First off, great name. The 458 Italaia? Beautiful.I think they finally got the memo at Ferrari/Pininfarina to go back to styling cars and not just engineering them. Caterhams and Elises have supercar performance, but that's all they offer. The Caterham, for instance, is a ladder with wheels. Cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, though, offer the complete package, not just mechanically, but aesthetically. Or at least they're supposed to. If you go watch on youtube Jeremy Clarkson's review from the 90s of the F355, he talks about this, and if he doesn't and I just don't remember this well, then you can see what I mean. That car had fantastic performance while being very usable and incredibly handsome yet still somewhat understated. This is the F355's descendant, albeit there were the 360 and 430 in between. This looks like the proper heir to the 360 throne, whereas the 430, though certainly not unattractive, looked too purpose-built. Think about Italians and everything they do. Do you really want them to try to plan everything out? Do we want Italians "exerting" themselves that way? Ethiopia, for instance? No. Lamborghinis are infamous for their oddities and tendencies to burst into flames (I'm pointing at you Gallardo, Miura). The original Miuras, being mid-engined, had the gas tank over the front wheels, and as you used up gas, the weight on the front decreased and you lost traction. Not good planning. But that didn't matter because they planned enough to make it a) mid-engined and b) unfathomably gorgeous. That was as much as was needed. Any more and it would have made too much sense to be fun.While this car sheds virtually any semblance of past Ferraris' understatedness, it has a terrific arrogance to it that suggests it is ready to take on the Gallardo, which has surpassed the low-hanging Ferrari fruit in terms of desirability by virtue of styling. Compared to the 438, the 458 has a far more cohesive design, generally free of the excessive complexities and small, unintegrated features that have plagued the 430 and 599. The sheetmetal is simple but sophisticated. It looks purposeful but not mechanical. From the front, the 458 looks like a relative of the Maserati MC12 with its low, wide, gaping grille. Again, uncluttered front end, with aggressive headlights. The way in which the hood (technically the boot...) sits in a valley between the exaggerated wheel wells reminds me favorably of the C3 Corvettes. Unfortunately, Ferrari could not avoid the temptation of air ducts in the wheel housings, and immediately inside the headlights. I am sure they serve very good aerodynamic purposes, but they detract for the overall appearance. And of course, that huge black insert in the grille, which supposedly deforms at higher speeds to create downforce, is just plain ugly. It's just ugly. Blech.The side profile is fantastic and the stuff of dreams. All the angles are raked just they way you would draw your own supercar. The rocker panels below the door scream mini-Enzo (as does the whole side profile), especially right in front of the rear wheel well, and the scalloped panel behind the front wing subtly apes the 612. While from the front 1/4 angle the midsection of the car looks too low and perhaps even a bit anorexic, from the side it looks athletic and appropriately lean. The rear is too much of a catastrophe. Large gaps in the sheetmetal, filled with grillework, look messy and patched together. The Gallardo accomplishes this approach more cleanly. This looks hurried and reverts back to the overly-purposeful look found on the rear of the 430. One of the nice features of Ferraris from the recent and distant past has been a sizeable patch of relatively flat, uninterrupted Corsa Rossa where that big chrome prancing horse laid ensconced. The 360 and 355 were certainly adorned this way. Yes, this car has some of that, but that feature is flanked on the sides by oddly shaped grilles and sits above too many contrasting concave/convex surfaces, some recessed and others not. Simply, it is not elegant.The triple tailpipes look sweet, but they look like an addition on a jumbled rear end. Such a unique feature such as triple tailpipes should be one of a couple highlights on the rear of the car. It is unfortunate to watch the demise of the quad tail lights, but I can live with the singles, and putting them in the corners is alright, too; however, by placing them so high, the car gains unnecessary visual height much as the California looks very tall out back.All in all, while the car looks somewhat like Motortrend rendering, it feels more like a Ferrari than the California and looks more like a 360 than a 430. That's all good. This is a eally catchy, edgy, beautiful design, but really from one foot in from each end.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ferrari's Innovative New V8—the 458 Italia
The Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined Ferrari berlinetta and will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.
