THE FERRARI 488 GTB WOWS GENEVA – EXTREME POWER FOR EXTREME DRIVING PLEASURE

FERRARI 488 GTB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ferrari Press

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Ferrari showcases complete range of new-generation models at Paris

The Ferrari display at the Paris Salon showcases the five cars making up the current range, each of which represents a new generation of the company’s 8- and 12-cylinder models.

The F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance V12 ever built, thanks to its 740 hp power output and light, compact architecture. It is flanked by a model with a complementary mission, the FF, our revolutionary four-seater four-wheel-drive car which now sports a new full-length panoramic roof in a special reflective glass (LowE) that gives occupants a genuine open-air driving feeling, while providing thermal and acoustic insulation.

The coupé and the Spider versions of the 458, powered by the V8 that has won the Best Performance Engine Award for two consecutive years, are designed for owners seeking a sportier driving experience. The California 30 – the ‘30’ in the name referring to the reduction in weight and increase in horsepower introduced on the model earlier this year - is aimed at owners who put more store in greater versatility of use.

In line with its “Different Ferraris for different Ferraristi” philosophy, these cars are designed to fulfil complementary roles without compromising their DNA which remains absolutely unique in terms of performance, driving pleasure and advanced technologies. All offer exclusive design that combines modern styling with traditional cues typical of the marque.

Ferrari continually invests significant sums in its product range and this has led to the creation of 8- and 12-cylinder engines whose specific power outputs, levels of torque and maximum rev limits are unprecedented while, at the same time, offering improved fuel efficiency. Important innovations have led to reductions in the weight of our cars, too. In fact, the Scaglietti facility, which specialises in aluminium fabrication, works with more than 25 different alloys, some of which are being used for the first time in the automotive sector.

While power has been boosted by approximately 100 hp across the model range, fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by 30 per cent compared to four years ago thanks to work done not only on our engines and structural components, but also on aerodynamics, tyres and vehicle sub-systems.

Ferrari continues to invest heavily in innovation and is planning to launch the first hybrid model in its history in the near future. Having already revealed the power unit’s architecture and components, Ferrari has chosen Paris to debut the new composite chassis derived directly from Formula 1 technologies.

Ferrari drew on its vast experience in working with composites for single-seaters for its new hybrid model which will be produced in a limited-edition, special series. For this model Ferrari chose not to use the industrial carbon-fibre manufacturing techniques, such as RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding), normally adopted in the automotive sector, as they did not meet the quality and functional standards Ferrari set itself.

The materials, design methodologies, construction processes, staff and instruments used are all shared with the Scuderia Ferrari, with the formation of a working group which relied on an important contribution from Rory Byrne, Ferrari’s F1 chief designer who was behind 11 of the team’s Championship titles.

The chassis uses four different types of carbon-fibre and is hand-laminated then cured in autoclaves following engineering processes which optimise the design by integrating the different components.

The main structure is made from T800 carbon with local, strategic applications of T800UD, a unidirectional carbon-fibre tape, for reinforcement. To ensure weight was kept to an absolute minimum, the structural underbody and the cross-member are made from another type of particularly high tensile strength carbon-fibre known as M46J. In certain critical areas, such as the doors, very tough T1000 was adopted as it is particularly efficient in terms of impact absorption which is why it is used in the nose-cone of the single-seaters. Carbon-fibre is combined with Kevlar® for the undertray to prevent damage from debris thrown up from the road.

The overall chassis is 20 per cent lighter than the Enzo Ferrari, despite the extra weight required by housing the hybrid components and to meet regulatory obligations. Torsional rigidity is increased by 27 per cent and beam stiffness is up by 22 per cent.

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Photos : FERRARI 458 TWINS

FERRARI 458 TWINS

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The beauty of FOUR from Ferrari, launched in India

Shreyans Group, New Delhi once again creates magic by making the Ferrari FF available in India. The FF will be the 4^th line-up from Ferrari in India and first four seats and four-wheel drive model which is described as a shooting-brake.

Ferrari SPA Chief Executive Officer Amedeo Felisa said that the latest FF model, which made its global debut earlier this year, has so far sold 800 units and bookings are already complete for next year, at over 1,000 units. Since its formal entry into India in May this year, the company has got bookings for 20 cars so far. It had launched models such as the California, 458 Italia and 599GTB Fiorano, with prices starting from `2.2 crore. Globally, Ferrari aims to sell about 7,000 cars this year, as against 6,500 cars last year, Felisa said.

The Ferrari FF has the largest capacity Ferrari engine ever produced, it possess a 6.3 Litre naturally aspirated direct injected V12 engine which produces 651bhp. The transmission of the FF is similar to that of the Ferrari California and 458 Italia equipped with 7-speed double-clutch semi-automatic paddle shift system.

The FF also features the four-wheel drive system called 4RM, engineered and patented by Ferrari. 4RM means, it is around 50% lighter than a conventional system, and provides power intelligently to each of the four wheels as needed. It only functions when the manettino dial on the steering wheel is in the "comfort" or "snow" positions, leaving the car most often in the traditional rear wheel drive layout.

The FF shares the design language of present-day Ferraris, including the pulled-back headlights of the 458 Italia, and the twin circular taillights of the 599 GTB Fiorano. Distinctive styling elements include a large egg-crate grille, defined side skirts, and four exhaust tips.

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Ferrari officially enters India

It’s happy time for all exotic car enthusiasts in the country, especially Ferrari fans.

The Prancing horse officially announces its debut into Indian auto market. The complete range of Ferrari models will be available in India, to begin with the 8 cylinder Ferrari California and 458 Italia, backed with 599GTB Fiorano. Ferrari FF, the latest addition to the family which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show this year will be available at the later part of the year.

Ferrari targets to sell out more than 100 cars in the next 3 years. The company believes India has great enthusiasm and a strong connection to the Ferrari brand, which, even before officially entering India, had already around 50 clients in the country.

India is the 58^th market of the company, and the first official dealership is opened at Jan path in New Delhi. The Shreyans Group, who is the official Ferrari importer of India, will setup an independent Ferrari India office with Ferrari experienced professionals to manage the upcoming dealer network.

"We are proud to announce the partnership with Ferrari today. This brand represents for us the epitome of success and we are proud to partner with one of the world's most desired brand. We will establish a highly qualified network of Ferrari dealers across India to cater to the discerning needs of our customer" said Ashish Chordia, Chairman of Shreyans Group.

Following the dealership at New Delhi, Mumbai will see the second and 3 more outlets in the country by 2012. The dealership will be supported by official Ferrari Service, and the combination will promise a top-level customer experience and best in class service.

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