All posts in “Ferrari”

Ferrari F8 Tributo: 488 Successor Revealed with 720hp!

Out with the old, in with the new: today Ferrari unveiled the F8 Tributo – the successor to the 488 GTB. Though the 488 was hardly an outdated car (it was launched merely four years ago at the Geneva Motorshow), Ferrari has retired the Gran Tourismo Berlinetta to make way for the company’s most powerful mid-engined V8 supercar ever produced in Prancing Horse history. In typical Ferrari fashion, the nomenclature “F8 Tributo” is intended to celebrate the brand’s acclaimed 8-cylinder lineage.

Under the quintessential louvered Lexan engine cover, reminiscent of the legendary F40, lies a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, tuned to deliver 710hp and 568 pound-feet of torque, sent directly to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The F8 haymaker is claimed to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in merely 2.9 seconds, and the 0-200 km/h mark will be reached in merely 7.8 seconds. Flat out, the F8 will keep the fun going until 340km/h – matching the performance of the 488 Pista. Ferrari’s heritage of self-aggrandizing statements makes its beloved return too, with the company pledging the F8 Tributo exists “without the slightest hint of turbo lag”.
Compared to its predecessor, the F8 is 40 kilograms lighter with a total weight of 1,330kg.

Fashionably Italian, the F8 Tributo embodies a stylish design language that we can expect to see more of in the future. The prime focus, according to Ferrari, is centred around performance and streamlined aerodynamics, but certainly hasn’t compromised on its stunning appearance. Ferrari appears to have taken all that is good from past models, and interwoven it into one pretty package, with styling cues from many predecessors apparent from different angles. The front fascia of the F8 is characterized by the S-Duct, a feature that made its debut on the 488 Pista and contributes an impressive 15% to the overall increase in downforce compared to the 488 GTB.

Ferrari F8 Tributo

The interior layout is a story of subdued progress and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was just borrowed from the 812 Superfast. Although very similar to its predecessor, the interior of the F8 Tributo has (inconspicuously) revamped almost every element of the interior cabin. The infotainment system now includes an 8.5” touchscreen display for the passenger, and a downsized steering wheel for better handling. Featured on the steering wheel is the famed Manettino dial that controls the driving modes selector, which can now enable the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) to be activated when in Race mode. Introduced on the 488 Pista, the FDE+ adjusts brake calliper pressure to help maintain control during lateral acceleration, making the car more playful in the corners.

No details on pricing have been made public as of yet. Stay tuned for the Geneva Motorshow where we will keep you updated on all that is new with the F8 Tributo.

February 28, 2019 / Comments Off on Ferrari F8 Tributo: 488 Successor Revealed with 720hp!
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Ferrari F8 Tributo brings the best of the 488 Pista to the masses

This is the Ferrari deemed worthy of replacing the 488 GTB, called the F8 Tributo. Let’s start with the red meat: 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers sound familiar? They’re the same as we got from the special edition 488 Pista, and they outdo the 488 GTB by 49 hp and seven pound-feet. The F8 Tributo warps itself to 62 miles per hour in a Pista-matching 2.9 seconds, takes two tenths longer to reach 124 mph at 7.8 seconds, but runs all the way to the same 211-mph top speed.

What’s more, the F8 Tributo weighs 2,932 pounds dry when graced with all of the lightweight options. That’s 111 pounds more than the Pista, but an 88-pound diet compared to the 488 GTB.

Rear-slanted radiators frame an evolution of the Pista’s S-Duct to redefine the front end. Ferrari said the under-over airflow trick delivers a 15-percent increase in downforce compared to the retiring 488. Redesigned headlights take a horizontal stance, making room for brake cooling ducts that obviated needing to fit larger brakes.

The Lexan engine cover and its three subtle louvers hearken to the F40, and the quad taillights hearken to Gran Turismo Berlinetta Ferraris of yore. The enlarged spoiler hunkers over that light cluster in 812 Superfast fashion, above a rear fascia that incorporates curved mesh grilles. Ferrari says the overall look is “the bridge to a new design language.” As a side benefit, it confers a 10 percent improvement in aero efficiency compared to the 488.

Ferrari’s updated its Side Slip Angle Control (SSAC), and made the revised Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) available in Race mode “to make performance on limit easier to reach and control for greater number of drivers.” SSAC allows for more drifty attitudes, the FDE adds automatic braking inputs to reduce the need for sudden countersteering. Formerly, FDE was only available with the steering wheel manettino control in the CT Off position.

The cabin’s been overhauled, starting with a smaller steering wheel dotted with a couple of additional buttons for hands-free phone operation. The former oblong vents give way to round ones, there’s a new digital interface for the driver and 8.25-inch touchscreen for the passenger, and new door cards. We will be taking a much closer look at all of it come Geneva.

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February 28, 2019 / Comments Off on Ferrari F8 Tributo brings the best of the 488 Pista to the masses
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Ferrari F8 Tributo Details Released

Say Goodbye to the 488 GTB

Ferrari promised to reveal new info about its 488 GTB replacement and here it is. The car’s named the F8 Tributo and it carries on what makes the two-seater Berlinetta so good. The F8 Tributo keeps a V8 engine and some of the sexiest curves we’ve seen in a while.

At first glance, the car’s 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine may not seem all that impressive in the age of hybrid-powered supercars, but then you see the power numbers and smile. The engine produces 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. Also, the peak torque comes earlier in the rev range, letting you more easily access all of that power.

This means the F8 Tributo will shoot from a standstill to 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds. It’ll hit 124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and 211 mph flat out. The car features the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer and Side Slip Angle Control. The vehicle appears to borrow quite a lot of equipment from the 488 Pista, which isn’t a bad thing considering that car’s prowess on a racetrack.

The F8 Tributo has a similar overall shape the car it’s replacing. With that said, it doesn’t look the same. The aero kit, headlights, taillights, and the body look different, but the car utilizes the same platform as the 488 GTB. The completely redesigned interior of the car looks breathtaking, but it, too, is similar to the outgoing car. Nothing is the same, but it has a very similar overall layout with improvements where needed.

The F8 Tributo takes its place in Ferrari’s lineup as the best V8 Berlinetta yet to come from the brand. It’s a notable improvement over the 488 GTB without throwing away everything that car got right. Ferrari will bring the car to the Geneva Motor Show where you can see it in person.

February 28, 2019 / Comments Off on Ferrari F8 Tributo Details Released
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New Ferrari V8 Hybrid Supercar to Have More Horsepower Than 488 Pista

Coming Later This Year

Ferrari’s CEO Louis Camilleri recently told reporters on an earnings call that the company would unveil a V8 hybrid supercar later this year. According to Auto News Europe, the vehicle will get a V8 gasoline engine and an electric motor for power and will sit atop the Ferrari lineup.

The car will offer more horsepower than the 488 Pista. Ferrari said that the vehicle will not make its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, which is shaping up to be an awesome show, according to the reports of what will debut there. Instead, Ferrari will unveil its new top-of-the-line supercar at a special event later in the year. The company expects to make the deliveries of the car in 2020. 

Camilleri did not supply much information to the press when he mentioned the new model. However, he did say it would not be a limited-edition car. Instead, it will have a full lifecycle and be more profitable than a V12 vehicle could be. Camilleri brought up the profitability of the car because of investor concerns about whether or not a V12 would be more profitable.

This will be the second-generation for Ferrari’s hybrid technology. The now discontinued LaFerrari was the first and it brought a new era for the company. According to Auto News Europe, 60 percent of the company’s lineup will have a hybrid offering by 2022. This will allow the company to comply with ever-tightening emissions regulations and keep pace with other supercar and hypercar manufacturers.

When the new Ferrari makes its official debut, we’ll be here to give you all the interesting details. One thing is for sure. It will a wildly powerful Prancing Horse.

February 18, 2019 / Comments Off on New Ferrari V8 Hybrid Supercar to Have More Horsepower Than 488 Pista
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Watch the Ferrari 812 Superfast Lap the Nürburgring

Pretty Quick for a Grand Touring Machine

The Ferrari 812 Superfast isn’t really a track car. It’s a grand touring car that is, well, super fast. With that said, it can hold its own on a racetrack as seen in the video below of the car taking on the Nürburgring. The guys at sport auto, decided it was worth it to see how quickly they could get the 812 Superfast around the track. The answer? 7:27.48, which is fast for this kind of car.

The video was posted just a few days ago, but there’s no way it was shot a few days ago, currently, the temperatures at the Nürburgring aren’t conducive to putting up good lap times, as Motor1 points out. The temperature the day of this particular drive was around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just about perfect. Check out the video below to see the lap and skip ahead to the 47-second mark to avoid some seriously annoying music.

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The Ferrari 812 Superfast comes with a V12 under its goodly hood. That engine makes a strong 789 hp. The front-engined car isn’t a track demon. Ferrari didn’t design it that way. As you can see in the video it can certainly hold its own with a qualified driver behind the wheel.

The 812 Superfast seen in the video was wearing a set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The team behind the video made no modifications to improve performance. This is just what could happen if you have the right set of tires and a good driver behind the wheel. To me, 7:27.48 sounds pretty darn good.

February 14, 2019 / Comments Off on Watch the Ferrari 812 Superfast Lap the Nürburgring
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Watch and Listen to the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 Take on the Open Road

Just Listen to That Engine Note

Of all the cars to debut in the last couple of years, the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are probably the most unforgettable. They harken back to the old school, open-top racecars of old while still leaving room for innovation and utterly astonishing modern design and speed.

As soon as they hit the real world, they became modern collector items. They’re simply stunning machines with no true competitor. They’re the first of what the Prancing Horse dubbed its Icona cars. If Ferrari is able to produce more amazing models like this then we’re all very lucky people to partake in the experience, even if the closest you ever get to these cars is the video above. 

Watch and listen to this beautifully shot short video and imagine what it’s like to whip this car through city streets or around the bend on an Italian country road.

Porsche, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, McLaren, and Bugatti all do what they do well, but there will only ever be one Ferrari. It’s cars like the Monza SP1 and SP2 and videos like this that make the brand what it is.