The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher—who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project—played an invaluable part.
The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.
The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.
The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes.
The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.
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Patience will be key for Jenson Button in pursuit of world ...
The poet Alfred Tennyson deemed it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, a position Button probably shares on balance. Though he has always maintained that the idea of being champion has never been allowed to penetrate his thinking, the creeping desperation in his tone betrays the fallacy.
Button's five wins in the opening six races, as many as Lewis Hamilton notched in total in his run to the world title last year, gave him licence to affect disinterest when in truth he was as excited as hell. We recall how the prospect of victory at Monaco meant little until he crossed the line first. Button was so unhinged by the experience that he ran out of the pits the wrong way with his helmet on.
Related ArticlesIf he were not counting on the championship then the prospect of losing it could not induce the panic that appears to have settled on him now. Button likens his lot to that of the sprinters in the Tour de France. "It is like wearing the yellow jersey knowing that when you get to the mountains you are going to be useless and overtaken."
That's enough of that, Jenson. The time has come to hold your nerve and trust in the man who took you to the top in the first place. Few know how to pace a season like team principal Ross Brawn.
The issue for BrawnGP was always going to be maintaining an advantage against teams unencumbered by budget concerns. The potential to develop a car through the season is as important as producing a quick motor out of the box. The cars that start the season are often unrecognisable from the versions that finish it.
No one is talking about diffusers now. Remember that, the cheeky aerodynamic device that shaped the air flow around the rear of the BrawnGP car? Of course not. Button's rivals have not only caught up by halfway, they are starting to go away.
Lewis Hamilton could not buy a podium finish in his McLaren during the first half of the season. Now he is in a winning car. There is a way back for Button, too. Patience is the key.
None are more thorough than Brawn in working through a problem. The team have at least some time in the four-week window to unpick the performance deficit before the season resumes in Valencia on Aug 23.
Button has a lead of 18½ points over Mark Webber, of Red Bull. Seven races remain. The resurgence of McLaren, and to a lesser degree Ferrari, offers some comfort to Button over the closing phase of the season. The Red Bulls looked unassailable at Silverstone and the Nurburgring. They were quick in Hungary, too, but no longer unbeatable.
Button has driven beautifully this season. His story – and that of the team – has a Disney-like quality that deserves a happy ending. He has managed disappointment with grace in recent years as Honda moved backwards at a rapid lick. He needs more of that now. The ranks take their lead from him. The requirement is to motivate not deflate. If his head goes down then so might those in the factory.
Button's worries pale alongside those of Felipe Massa. The Brazilian was a point from the world championship in 2008. No one can be sure if he will race again after the freak accident in Hungary. All in F1 echo the sentiments of the Ferrari team: Siamo con te. We are with you.
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2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
The long waited successor for the Ferrari F430 finally debut! whit impressive performance!
while it’s true that every ferrari is innovative by definition , it’s by Right true that in the class of the prancing horse’s history , certain cars hold marked a genuine departure from the current range. this is very much the case with the ferrari 458 italia , which is a vast leap perverse from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars.
The innovative model is a synthesis of style , creative flair , ardour and cutting-edge engineering , characteristics for which italy as a nation is well-known. for this reason ferrari chose to add the alias of its homeland to the traditionalistic configuration representing the displacement and number of cylinders.
The ferrari 458 italia is a totally innovative car from every point of view: engine , design , aerodynamics , handling , instrumentation and ergonomics , simply to alias a few.
A two-seater berlinetta , the ferrari 458 italia , as is now traditionalistic for all ferrari’s road-going cars , benefits hugely from the company’s formula 1 experience. this is particularly plain in the hurry and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the f430 , despite the fact that both overall displacement and potency hold increased. however , ferrari’s track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 italia not simply in terms of pure technological transfer but similarly on a supplementary emotional plane , because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. the 458 italia visage an innovative driving environment with a innovative kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the command result of racing habit. once again input from michael schumacher - who was involved from the very commence of the 458 italia design - played an invaluable part.
