458 Ferrari

The Ferrari 458 Italia - The Supercar to Beat

 Executive Summary By K Anders

The main event of the sports car world for 2010 has arrived with the launch of the Ferrari 458 Italia. The claimed performance figures of this new arrival are insane with a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds, not only fast in its own right but substantially faster than even the F430, the model it is replacing. Considering this is supposedly the entry-level model in the Ferrarirange, the price point is higher than previous models at the same level, substantially higher than its predecessor the F430. The baby of the Ferrari family has grown up.

Let's talk performance. The 458 provides a huge power to weight ration and provides massive speed which doesn't just build and build - it's like a rocket ship all the way through the gears and right up to 9000 revs. In terms of the transmission the gearbox is a triumph and despite being a double clutched set-up with paddles on the wheel it is always very responsive and never feels removed or clinical. The throttle is almost too sensitive with no room to ease on the power with subtlety, which feels almost at odds with the refined transmission. Sound wise the 458 Italia delivers like you would expect from a Ferrari with a vicious roar and a throaty burble on the over-run.

In terms of handling, the steering is light and you barely have to turn the wheel due to a very fast steering rack - only a couple of turns are needed to get from lock to lock. With pretty much everything you need found on the steering wheel itself, the 458 provides a very hands on drive with no distractions away from you, the wheel and the road ahead. There is fantastic traction in all conditions and the ride of the 459 feels much stiffer and more rigid than the F430.

Inside the car the cabin is a big step up on previous generations with a futuristic looking contoured dash angled towards the driver. It's also fairly functional with two displays either side of the central dash, one for the sat-nav and there other providing a host of information about the cars current status. Some argue that the styling of Ferrari's over recent years haven't been too great - eye-catching yes but not always pretty. If that were the case then the 458 bucks the trend. It truly is a sight to behold. The exterior style isn't purely for show either though with performance always in mind. The 458 is undoubtedly the performance car launch of the year and has thrown down the gauntlet for its competitors.

Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

Executive Summary By: Dennis Dater 

The Ferrari 308GT4 was manufactured from 1973 to 1980 and approximately 2,826 car were produced. The body was designed by the Bertone company rather than the Pinifarina design firm. In hindsight Bertone did a very good job in the space they had to work with, but many considered the car a second rate model rather than a true Ferrari sports car.

It produced 255 bph and was considered a very fast car for its time with a top speed of 154 mph in European trim. The interior was leather and vinyl with a strange driving position for the typical American driver. Handling, because of the mid engine position, was outstanding, and if you could get around the unusual shape you really had a Ferrari. Initially sold as a Dino rather than a Ferrari, the car was renamed and rebadged in 1976 in an attempt by the factory to raise the status of the car, and to sell more of them. While not accepted as a "true" Ferrari when introduced, it is now considered one of the best Ferrari cars ever produced. Not one of the "classics" that fetch multi millions of dollars at auction, but a solid car for the enthusiast who wants their first Ferrari.

Ferrari 599 GTO

Executive Summary By Passione Rossa

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 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 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 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. 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. Ferrari Beverly Hills is a Factory Authorized Ferrari dealership in Los Angeles providing pre-owned and new Ferrari to the affluent communities of Los Angeles and Southern California.

Ferrari 308 QV

Executive Summary By: Dennis Dater 

The QV in the model number stood for "quattrovalvole". Two intake and two exhaust valves. Doesn't sound like a major change, but in terms of horsepower it increased from 205 bph to 230 or 235 bph. This increase was just enough to make the Ferrari a desirable sports car again.

It was still a mid engine, 2 passenger sports car. Some of the mechanical features of the QV models were a tubular steel chassis, which gave the car excellent rigidity but at the cost of greater weight. Twin distributors, one for each bank of the V8 engine were standard. Driver height was limited to just over 6 feet on the GTB model and taller drivers on the GTS model if you liked driving with the top open.

Some of the unique features were a radiator and battery in the front compartment along with a spare tire and the engine in the back. Unfortunately the results were additional heat being felt by the passenger. Dennis Dater has been interested in cars since he drove a 1952 MG TD to highschool. 

Top 5 Ferrari Cars List

Executive Summary By: Robin Chung 

Competition on the car market is huge. Ferrari however, has a huge automobile history. 

5.Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

It's still not a family car though, it will cost you EUR300,000 to purchase and if used as an everyday car about EUR10,000 per year to maintain.

4. Ferrari 550 Maranello

 Beautiful curves and nice a beautiful interior. Biggest maintenance post is that the car eats tyres for breakfast.

3. Ferrari California

Central front engine with maximum speed of 310 km/h. First Ferrari car with dual clutch and most recent Ferrari released. It costs EUR140.000 and average maintenance costs are unknown.

2. Ferrari F430

Ferrari's new race car, replaced the 360 in 2005. Remarkable is that it's the official car of the Ferrari race classes and the car is rumored to be replaced soon.

1. Ferrari Enzo (FXX)

A car is really good if Ferrari names it after its founder Enzo Ferrari. The Enzo FXX is sold only when you're chosen by Ferrari and changes owner for about EUR1,300,0000. Maintenance is huge, about EUR40,000 per year.