superfast’s dual-clutch transmission has specific gear ratios which, combined with shorter up and down-shifting times between gears, sharpen throttle response still further.  

Vehicle dynamics

The 812 Superfast is equipped with leading-edge control systems and components, resulting in unparalleled handling and roadholding.  It’s the first Ferrari to sport EPS (Electric Power Steering) which, in accordance with Ferrari’s uncompromising engineering approach, is used to fully exploit the potential of the car’s performance and, through the complete integration with all the electronic vehicle dynamics controls – including the latest 5.0 version of Ferrari’s patented Side Slip Control (SSC) - make its powerful performance easier to handle and even more thrilling to exploit.

The vehicle controls also feature, for the first time, the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) which, following the experience gained with the F12tdf, features a further evolution of the software that improves the nimbleness of the handling and reduces the vehicle response times even further.

Styling and aerodynamics

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new 812 Superfast redefines the formal language of front-engined V12 Ferraris, underlining the car’s exceptional performance with very sporty lines and proportions.  

Seen in silhouette, the 812 Superfast has a fastback sleekness: a two-box design with a high tail reminiscent of the glorious 365 GTB4 of 1969. The design of the flanks visually shortens the tail and is characterised by impressively muscular wheelarches which imbue the 812 Superfast with the power and aggression warranted by its imposing V12. Full-LED headlights integrated into the design of the sculpted air intakes on the bonnet also emphasise that front muscle, integrating with, and wrapping around the front wheelarch.

At the rear, four round tail-lights inspired by Ferrari tradition emphasise a design crafted around horizontal lines and give the 812 Superfast a broad, imposing stance, visually lowering both spoiler and cabin. 

The car is being launched in a special new colour, Rosso Settanta, which marks the company’s 70^thanniversary.

As with all Ferraris, style and aerodynamic function are seamlessly integrated to produce innovative solutions and forms. Two examples are the multi-functional frontal section, which incorporates a cluster of aerodynamic solutions including active flaps at the front of the underbody, and the rear flank which features an unprecedented aerodynamic by-pass to increase downforce.

Interior

The interior of the 812 Superfast has been revisited in line with the more extreme exterior whilst maintaining unaltered the exceptional on-board comfort and space that Ferrari’s front-engined V12 berlinettas have always offered.

The cabin has been given a sportier, more radical look with the main elements seeming to float, creating an effect of both thoroughbred racing eagerness and lean elegance. The horizontal dash loops stylishly around the central air vents for a sophisticated, sculptural look.

New, more sporty and ergonomic seats feature alongside the new HMI, including new steering wheel and instrument clusters and the latest infotainment and air-conditioning units.

812 Superfast – Technical Specifications

Engine         

Type	V12 - 65°
Overall displacement	6,496 cc
Maximum power output *	588 kW (800 cv) at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque *	718 Nm at 7,000 rpm

Weight and dimensions

Length	4,657 mm
Width	1,971 mm
Height	1,276 mm
Dry weight**	1,525 kg
Weight distribution	47-53% front/rear

Performance

Maximum speed	>340 Km/h
0-100 km/h	2.9 sec

Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions ***

Fuel consumption	14,9 l/100km (under homologation)
Emissions	340g CO2/km

* With 5 cv ram effect

**With lightweight optionals

*** Under homologation. ECE+EUDC with standard HELE system

GENEVA - Ferrari launches all new 488GTB, and yet another awesome car from Italy.

The innovative 8-cylinder berlinetta debuts at Geneva: new design, new engine and a plethora of patented solutions

On its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 488 GTB sets a new benchmark for the sports car sector. Forty years on from the launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Ferrari 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture.

Credit for this achievement must go to the Ferrari 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this performance completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver. 

Ferrari drew extensively on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship).  Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.  

The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.

Extreme power was a requisite for the car and is delivered by the new 3902 cc turbo engine coupled to a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 760 Nm in seventh gear). The Ferrari 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.  The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.  

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an extremely thrilling driving experience. 

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the Ferrari 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements also draw on styling cues from the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired scalloped flanks.

The Ferrari 488 GTB makes its debut in a new Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim, and in a Grigio Ferro Met livery with black and Beige Tradizione leather interior trim.