The ferrari 458 italia’s pininfarina design furnishes further proof of the complete departure from the past that this innovative car hails. the ferrari 458 italia has a contract , aerodynamic configuration , underscoring the concepts of simplicity , efficiency and lightness that inspired the design. as with every ferrari , the car’s styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency , as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the innovative model. the front visage a unmarried crater for the front grille and side air intakes , with aerodynamic divisions and profiles designed to command air to the coolant radiators and the innovative tasteless underbody. the nose similarly sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and , as hurry rises , deform to curtail the part of the radiator inlets and chop haul.
The innovative 4499 cc v8 is the basic ferrari command injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. it has a very base piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. equipped with the traditionalistic flat-plane crankshaft , the engine delivers 570 cv at 9000 rpm and , with an neat potency output of 127 cv/litre , sets a innovative benchmark not simply for the whole ferrari range and the history of formation , but similarly for the entire market segment. maximum torque is 540 nm at 6000 rpm , over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. specific torque is a record 120 nm/litre. however , what is veritably extraordinary is the amount of torque available while tranquil maintaining towering levels of potency at base revs.
The car’s soundtrack is similarly typical ferrari , with an exciting , strong grumble emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust’s three raise tailpipes.
The 458 italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increments operation whilst providing very plane shifts plane at full stifle. the engineers hold developed specific , sportier gear ratios to match the potency and torque curves of the innovative v8 , guaranteeing towering torque plane at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum hurry in top gear.
This innovative ferrari is similarly a major leap perverse when it comes to incisive emissions. despite the fact that the innovative engine is significantly supplementary strong than the v8s that preceded it , the ferrari 458 italia produces simply 320 g/km of co2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle) , the best in the entire segment.
The engineers similarly focused on weight discount during the design phase for similar reasons. hence , the ferrari 458 italia has a arid weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/cv. weight distribution is similarly optimal with 58 per cent over the raise axle. the result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two unsophisticated statistics which together by Right encapsulate the ferrari 458 italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum hurry in excess of 325 km/h.
For the innovative chassis , once supplementary in aluminum , maranello’s engineers incorporated varied types of progressed alloys along with aerospace industry-derived fabricating and bonding techniques.
With regard to vehicle dynamics , the ferrari 458 italia’s suspension visage twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the raise tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. along with a supplementary command steering ratio , the 458 italia hence offers extremely quick turn-in and carcass control whilst maintaining superior drive comfort.
The integration of the e-diff and f1-trac (now controlled by the same ecu) and their respective mappings is plane greater , resulting in a 32 per cent augment in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. the evolution of the control logic , with plane faster and supplementary accurate calculation of levels of grip , ensures plane greater roadholding , better handling and comfort of control on the edge.
The same ecu similarly governs the high-performance abs , providing plane supplementary precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. the brakes similarly feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on heave off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. this combined with the abs has chop the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.
The ferrari 458 italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its entertaining personality. the driver is welcomed by a innovative layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the leading controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.
With the ferrari 458 italia , maranello has brought a highly distinct innovative car to its 8-cylinder range. the formation now offers two models that partake a standard , race-derived dna , both exceptionally entertaining and entertaining to drive in true ferrari legend , but purposed at two very unalike kinds of client. while the ferrari california was created for owners requiring a supplementary versatile sports car with a practicable edge , the 458 italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road operation with occasional track day capability , but who tranquil demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving love all ferrari’s innovative models.