For the uninitiated, the Monza SP1 and SP2 are beautiful machines powered by a monster of a V12 engine that makes more than 800 hp can propel these cars from 0-60 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just 7.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 186 mph. The cars are aerodynamic and low to the ground, making them the ideal car for the driver looking for a unique open-air experience.

February 5, 2019 / Comments Off on Watch and Listen to the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 Take on the Open Road
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1984 Ferrari F40 LM

By now RM Sotheby’s is a regular at Men’s Gear seeing that it never runs out of cool cars to show. The above, a 1984 Ferrari F40 LM coupe, is just one of many now up for auction.

The F40 was actually the last car Enzo Ferrari oversaw. It came out in 1987 to commemorate Italian automaker’s 40th anniversary. And also to capitalize on the 288 GTO, which was developed for the FIA Group B racing formula.

This particular model, chassis no. 74045, carries quite a history. The factory intended to use it as nothing more than a pre-production prototype, but Le Mans and IMSA driver Rene Herzog decided to buy it in 1992. Herzog sent the car to Michelotto for conversion to LM specification.

Shortly after its completion, however, Herzog ownership gave it to Charles Zuger. Then, in 1995, Stephane Ratel bought the car and raced it in the European GT Championship in the same year. Then he sold it mid-season to the French Pilot-Aldix team for use in the BPR Global GT Series.

That’s some historic imprint for a car never meant to be more than just a raw road car. If anything, it proves a great car can come from anywhere with the right modifications. As such, the F40 LM has a 2.9-liter V8 engine went up to 700 horsepower from 471 in stock trim. And it was slimmed down by more than 400 pounds following adjustments and chassis modifications.

This particular F40 LM model finished 12th overall in the at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Not only that, but it achieved such a feat eight years after it was built. No one does it like Ferrari.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on 1984 Ferrari F40 LM
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Ferrari 812 Superfast By Novitec

Novitec is a custom shop that believes fast cars can be faster. Its latest handiwork? The Ferrari 812 Superfast, which, already beastly enough as it is, got an extra boost, at least visually, thanks to the crafty (and perhaps mad) folks at Novitec.

Unfortunately, this customized car doesn’t have more power than a regular 812 Superfast. In other words, Novitec did a purely visual upgrade. However, the shop says its engineers are working on a “performance upgrades” for the ride’s base 6.5-litre V12 engine.

If true, that means we could be getting something even faster than the machine’s standard 789 horsepower, and perhaps something more impressive than its already amazing 0 to 60 acceleration in just under three seconds.

So yes, it’s a bummer Novitec didn’t make a faster car out of a fast car, but don’t fret. It did make an already cool-looking ride even cooler. Novitec swapped out huge body parts in favor of carbon fiber ones. Among them are the wind-tunnel-developed chin spoiler and front grille attachment, rocker panels, a rear spoiler lip, and the rear fascia.

You can take that even further with an optional shocks package. It lowers the whole ride to 1.37 inches. On the other hand, there’s also a hydraulic lift that can raise the front end by 1.57 inches. Pricing information is yet to come, unfortunately. Expect the cost to be astronomical, of course. Certainly much more expensive than a regular 812 Superfast. We’ll update this article once we learn more, so stay tuned.

MORE INFO HERE

Photos courtesy of Novitec

January 24, 2019 / Comments Off on Ferrari 812 Superfast By Novitec
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Shoes By Berluti And Ferrari

No bigger news came out of the Paris Fashion Week than Berluti and Ferrari launching a new shoe collection. One that apparently takes inspiration from “gentlemen drivers,” as the luxury automaker puts it.

The two have joined forces for three new shoe models, a slip-on, an Oxford and a Chelsea boot, complete with signature stitching and Ferrari Red piping detail in the heels. The shoes are available November from select of Berluti stores and online.

Because carbon fiber is heavily implemented into Ferrari cars, especially the more recent ones, the shoes have received a similar treatment. And every element, like detail and styling, takes inspiration from Ferrari vehicles. That includes the sculptural, sinuous shapes and stitching. The shoes evoke Ferrari’s instantly recognizable exterior styling and exquisite interiors.

“These are the lightest shoes that Berluti has done ever. These are shoes which have real technology in them, with carbon fiber that is used for cars for driving,” says Ferrari chairman John Elkann. “It’s a very special grip that you have on the sole and this is taking inspiration from the engine.”

The idea was to try and capture the vibe of the gentleman driver back in the ‘60s. We won’t be glamorizing the ‘60s here, of course, especially when its ills and errors reverberate to this day. But there’s something notable about the simpler, more refined design inclinations of that era. Which is especially in the automobile sector. We understand why Berluti and Ferrari have such a fascination for the decade.

The Berluti and Ferrari collection coincides with the release of the Monza SP1 and SP2. Both were inspired by vintage models but outfitted with modern technology.

MORE INFO HERE

Photos courtesy of Ferrari

January 3, 2019 / Comments Off on Shoes By Berluti And Ferrari
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Ferrari SP3JC one-off channels vintage roadsters with a color-wheel twist

Not long after we posted on rumors of a Ferrari 812 Spider, we get this, the Ferrari SP3JC. This is no 812 Superfast, though, it’s a one-off commission based on running gear from the limited edition F12 TDF. John Collins, owner of classic Ferrari dealer Talacrest in the UK, provided the dream, the funds, and therefore the “JC” in the open-top’s name. We’ll assume this being Ferrari’s third Special Project this year contributed the rest of the alphanumeric. Collins said the project took 3.5 years from dream to completion, and Ferrari said the design process consumed two of them.

While there have been at least six special editions and commissions based off the F12, this is the first one-off to use the F12 TDF. The Italians say the SP3JC is “designed to pay homage to company’s classic 1950s and 1960s roadsters.” A much wider power bulge in the hood falls all the way into the grille of the redrawn front fascia. New vents appear at the corners of the bumper. Above, instead of the F12 TDF’s small hood vents, two large, transparent panels provide views of the 6.3-liter V12.

At the side, instead of the modern rising fender line from front wheel to cowl, the fender descends on its way rearward akin to Ferraris of old. The redrawn panels move the donor car’s vent to above the rocker panel, and erases the three vents over the rear wheels. In back, 812 Superfast taillights preside over a layered fascia with three full-width vents and a jutting diffuser. The 812 Superfast also donated its wheels.

Roll hoops stand guard behind the seats. According to a poster on Ferrari Chat, the SP3JC doesn’t come with a roof.

About that paint scheme: There were plenty of vibrantly hued classic Ferraris, but we don’t know of any that put so many hues on one body. Ferrari says the mashup here was inspired by Collins’ “passion for Pop Art.” Bianco Italia mixes with Azzuro Met and Giallo Modena, right down to the yellow pinstripes on the wheels and the matching blue and white leather inside.

Personally, we’d rather jump off with the F12 TRS when imagining what an 812 Superfast Spider could look like, but this is probably a better place to start.

Related Video:

November 29, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari SP3JC one-off channels vintage roadsters with a color-wheel twist
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Details Emerge about Ferrari Monza Cost and Production Run

The cost and availability of the new Ferrari Monza has finally been revealed. The Italian company announced the speedster a few weeks before the Paris Motor Show 2018 began. While much of the technical information was available immediately, the release was particularly thin on details such as how much it would cost and how many would be available.

Interviews given during the Paris Motor Show 2018 have finally revealed the cost of the Monza to be €1.6 Million. With the help of a calculator, and confirmation that Ferrari plans to sell 499 of them, it is clear that Ferrari stands to generate revenue of €794.4 million.

While the headline figure sounds impressive, the profit that Ferrari generate from each car will be significantly less. To get that figure, the price of production, 22 percent value added tax and dealership profits would need to be taken into account.

The first of the special series cars, a new production line that Ferrari has developed, the Ferrari Monza is completely sold out. The choice of SP1 or SP2 will be left to the customer, although Ferrari is expecting an equal split across the two versions.

Ferrari have confirmed that the Monza has been developed without adhering to any particular set of rules. As a result, it will be street legal in Europe but not in the United States or in Asia. Customers in those regions will need to use their cars on closed circuits or on race tracks.

Sources have also confirmed that the Monza SP1 and SP2 will take up 2 years of production run. They will be assembled in Maranello as part of a new production line which will continue past those two years for upcoming Icona models.

October 10, 2018 / Comments Off on Details Emerge about Ferrari Monza Cost and Production Run
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Ferrari at Paris Motor Show 2018

The Paris Motor Show 2018 is now in full swing. As ever, Ferrari have one of the biggest displays, attracting the most attention. The crowds are flocking to get the first public sightings of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, as well as the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider and the Ferrari Portifino.

The Monza is Ferrari’s highest profile release. We saw official details only a few weeks ago. The Speedster model is a special edition with less than 500 planned in either single seater or two seater configuration. While there is no official detail on either availability or pricing, rumours are circulating of any entry price in the region of €3 million.

The Ferrari Monza is inspired by the 166 MM and the 750 Monza, among others. A development of the 812 Superfast, the 6.5 litre V12 unit produces 810 hp and 719 Nm of torque. It is capable of a 100 km/h sprint in just 2.9 seconds, together with a 200 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds. Dry weight is 1,500 kg for the Ferrari Monza SP1 and 1,520 kg for the Ferrari Monza SP2. For context, the Ferrari 812 Superfast weighs 1,630 kg.

Alongside the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is also attracting a fair amount of attention. Released at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach in California last August, the Paris Motor Show 2018 is a European debut.

The new Ferrari 488 Pista Spider uses the most powerful Ferrari V8 engine ever. At 3.9 litres, the V8 produces 720 hp at 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm at 3000 rpm. The Pista Spider hits 100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds and 200 km/h in 8 seconds dead. Top speed is 340 km/h.

October 3, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari at Paris Motor Show 2018
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Ferrari Purosangue: Brand’s First SUV to Debut in 2022

One of the takeaways from Ferrari’s Capital Markets Day which took place earlier this week was that the company are working on an SUV. The SUV will debut in 2022 and will carry the name Ferrari Purosangue. Purosangue stands for Thoroughbred in Italian. This is obviously a not to the unease that has surrounded its development in Maranelo!