On the subject of extreme performance, also featuring on the stand is the F12berlinetta which is the most powerful car in the Ferrari range, courtesy of its 740 cv V12 engine and transaxle architecture. It continues to enjoy such enormous success worldwide that in certain countries the waiting list is over a year long.

Two versions of the F12berlinetta are on show in Geneva: the first sports the now-traditional triple-layer Rosso Maranello livery with a leather interior and carbon-fibre trim, while the second is a Tailor Made homage to the Ecurie Francorchamps team, specifically the 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France. It is in the same Argento Auteil colour as the latter with a triple-layer yellow racing cross-stripe on its bonnet.

The Tailor Made programme, Ferrari’s exclusive personalisation service, now boasts over 450 new materials which are homologated for automotive use for the first time.

Alongside the sports cars are the GTs: the California T coupé-cabriolet in an elegant two-tone Nero Stellato and Grigio Brunito livery complemented by a Tortora cabin is joined by the four-seater, four-wheel-drive FF in modern Bianco Italia with a Sterling interior. Both models feature CarPlay, the simplest, safest and most entertaining way to use your iPhone in the car.  CarPlay is incredibly intuitive and offers phone, map, music and message access by either voice control or a tap of the central display. The system is enjoying particular popularity on the FF where it has been specified by half of all clients ordering it. 

Also on the stand is the Formula One single-seater which pays fitting testimony to Ferrari’s inextricable links to motorsport on the eve of the new season.

One off Ferrari to debut at the third Ferrari cavalcade.

One of the 90 cars taking part in the third edition of the Ferrari Cavalcade was the F12 TRS, a one-off custom design making its public debut on Sicilian soil.

Based on the F12berlinetta, the car was developed at a client’s request as an extreme, two-seater, open-top sports barchetta. One of the initial inspirations for the project was the 1957 250 Testa Rossa. In fact, the F12 TRS is Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Style Centre team’s modern, innovative take on that legendary car’s spirit and pays homage to it in its moniker.

Like all one-off Ferraris, the F12 TRS is the product of Ferrari’s now-classic approach of creating a truly integrated design. It thus has the same exceptional performance figures as the F12berlinetta including  0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.1 s and  0-200 km/h acceleration in 8.1 s, thanks to the massive 740 cv and maximum torque of  690 Nm at 9,000 rpm unleashed by its 6262 cm³ V12 engine.

From the leading edge of the typically sharp Ferrari nose, aggressively sculpted forms flow back over the bonnet, while a low, wraparound windscreen forms a long dark band of glass in contrast to the car’s body. The V12 engine’s signature red cylinder heads are visible through a window in the engine lid, a concept inspired as much by the front-engined Ferrari sports cars of the 1950s as our more recent mid-engined berlinettas. The aerobridge, introduced on the F12berlinetta, has been given a new treatment in this car, resulting in a sculptural design that runs back from the flanks along the entire length of the car.

The design of the rear marks an evolution of the T-shaped graphic that characterises the F12’s truncated tail and is influenced to some extent by the cabin shape with long fuselage fairings running behind the headrests into the rear spoiler. A smooth ramp runs from the central tunnel too, linking interior and exterior and creating a longitudinal aerodynamic channel to deliver an innovative Venturi effect completed by a vent under the spoiler.

The cockpit is light and pared-back to the barest driving essentials, creating a sense of powerful, uncompromising sportiness with no concessions to superfluous comfort. Even some of the controls for the likes of the air conditioning, for instance, have been cut back, while the glove compartment, central air vents, mats, audio system, window controls and odds-and-ends holders have all been removed. Most of the materials used aboard, such as black matt carbon-fibre, leather and Alcantara,  are technical, while the same multi-layer red paint developed specifically for the exterior adorns the central tunnel and the door panels.

Although inspired by the traditional Rosso Corsa, the new bodywork colour was developed using multi-layer and micalised paint technologies.

Ferrari posts significant gains at the nine month period.

• Revenues: 1.711 million euro (+6.7%)
• Trading profit:  264.2 million euro (+20.2%)
• Net profit: 178.8 million euro (+23%)
• EBITDA: 454 million euro (+15%)
• Record industrial net cash position: 1.350 million euro
• Homologated cars delivered:  5,264 in line with 2012
• A new company is being created to manage brand-related activities

The Ferrari S.p.A. Board of Directors met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the financial results for the first nine months of 2013.

