Clapton wished that the car be based on a Ferrari 458 Italia but with styling reminiscent of the 512 BB and the early '80s.
No technical specs were released by the Italian automaker, but some sources report that the 458's 4.5L V8 engine sits under the hood. The total cost also remains vague, with estimates ranging from €3.8M to €4.5M ($4.9M to $5.8M).
June 15, 2013by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
Ferrari North Europe hopes to achieve the new record, on September 15 later this year, during Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone Circuit. The previous record was set in 2007, with 385 Ferraris on the Circuit. Ferrari North Europe has always wanted to set a Guinness World Record with 1,000 cars. And already, more than 1,000 attendees have confirmed their presence. Furthermore, Ferrari North Europe will give £5 (approx. $7.80) to BEN, (the automotive industry’s own charity) for every Ferrari taking part in the record-breaking attempt.
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
RM Auctions has added a rare Ferrari F40 Prototype to its Monaco event, due May 12 at the Grimaldi Forum. The car is one of a mere eight F40 Prototypes known to exist; it was converted into GT racing spec by Michelotto, and was most recently housed in the garage of a Milanese collector. 
The sixth of eight cars used by the factory for testing, it is chassis number 74047. It was displayed t the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, with GT modifications made subsequently. Its ride height is lower by 5 cm. It produces 590 hp and boasts Brembo brakes, racing uniball suspension, quick-fill fuel system, extra NACA cooling ducts, fire system, and wider, Speedline wheels.
It still wears the colours it had when winning two first and two second-place podium finishes in the Italian Supercar GT Champsionship.
Estimated worth is between 700,000 and 900,000 euros.
Source: GTSpirit
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
Whether you simply dream about it or actually plan to buy a new convertible, you should know that there are currently 45 drop-tops available on the market (not counting their many trim levels) from the cute and tiny Fiat 500C and smart fortwo cabrio to the stately and sumptuous Bentley Continental GTC and Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.
With so much selection, everyone can find a great cabriolet at any price. Auto123.com now presents a list of the top 10 convertibles for this summer (by definition, we excluded the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible, SRT Viper Roadster, and Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster).
These convertibles for the summer of 2013 are not necessarily the priciest or the sportiest, but they certainly stand out from the pack:
Mazda MX-5 (starting at $29 250)
Embodying the classic proportions and pure spirit of the roadster (precise handling, superior steering, rev-happy engine, etc.), the Mazda MX-5 is both one of the most affordable and most exhilarating convertibles out there. Buyers can even opt for a manual soft-top or a power retractable hardtop. While the car is tight for some and a little short on storage, if your focus is topless driving excitement, you're in for an absolute treat. In fact, the MX-5 might be the ultimate driver's car for the summer -- even on the track.
by Auto123.com
by Justin Pritchard
by Auto123.com
We received confirmation that the all-new F150 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Hailed not as a mere supercar, but rather as a “hypercar” that can outperform every competitor, the Enzo replacement will reportedly be built in very limited numbers (fewer than 500 around the world) and retail for around $1.6 million.
According to Ferrari, the F150 will feature a more advanced version of the 6.3L V12 engine that currently powers the F12 Berlinetta, along with the Ferrari-developed Hy-KERS hybrid system that would reduce emissions by up to 40%.
Final output is projected at 920 horsepower for a car that could weigh as low as 1,079 kilograms (2,425 pounds) thanks to a carbon fibre unibody construction.
Don't miss the big event on March 5th!
Source: Motorauthority
June 15, 2013by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
As if adding a Lamborghini Aventador wasn't enough to scare speeding drivers, police in Dubai can now also count on a brand new Ferrari FF to patrol the city's popular tourist areas. The car, which sports the green and white of Dubai law enforcement, will be driven by female cops only.
Similar to the Lamborghini, however, the Ferrari will essentially do promotional work and won't actually chase down offenders; that job still belongs to a fleet of Camaro SS coupes.
Police in Dubai also have the support of powerful German sedans and Japanese-branded 4x4s -- a sign of the city's luxurious and prosperous living.
Source:?libération
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
Thanks to Apple, the Ferrari FF, the first-ever Ferrari with four-wheel-drive, as of today offers direct access to its infotainment system through the Siri Eyes Free voice command technology. Rear passengers can watch movies, play video games, or browse the Internet thanks to two iPad Minis integrated to the seatbacks.
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
The chassis is made of a dozen different alloys put together using new assembly methods. The result is a 20% stiffer frame and a car weighing it at just 1,525 kg. Extensive wind tunnel testing ensured a 76% improvement in aerodynamics and a huge drop in drag coefficient.