Dimensions
* Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)
* Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)
* Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)
* Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)
* Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*
* Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)
* Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%
Engine
* Type V8 – 90°
* Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)
* Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm
* Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
* Specific power output 127 CV/l
* Compression ratio 12.5:1
Tyres
* Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5”
* Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5”
Performance
* Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph)
* 0-100 km/h
* Fuel consumption + emissions
* Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km
* Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km
Gearbox
* Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Electronics
* E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS
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Lewis Hamilton deflects the credit after triumph in Hungary
Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Hungarian grand prix. Photograph: Crispin Thruston/Action Images
Lewis Hamilton said he and McLaren had never given up hope before winning today's Hungarian grand prix, their first victory since China in October 2008. The British driver, whose car had underperformed all season, came from fourth on the grid to win, helped by Fernando Alonso, the early leader, being eliminated when a tyre flew off his Renault.
"It's an incredible feeling to be back here after what feels such a long time away and with such a struggle with me and my team," said Hamilton, pictured left. "I'm just so proud of the guys, as I go into the factory and I see how hard everyone is pushing. Everyone wants to win just as much as I do.
"They have never given up, which is something very rare to see in such a large group of people. I am very proud of them. We didn't expect to win this weekend. Undoubtedly we have caught up quite a bit but we never felt we had the pace to win. But the car felt fantastic and it is incredibly special to get back up here, not only on the podium, but to get a win. It's amazing."
Hamilton, the reigning world champion, has suffered a deeply frustrating season with a car which, until now, has been woefully off the pace. The Briton's new competitiveness was confirmed on lap one when he accelerated past Mark Webber, who finished third in his Red Bull, a place behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.
"We have made some serious improvements and now it is a much better balanced car," Hamilton said. "Even though we had fantastic pace today it could have gone either way. The wind direction maybe could have changed and perhaps it would have suited the Ferrari or the Red Bull better than us. But everything just sort of fell into place today... For sure, we hope that we can compete for more podiums but we still have work to do. We have just got to keep pushing."
It was not such a good day for Jenson Button, whose championship lead was cut to 18½ points after he finished a distant seventh. Button and Brawn GP had been hoping to return to form after two disappointing races. "Today, after four laps, my tyres were destroyed," lamented Button, who started from eighth on the grid. "I just couldn't keep up with the cars in front. The plan was to stay with them and then, because I had more fuel on board, go a lot longer and make up places. But I don't know why we had the problem with the tyres. I don't think we can blame the weather today.
"You could say that McLaren and Ferrari have improved but the fact is that our car is not what it was to drive two or three races ago. There is obviously an issue and we need to solve it. The only positive for us is that [Sebastian] Vettel didn't score points and Webber only finished third. We were helped in that respect by McLaren and Kimi Raikkonen finishing second for Ferrari."
Renault were suspended from the next race in Spain after Alonso had left the pits with an insecure front wheel that fell off on the next lap. Renault have appealed against the decision.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
Ferrari's new hybrid ready for action!
Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: www.beyond-form.com27th July 2009
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A new prancing horse is about to bolt! As Auto Express closed for press, Ferrari was set to take the wraps off a much anticipated replacement for the hugely popular F430. With a new name, fresh 4.5-litre V8 engine complete with a KERS-style set-up from the firm’s F1 cars, and active aerodynamics, too, it’ll be a technological tour de force.Official pictures of the next model will be released this week, but to make sure you’ve got the inside line on the eagerly awaited machine, we have produced this preview image. Boasting similar proportions to the outgoing F430, the newcomer will be instantly recognisable. But following on from curvier additions to the range such as the front-engined California, the latest car will boast an even sleeker shape. Now traditional details such the high-mounted circular tail-lights and long headlights will remain but, as our spy shots have revealed, Ferrari will update this look. Just check out the front end shown here – it gets a host of LEDs that run up towards the windscreen, while at the rear will be a trio of central exhaust pipes.Carrying on a long heritage of compact V8-engined Ferraris – a history that started when the 308 arrived in 1975 – the new model will get a redeveloped version of the F430’s unit. Measuring 4.5 litres, it’ll feature direct injection, which will help increase its fuel efficiency and lower its CO2 emissions, while producing more power at the same time. With in excess of 500bhp and benefiting from the super-fast-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox from the California, the new Ferrari will be able to do 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds (about 0.5 seconds quicker than the F430) and accelerate on to a top speed of nearly 200mph. It will also benefit from a KERS-style energy-recovery set-up, which will use heat energy generated from the brakes to provide a burst of power for overtaking. Expect this to be available via a steering wheel button – just like on an F1 car. As well as providing faster shifts, that twin-clutch box will help trim CO2 emissions and improve economy, as it’ll select a higher gear when cruising. The car’s weight should go down, too, thanks to increased use of carbon fibre for suspension components. The brakes will be the very latest lightweight ceramic discs from Brembo.A major development area will be in aerodynamics. The new Ferrari will feature an active system that has small openings underneath its rear which open and close to change airflow. They can either reduce drag to boost speed and efficiency, or increase it to improve braking. There will also be a complex array of electrical systems designed to maximise traction, along with a steering wheel-mounted switch to adjust the driving characteristics according to road conditions. The hard-top F430 replacement will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with an open-top Spider version due in 2011.
