Category Archives for Auto Review
Concept Cars: Toyota goes back to the future with new GRMN Sports Hybrid
Back to the future! People are not talking about trading stock in Garmin when they mention GRMN lately, especially if they attended the Tokyo Motor Show. The Toyota motor corporation brought out their next gen model of their now classic … Continue reading
History of Ferrari: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
History of Ferrari!
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Investment Grade Auto Review –
Have you ever driven a Ferrari 599? The first time you drive one, chances are the first thoughts you have about the exotic car will be something other than fast. For most people, the first words that come to mind when driving the Ferrari 599 Fiorano are “WOW, this car is huge!”
From the drivers seat, looking out over the beautifully sculpted hood that seems to set over the horizon is a totally different feel one would expect when driving a Ferrari. The first time you pull it out of the garage will turn your hair white because its hard to get a feel where all four corners of the exotic car are getting near. Having not just one but two spotters to help you park — especially in any downtown or parallel parking situation — is almost imperative with these land yachts. Fortunately, they are so pretty and draw so much attention when you drive them to any crowded destination, there are usually plenty of volunteers gawking who are delighted to help guide both you and the car into any parking lot space safely.
[However white hair may be a prerequisite of ownership due to the MSRP.]
But, after you get over the first time fidgets and you light it up, it all seems to fall in place. Because of its long and narrow appearance you think it would be a handling nightmare but when the state of the art electronics take over it is smooth as silk.
The sound of the 5.99 liter v-12 engine sound like a formula one car as it is passing through 7000 rpm’s allowing you to make full use of the engines 612 horsepower. But one of the best features of the v-12 is that nothing else in the world feels like it when its winding up. Maybe a p-51 Mustang! It give you the feeling that the power is endless.
The Ferrari designed 6 speed F-1 transmission allows you to shift in less than 100 milliseconds and all without ever lifting your foot off of the throttle.
Styling is absolutely an A+. Like a captivating work of art, everywhere you look and every angle has a purpose and is functional.
Engine Specification: 5.99 liter 65 degree v-12 engine making 612 horsepower
Transmission: Ferrari designed F-1, 6 speed
Braking: Carbon Ceramic Braking System or C.C.B.S. Coupled with the front calliper measuring 353 x 33 millimetres and rear calliper measuring 328 x28 millimetres, intelligent software controlled braking that holds an internal memory of every likely combination of road conditions and characteristics, computes real life feed back from the system and reacts smoothly and positively in a fraction of a second.
Zero to 60: Motor Trend tested at 3.2 seconds 0 to 60.
Pricing: If you have to ask… Somewhere in the low to mid $300,000 Range.
Even though Ferrari has been adamant about no Ferrari selling for more that list price, some Ferrari dealerships in the United States will still ask a premium over list price. Some ownerships might even ask you to buy a car in stock in order to get in line for the car you really want. Either way, be prepared for the $50,000 happiness fee to be tagged on to any new car purchase price unless you are a Ferrari dealership owner — as in owner of the dealership, not owner of a hot car collection that includes Ferraris. But don’t quote me — as the practice has been quelled by the parent company the past few years in an attempt to do business more transparently.
See more 599 GTB Fiorano photos
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History of Fast Cars: Ferrari 458 Italia
History of FAST CARS!
Ferrari 458 Italia Investment Grade Auto Review –
After the production of one of the most successful and drivable cars that Ferrari has ever produced, the designers at Pininfarina have really outdone themselves with the Ferrari 458.
Pininfarina, which is the design house of choice for Ferrari, has been responsible for some of the most beautiful and seductive automobiles in the world. There efforts with the Ferrari 458 have incorporated hints of the Ferrari Enzo with its broad rear end, sweeping fender designs and front end lift.
The Ferrari 458 also has features that were used in Formula One racing such as a winglet on the front end that deforms at high speed to reduce aerodynamic drag.
The car’s interior was designed using input from former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, including a new steering wheel design which incorporated many features and control as opposed to their being on the dashboard, similar to racing car designs.
Performance:
All new direct-injection mid-rear mounted 4.5L V8 is seriously potent with 570 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, of which, 80% is available at 3,250 rpm.
Transmission:
The engine is mated with an all new 7-speed dual clutch gearbox sending power to the rear axle.
Top Speed:
The Ferrari 458 Italia now has the distinction of being the first production model capable of breaking the 200 mph barrier boasting a top speed of 202 mph. And the 0 to 60 time take only 3.4 seconds.
Fuel efficiency:
Even though the car has much more power that the Previous version F430, the 458 Italia is far more fuel efficient with a combined rating of 17.1 mpg as well as greatly reduced CO2 emissions.
FERRARI Recall:
The Ferrari 459 Italia, although a superior sports car, did have its day in the sun with an adhesive problem in the rear of the car.
On August 24th, 2010 the BBC reported that 10 Ferrari 458 Italia’s had either crashed or caught fire in just 3 months. Ferrari responded later that it was aware of the fire-related cases, and was in the process of investigating them.
On September 1st, 2010, Ferrari officially recalled all 1248 of the 458 Italia’s that were sold to date. A spokesman commented that the problem had been traced to adhesive used in the wheel arch assemblies, and that in certain circumstances, the glue could begin to overheat, smoke and even catch fire.In extreme cases, the melting adhesive could lead to heat shield deforming and hence moving closer to the exhaust thus causing the wheel arch lining to catch fire.
Owners who had reported fires that were later confirmed by independent engineers to be due to this problem would receive a new car. All other cars would be modified with mechanical fasteners.
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EDITORS NOTE: If you have questions for Jack Davis regarding this exotic car or any other Ferrari automobile, please feel free to contact ferrarifans@gmail.com — as an exotic car consultant, he will be happy to discuss the investment grade automobile market with you.