The F12berlinetta’s 6,262cc, 65-degree V12 engine unleashes 729 snorting ponies (or 740 metric hp) and 509 lb-ft of torque; it’s mated to an F1-derived dual-clutch transmission designed specifically for this model. The new supercar leaps from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 in 8.5 seconds. What’s more, it’s 30% more fuel-efficient and produces just 350 g/km of CO2.
Keeping things in check are carbon-ceramic brakes, a magnetically controlled suspension and the usual slew of systems (E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-TRAC and high-performance ABS).
June 15, 2013by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
Two Ferrari 250 GT sports cars were auctioned off and sold for over $8 million apiece last Friday. First, a red 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione earned a winning bid of $8.14 million at an RM Auctions event. It sports a 280-horsepower V12 engine.
Later, a blue 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider was sold for $8.25 million by Gooding & Company.
Other highlights from these events include a 1967 Shelby 427 Semi-Competition Cobra ($2 million), a 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe ($1.54 million), and a 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe ($1.02 million).
All prices are in USD.
Source: The New York Times
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
On May 31st, we previewed an online auction organized by Ferrari to raise money to help victims of the Italian earthquakes. This very auction helped raise 2.3 million dollars (1.8 million euros), which will be sent to the families in need. 
Ferrari 599XX Evo (Photo: Ferrari)
Among the items sold, featured a very special Ferrari 599XX that went to an American customer for a whopping 1.4 million euros. It is a unique piece signed by Luca di Montezemolo himself, as well a F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. As a matter of fact, the car will be delivered to the new owner by the two Scuderia drivers during the Grand Prix of Italy.
Another item, an F2008 engine went to a Briton who paid 80,000 euros ($103,500) for it. The proceeds going to the Italian families also include online donations. One Russian customer generously gave out 100,000 euros.
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
The 2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta replaces the outgoing, but still unflappably hot, 599 GTB Fiorano. In the absence of an anniversary car (F40, F50 and F60 [Enzo]), these cars (550, 575, 599) serve as the poster boys for the fabled company with a cavallino rampante on its logo.
As the latest offspring of Ferrari, the 2013 F12berlinetta features all the latest aerodynamic wizardry that not only makes it slice through the air, but adds all-important downforce for weekly sprints to the gym.
All kidding aside, the F12’s 0.299 Cd and downforce figure of 123 kg at 200 km/h (a 76% increase over the 599) not only improves fuel consumption numbers but plays a huge role in high performance driving dynamics. Keep in mind that all of this is being achieved without the use of spoilers -- anywhere.
As with all Ferrari products, this new car is highly customizable. The number of exterior colors is numerous and the racecar-like cockpit can be draped in tan or blue and black. Only the finest materials such as leather and carbon-fibre are ever found in these cars. The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manettino.
The piece de resistance is the F1-inspired steering complete with manettino. (Photo: Ferrari)
The 2013 F12berlinetta’s driving dynamics are also assured by a highly sophisticated Magnetorheological damping system. The F12 is endowed with the latest version and includes new dual-coil technology which permits quicker suspension reaction times for improved everything. Its ride height is 25 mm lower and weight 70 kg lighter than the 599. These are all ingredients to make this car the best driving Ferrari ever.
The crown jewel in the F12’s arsenal is its 6.3L V12. This is the most powerful naturally aspirated production V12 they have ever assembled. It is rated at 740 hp and 510 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. The engine is designed to produce 80% of the torque figure as of 2,500 rpm, and will scream all the way to an 8,700 rpm redline.
As with all Ferrari cars, save for the FF, the 2013 F12berlinetta is rear-wheel driven and, as with all modern ‘Rarris, it features a lightning-fast, dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. This gearbox is integrated with the electronic E-Diff for better overall weight distribution.
Here are a few stats to illustrate how good and fast the new 2013 F12berlinetta is: We all agree that the 599 was a bullet, but the new F12 is like Superman; faster than a speeding bullet. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and 200, in 8.5. That’s 0.6 and 2.5 seconds faster (respectively) than the 599.
The 2013 F12berlinetta will be equipped with a slew of safety features. It is expected to land in Canada in early 2013. Final Canadian specs and pricing should be available later this year.
The latest masterpiece to come from Maranello is quite possibly the most striking and sensual car to ever be designed by the house that Enzo built. (Photo: Ferrari)
by Guillaume Rivard
by Auto123.com
by Auto123.com
