Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition

Despite its position as the 'approachable' Prancing Horse, Ferrari's new California folding hardtop is a heck of an impressive drive all the way around. However, that hasn't stopped some quarters from suggesting that it's a bit compromised and a bit too effeminate to be a proper Maranello supercar. While we think that's nonsensical, we admit a little toughening up couldn't hurt to silence the doubters.

Enter German tuner Edo Competition, which has just taken the wraps off of their own fettled California. Looking suitably foreboding in black with larger matching alloys, Edo has tweaked the car's 4.3-liter V8 engine to deliver 500 horsepower (+40). That nice, round number arrives courtesy of a remapped ECU and a pair of high-flow cats that feed into a new cockpit-adjustable exhaust system. The engine's torque level doesn't swell quite as much, peaking at 369 lb-ft (@ 5,200 rpm), but nevertheless, EDO says the car is good for a 0-62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and a top end of 315 km/h (196 mph). Oddly, Ferrari says the box-stock Cali will get to 60 mph in "under 4 seconds," so there's probably not much of a difference between the two on the low end, although Edo's top speed is 5 kmph faster than when it left the factory.

Commendably, Edo has resisted the need to fit a lairy body kit, although the company says it will be happy to trim-out your droptop with lowering springs (-35mm), a full-on sport suspension system with adjustable damping, or your choice of 20- and 21-inch wheels. They'll even redo the interior for you, although we find the standard car to be quite wonderful in this regard, and might recommend leaving well enough alone.

[Source: Edo Competition]

PRESS RELEASE:

edo competition California Spider - something really special

The Ferrari 599, 612 and 430 have had offspring. The open two-seater, dubbed the California Spider, with its retractable aluminum hard top is the new entry level model among the sports car offerings from Maranello. Having been introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show last October, the California Spider can now be admired on our roads, too.

For those who wish to further personalize the appearance and performance of this exceptional sports car, edo competition is now offering very special accessories.

Newly-developed wheel/tire sets in 20 and 21 inches are guaranteed to draw amazed looks from passers- by. The wheels are available in several attractive designs. Customers can also opt for a lowered ride height or the addition of a sport suspension system. The sport suspension is adjustable in both compression and rebound damping, allowing for a custom tailored ride for cruising, spirited driving, or competition.

To make sure the performance of a vehicle as special as the California is up to par in all aspects, edo competition also offers custom ECU recalibration. After reprogramming the production ECU, the 8-cylinder engine now generates 367 kW (500HP) and 369 ft-lb of torque at 5,200 rpm. In addition to the recalibrated electronics edo competition can install a newly-developed high performance exhaust system featuring adjustable butterfly valves and custom designed high flow catalytic converters with a 200 cell per square inch metal core.

This well-matched combination enables the engine to develop its new-found power in an impressive manner. The treatment also provides a torque increase that is particularly noticeable in everyday driving. As a result, the performance figures of the edo California Spider are improved as well: It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a phenomenal 3.9 seconds and the top speed is an impressive 315 km/h (196 mph).

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers' imaginations. Special interiors or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

edo Tuning Program California

Increased performance up to 500 HP with

* 2 x Sport catalyst 200 cell
* 2 x control units- modification

Loudness of the exhaust adjustable at the touch of a button

Sport wheel set 20 and 21 Zoll with

* Front: 245/35 ZR 20, Rear 285/35 ZR 20 or
* Front: 255/30 ZR 21, Rear 285/30 ZR 21 or
* Front: 255/30 ZR 21, Rear 295/25 ZR 21, ex
* On request alloy rims can be painted in various colors

KW/edo racing chassis

Racing driving technology for the street with adjustable compression and rebound damping. These are separated and independent of each other. Adjustable compression and rebound damping really permits individual customized driving. The unique technology makes it possible with its 3 level control systems allows you to set the compression damping at low speeds and almost finest comfort at high speeds.

edo sport spring set

* Lowering via sport springs at 35 mm front and 35 mm rear

More details leak out about new Ferrari F450

We know that Ferrari is working on turbochargers and all-wheel-drive hybrids, and the hybrid portion of that equation could show up as soon as this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. If so, Autocar supposes the car in question will be the new Ferrari F450. As Jaguar has reportedly planned with the XE, Ferrari could show off a hybrid F450 first in order to make an even bigger splash.

Yet even if the production model doesn't show up on dealer floors with some alternative energy system, it is still expected to show off plenty of top tier technology. A "lightweight aluminum structure" will house a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, traction control and programming to eliminate understeer, and radiators forward of the front wheels.