The slides prevented at the event show that the Purosangue is intended to ‘extend Ferrarii driving emotions to multiple occasions and passengers’. It promises the ‘best performance and fun to drive in the segment’, ‘revolutionary accessibility and state of the art comfort on board’ as well as ‘opportunity for additional product extensions’.

It is now clear that the Purosangue will feature a four wheel drive system, utilizing a front mid-engine architecture. The slides refer to multiple power units, presumably indicating the eventual availability of both V8 and V12 options. They also hint at the availability of a hybrid drive system.

Reports suggest that the SUV is being marketed as a GT and will sit alongside the GTC4Lusso and Portofino which both offer four seats already. Ferrari CEO, Louis Camilleri, said: “As a die-hard Ferrarista, I was a tad skeptical when the concept was first voiced at the board. Having now seen the wonderful design concept and the extraordinary features, and knowing the resources we have dedicated to bringing this vehicle to life, I am a hugely enthusiastic supporter.”

The Purosangue will use a new front-engine platform developed by Ferrari. The suspension system will be new too, this is essential in order to accommodate the hybrid technology.

September 20, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari Purosangue: Brand’s First SUV to Debut in 2022
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Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 were unveiled yesterday at the Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello (Ferrari also announced 15 new models you may want to check out). These limited-edition special-series Ferraris are the first in a new category that Ferrari calls ‘Icona’, essentially custom cars made for collectors. The company has experience with building special edition and one off Ferraris for collectors so this seems like a natural extension. The Icona cars will essentially be cars that look like classic yesteryear racers, underpinned with the latest chassis, electronics and engines. Think of classic Ferraris of the 1950s coupled with the most advanced sports car technology available today and you pretty much nailed it.

The first iteration of the program is the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. Reminiscent of racing barchettas of that late 1940s and early 1950s, both cars look amazing. The Ferrari Monza SP1 is a single-seat sports car with no windscreen while the Ferrari Monza SP2 is a more classic two-seater. Both cars feature no roof, no windscreen and no side air bags.

Both the Monza SP1 and SP2 are based on the Ferrari 812 Superfast and come with a 6.5 liter V12 engine with 810 hp to the rear wheels. Aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body make for a lightweight car and absurd power to weight ration. Expect sub 3 second sprint from standstill to 60 mph and scintillating 7.9 seconds to 125 mph. Top speed will be around 186 mph.

We don’t think these cars will be approved for road use, so expect them to be track-day only machines.  Maybe that is why Ferrari said buyers will get a racing jumpsuit designed by Italian high-end luxury brand Loro Piana. Speaking of buyers, only a maximum of 500 units will be produced although we expect that this is slightly inflated and that we will only see a few hundred units max.

If you’re looking for a 1950’s style design with modern technology underneath and you like to track your cars, this may be the Ferrari for you. All you have to do is pony up the more than a million dollars these cars will cost.

We stated the obvious earlier, that the SP1 is a single seater, while the SP2 is a two-seater. That is the biggest design difference as it impacts other parts of the car. The Monza SP1 has a tonneau cover while the SP2 gets rid of the cover to make room for the second passenger. There is small windscreen and a second roll bar hoop in the SP2 which further differentiates the designs.

At the front, both cars have carbon fiber front slitter which resides below a wide grille and protruding LED daytime running lights. Bigger changes occur further back as the windscreen has been removed and this promises to give owners a taste of the “blistering speed” that Formula 1 drivers experience.

Further back, the models have been equipped with unique half-doors that open upwards. They provide access to a compact cabin which features a three-spoke steering wheel, special switchgear and plenty of exposed carbon fiber components.

Getting back to the windscreens for a second, Ferrari says they have developed and patented an innovative “Virtual Wind Shield” technology which is integrated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel. While it doesn’t look like much, Ferrari says the virtual windscreen deviates enough air to maintain driving comfort.

Ferrari was coy on additional details, but the Monzas have a 6.5-liter V12 that is the “most powerful engine Maranello has ever built.” It produces 799 hp (603 kW / 810 PS) and 530 lb-ft (719 Nm) of torque. This enables the cars to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.9 seconds and 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. If the driver is brave enough, they can hit a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).

Press Release

THE FIRST MODELS IN A NEW CONCEPT OF LIMITED-EDITION SPECIAL SERIES CALLED ‘ICONA’
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 unveiled – Iconic cars whose sophisticated design and engineering is inspired by legendary Ferrari Sports cars of the past

Maranello, 18 September 2018 – The new Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled on occasion of the company’s Capital Market’s Day at the factory in Maranello. These limited-edition special-series cars are the first in a new segment called ‘Icona’ and draw inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1950s and feature the most advanced sports car technology available today.

Aimed at dedicated clients and collectors, the Monza SP1 and SP2 reference the iconic Ferrari racing barchettas of the past, not least the 1948 166 MM, which originally inspired the name ‘barchetta’, and the 750 Monza and 860 Monza. Designed with the sole aim of winning, these uncompromising models helped build the Ferrari legend in the 1950s by delivering numerous victories in the World Sports Car Championship.

The Ferrari Monza SP1 was designed as an uncompromising single-seat road car that offers a truly unique experience behind the wheel. The second configuration, the Monza SP2, thanks to the elimination of the tonneau cover and the addition of a second protective screen and a second roll-bar, is instead a two-seater enabling the passenger to share the same driving sensations.

The Monza SP1 and SP2 feature a unique design, the best weight-to-power ratio of any barchetta, thanks to the extensive use of carbon-fibre in construction, and distinctive details, such as head-and tail-lights, wheels and interior, which further enhance the cars’ exclusivity. Equipped with the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, a 810 cv V12, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The architecture of the two cars is based on a monolithic form with an aerodynamic wing profile where the complete absence of a roof and windscreen gave the designers the freedom to create unique proportions that would not have been possible on a traditional spider.

The result is the feeling of blistering speed normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers, which derives from the concept of a cockpit carved from the car’s very volume that wraps around the driver.

The Ferrari Design Centre has sought to create a very pure design, as though born of a single pencil stroke, to convey an ideal of timeless elegance, minimalist form and refined detail. Visually complex solutions, such as those seen on recent racing cars, have been avoided, giving way to a more understated formal design language. Never has a model expressed such a narrative power, highlighting its appeal as a driver’s car where the link between man and automobile becomes symbiotic.

A radical choice was made for the design of the cars’ compact doors which open upwards. Equally important is the all-carbon-fibre one-piece bonnet-wing assembly which is hinged at the front to showcase the imposing V12 engine once open.

As with racing models, the bodyshell of both cars is made entirely from lightweight carbon-fibre. The entire interior is trimmed in the same material with a natural finish to enhance the sporty impact of the design. Weight reduction and the ‘barchetta’ configuration guarantee unique vehicle dynamics: perfectly balanced with no roll whatsoever for pure, uncompromising sports-car handling.

Because these are authentic “en plein air” sports cars, one of the greatest challenges in their design was managing the aerodynamic flows inside the cockpit in the absence of a windscreen. The solution was the innovative patented “Virtual Wind Shield” which has been incorporated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel and the steering wheel. The “Virtual Wind Shield” deviates a part of the air flow to maintain driving comfort.

Especially for Monza SP1 and SP2 owners Ferrari, in collaboration with two leading luxury brands, Loro Piana and Berluti, has created elegant gentlemen-driver-inspired apparel and accessories. The driver’s selection includes racing overalls, jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes. These feature a number of technical solutions to guarantee a comfortable fit and ensure freedom of movement while driving.

Engine & Specifications

While Ferrari were a little light on the specs for the Monza cars, we did manage to find the following information on the cars.

ENGINE
Type V12 – 65°
Overall displacement 6496 cm3
Max. power output* 603 kW (810 cv) at 8500 rpm
Max. torque* 719 Nm at 7000 rpm
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4657 mm
Width 1996 mm
Height 1155 mm
Dry weight** 1500 kg (SP1), 1520 kg (SP2)
PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h 2.9 sec
0 -200 km/h 7.9 sec
Max. speed >300 km/h
FUEL CONSUMPTION/CO2 EMISSIONS
Under homologation

Photo & Image Gallery

Ferrari Monza SP1 Pictures

These open-top Ferraris are absolutely stunning. We pulled all the press images and photos of both the Monza SP1 and SP2. The SP1 has the single seat old-school LeMans racer about it. We love the silhouette and simplicity of its design.

Ferrari Monza SP2 Pictures

With its two-seat layout the SP2 is a more traditional set up. Despite the two-seats it still is stunning and sexy from every angle. These photos of the SP2 in black with that red interior really make it stand out. For me this is my favorite of the two.

Ferrari Monza SP1 & SP2 Unveiling

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September 19, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2
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Ferrari to launch 15 new models by 2022 (including its most powerful road car ever)

Ferrari Unveils Ambitious Plans In A New Model Assault – Special Editions, Hybrids, Hypercar and SUV

We don’t normally talk about news but this is too tasty. Ferrari had is Capital Markets Day where they basically sell investors on their future plans. It is unique for Ferrari since the company has only been public for a short time. While some readers may be investors, we really care about the cool new cars the company is working on.

The best Ferrari ever is the one that has yet to be builtEnzo Ferrari

Ferrari’s 5 Year Plan Is a Model Onslaught

The headline news is that under a new five-year strategy under a new boss Ferrari will launch 15 new models by 2022. Those kinds of model numbers sound like McLaren, maybe Ferrari is learning from its newest production car competitor. As long as the cars are awesome, we’re excited.

Ferrari broker out its model range into a clearer four pillar set up. The Sport range are the cars we know as today as the 488, 812 Superfast. The Sport range will confirm Ferrari as a leader in performance and future models will feature hybridization as well as a track-oriented human machine interface. In particular, the automaker said we can expect a “two tier mid rear engine product range” and a “full hybrid range by 2021.” Ferrari went on to say the 488 successor will be focused on being fun to drive and hinted the Sport range could be expanded in the future.

The Gran Turismo range includes the GT4Lusso and Portofino. The lineup of GTs will grow in the future and there are already plans for plug-in hybrid variants. Sticking with the GT theme, Ferrari hinted at the return of an elegant model which has a “unique design inspired by the classic and refined Ferrari Gran Turismo of 1950s and 1960s.” Yes please Ferrari, make it happen.