Ferrari’s strategic decision announced last May - to reduce volumes and maintain exclusivity while also increasing revenues - has already begun to yield its first results.  While deliveries to the dealership network have remained largely unchanged (5,264, three less compared to the first nine months of 2012), revenues have increased by 6.7 per cent to 1.711 million euro.

Trading profit jumped by over 20 per cent to 264.2 million euro as did net profit to 178.8 million euro (+23 per cent).

The company’s industrial net cash position has reached new historic record level and, on September 30th, stood at 1.350 million euro, despite an on-going commitment to heavy investment in product development which has resulted in the company’s most complete and innovative range ever, as demonstrated by the models launched in the first nine months of the year: LaFerrari, the first hybrid which represents the ultimate expression of technological innovation, performance and futuristic styling, and the 458 Speciale, an extreme V8-engined berlinetta with Ferrari-patented electronic dynamics controls and aerodynamics.

Ferrari’s industrial net cash flow for the period was 281 million euro.

These results are the fruit of an excellent product mix (12-cylinders accounted for 25 per cent of sales thanks to the consistent success of FF and higher F12berlinetta deliveries), an increasing contribution from all the services for customers, such as the Atelier and Tailor Made personalisation programmes, restoration of classic cars, along with continuing, significant turnover from Brand activities.

Markets

Sales continue to grow (+8 per cent) in the USA and Canada to 1627 cars, and it is foreseen that deliveries will increase moderately up until the end of 2013 to avoid excessively long waiting lists.

In Europe, the UK (+15 per cent, 580 cars delivered) is yielding very gratifying results, thanks in part to the arrival of the right-hand drive F12berlinetta. Deliveries to Germany were down by 3 per cent (520 cars) in line with the plan announced earlier this year. Italy remains a marginal market due to restrictive fiscal policies, and now accounts for less than 3 per cent of total sales with just 145 cars delivered to dealerships.

Sales were excellent in the Middle East (+40 per cent, 382 cars) and Japan  (+17 per cent, 250), while Greater China (People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) is very much a two-sided coin.  Deliveries to end clients are on the up but deliveries to the network are falling: in fact, the latter have been reduced by 139 to 427 cars. This decision was influenced by two factors: the need to main the brand’s exclusivity on traditional markets, such as Hong Kong, and to take a more cautious position on the People’s Republic of China where rises in taxes on luxury goods may be in the offing.

“I am very satisfied with the results for the first nine months of 2013,” declared Luca di Montezemolo. “They are the fruit of our constant focus on exclusivity, which guarantees significant returns for our shareholders as well as growing numbers of services for clients. The revenues from personalisation programmes and Ferrari Classiche’s activities ably demonstrate this fact and the latter will receive an additional boost when a dedicated centre for collectors opens in the US. We have also maintained our high level of investment in product development and employment: in fact, this year we have already taken on 200 new staff.”

Brand

The Board of Directors also sanctioned an important decision with regard to our Brand-related activities (licensing, franchising retail, e-commerce) which, because of their specific nature, require a different management approach to car manufacturing. As a result, a New Co, 100 per cent controlled by Ferrari, will be set up to deal with all of these activities and guarantee improved, more dedicated operations management.

In the meantime, our Brand activities as a whole continue to deliver positive results. Retail revenues have increased by 17 per cent while licencing is up 3 per cent, thanks to important new partnerships with Electronic Arts and Codemasters, who now flank the well-established licence-holder Microsoft, strengthening the company’s presence in the Electronics & Multimedia sector

Lastly, e-commerce revenues rose by 18 per cent as the Prancing Horse continues to expand its presence on social networks with almost 13 million “likes” for Ferrari’s official pages.

Stunning Ferrari 458 Speciale, absolutely beautiful.

The 458 Speciale is the latest product of Ferrari’s core philosophy of extreme technological innovation and research which, in this instance, has yielded powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the already exceptional 458 Italia into a car genuinely worthy of the “Speciale” moniker. The result is a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept.

Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future.

Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.

Having lavished meticulous attention on the power unit that was named “Best Performance Engine” at the International Engine of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, Ferrari has now built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever (605 cv) with an extraordinary specific power output of 135 cv/l , the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine.