The KERS system employed by the Ferrari F1 team and being trialled on that ludicrous 599XX are also slated for the F450, but that will apparently come with the hybrid car and Ferrari thinks customers might not be ready for that yet. For now, the Prancing Horse is said to be working on direct-injection evolutions of its current engines, which it feels will meet Euro emissions standards until 2014.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package

It's been a long time since the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GT Evoluzione was unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, but with a name as painfully contrived as the plotline to Transformers (and likely the sequel), we figure it took Maranello three months just to get the name right on its media site.

Only the Tifosi and adept Fezza spotters could tell the difference between the standard 599 and this hotted up HGTE package, as the only visual differences include a tweaked fascia, new exhaust tips, rear diffuser and bespoke 20-inch wheels. But underneath, the factory-fettled 599 features a modified magnetorheological suspension and revised springs, along with uprated tires and a beefier anti-roll bar to coax a few more fractions of a G out of Ferrari's super-GT. For around $42,000, you get all that and more alcantara and carbon fiber, plus "Handling GTE" embroidered into the sports seats. Helluva deal.

[Source: Ferrari]

PRESS RELEASE

FERRARI AT GENEVA WITH THE HGTE PACKAGE FOR THE 599 GTB FIORANO

Geneva, March 3rd 2009 – The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, to highlight the 599 GTB Fiorano's positioning in the "sports car" segment. The technical modifications introduced with the HGTE Package to the car's set-up and tyres ensure tighter, more dynamic handling, with sharper cornering and improved responsiveness whilst still being easy to drive. The HGTE package further underlines the 599 GTB Fiorano's different mission from Ferrari's other current 12-cylinder, the 612 Scaglietti which, along with the 8-cylinder Ferrari California, represents the Grand Tourer personality of the Prancing Horse's current range.

599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GTE package
When it first debuted, the 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".

Novitec unveils twin-supercharged Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

We're unsure about the logic behind messing with one of Ferrari's amazing creations, let alone a limited edition model like the Scuderia Spider 16M. But German tuning company Novitec Rosso has no qualms about putting their own creative mark on the cars from Maranello. Their most recent creation is this twin-supercharged Scuderia Spider 16M that puts out 696 horsepower at 8400 rpm and 503 lb-ft torque at 6300 rpm. Capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and topping 205 mph, it's easily one of the fastest convertibles in the world. The Italian drop top also gets larger wheels and tires, sport springs with a hydraulic lift system, black taillights, side markers and reflectors, a leather/carbon fiber steering wheel, and carbon fiber shift paddles.

[Source: Novitec via AutoGuide.com]

Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections

Like their ever-tuning counterparts Edo Competition, Hamann Motorsport have got their hands on a 2010 Ferrari California and are working on an aftermarket program for the folding hardtop sportscar. Among the performance parts on the way are new exhaust system and a revised engine management program that the company says yields a 20% gain in horsepower from the 4.3-liter V8.

Until then, California owners can opt for Hamann's aerodynamic kit that makes extensive use of carbon fiber. The complete kit consists of a new hood, front spoiler, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser, and a small rear wing. Other available components include Hamann's lightweight forged wheels and a range of interior accessories.

[Source: Hamann Motorsport]

PRESS RELEASE:

Refining super sports cars is more than just business for the company HAMANN Motorsport. Their passion for detail, for something special and unique is the main incentive for extraordinary modifications. The latest stroke of genius once again confirms this. The HAMANN interpretation of the Ferrari California with its exclusive and extensive refining programme does not only make the hearts of real Ferrari fans beat faster.

Most of all, the car body kit proves that HAMANN does not only focus on changing the visual appearance. Apart from design elements such as a bonnet made of carbon fibre, specific modifications at the front, sides and back boost the aerodynamics. Thereby, the front spoiler reduces the lifting forces of the California which significantly improves the handling and agility. Moreover, the unobtrusive side skirt set calms the airflow between both axles. And moreover, a back spoiler increases the contact pressure. Here, the HAMANN engineers agreed on a small wing profile which considerably enhances the car body design. As the combination with the perfectly integrated and three-part rear diffuser renders enough grip for the road. Mainly on country roads with many curves, the HAMANN aerodynamics kit unravels its power and generates pure driving pleasure.

The extra agility and handling gives room for more performance. Also here, HAMANN-Motorsport contributes its know-how. An adjustment for the motor management is in preparation and a sport exhaust system will also be especially engineered for this sports car. This combination will advance the performance of the serial 4.3 litre V8 engine with 460 hp by up 20 percent.