Next up is our favorite Special Series range, with cars like the 488 Pista (historically included 458 Speciale, F430 Scuderia). Special Series vehicles will also be sold in limited numbers. Not surprisingly these models are all about driving emotions.

They will now be joined by an Icona range which will apparently include highly customized vehicles like the Monza SP1 and SP2. The name has been chosen to reference the firms famous racing cars of the 1950’s. The SP1 has only one seat while the SP2 allows for one passenger. The company has had great success with limited edition and custom Ferraris over the years so it is no surprise they are investing more here.

Announcing the Ferrari Monza

Ferrari announced a new limited-edition open-top racing-style supercar. Called the Monza it will come in single-seater and two-seater versions as part of the new range called Icona. Ferrari will build fewer than 500 of the two models combined and all have already been sold.

The Monza is intended as a successor to the classic Barchetta, a racing car made by the firm in the 1940s and 1950s. Ferrari claims they are fitted with the most powerful engine ever built by the Italian car maker. It will have an 810-horsepower V-12 engine.The Monza’s bodyshell is built entirely from carbon fibre and neither model comes with a roof or windscreen. Ferrari said a “virtual wind shield” is placed behind the instrumentation panel to push air flow above the driver who is sat in a Formula 1 style cockpit. The car will take just 2.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. Think more than a $1m for this tasty treat and you’re close.

The luxury sports car maker took the wraps off the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 at the firm’s famous Maranello factory in Italy on Tuesday.

A New Supercar to Replace LaFerrari

Ferrari’s replacement for LaFerrari hypercar is three to five years from launch, according to chief technology officer Michael Leiters. A new hypercar, or replacement for the LaFerrari, is not in the brand’s mid-term plan but the company did confirm work is under way on the technology that will feature in its successor.

Set to be ‘born from fresh innovations’, the LaFerrari’s limited-edition replacement is set to be revealed before 2022.

Selling Mostly Hybrids

Ferrari expects that Hybrid powertrains will make up the majority of its sales at the end of 2022. Clearly the company is investing in a world where the majority of its well healed buyers will want low emissions performance cars.

“By 2022, nearly 60 percent of the models we produce will be built around hybrid powertrains,” new CEO Louis Camilleri said. Ferrari is focused on hybrid petrol-electric powertrains and expects its new SUV will feature this hybrid set up.

The company will increasingly make hybrid cars “as the years unfold to meet specific regulatory requirements but also to satisfy customer desires for significantly improved emissions while retaining the driving emotions that render Ferraris simply unique,” said Camilleri (new CEO).

Ferrari SUV On Its Way

In the worst secret ever Ferrari is launching its first SUV, called the Purosangue. It is going to arrive at the end of the five-year strategic plan period, around 2022.

Announcing the SUV, former Philip Morris boss Camilleri said he hated the idea (didn’t we all): “It just does not sit well with our brand and all that it represents,” he admitted, but guaranteed investors that the new design will “redefine expectations”. Describing it as “elegant, powerful, versatile, comfortable, spacious… worthy of the Ferrari badge,”. Lets hope so.

The Purosange will sit in Ferrari’s GT range and be based on a new front-mid engine architecture compatible with plug-in hybrid technology. The GT line-up is designed to ‘expand the Ferrari family’ and cover ‘growing market segments’.

New V6 Engine Range

On the topic of new models, Ferrari confirmed plans of a V6 engine family. There are also plans for a “Turbo Hybrid” family of engines which will produce 394+ hp (294 kW / 400 PS) per liter and have zero turbo lag. Under the guidance of new CEO Louis Carey Camilleri, 60 per cent of the Italian firm’s products will feature hybrid technology within the next four years. Key to that will be the development of a new V6 hybrid powertrain, which Ferrari has confirmed is under development.

Ferrari bosses would not be drawn on speculation that the V6 engine is for a new generation of Dino, but did say that the engine will be used as a lower performance entry point for models such as the Portofino.

Higher Prices

Chief marketing officer Enrico Galliera said new Ferrari models would come with a “significant” increase in the average price. Boo to that we say. May need to focus on my affordable used Ferraris list then.

Learn More

If you want to dig into the details, download the Presentations from the Capital Markets Day:

September 18, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari to launch 15 new models by 2022 (including its most powerful road car ever)
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Ultimate Guide – What You Need to Know About Ferraris Brilliant V8 Special Series Cars

GTC, Stradale, Scuderia, Speciale and Pista. We explore Ferraris hardcore, track-inspired mid-engined “Special Series” masterpieces.

Recently, Ferrari launched the 488 Pista and Pista Spider, the latest in a brilliant line of track-inspired mid-engined “special series” road cars. It is the successor to Ferrari’s V8-engined special series  – the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale – all critically acclaimed performance cars and some of the most desirable Ferraris on the market. Collectors love them as they hold/grow in value while fans drool over the chance to own these very limited edition machines.

The thing that makes these Ferraris so special is that they feel special, they feel better than other Ferraris. They follow a simple formula where numerous small changes are put them together to transform already great cars into pure perfection. The track inspired special series Ferrari formula is simple. Take a “normal” mid-engined V8 Ferrari and make it lighter, sharper, more aggressive and more exciting. Each generation is better than the previous generation, marking a significant step forward from the previous special series in terms of both sporty dynamics and the level of technological carry-over from racing. The name is, in fact, a direct homage to Ferrari’s unparalleled heritage in motor sports.

It all started in 1993 with a special edition Ferrari V8 you’ve never heard of, the 348 GT Competizione. This was Ferrari’s first homologation special after the magnificent 288 GTO. Built in order to complete in the international GT3 class, Ferrari took their (average at best) entry level, mid engined car and got to work turning it into the ultimate street Ferrari 348. The formula was the same for the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and now the Pista. The interiors are stripped down from all un-necessities like carpeting and leather upholstery, making the cars lot lighter than their normal Ferrari donor. Engines are improved with more horsepower. Electronics and chassis improvements are all focused on performance, while bodywork is altered with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.

The end result are rare, expensive and worth every penny supercars. They are absolutely epic cars and some of our favorite Ferraris ever. Lets dive into the special editions below and tell you all about each one.

1993→1994 Ferrari 348 GT Competizione

1993→1994 Ferrari 348 GT Competizione

Ferrari 348 GT Competizione

Year(s): 1993 / Engine: 3.4L V8 / Power: 315bhp @ 7,200 rpm / Torque: 239 lb/ft @ 5,000 rpm / Power to Weight: 250 bhp/ton / 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds / Top Speed: 170 mph (estimated) / Units Built: 50 / Verdict: The template was set.

The regular 348 sucked. It was heavy, underpowered and dynamically horrible. Homologation for GT racing transformed it. The 348 GT Competizione was designed specifically for the GT Championship on the 348 GTB platform.

The base 348 went on a 420 pound diet thanks to lots of Kevlar and carbonfiber. The engine had 3.4 liter V8 that generated 315hp (only difference from base 348 was a more free flow exhaust). Power to weight was the same as the later F355. Inside was a serious race car makeover with carbon seats and drilled aluminum pedals and the removal of carpets and other creature comforts like air-conditioning and even floor mats. Stiffer suspension, unassisted steering, shorter gearing, competition clutch and bigger brakes (no ABS) and a short 25/27 gear ratio and a racing clutch with reinforced discs made it a properly engaging car (something that could not be said for the base 348). Even the suspension was modified for racing with rigid rose joints, competition-ready dampers and springs. The standard car’s 17” wheels were replaced by 18” ones with 239/635/18 tires to the front and 265/645/18 to the rear.

Just 50 were built, making it one of the rarest road-going Ferraris. Good luck finding one.

2003→2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

2003→2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

Ferrari Challenge Stradale

Year(s): 2003 / Engine: 3.6L V8 / Power: 420 bhp @ 8,500 rpm / Torque: 275 lb/ft @ 4,750 rpm / Units Built: ~1,300 / Verdict: Potentially the best sounding car ever.

Ferrari skipped making a special edition F355 (they did build a F355 Challenge race car but there was no road car version). We waited until the 360 to get the true successor to the 348 GTC. Compared with a regular 360 Modena, weight was reduced significantly and the engine was tweaked.

The Challenge Stradale was much more than a redressed 360 with extra power. Its bare-bones approach and subtle styling changes only hint at the thoroughbred under the skin: this is a road-legal car that is entirely race-ready and at home on track. It offered enthusiasts genuine race car performance and features in an accessible, street-legal package that is built on top of a standard production model donor car.

The main goal for the 360 Challenge Stradale was to take 3 seconds off the 360’s Fiorano lap record. He and his team succeeded.

Starting with the 360 Modena, Ferrari engineers removed all equipment deemed superfluous in order to shed weight, lowered and stiffened the suspension, and fitted massive alloy wheels. Inside, the two passengers were treated to bucket seats with racing harnesses and Plexiglas windows. The huge performance gains can largely be attributed to increase in power and a reduction in weight. Ferrari put the 360 on a titanium and carbon fiber diet which shed 243 lbs (110 kgs) off the car.

Having an all-aluminum monocoque and a flat-plane V8 whipping out 395 bhp, the 360 Modena had raised Ferrari’s standards from the preceding F355 that came before it. The Stradale took things further got the 3.6-liter V8 up to 425-hp. Fine tuning is how the engineers at Ferrari extracted more power. Higher-compression combustion chambers, polished ports, and a larger intake tract all contributed. Attached was a dual-flow exhaust which, by means of a valve bypassed most of the deadening for a blaring symphony of noise. This wail is distinctive of the Stradale and is enough of a reason for it to make our list.

Around 1200-1300 are believed to have been made so it is still relatively rare but not impossible to find.

See: All Challenge Stradale Articles

2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia

2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Year(s): 2007 / Engine: 4.3L V8 / Power: 503 bhp @ 8,500 rpm / Torque: 347 lb/ft @ 5,250 rpm / Power to Weight: 378 bhp/ton / 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds / Top Speed: 198 mph / Units Built: 1,800 / Verdict: The sweet spot.