Thanks to an equally exceptional weight/power ratio of just 2.13 kg/cv, the 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.0 seconds (0-200 km/h in 9.1 seconds) and also clocked a lap time of just 1:23.5 at the Fiorano Circuit.

Aerodynamic requirements guided the work of the Ferrari Styling Centre, which led the project in cooperation with Pininfarina, to sculpt the car’s forms to ensure they were more performance-oriented than ever. The most notable features in this sense are the front and rear movable aerodynamics which balance downforce and cut drag, thus helping make the 458 Speciale the most aerodynamically efficient range production car in Ferrari history (E Index of 1.5).

The technology used in the vehicle dynamics subsystems which gives the driver instant confidence and control at high speeds, natural power oversteer management and precise response to commands are further advances in an area in which Ferrari is already a well-established leader.

One of the most innovative features of the 458 Speciale is the Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to achieve car control on the limit, thereby greatly improving driving emotions. Thanks to the development of an accurate new algorithm SSC performs instant-to-instant analysis of the car’s side slip, comparing it with the target value and then optimising both torque management (via integration with F1- Trac traction control) and torque distribution between the two wheels (via integration with the E-Diff electronic differential).

Part and parcel of the car’s development included Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres which were specifically honed for it in an intensive collaboration programme involving, amongst other factors, numerous track test and simulator sessions. Conceived for the 458 Speciale, they boost performance over a single lap in the dry as well as improving performance consistency in subsequent laps. They also allow the car to avail of maximum available grip in the wet.

The above-mentioned technical content has improved the 458 Speciale’s single lap time and also delivers repeatability of that performance on subsequent laps that is absolutely unprecedented for a car not designed exclusively for track use. The result is that the 458 Speciale has the fastest response time (0.060 s) and highest lateral acceleration (1.33 g) ever achieved by a car in the Prancing Horse range.

The 458 Speciale will receive its public world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

Gold, property or shares, are these the best investments over ten years, NO.

Recently in the Financial Times a number of assets were analysed to see which gave the best growth over the last 10 years. A high-end New York residential property has increased in value by 72 per cent, whereas a similar property in Hong Kong has risen by 220 per cent, a figure more in line with the performance of fine arts, stamps and rare coins. None of these investments have, however, come close to the 395 per cent return on classic cars which, along with gold, continue to be the market with the best investment growth.

Classic Ferraris are leading the trend, in recent years regularly occupying the top slots in the list of 10 most valuable cars sold at auction with two examples of the 250 Testa Rossa having been sold at over $12 million, the second going under the hammer for a record $16,390,000. But this underlines a more general trend with all classic Ferraris as can be seen from the value reached by a long-wheelbase 1959 250 GT Berlinetta in 2003 - $1,195,691 – compared to a similar car which was sold in 2012 for $6,710,000, an increase of over 400%.

Ferrari wins award from GQ mens lifestyle magazine

Ferrari has been honoured once again to receive a coveted award from GQ Magazine, one of the world’s most influential men’s lifestyle magazines, this time for the F12berlinetta which has been crowned “Supercar of the Year”. This is the second time that Ferrari has won this prestigious award, with the 458 Italia taking the same title in 2010.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Ferrari range, GQ Magazine said: “The F12 is a classic Ferrari GT, but it’s also the fastest, most powerful Ferrari production car ever. If its body looks too complex to be straightforwardly sinfully sexy, then bear in mind that all those scoops and ducts hustle air and bully physics more effectively than anything this side of an F1 car. And it’s a V12.”

The F12berlinetta strikes a perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari’s most powerful front-engined V12 cars. Since its launch, the car has been the object of universal acclaim from the press and public alike, with the GQ Magazine award following several other recent awards from BBC Top Gear Magazine’s “Supercar of the Year”, Auto Bild’s “Design Award”, The Sunday Times Driving’s “Best Supercar and Luxury Car” award and the Golden Steering Wheel award from Auto Bild andBild Am Sonntag, the first time a Ferrari has ever taken this leading German industry prize. The Ferrari F12berlinetta’s 6.3-litre V12 engine was also the winner of EVO magazine’s “Engine of the Year” award in November.