Another technical highlight in the offered tuning programme is the multi-part HAMANN aluminium wheel called EDITION RACE. The black varnished rim star and the titanium bolting of the high-gloss polished rim flange emphasise the racing character. As the wheel is produced in forged technology, it is extremely light. This reduces the unsprung masses which noticeably improves both the acceleration and the braking response. The recommended wheel-tyre combination measures 9.0Jx21 inches with 245/30ZR21 tyres for the front and 12.5Jx21 rims with wheels measuring 345/25ZR21 are fitted at the back. The wheel-tyre combination is perfectly enhanced by the suspension which is used in order to lower the sports car.

Also in the interior, HAMANN has a lot to offer to its customers. In addition to the serially offered interior, HAMANN Motorsport offers an extensive programme, ranging from personalised floor mats to a perfectly finished complete leather interior.

For more information about the widespread HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com

Ferrari 458 Italia price emerges at $240,000 in alleged leaked document

Dreaming of getting your hands on Ferrari's upcoming 458 Italia? You'd better know what you're getting yourself into, and this is our first real indication. Stemming from a supposedly leaked price sheet, the new V8 supercar will start in Europe at €162,900, before any taxes are taken into account. At today's exchange rates, that figures to about $240,000 – around halfway between the price of the outgoing F430 and the 430 Scuderia.

Of course, that's not an official figure – Ferrari North America has yet to confirm pricing for the U.S. market – and the long list of options amply demonstrates that the $240k starting price is exactly that: a starting price. On to that you can add leather everything, special paint finishes, upgraded wheels and more – most if not all of which you can already check out in the online configurator we reported on recently.

Click the thumbnails below to view the leaked document in Dutch and the translated one next to it – and note that the British pricing is a rough conversion, not an official figures.

[Source: FerrariChat.com]

Novitec Rosso tweaks the Ferrari 430 Scuderia to 747hp

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is already one of the hottest-performing supercars on the market, but some people just don't know how to leave well enough alone. Some of those people work at Ferrari, who've worked tirelessly on the 458 Italia to supplant the 430's already legendary performance. And some of those people work for Novitec Rosso, who've come back yet again with another mod job for the Italian stallion.

Called the Edizione 747, the custom Scuderia may not be as big as a jumbo jet, but it packs nearly as much thrust. Strapping a pair of superchargers to that high-revving 4.3-liter V8, along with a few more tweaks here and there, brings output up from an impressive 510 horses to a bonkers 747 horsepower. Intercoolers and revised aerodynamic cooling keep the engine running cool. Twenty-inch NF3 rims wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubber mounted to sport springs that drop the ride height by a further 30 milimeters, available with an adjustable front end that can lift 40 mm to clear curbs and speed bumps at the touch of a button. Novitec's also decked out this particular example with a two-tone yellow and matte black paint scheme, and given the interior a few mods to complete the package.

Novitec says the 747 is capable of reaching 218 MPH, about 20 more than stock, and hitting 62 MPH in 3.4 seconds – only a touch quicker than stock, which just goes to show there's a limit to what even steamroller rear tires can handle. Novitec will only be making three examples, which just may be enough to keep a few moneyed speed freaks busy until the new 458 Italia comes around, and then it starts all over again.

[Source: Novitec Rosso]

Zagato marks the end of an era with custom Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta

When Ferrari took the wraps off the 550 Maranello in 1996, it represented an important step in the company's evolution. Replacing the aging F512M (nee Testarossa), the 550 Maranello marked a shift back to front-engine V12 GTs for Ferrari – the niche market for which the company became known. But if the 550 Maranello was a pivotal product for Ferrari, the 550 Barachetta Pininfarina was even more desirable.

Characterized by its open-top format with rear cowling and leather-trimmed roll hoops, Ferrari only made 448 examples of the open-top 550 before the model line was replaced by the 575M. Another 559 drop-top Superamericas were built on the 575M's basis, but the rarest example was the solitary 575 GTZ built by Zagato for one Yoshiyuki Hayashi, an avid Ferrari collector in Japan.

For better or worse, the window of opportunity that, for a time, allowed coachbuilders like Zagato to create specials like the 575 GTZ is now closing, with Ferrari's own customization program bringing the carrozzeria tradition back to the Maranello gates – to the exclusion of others. But not before the Milanese design house gets in one last hoorah, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first such collaboration between the two Italian houses of rolling style.

Taking five pristine examples of the aforementioned 550 Barachetta as their basis, the 550 GTZ borrows the shape from Hayashi's 575-based coupe and gives it a roadster body style. There's no word on whether any modifications have been carried out on the coupe's mechanicals, but the rolling stock appears to have carried over unchanged if that's any indication. All five examples have reportedly been spoken for at a price of £1 million ($1.6 million) apiece, which may seem like a lot for a car long since replaced, twice, but hardly too much to ask for historic artifacts of automotive Italiana.

[Source: CarsUK]