The extreme version of that already awesome F430 and one of our favorite cars ever was the F430 Scuderia. The 430 Scuderia was a truly high-performance 2-seater berlinetta that demonstrated how Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how is carried across to its production cars. Fitted with a naturally-aspirated 4308cc V8’s and 510 hp at 8500 rpm it is one of the best engines ever.

The F430 Scuderia built on the now familiar special series recipe. Light, largely composite bodywork, aero tuned for extra downforce in corners, a stripped out interior and fettled engine and electronics. The F430’s 220 pound weight loss program came from removing carpeting, glove box, and radio. Trim was carbon fiber, floor mats were out in favor of aluminum plating.

Where the 458 took performance to another level and things have continue to escalate from then on, the F430 Scuderia feels like the real sweet spot in terms of cars that can actually be enjoyed and really tested on the road. It was the last Ferrari to use the “F1-style” paddle-shift transmission before they switched to dual-clutch so it has a level of engagement that later models are missing. The F1 Superfast 2 gearbox gave rapid gearchanges and coupled with the F1-Trac traction control and E-Diff electronic differential it deployed power to maximum effect. While peak power was only 20bhp up on the regular F430, the ferocious way it was delivered when all of these things combined was something else and it transformed the way to Scud felt.

At Fiorano it lapped faster than the Enzo. It is thought as many as 1,800 units were made.

See: All Ferrari F430 Scuderia Articles / The 430 Scuderia In-Depth

Ferrari F430 Spider 16M

Year(s): 2009 / Engine: 4.3L V8 / Power: 503 bhp @ 8,500 rpm / Torque: 347 lb/ft @ 5,250 rpm / Power to Weight: 378 bhp/ton / 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds / Top Speed: 198 mph / Units Built: 499 / Verdict: A genuine hardcore soft-top Ferrari

This was the last Ferrari F430. The limited edition (only 499 we built) Scuderia Spider 16M was built to celebrate Ferrari’s 16 Formula One constructors’ championships and it is based on the Ferrari Scuderia coupe. The basics are the same as the Scuderia with the 16M getting the higher compression 4.3 liter V8 that is good for an extra 20bhp and 4 lb/ft torque over the base Spider. Bodykit, aero, suspension, interior and electronics are all fettled like the Scuderia coupe too. The 16M weighs in around 3300 pounds, about 200 fewer pounds than an F430 Spider, or just over 200 more pounds than a 430 Scuderia.

Did the changes make a difference? You bet. Ferrari clocked the Scuderia Spider 16M around Fiorano test circuit and said it was faster than any open-top road car it has ever built. It isn’t just track performance though, because the best part about the 16M is the way it combines hardcore performance with daily driver usability. This is an open top car remember so it is a good thing that the suspension is adjustable and in its softest settings is actually quite good at massaging away the hardcore nature of the rest of the package.

Perhaps the best part of the 16M is that it intensifies the Scuderia experience. With the top down the noise is just absurdly good. That flat plank V8 Ferrari engine, all 503hp revving to 8,500 rpm is the best thing you have ever heard, the closest thing to an F1 engine you will ever experience. Today’s turbocharged Ferraris don’t come close to the same intoxicating excitement. \It is an astonishing car.

See: All Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Articles 

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Year(s): 2013 / Engine: 4.5L V8 / Power: 597 bhp @ 9,000 rpm / Torque: 398 lb/ft @ 6,000 rpm / Power to Weight: 4350 bhp/ton / 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds / Top Speed: 202 mph / Units Built: ~2,000 / Verdict: The end of an era. Perfection

Let’s start by saying that this is absolutely our favorite car ever. Period, full stop, the end. It took the already epic “entry level” 458 and with the Speciale, Ferrari amped everything up to 11. It is arguably the best naturally aspirated sports car in history.

The 458 Speciale was the last naturally-aspirated V8 Ferrari and the engine was at its peak in terms of evolution. Mid-engined 4.5-litre V8 with flat-plane-crank, sky high 9,000 RPM redline, insane 597 bhp and 398 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever built at Maranell. The Speciale was one special Ferrari.

Performance was astonishing for a naturally aspirated car. The 0-62 mph sprint was over in 3.4 seconds and top speed was over 200 mph. More importantly, the Speciale does everything well. It took the already amazing 458 and somehow made it better, faster and more fun to drive. Gearshifts were faster, the active aero tuned to maximize downforce in corners and minimize drag on the straights, and the brakes were adapted from the LaFerrari. Steering response times and lateral g were the best ever recorded for a Ferrari production car. New for the Ferrari Speciale was the Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), which used sensors and the E-Diff to help the committed driver to hold lurid tail-slides.

No official production numbers, but it is thought to be about 2,000 units. The best V8 Ferrari ever? You bet.

See: All Ferrari 458 Speciale Articles

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale A

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale A

Ferrari 458 Speciale A

Year(s): 2013 / Engine: 4.5L V8 / Power: 597 bhp @ 9,000 rpm / Torque: 398 lb/ft @ 6,000 rpm / Power to Weight: 4350 bhp/ton / 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds / Top Speed: 202 mph / Units Built: 499 / Verdict: Most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 open top ever

The Speciale A followed the 16M’s exclusivity formula with just 499 units made. Unlike the 16M which had a fabric roof, Ferrari decided the Speciale A should have the same folding hard-top as the regular 458 Spider. That adds weight and had many pundits concerned that the Speciale A was more of a marketing exercise than the awesome 16M. At 1445kg the numbers were worrying for hard core fans. To offset its weight, Ferrari did the right thing and added the same powerplant as the Speciale to its open top sibling. As a result, the 458 Speciale A sports the most powerful naturally-aspirated road-going V8 engine ever built by Ferrari with a massive 597 hp at 9000 rpm.

Performance wise, the Speciale A was an absolute beast, sprinting to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds and logging a Fiorano test track lap time of 1:23.5. It combined extreme performance with the intimacy of open-top driving. Like the Scuderia 16M the open top makes the engine and even bigger part of the overall experience.  Like the Speciale coupe the open top has a raft of aerodynamics, chassis and electronic improvements all designed to make it hardcore and livable at the same time. Probably the best open top performance car we have ever seen.

See: All Ferrari 458 Speciale Articles

Ferrari 488 Pista

Year(s): 2018 / Engine: 3.9 liter Twin-Turbo V-8 / Power: 711 hp @ 8000 rpm / Torque: 568 lb/ft @ 3000 rpm 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds / Top Speed: 211 mph / Verdict: Turbocharging can be awesome too

Ferrari first unveiled its new track-focused 488 variant at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. Given the moniker “Pista” – which translated from Italian, means “track” – the latest iteration of Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 is faster than ever before and pays homage to the manufacturer’s remarkable motorsports heritage. The new 710-horsepower 488 Pista is the current successor to Ferrari’s famed v8-engined special series, which boasts the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale in its lineage. While Ferrari is now taking orders for the Pista, an official release date and U.S. pricing have yet to be confirmed.

While there have not yet been any test drives of a 488 Pista production-spec model, a select group of very lucky automotive journalists were able to take a test mule out for some hot laps at Ferrari’s private racetrack – Fiorano Circuit near Maranello, Italy. With an official test driver, the car is reported to complete a lap of Fiorano in 1:21.5; a very distinguishable 1.5 seconds quicker than a 488 GTB.

UK news site, The Week, provided a compilation of what some of the critics had to say. Overall, reports from the likes of Auto Express and Top Gear note the Pista’s bang-for-buck as a“hypercar-beating machine” and provide plenty of praise for its special handling characteristics, super-accurate steering and “brilliantly balanced chassis”. It is a car that is“just as at home on the road as it is on the circuit”, they add.

Autocar reports that Ferrari 488 Pista pricing starts at £252,695, which means that we can expect U.S. pricing to begin north of the USD $340,000 mark. Don’t worry though because they’re all sold out so even if you did want one you would out of luck.

See: All Ferrari 488 Pista Articles

Ferrari 488 Pista

Ferrari 488 Pista

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Year(s): 2019 / Engine: 3.9 liter Twin-Turbo V-8 / Power: 711 hp @ 8000 rpm / Torque: 568 lb/ft @ 3000 rpm 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds / Top Speed: 211 mph / Verdict: TBD

Earlier this year, we reviewed the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista – Ferrari’s most powerful V8 ever. The 488 Pista is the marque’s latest Special Series model and – following in the footsteps of its predecessors – epitomizes the pinnacle of Ferrari road cars. Ferrari decided to surprise the world with a Spider version at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance event in California, taking place in late August. The Spider is a convertible with a removal hardtop, though some would argue it functions more closely to targa top vehicle. Ferrari also revealed that the new Pista Spider will become the 50th convertible model in the company’s history.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is powered by the same engine used in the coupe – a twin-turbocharged 3.9L V8 which produces a magnificent 711-horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

The Spider weighs 200 pounds more than the coupe, but despite the extra hardware needed to accommodate the removable hardtop, it is remarkably still able to achieve 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds – the exact same as the fixed-roof variant. Thanks to proper aerodynamics, the Spider also manages to equal the coupe’s top speed of 340 km/h, so long as the hardtop remains on.

Elsewhere on the car, the Spider differentiates itself from the coupe by way of a larger front splitter, a new deck lid and side skirts, and a redesigned rear diffuser. The Spider is also fitted with special livery – a central stripe that runs the length of the car which Ferrari proclaims, “recalls the movement of the airflow and exalts the lines of the car”. Exclusive options such as one-piece carbon fibre wheels (in lieu of the standard also-unique-diamond-finish alloy wheels) will also be made available on the convertible.

While the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is still considered a concept with no release date or pricing information yet, we do expect that the car should enter production in the near future. Ferrari has openly acknowledged the popularity of convertibles – particularly in the U.S. – and will be incentivized to to appeal to their demand.

See: All Ferrari 488 Pista Articles

September 6, 2018 / Comments Off on Ultimate Guide – What You Need to Know About Ferraris Brilliant V8 Special Series Cars
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15 Affordable & Reasonably Priced Ferraris for First Time Collectors

Second Hand Ferraris: Our Favorite Modern and Classic Ferraris For Under $120,000.

