Fernando Alonso drives a Ferrari F1, a Ferrari 458 Italia and now also a Maserati Gran Cabrio. If that’s not reason to be envious, then I don’t know what is. These pics show Alonso with his Maserati Gran Cabrio, which would have to be one of the sexiest cabrios around (Mercedes AirScarf systems notwithstanding). Check out the lovely vehicle in the gallery below.

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This video explains how the Ferrari hybrid technology works on the 599 Vettura Laboratorio Hy-Kers. The base model Ferrari is the 599 GTB Fiorano, which now houses both a traditional fuel engine and an electric motor system. The 599 GTB Hybrid will form the basis of all future Ferrari hybrid models.

The Hy-Kers system includes a number of elements which are succinctly displayed in this video. As we already know, the electric motor is placed in the rear of the vehicle and produces 100 hp on its own. Regenerative braking recharges the lithium ion batteries, which are placed in the floor to lower the centre of gravity of the car.

This shows that Ferrari is very conscious about focussing on keeping the weight-power ratio as much to Ferrari performance standards as possible. Another interesting feature is the use of dual-clutch transmission, which means that this Ferrari hybrid technology should easily accommdate a V8 engine option (rather than the current V12), without too much difficulty.

Ferrari says that the hybrid system has been achieved leaving handling and cabin space unaffected; which if proves true, will be essential to winning over traditional Ferrari fans dismayed by the movement away from the excitement of fuel to what is perceived as more tame environmental solutions.

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We all know Alonso drives a Ferrari, but this is the Alonso 458 Italia, not the F1 version. Alonso will debut for Ferrari F1 on Sunday, and this is his official 458 Italia in a beautiful Bianco Fuji pearl white. The man has style - and his personal logo stitched onto the seats. Some people can just do these things…

Fernando Alonso Ferrari 458 Italia

Source | Automocionblog via Autoblog.it

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We saw the Ferrari 599 Hy-kers hybrid concept in live pics from Geneva, and now we can get a look at it in this video from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While any dedicated Ferrari fan will baulk at the idea of a hybrid Ferrari, it is quite fetching in its green livery. In case you’re in denial, there’s always the lovely Ferrari 458 Italia to turn to. See the 458 Italia Geneva presentation from Montezemolo in the video above.

Source | Autoblog.it

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These live pics show the Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio (laboratory vehicle) and the Ferrari California with new Stop&Start technology, both presented at the Geneva motor show. It’s all about Ferrari in green this year, with the 599 Vettura Laboratorio Hy-Kers the first of Ferrari’s hybrid projects.

It is a 12-cylinder model with electric motor (of more than 100 hp) that will contribute to Ferrari’s future need to reduce CO2 emissions and become more environmental. While we’re only in the initial phase, Ferrari president Montezemolo has said that the first Ferrari hybrid production vehicle will appear in the next three to four years.

The 599 Hy-Kers reduces CO2 emissions by 35 percent compared to the model it’s based on, and in the future its hybrid system could be transferred, as is, to V8 Ferrari models. The Ferrari California Stop&Start is another experiment with environmentally friendly technology, that has reduced CO2 emissions by six percent, to a total of 280 g/km.

Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio live pics from Geneva

Continue reading: Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio live at Geneva

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Ferrari’s first ever hybrid will be green all over, with the 599 GTB Hybrid soon to be presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The new Ferrari hybrid will use recharge technology when braking in a model similar to the famous KERS system (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). It’s still uncertain as to how exactly the new Ferrari hybrid system will work, although we could be looking at an all-wheel-drive model with combined electric motors and batteries up front, and a supplementary fuel engine at the rear. The electric component should produce 100 hp and 149 Nm of torque, in addition to 620 hp from the V12 engine. More details, including live pics, will emerge at the Geneva show.

Continue reading: Ferrari in green: 599 GTB Hybrid Concept at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

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This video shows the Ferrari 599XX on track in an exclusive Autocar test around the Vallelunga track. You probably don’t need us, or Steve Sutcliffe, to tell you that this is a stunning sports car, but there are a few interesting secrets revealed in the video about just how easy the 599XX is to drive. Watch it around the track and enjoy the engine noise.

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Felipe Massa defines the Ferrari 599XX as a “splendid” car in this track debut video. The 599 XX first appeared at the 2009 Geneva motor show as a lighter version of the 599 GTB Fiorano. The XX has a massive 690 hp, but according to Massa it is really easy to drive, given its great stability.

The engine of the 599XX is lighter, but other features have also reduced weight such as the carbon ceramic brakes and extensive use of carbon-fibre and alluminium in the chassis. The track event for the 599XX was part of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti program (racing customers) where ‘ordinary’ customer folk get technical assistance and whatnot to drive around the track. It’s likely that the 599XX will get to America and Asia as well, as part of the Corse Clienti program.

Ferrari 599 XX track debut with Massa

Continue reading: Ferrari 599XX track debut with Felipe Massa

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Here’s a huge gallery of Ferrari’s new F1 car, the F10. The Ferrari F10 was presented at Maranello and will be the new prancing horse on the track for 2010. It will be interesting to see how the Ferrari 2010 F1 season develops, but in the meantime, check out these pics of this beautiful F1 car. See more pics on Motorsportblog.it.

Continue reading: New Ferrari F10 Formula One car: all the pics

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Here’s the new Ferrari Enzo tuning from Gemballa called the Mig-U1 and, yes, they could have done a better job with the name. Just 25 units of Mig-U1 will be made, and all can be completely customised according to the client’s wishes. The aerodynamics have been completely redesigned for an extra 35 kg at the front and 85 kg at the rear, with active wings that are lowered below 120 km/hr.

Modifications have been made to the front air intakes for the engine and air outlets for the brakes, to optimise airflow. The bodywork itself is different after the tweaks to the aerodynamics and the wheel axle is now 80 mm wider at the front and 100 mm wider at the rear.

The electro-hydraulic height adjustment system (HLS) raises the wheel base by 45 mm for ramps and speed humps, and will automatically go back into place when travelling at more than 80 km/hr. Alloy wheels measure 10×19″ at the front with 265/35 tyres, and 13×20″ at the rear with 335/tyres.

Continue reading: Gemballa Mig-U1 Ferrari Enzo tuning

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