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Knievel Ferrari Daytona at Bonhams Auction
Evel Knievel's 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder. Bonhams & Butterfields is proud to announce the consignment of the collection of former professional baseball player, five-time World Series title holder, Hall of Fame inductee, and lifetime car aficionado Reggie Jackson.
Of particular note in the collection is this 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, chassis number 16835, formerly owned by famed motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel who, after suffering his famous crash attempting to jump the fountains of Caesar’s Palace, was no longer able to get into the car and sold it to celebrated radio DJ Frankie Crocker. In 1997 Crocker sold the original condition, Pininfarina-coachbuilt car to Jackson.
The baseball legend, most remembered for playing with the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics, has always been enamored with cars and was fortunate enough to have a career that allowed him to indulge this passion. This particular Daytona Spyder, one of three that he’s owned, has by far the most interesting provenance. As for Jackson’s interest in this particular model, he says, “It’s probably the first muscle car Ferrari made. The 275 was an attempt and might have been close at the time but the 4-cam 365 V-12 steered and drove like a muscle car. It has more power, like a Mopar in its day, just with different RPM and gearing.” He adds, “I love the lines, the styling, the power and particularly the sound. The Daytona sounds great!”
With incredible performance and handsome, predatory looks the Daytona Spyder is a strong, reliable Italian automobile that sports a comfortable interior with many amenities, something not altogether too common in similar cars of the period. The popularity of this model has grown exponentially since production ended in 1973 and many hard-top Berlinettas have been decapitated in attempts to duplicate the style and flair of the limited production Spyder.
Not only is this particular car authentic and original in every respect, but of the three owners in the car’s history each has been a celebrity, making it probably the only Ferrari in the world with that distinction.
Other notable “muscle cars” from the Jackson collection to be offered alongside the Ferrari, include a Big Brake-equipped 1961 Chevy Corvette Fuel Injected Convertible, a Tiger Gold 1965 Pontiac GTO and a 1969 Chevy Camaro COPO ZL-1 Coupe. Additionally, Bonhams will be featuring several rare and important competition cars at the same auction, such as the one and only 1939 Auto Union D-Type GP, the ex-works 1952 SIATA 208CS Berlinetta, and the 1950 Grand Prix de Paris-winning Ecurie Belgique 1948 Talbot-Lago T26C, to name just a few.
This remarkable auction takes place during the internationally renowned Monterey Car Week on Friday, August 14th at the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California, with a preview being hosted the day prior. Please note that while the adjacent Quail Motorsports Gathering is sold out, entry to the Bonhams & Butterfields’ preview and auction does not require a ticket and all are welcome.
Those interested in registering to bid, either in person or remotely, may call or e-mail the Bonhams Motoring Department at 415-861-7500 or motors.us@bonhams.com .
For general information about Bonhams and its 50 specialist departments worldwide, visit
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