Ask nearly any car enthusiast which dream cars they want and odds are there is at least one Ferrari on their wish list. The question is can you buy a used or vintage Ferrari on a budget?

Many people think you need millions of dollars in the bank to get into a Ferrari. We recently published our 100 most expensive Ferraris and best limited edition Ferrari list and it took about five minutes for readers to complain that the lists were useless because there are only a few hundred people in the world that can actually afford these cars. Fair point. Luckily, we love creating best of Ferrari lists so we decided to do some research and give you the list of the best affordable Ferraris you can buy. The good news is that we found plenty of Ferraris that still sell for prices within reach of most car guys.

Classic or Modern Ferrari? Which is Best?

We are car guys and we know there are nuances that matter when it comes to these topics. Nobody we know says “I have $50k to spend on a car and my only requirement is that it is a Ferrari”. Everybody is different. For example, what determines an affordable Ferrari to one person is different than another. For one person a bargain Ferrari is one that has depreciated a lot, is likely to maintain its current value and is under $150k. Another person wants a heritage Ferrari that is slower than a Honda Civic but is perfect for a first time Ferrari collector. To another person it is quite simply finding the cheapest car, the true entry point into Ferrari ownership.

The good news is that today you don’t need six figures to buy a good Ferrari. The bad news is that for six figures you can also buy a turd of a Ferrari. For example, you can probably get your hands on a classic Ferrari for well less than $100k, but expect absurdly high maintenance costs, skyhigh parts prices and labor costs to scare the life out of you. With older Ferrari prices climbing quickly that may be the Ferrari bargain you want, but remember the market is pretty balanced so there are no free rides.

If you want a more modern Ferrari that is fast, handles well and has low maintenance costs then expect to pay up. Sure there are some affordable Ferraris around like that, but once again buyer beware because if it seems too good to be true, then it usually is.

It is not all doom and gloom of course. Whether you’re looking for a modern car that is easy to maintain or a classic Ferrari that’s still affordable there are a lot of great options within reach of most first time Ferrari buyers. In this article, we list try to finds them.

We decided the split the list by modern Ferrari and classic Ferrari models. The main reason being that those two buyers are radically different. So how did we decide what makes a classic Ferrari and a modern Ferrari. We looked at Wikipedia of course:

“A classic car is an older automobile; the exact definition varies around the world. The common theme is of an older car with enough historical interest to be collectable and worth preserving or restoring rather than scrapping. Cars 20 years and older typically fall into the classic class”

That was good enough for us. So here are our favorite budget Ferraris:

Modern Ferraris Under $120,000

How do we define a modern Ferrari? Great question. We asked around and the consensus was that a Ferrari made in the last twenty years would be appropriate to call a modern Ferrari. People also said they think of a modern Ferrari as one that is easy to maintain and that is quick by modern standards.

What we found is that you can find some awesome five figure Ferraris that are modern and reliable. The tasty models in this section of our list are probably the most interesting to us because they suit buyers who grew up with Ferrari posters on their walls and are now coming to an age where they have the means to buy their first Ferrari. Sure some of those guys are buying new 488s, but most are looking to spend less than $120,000 on a car.

So let’s get this straight. This buyer wants a Ferrari and they want to spend less than $120,000. They want it to look modern, not break down or cost a fortune to service and they want it to be fast and sound like a true Ferrari.

Sounds easy. Here we go:

Best Second Hand Ferraris To Buy - Ferrari F355

Best Second Hand Ferraris To Buy - Ferrari F355

1. Ferrari F355

Model Years: 1995-1998 / Units Produced: 11,273 / Engine: 3.5L V8 / Horsepower: 375 hp / Price Guide: $70,000 – $90,000 USD

If I had $70k to spend on a Ferrari our choice would be the Ferrari F355. First it is easily the best looking modern-day Ferrari, much nicer than the butch 1980s Ferraris we had to deal with. Second, there are a lot of F355s out there with over 11,000 units made from 1995 till 1998 so picking one up for reasonable money and in good condition is totally doable. Third, while closely related to those late-model 348s, the F355 was a massive step forward technically, with way more performance and refinement (and way better sound too). This is a true modern Ferrari and it is reasonably priced and a relative bargain when you factor in maintenance costs compared to the 348s before it. Perhaps the coolest thing about the F355 is that you can actually get one in manual. Yes, gated shift, awesome, back to basics manual. Hallelujah. Sign me up.

The F355 was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. Body style wise, there were Berlinetta (coupe), GTS (targa roof) and Spider (convertible) models available. Manual gearboxes we standard until 1997 with the launch of the F1 gearbox (a single-clutch automated transmission). Our pick would be a six-speed manual in GTS (targa roof) spec and optional Fiorano handling pack although other buyers seem to agree so they tend to go for a little more.

The F355 is a special car to drive. The flat-plane-crank V8 doesn’t actually sound that good when you’re cruising, but floor the throttle and it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The 3.5-liter V-8 (375 hp) has five valves per cylinder, revs beyond 8000 rpm and propelled the gets you to 60 mph in under five seconds. It’s that screaming, rev to the skies Ferrari V8 that does it for me, it is just awesome and once you get to its sweet spot that V8 sound develops a hard edge and screams in true V8 Ferrari tradition. The F355 drives really well and while a new hot hatch will destroy it performance wise, it is a genuinely balanced and sporty car in the twisty stuff and with a manual gearbox and that exploitable and enjoyable V8 right behind you there are fewer better feelings in the world.

More: Ferrari 355 In-Depth

2000 Ferrari 360 Modena Gallery

2000 Ferrari 360 Modena Gallery

2. Ferrari 360 Modena

Model Years: 2000-2004 / Units Produced: 8,500 (Modena), 7,500 (Spider), 1,288 (Challenge Stradale) / Engine: 3.6L V8 / Horsepower: 400 hp / Price Guide: $70,000 – $90,000 USD

The 360 Modena was a replacement for the F355. I was not a big fan of the 360 Modena design when it launched in 1999 (still not a fan actually), but boy did this Ferrari change the game technically. It combined strong performance, everyday refinement and all-around usability into a package that was truly a supercar you could drive every day. For lucky buyers looking for a modern Ferrari at reasonable money, the great news is that the 360 Modena is actually quite affordable and can be yours for between $70,000 and $90,000 for a nice example. Ferrari produced 17,000 units so there are a lot of good examples to be found.

When the Ferrari 360 Modena arrived it was the first Ferrari with an all-aluminum chassis which made it 130 pounds lighter than the F355 and gave it 65 percent more torsional rigidity. While the design didn’t do anything for me it was advanced in that it had been the first production Ferrari that had thousands of hours of wind tunnel testing to optimize aerodynamics. The result was 400 pounds of downforce at 180 mph (with no wing).

How about the engine? The 3.6-liter V8 engine was another masterpiece. With 400-hp and six-speed transmission, it hit 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and topped out at 186 mph. It was also three seconds a lap faster around the Fiorano test track than the F355. You could opt for either an F1 paddle shift or six-speed manual.

The 360 Modena was more comfortable and much roomier inside than the F355. It was also reliable and much cheaper to service. Maintenance wise the scary thought of days of labor taking engine out and putting it back just to change a cambelt (an issue that plagued earlier mid-engined Ferraris) was a thing of the past. The addition of more modern technology and a focus on reliability means that maintenance costs aren’t out of this world (for a Ferrari). Believe it or not this is an engine that does better the more you drive it, so don’t be scared off by higher mileage 360s assuming of course they have up to date books.

The Modena and Spider offer very similar driving experiences – comfortable, fast and great handling. The steering is very quick and accurate. Compared to the F355 you can feel the more rigid body and the stronger motor. The 360 is easier to drive, more composed and more fun than the F355 and the additional power makes it seriously fast even by today’s standards. It feels faster in person than the numbers suggest and has an exhaust note that will go down in history books as one of the best sounding cars ever. You could drive the F360 everyday, it is comfortable and relatively reliable while still being fun.

Our pick is a manual Spider (actually our pick Challenge Stradale but that’s not a bargain).

More:  Ferrari 360 Modena In-Depth

2005 Ferrari F430 Gallery

2005 Ferrari F430 Gallery

3. Ferrari F430

Model Years: 2004–2009 / Engine: 4.3L V8 / Horsepower: 483 hp / Price Guide: $ $100,000 – $125,000 USD

While the Scuderia the one we really want, it is still not “bargain” money so we’re going to talk about the F430 Spider and Coupe F430 versions are starting at just under $90,000 (that’s 991 Porsche money). We would recommend that you spend a little extra and get one that has excellent books and history.

Make no mistake, even today the F430 is epic. Top Gear called it the best car in the world when they first reviewed it and I drove one recently and would call it the best balance between daily driveability, reasonable cost and absurd but usable performance on the road. A 458 is too fast for the road and a 360 Modena is slower than a fast hatch. An F430 is perfect and it still feels super special and exotic even today.

The F430 may have carried over some chassis and body elements from the 360 but it was clear from the beginning that it was a significantly improved sports car. Technological updates included such things as a new electronic e-diff and an all new 4.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 that makes 483 horsepower at an awesome 8,500 rpm redline. It weighs 3,200 pounds and reaches 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. The sound is the best in the business, especially when revving to the stratosphere.

When it was launched all the journalists raved about it. Handling was supposedly fantastic. Straight line performance was out of this world. Engagement and feeling were the best ever for a Ferrari. People talked about how the electronics enhanced the driving experience. All these years later the above are all still true with the addition of two important facts. Behind the wheel of the F430 is still a blast and it ia teaming with feel, is flat in corners and is enjoyable on the street, mountain pass or on track. It is really comfortable and surprisingly easy to maneuver in daily traffic too. Add reasonable service and running costs and a price under $100,000, this may be the bargain of the bunch.

See: Ferrari F430 In-Depth

2009→2012 Ferrari California

2009→2012 Ferrari California

4. Ferrari California

Model Years: 2009–2014 / Units Produced:~13,500 / Engine: 4.3L V8 / Horsepower: 453 hp / Price Guide: $ $100,000 – $135,000 USD

According to Wikipedia, the Ferrari California was: The first front engined Ferrari with a V8, the first to feature a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the first hard top convertible with a folding metal roof, the first with multi-link rear suspension, the first with direct petrol injection. That is a lot of firsts for the first generation California (from 2015–2018 the California was updated with new styling a new turbo engine and is too expensive to be on our bargain list). A lot of purists hated the California because it wasn’t hardcore enough.

