Tuesday, October 13, 2009 11:00AM - By Alex Ion

Back in 1975, Heuer took the watch world by storm with the introduction of an innovative combination of an LCD and an LED solid-state quartz watch. With a nod to Ferrari’s super cars of the 70s, the revolutionary Chronosplit range was far from being a cheap alternative to the mechanical movement watches of the time. With two displays (each powered by its own movement) and an Autavia case adding to its sophistication, the Heuer Chronosplit was proudly worn by trend setters of the time, like the infamous Niki Lauda. Although not a Ferrari stamped model, if you’re in the market for one, a full working Heuer Chronosplit model (Ref.102.703 Vintage 1977) is being sold for £2000 (some $3,150 at today’s rate). [via Hodinkee]
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Thursday, July 30, 2009 3:00PM - By Chris Weiss

When I first laid eyes upon the words “Ferrari Enzo” and “competition” within the same line of type, my heart began to palapitate rapidly and I tore in to the text eager to find out what I’d need to do to win. Alas, as better judgement should have warned, there is no such competition, but merely the tuner Edo Competition. As usual, one man’s despair is another’s gain. In this case, that gain belongs to the select handful of car enthusiasts that will drive one of these Enzo XX performance packages. The package includes a thoroughly-modified engine with new steel cylinders, pistons, camshafts, valve springs, and Titan
connecting rods. Other modifications include a carbon fiber air intake, high performance clutch and a new stainless steel catalytic converter that allows the driver to switch between two separate sound levels using a dash-mounted control. That’s enough of the recipe–now for a taste of the pie–the Enzo XX is expected to produce 800 hp (+170 over standard) and should trounce the 0 to 62 in just 3.2 seconds, while on its way to a top speed exceeding 236 MPH. Not quite as good as winning your own, but an ample novelty prize. [via World Car Fans] Continue Reading
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:00PM - By Chris Weiss

The curvy accomplishment sitting before you is the newly-unveiled Ferrari 458 Italia, which will replace the F430. While the car won’t be shown in public until the Frankfort Motor Show in September, Ferrari has released the details and given us an intimate glimpse of what to expect with these stunning renderings. “Designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving”, the 458 Italia features a direct-injected, mid-rear V8 good for 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox provides seamless shifting and control while a steering wheel with integrated controls keeps nearly every necessary adjustment at the driver’s fingertips. The 458 tops out at 9000 rpm and Ferrari redesigned the gear ratio so that 80% of its torque is available at the low 3250 rpm. The powertrain combines with the compact, aerodynamic shape and lightweight aluminum structure to provide a 0 to 62 time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 MPH. The 458 gives us just one more thing to look forward to at Frankfort. [via AutoBlog] Continue Reading
Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:00PM - By Chris Weiss

Hats off to car tuners. Where we see smooth, powerful vehicular immortality, they see that slight imperfection or tweak that impedes the vehicle from even further greatness. Such is the case with the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M. I look at that car and dream about how I’d cut off my left testicle just for a drive. Tuner Novitec Rosso looks at it and says: ” Ahh…more horses”. The RACE Bi-Compressor engine by the Maranello tuner increases the 16M’s horsepower to 696, some 186 more than the production engine. The 0 to 62 mph performance is pushed to just 3.5 seconds and speeds top off at 205. A push-button hydraulic system raises the front end by 40 millimeters allowing for better navigation of obstacles such as curbs and driveway transitions. It’s lowered by a second push of the button or when the vehicle hits the 49-mph mark. Subtle visual enhancement options include 20-inch wheels, black taillights and ergonomic leather/carbon fiber steering wheel. [egm CarTech via porhomme]
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009 3:00PM - By Chris Weiss

Though the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GT Evoluzione was originally announced at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari has just put up a gallery of pics that show off this ridiculously-sexy supercar. The HGTE package brings even more precision and handling to the 599 GTB Fiorano with tweaks like lowered height, rear anti-roll bar, modified magnetorheological suspension and stiffer springs, upgraded electronics, and grippier tires for tighter cornering. Visually there are only subtle differences including 20-inch split-rim wheels, matte black rear diffuser, and leather, black Alcantara and carbon fiber accents on the inside. For most of us, the 599 GTB Fiorano didn’t need much of an upgrade, but it’s sure nice to look at either way. The HGTE package has an upgrade cost of around $42 K. [via AutoBlog]
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Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:30PM - By Alex Ion

After creating what they considered to be that fastest Lamborghini ever, German tuners from Edo Competition took on another challenge with the new Ferrari California. Performance-wise, the car received an ECU recalibration package that increases power output from 460 hp to 500hp, a sporty exhaust system with adjustable butterfly valves and custom designed high-flow catalytic converters. Also featuring an adjustable sports suspension, a ride-height reduction kit and stylish wheels to get the eye, the new Ferrari California flies to 62mph in only 3.9 seconds towards a max speed of 196 mph (315 km/h). It makes us crave for a ride behind the wheel… [via Autoblog]
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:00PM - By Alex Ion

Iranian designer Emil Baddal hopes to bring a breath of fresh air to the world of automotive design. Baddal has captured the attention of fellow auto designers with his concept studies and illustrations of futuristic Lamborghinis, BMWs and Ferraris. Baddal’s designs are a bit edgier than traditional models, with sharper angles and lines that provide a refreshing perspective on the supercars of the world. While it is likely we’ll never see these beasts on the road, we’re quite happy admiring Baddal’s work from afar. [via Carscoop]
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Thursday, May 14, 2009 3:00PM - By Alex Ion

Steve McQueen has not only been one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, but as a legendary player in the racing and car collecting scene. Recently sold for $2.3 million at an auction, his first Ferrari ever— a 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso (luxurious in Italian), have made a beautiful comeback with an amazing new paintjob in one of the most elegant chestnut browns we’ve ever seen. A stylish classic that would kick any futuristic designs breaking on the market, this grand tourer has been designed for pure high-speed motoring. With an all-aluminum 3-liter V12 in the front, Borrani racing wheels, disc brakes and a sporty suspension, Steve’s 250 GT is a tough four wheeler that exudes power from every little joint. It’s like an open invitation for pushing the pedal to the metal … [via Jalopnik]
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Monday, April 27, 2009 3:30PM - By Alex Ion

A rolling test bed for new Formula 1 technologies, the new Ferrari 599XX is a limited production track-ready stallion that is expected to be priced North of one million euros. The carbon-fiber track weapon is going to pack a re-tuned V12 engine ready to unleash some 700 prancing ponies at 9,000 rpm, an “Actiflow” aero package that increase the downforce at 200km/h by 280 kilos and a set of F1-inspired 19-inch competition rims. Visually appealing and with amazing performance, the 599XX is a gorgeous four wheeler that will be built only for 20-30 filthy rich chaps. As a result, we love it and hate it at the same time… [via Flylyf]