Friday, October 30, 2009

Ferrari Cars Overview

The Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari and first produced cars in 1947. Today, the parent company for Ferrari is Fiat. The Ferraris engines are famous for their engine displacement technology. The V6 and the V8 are built in total displacement, while the V12 used a displacement of one cylinder. Some of the latest Ferrari models include the Ferrari 550, the 575 M Maranello, 599 GTB Fiorano, the 612 Scaglietti,, the F355, the Ferrari 360, the F430, the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari FXX.

The 599 GTB Fiorano was started to be produced in 2007, and it is a Gran Turismo two seat berlinetta with a FR layout. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a follower of the Ferrari 456 and it is a 2+2 coupe Gran Turismo. It was first launched in 2004 and is still being manufactured. Another car also launched in 2004 is the Ferrari F430. It is a sports car and it is available as a two seat Berlinetta and as a two seat Spider. The F430 has a MR layout and can be purchased with a 6 manual or semi automatic speed.

The Enzo Ferrari is a super car/ ultra car manufactured between 2002 and 2004 and was launched in the memory of the founder of the Ferrari company. The Enzo was manufactured in only 400 copies so it was a highly expensive item. It had a Berlinetta body style and a MR layout. The follower model of the Enzo Ferrari was the FXX, which is also a super car. The FXX was released in 2005, and is said to be an improved Enzo Ferrari with the same MR layout and Berlinetta body style. The FXX keeps many of the Enzos features but has also new cool features that are singular to the FXX. The car is highly expensive and it may be driven on special tracks only. The last FXX, the 30th was given to Michael Schumacher. A similar super car is the Maserati MC12 Corsa.

Ferrari si also responsilble for some concept models, which include among others the Ferrari P5, the Ferrari Pininfarina 512S Berlinetta Speciale, the Pininfarina Modulo, the Ferrari Mythos, the Ferrari GG50, the Ferrari P4/5 and the Ferrari Zagato 575 GTZ.
Read more »

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ferrari 599 GTO

The 599 GTO benefits directly from the carry-over of the Ferrari racing experience representing the most advanced technology applied to a road car thanks to its numerous cutting edge features. With a Fiorano lap time of 1'24" the 599 GTO is the fastest road-going Ferrari ever. A mid front engine V12 berlinetta, the 599 GTO belongs to the exclusive series of 599 cars. The model is built on the platform of the production vehicles, but developed with a completely different and revolutionary concept, more closed to the 599 XX - the sport prototype designed for track only.

The 599 GTO represents the new pinnacle of sports car performance and was designed specifically for the most enthusiastic drivers who know how to appreciate and exploit its power. It has an unprecedented weight-to-power ratio that has been achieved thanks to new materials and technologies that have contributed to slash 100 kg from its overall weight and the aerodynamic package doubling the down force of the 599 GTB Fiorano.

The 670 CV V12 engine derives from the 599 XX but it is homologated for road usage. The car boasts also the new generation carbon ceramic brakes (CCM2). The electronic control systems allow the car to be exceptionally responsive and particularly suited to owners capable of making the very most of its level of performance.

The car's name recalls both the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the 599 XX sharing with the last one the same 5999 cc engine displacement.

GTO stays for "Gran Turismo Omologata" and represents a landmark in Ferrari's history. The abbreviation was first adopted in 1962 for the 250 GTO, long considered the finest Ferrari ever built, and then revived for the 1984 GTO, often unofficially referred as the 288 GTO and credited to have invented the modern supercar concept.

The 599 GTO engine is derived from the 599 XX, with all the necessary modifications to make the vehicle compliant to the road homologation. The 599 GTO is powered by a 65-degree V12, it has a 6-litre displacement and, with an output of 670 CV at 8,250 rpm, it boasts a power output of 112 CV/liter and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/CV. The engine provides a constant crescendo of power and torque all the way up to the rev limiter at 8,400 rpm. Torque peaks at 620 Nm at 6500 rpm with impressive flexibility even at low to medium revs and incredible pulling power all the way to the redline.

Meticulously selected materials and geometries ensure that the engine sound inside the car is carefully controlled to balance the intake sound with the exhaust, thus giving the driver plenty of feedback. The sound filtering through the cockpit is now eight decibel louder; it is clear and powerful regardless of engine speed or driving conditions.
Read more »