Yes, this is a real Ferrari and yes it is a relative bargain these days. For under $100k gets you a Ferrari V8 you can drive every day. We can assure you having driven the California it is a great Ferrari and is legitimate fun and very fast. Sure, it is not a canyon carver like a 458 but it is the perfect daily driver and is easily the most practical Ferrari you can buy.

It’s a softer, more approachable Ferrari which is why which 70 percent of California buyers so were new to the brand. If you want a Ferrari that is quick with a blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment, then this might be the Ferrari V8 bargain for you.

While the California was made all the way through 2017 we suggest you focus on the earlier 2008 to 2012 models if you’re looking for a true bargain.

See: Ferrari California In-Depth

1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello Gallery

1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello Gallery

5. Ferrari 550 Maranello

Model Years: 1996–2001 / Units Produced: 3,083 / Engine: 5.5 L V12 / Horsepower: 478 hp / Price Guide: $100,000 – $120,000 USD

The Ferrari 550 Maranello launched as a 1996 model and was a replacement to the aging Testarossa/512TR models. Unlike the Testarossa the 550 Maranello returned to a front-engine layout like the classic Ferrari GTs (think Daytona and 275) of yesteryear. The end result was the a massive upgrade over its predecessor, with better handling, more comfort, practicality and better looking proportions. Ferrari 550 Maranello had a 5.5 liter V12 with 478 horsepower and rear wheel drive. The design has the perfect front engines GT proportions and looks modern even today, aging very well.

The manual gearbox and well weighted steering mean that the handling balance and driveability of the 550 stand out on the road. It is perfectly powered too (especially compared to the crazy F12 or 812 Superfast) so you are total ease behind the wheel, comfortable giving it the beans and really pushing it without the fear of something bad happening. It is way more engaging and fun than the rockets being made today (call us old school). The fantastic powertrain combined with comfortable seats and a decent amount of space to make an absolutely brilliant grand tourer.

While you can buy a 550 for under US$120,000 we are seeing that values have been steadily increasing over the last twelve months or so. Ferrari made a relatively small number of 550s, with only 3,083 units sold between 1996 and 2001. As always look for a good service history and updated books when shopping.

See: Ferrari 550 In-Depth

6. Ferrari 575M Maranello

Model Years: 2002–2006 / Units Produced: 2,056 / Engine: 5.7 L V12 / Horsepower: 508 hp / Price Guide: $100,000 – $120,000 USD

A funny thing happened when we researched this list. We had both the 550 Maranello and the 575 on our list and then we realized that you can buy the 575M for less than a 550 (on average). Not sure why because there were only 2,056 575s made compared to the 550s and the 575 was overall a better car. Nostalgia I guess, but I suspect we will see 575M Maranello prices creep up sooner rather than later.

The 575M is pretty close to the 550. The 575M showed up in 2002 and had a revised, more aggressive design, a nicer interior, more power and adaptive suspension. Boring out the V12 to 5.75 liters gave the 575M 515 horsepower (37 more than the 550). The changes made a difference. You could also order the 575M with the flappy paddle F1 transmission that was clearly faster than the manual for lap times.

In terms of driving, the 575M felt sharper than the 550 with more immediacy and less inertia. Journalists said: “it feels lighter on its springs when driven hard into compressions, and less prone to the 550’s habit of running out of body control when confronted with a series of awkwardly spaced crests and troughs. There’s still a lot of momentum at work, and you can still drive the Maranello hard into its bump stops, but the 575’s adaptive dampers feel better able to keep the mass in check”.

See: Ferrari 575 In-Depth

2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

7. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Model Years: 2007–2012 / Engine: 6.0 L V12 / Horsepower: 612 hp / Price Guide: Starts at $120,000 USD

We admit we were a little sneaky here. We found three Ferrari 599 GTBs for under $120,000 in the entire United States so technically the 599 makes our list at just under our price limit. Clearly you won’t find a great example for that kind of money but its hard not to include a masterpiece Ferrari in our list of awesome modern Ferrari’s for bargain money.

The Ferrari 599 was the successor to the 575M Maranello and arrived in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was a statement by Ferrari about the future of the Grand Touring segment. Gone were the classic, flowing, “designer is king” GT proportions, replaced by aero-first designs that are all about efficiency and performance. The front-engined V12 format stayed but how the engine performed and felt were radically transformed forever. A new era where the modern classic 575 was replaced by F1-tech-laden 599.

The chassis was all-aluminium and changing gears was via a super fast F1 paddle shift gearbox. The 599 also came with things like F1-Trac stability and traction control, magnetic semi-active dampers and carbon-ceramic brakes. It was a total departure from front engined Ferraris that came before it. The 599’s V12 engine was basicallty a detuned Enzo unit with 6.0-liter displacement and 612 bhp at 8400 rpm. At the time it made the 599 GTB the most powerful front engine Ferrari ever.

We found this quote by EVO magazine to describe the 599 which we loved: “Flat-out in the 599 is an all-consuming experience, each gear delivering a more intense hit than the last. The Veyron may post fiercer figures, but it surely can’t match the Fiorano’s naturally aspirated immediacy on give-and-take roads” (evo 093).

Price wise you are going to struggle to find a 599 for under $120,000. It is worth noting that the 599 also had a HGTE pack option and those cars go for way more than the base 599 GTB. If you’re not that budget conscious the HGTE packages is worth the extra money because it comes with firmer springs and rear anti-roll bar, lowered ride height and modified magnetic suspension settings, sharpen throttle response, while the exhaust allows more of the V12’s noise to be heard in the cabin. If budget is truly no issue, just pony up the $800,000+ it costs to get the super-limited edition 599 GTO and call it a day.

See: Ferrari 599 In-Depth

Classic Ferraris Under $120,000

The modern stuff a little to sedate and plain for you? Are you looking for a little more nostalgia in your Ferrari? Did you grow up with Ferrari and Lamborghini posters on your wall? Then a classic Ferrari may be the way to go. While we all know that the market for classic and rare Ferraris has cars selling for tens of millions of dollars, you don’t need to be a millionaire to drive a classic Ferrari. In fact as we found some tasty entry level Ferraris that a new collector could buy for less than $100,000.

1973 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 Gallery

1973 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 Gallery

1. Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

Model Years: 1973–1980 / Engine: 3.0 L Dino V8 / Horsepower: 250 hp / Price Guide: $60,000 – $70,000

We will be the first ones to say that buying a 1970s era Ferrari isn’t for the faint of heart. Initially badged as a Dino the 308 GT4 only officially became a ‘real’ Ferrari three years later. We love the cool ‘70s wedge-shaped car and it’s fun 250bhp V8. While 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds is not fast by today’s standard, we can say that driving this car is a real experience.

There is some historical value here too with this being Ferrari’s first V8 road car and the marque’s first mid-engined 2+2, but the 308 GT4 (‘3’ for 3 litres,‘8’ for 8 cylinders, ‘4’ for 4 seats). Even more historically significant was that this Ferrari was designed by Bertone rather than Pininfarina. It is also pretty practical. The transversely mounted engine means that the GT4 was a 2+2 and is pretty roomy back there (for kids, not adults) and ever had reasonable luggage space to boot.

Our pick is the earlier models since they got the full 250 hp (emissions laws meant post 1976 models were down to 200 hp thanks to catalytic converters). Plus the earlier models sounded better with that awesome four-cam 3.0-liter V8 fed by four Weber carburetors – real old school V8 goodness. It might come as a surprise to find that a 308GT4 can be reliable given regular servicing. Overall, the 308 GT4 is one of the most reasonably affordable ways to buy a Ferrari.

See: Dino 308 GT4 In-Depth

1977→1979 Ferrari 308 GTB

1977→1979 Ferrari 308 GTB

2. Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS

Model Years: 1975–1985 / Engine: 2.9 L V8 / Horsepower: 240 – 252 bhp  / Price Guide: $45,000 – $65,000

The Pininfarina designed 308 was the first of the mid-engined V8 breed to emerge from Ferrari and made its debut in 1975. While it is slow by today’s standards it is just a great car all around and so much fun.

The carb-fed 2.9-litre mid-mounted V8 packed 252 hp and hustled the ~2,000 pound Ferrari to 60 mph in 6 seconds (not bad for 1975). Top speed was 152 mph. The classic design is known by everybody and is still pretty modern with its wedge shape and vents.

Ferrari expanded the 308 lineup with several variants of the coupe and convertible models. The mid-mounted V-8 was essentially the same as in the Dino GT4’s, a 3.0-liter quad-cam, first with Weber carbs and then fuel injection from the early 1980s. A V8 with four valves per cylinder made its debut in 1982.

For most this is the Ferrari they remember growing up, thanks in large part to Magnum, P.I. That means while prices are quite reasonable today, we are seeing upward pressure and expect that to continue over time. Ferrari made thousands of 308s so take your time picking a good one. The 308 was available in Berlinetta (GTB) and Targa (GTS forms), with the coupe being rarer than its open top sibling.

See: Ferrari 208/308/328 Articles

1986 Ferrari 328 GTS Gallery

1986 Ferrari 328 GTS Gallery

3. Ferrari 328 GTS

Model Years: 1986-1989 / Engine: 3.2 L V8 / Horsepower: 270 bhp  / Price Guide: $65,000 – $80,000

In the mid-80s, the elegant shape of the open-topped 308 GTS was further softened and rounded to become – once a 270bhp 3.2-liter engine had been fitted amidships – the 328 GTS.

The curvier body not only updated the looks, it also improved the aerodynamics. Inside the new drop-top, the now outdated 1970s seats and trim and switchgear were also thoroughly refreshed.

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1985, the 328 GTS was an instant hit and – during the four years of its production – more than 6,000 cars were sold: around five times as many as its hard-topped brother, the 328 GTB.

The extra displacement and 270 horsepower meant it was more fun to drive than the 308. The 328 is also considered by some Ferrari enthusiasts to be one of the most reliable Ferraris; unlike some models, most engine maintenance can be performed without lowering the engine from the vehicle.

See: Ferrari 328 GTS In-Depth

1985 Ferrari Mondial 3.2

1985 Ferrari Mondial 3.2

4. Ferrari Mondial

Model Years: 1980-1993 (all models) / Engine: 2.9-3.4 L V8 / Horsepower: 214-300 bhp  / Price Guide: $30,000 – $60,000

The Mondial was one of Ferrari’s most commercially successful models, with over 6,000 examples produced over its thirteen-year run and that is good for second hand prices. The Mondial underwent many updates throughout its production with four distinct variants produced: the Mondial 8, Mondial QV, Mondial 3.2, and Mondial t. All but the Mondial 8 were released in both coupé and cabriolet (convertible) body form. It was the successor to the 308 GT4 and this time Pininfarina was in charge of design.

This is a practical Ferrari. It had a longer wheelbase which meant some more space for the back seats and, thanks to this and its greater levels of comfort. It is a genuinely useable Ferrari. Today, Mondial is a byword for an affordable – but still high-performance – classic Ferrari.

Our pick is the final Mondial variant, the Mondial t, released in 1989. This contained some of the biggest changes in the Mondial history, with an even-larger 3.4 l (210 cu in) engine, a substantial update to the exterior styling and interior ergonomics, and with an entirely new, albeit more complex to service, powertrain. Overall the Mondial t is considered the best vehicle in the range regarding overall performance and refinement, although it is often noted that this comes at the cost of greater maintenance.

See: Ferrari Mondial T In-Depth

1985 Ferrari 412i

1985 Ferrari 412i

5. Ferrari 412i

Model Years: 1985–1989 (all models) / Units Produced: 576 Engine: 4.9 L V12 / Horsepower: 335 hp  / Price Guide: $40,000 – $60,000

This is probably the most unique looking classic Ferrari with its angular lines and non-curvaceous body. A total of 576 examples of the 412 model were produced during the production run (the 400 sold over 3,000 units over 16 years).

The 412 is the final evolution of Ferrari 400 model. Introduced in 1985 the 412 was a direct replacement for the 400 and saw the engine grow to 4.9-litres.  The 412 replaced the 400i. A higher boot line and deeper front spoiler were the most notable visual changes and a raft of other changes included new sill panels, new wheels, clear indicator lenses and black windscreen and window surrounds. The 412 was also the first Ferrari to offer Bosch ABS as standard.

While we love the 365GT4 2+2 with its large V12 and great handling coupled with luxurious leather interior, it was the 400 and later 400i that are our favorites because they added the automatic gearbox which better suited the cars characteristics. Peak power of 340bhp was also delivered at lower revs which made it more drivable day to day. Today, the 412i is great value and is one cheapest Ferraris you can buy.

See: Ferrari 412 in depth

1984→1991 Ferrari Testarossa

1984→1991 Ferrari Testarossa

6. Ferrari Testarossa

Model Years: 1984-1996 / Engine: 4.9 L flat-12 / Horsepower: 385 hp  / Price Guide: $90,000 – $110,000

The Testarossa became the poster-car exotic for the late 1980s. Made famous for its role in Miami Vice and Sega’s Out Run, the Testarossa was Ferraris definitely the leading supercar in the mid-eighties. Its distinctive side strakes and ultra-wide rear track inspired many other supercar designs and they became a symbol of 1980’s retrograde culture.

Compared to the 512i BB it effectively replaced, the Testarossa was a larger car that accommodated mid-mounted radiators. This helped reduce cockpit heat and also had the effect of making the car much wider at the rear. It also provided more space in the front trunk.

The Testarossa was powered by a 4.9-liter version of Ferrari’s Boxer-12 which was effectively a 180º V12. Producing 390 bhp, 0–60 miles per hour was typically clocked at 5.2 seconds. Ferrari built 7000 units through 1991 when it introduced the 512TR, really an evolution of the car most notable for lowering the flat-12 engine in the chassis to improve handling.

The Testarossa can be purchased for just under $100,000 but nice examples go for $120,000 or more. We are seeing values increase too so this is solid investment for the first time Ferrari collector.

See: Ferrari Testarossa in depth

1993→1994 Ferrari 348 GT Competizione

1993→1994 Ferrari 348 GT Competizione

7. Ferrari 348

Model Years: 1989–1995 / Units Produced: 8,844 / Engine: 3.4 L V8 / Horsepower: 300 hp  / Price Guide: $40,000 – $60,000

Introduced in 1989, the 348 was a major departure for Ferrari’s successful road-going, mid-engine series of sports cars and it replaced two of the most popular Ferrari models in history, the 308 and the 328. The new car featured a pressed-steel monocoque chassis that helped to reduce mass and, in the style of the legendary 288 GTO, it combined a transversely mounted gearbox coupled to a longitudinally mounted engine allowing for a very balanced and agile sports car.

The 348 was luxuriously equipped with air-conditioning and a multitude of power features, making it a much more civilized overall package than its predecessor. It was a watershed design for Ferrari who, for the first time, incorporated innovations learned from Formula One Grand Prix development programs into the basic attributes and configuration of production road cars.

The 348’s 3.4 liter V8 generated 300 hp and sat amidship. The reality is that the 348 got trounced by the Lotus Espirit and Acura NSX in comparison tests. People complained that it looked bad, its seating position was horrible and the handling was atrocious. We say, it still looks and sounds like a Ferrari and can be bought for about $40,000. This is a great entry level Ferrari for somebody looking to get into prancing horse ownership.

See: Ferrari 348 in depth

8. Ferrari 456

Model Years: 1992–1997 (456), 1998–2003 (456M) / Units Produced: 3,289 / Engine: 5.5 L V12 / Horsepower: 436 hp  / Price Guide: $60,000 – $75,000

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 456 GT debuted in Europe in 1993 and was first available in the U.S. in 1995, and can be viewed as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2 / 400 / 412 series. This front-engined 2+2 grand tourer had a 436 hp, 5.5-liter V-12 mated to a six-speed gearbox that propelled it from 0-60 in just over 5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph.

All of this performance could be managed from a cockpit that provided Connolly leather appointments for four (two of whom would almost certainly need to be children) and every other comfort expected of a $245,000 automobile, including a cockpit-adjustable suspension. Shortly after Ferrari introduced the 456 GT, the 456 GTA became available, the “A” signifying a four-speed automatic gearbox.

In 1998, Ferrari introduced an updated version, the 456M GT and GTA. This “Modificata” had a revised interior, some bodywork changes around the nose and hood, and a slight increase in horsepower to 442. The 456M GT remained in production until 2003, and in all just under 3,300 456 GTs and 456 GTMs were built until giving way to the 612 Scaglietti in 2004.

See: Ferrari 456 in depth

September 5, 2018 / Comments Off on 15 Affordable & Reasonably Priced Ferraris for First Time Collectors
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1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Sells for Record $48.2 Million – Most Expensive at Auction

RM Sotheby’s most anticipated Pebble Beach 2018 lot did not disappoint! The auction house had secured one of the most high profile sales of the weekend with a Ferrari 250 GTO. It is the second 250 GTO to cross the auction block in recent years and it smashed the record set by the previous version.

This particular 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is now the most valuable car ever sold at auction. It hammered at a staggering $44 million, $48.4 million if you include fees. The car was eventually sold to a telephone bidder, one of three who provided fierce competition for the vehicle. the bidding was frantic at times, starting at $35 million and increasing in increments of $1 million at times.

So what makes this particular Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 3413 GT, so special. To start with, it is one of 36 examples built. It is a numbers-matching example offered with its original engine, gearbox, rear axle and factory Series II body. It had been owned for two decades Dr Gregory Whitten, prior to which it was campaigned as a Series I in the 1962 Targa Florio road race, winning 1st in class at the 1963 and 1964 events.

RM Sotheby’s also achieved more exceptional results including a 1957 Porsche 550A Spyder that achieved $4.9 million, and a 1956 Maserarti A6G/2000 Zagato which went for $4.5 million. The previous day, the auction house sold a 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Competition Prototype for $21.455 million.

August 29, 2018 / Comments Off on 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Sells for Record $48.2 Million – Most Expensive at Auction
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Ferrari 250 GTO Sets Auction Record

I feel like every time we update our most expensive Ferraris ever list a week or two passes and it is time to update it again. This past weekend was one of those weekends with the sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO (chassis 3413 GT) during the 2018 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, held August 26th.

Everybody knows that Ferrari GTOs are considered the biggest trophies in the car-collecting world for their rarity, power, beauty and success on the race track. A 1962-63 GTO then sold at auction in California in 2014 for $38 million, but that was eclipsed this weekend with this sale making chassis 3413 GT the most valuable car ever sold at auction. 

It probably the coolest auction ever with five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell stepping out of the car after driving it across the auction block in front of an a huge crowd. Bidding opened at (gulp) $35 million. Three collectors (over the phone) went back and forth for almost ten minutes until sold for $48,405,000 (with fees).  The Ferrari 250 GTO was offered with its original engine, gearbox, rear axle and factory Series II body after two decades in the collection of Gregory Whitten. This car was unique in that the GTO began its life as a Series I and was used as a test car by Phil Hill for the 1962 Targa Florio road race, before proceeding to win 1st in class at the event for the next two years. This led the car to claim the 1962 Italian National GT Championship, with victories in 9 out of 10 races. It is the third of a mere 36 examples built. That kind of racing pedigree is what drives prices for GTOs.

This astronomical auction price however was still not enough for this car to crack the top of the most expensive Ferraris ever list because when you take into account private sales, there are two more notable prices paid for Ferraris. Just this year (2018) the record was broken when a $70 million GTO was sold to David MacNeil (founder of WeatherTech). That car (one of only 36 that were made) won the 1964 famed Tour de France race and came in fourth at Le Mans. It’s painted in silver and yellow and despite a winning record on the track was never crashed, unlike many other GTOs. Previously the highest price for a car was $52 million, paid for a 1963 Ferrari GTO in 2013, also a private sale. 

All photos from RM Sotheby’s

August 27, 2018 / Comments Off on Ferrari 250 GTO Sets Auction Record
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