German tuner Mansory pays homage to the Ferrari Enzo presenting an aerodynamic kit for the 458 Spider that is heavily inspired by the famous hypercar, which is about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its launch. This special “Monaco Editon” will be produced in just three units and use a lot fo aesthetic enhancements mainly made of CFRP. Front end and bonnet have been re-disigned in order to improve the aerodynamic behavior of the car, while new air-outlets made of carbon fibre have appeared beside the headlights. The same material has been used for side skirts and roll bar, while at the rear we find a big diffuser made of CFRP that includes a couple of squared mufflersright in the middle.

The combination of all these ultra-light parts resulted in an impressive 60 kg weight loss that will work with the revised electronics (that brought an extra 20 hp and 20 Nm of output) to improve the performance figyures of the standard model: its 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time is 3.2 seconds, while top speed is now 330 km/h (205 mph).

Top notch leather upholstery with contrasting stitching has been used for the cabin (quite notably for the floor as well). Ride height has been reduced by 20 mm, making for an even lower centre of mass. This particular rendition of the Ferrari 458 Spider rolls on 20″ alloys at the front and 21″ at the rear, fitted with Michelin PS2 tyres measuring 245/35 and 305/30 respectively.

View Mansory Ferrari 458 Spider Monaco Edition photo gallery

As reported by Car and Driver, Ferrari could be working on a new hybrid engine, that won’t involve the use of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) system. There is lots of speculation going on, but the American magazine has discovered patent applications that prove Ferrari’s engineers might develop a more conventional hybrid system.

It is not clear yet whether they will use a conventional battery or a supercapacitor coupled to two electric motors. By using two motors the performance of the car won’t be compromised: the smaller motor will be handling the on-board systems, such as the air conditioning and the power steering, and the larger one will transmit power to the wheels only, in order to achieve higher performance. This kind of setup allows the torque to be delivered to the internal-combustion engine only, without wasting energy feeding the auxiliary systems of the car.

In the patent application there are also details about a front mounted V-90 degree engine, which suggests a connection to the V8 fitted on the Ferrari California only, as all the V12 cars have a 65-degree angle. The positioning of the main electric motor is not clear yet, as some diagrams show it in front of the car, while others in the rear with the transaxle. It’s important to remember that these are just patent applications and have no guarantee of production, as many manufacturers apply to patent projects that are still in the development phase or expecting decisions. We’ll see, what do you think?

Ferrari has just released a new official video starring the renewed California model year 2012. The revamped version of the Italian coupe gets an extra 30 hp, boosting its power from the 460 hp of the previous version to the current 490 hp, while an accurate diet led to a 30 kg weight loss that sets its overall mass to 1,600 kg.

Its 4.3-litre V8 engine with direct injection generates an impressive 505 Nm of peak torque at 5.000 rpm, but the whole torque curve now is higher and better distributed over the rpm spectrum than before. The new Ferrari California goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, making it two tenths quicker than the old one on the 0-100 sprint.

Bespoken Italian tuning company Romeo Ferraris has released the first details of the modification made on Ferrari 599 GTO to upgrade its performance. Powered by a V12 engine with 670 hp and 620 Nm the berlinetta from Maranello has recently been replaced by the more powerful Ferrari F12berlinetta, presented at the Geneva Motor Show.

The first step of the modification proposed by Romeo Ferraris consists of fitting new sports air intakes and new tailpipes. With these small changes the Cavallino V12 gains 15 hp and 13 Nm of torque. The second step is more complex and involves remapping the central unit of the engine and adding a custom made high performance exhaust.

The engine power increases dramatically, gaining an impressive 40 hp of output and 48 Nm of torque, bringing the power up to an outstanding 710 hp and 668 Nm. Romeo Ferraris also proposes some details in carbon fibre to customise side mirrors, rear diffuser or front splitter.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the undisputed queen of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The new Cavallino supercar stole the limelight, by bringing many technical improvements combined with an innovative design that will be used for future production of the Maranello brand.

A few days ago we brought you the first official video of the F12 Berlinetta, in this new clip Ferrari reveals the behind-the-scenes of the footage. The passion of the technicians, the attention to detail and desire to create a better product than everyone else transpires from these images, recalling the commitment of the Maranello’s engineers for their work.

The heir to the 599 GTB Fiorano is powered by a V12 6.3 litre with an output of 740 hp coupled to a F1 dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is exceptional, the 0-100 is covered in just 3.1 seconds, 0-200 in 8.5 and top speed is an astonishing 340 km/h. Carbon-ceramic brakes and “Evolution” magnetorheological suspension system provide the supercar with an exceptional road grip.

View the full Ferrari F12berlinetta photo gallery

Following by a few hours its virtual launch on the internet, Ferrari introduced its brand new V12 flagship F12berlinetta ‘in the metal’ at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The model is already considered a milestone in the glorious history of the Italian manufacturer: to start with, it is the most powerful and fastest Ferrari ever produced, and comes with so many technological enhancements that it makes its predecessor, the 599, look like a car for retired golf players. Well… almost.

Here are a couple of live videos from Geneva showing us two pretty significant moments surrounding the birth of this masterpiece: the first one (above, caught shot by our buddies from Autoblog.it) is about the actual moment of the unveiling of the car, right in front of a massive firing squad of photographers and cameramen; the second one (after the jump) is an official footage released by Ferrari that features chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo himself introducing the F12berlinetta to the Swiss crowd and, by extension, to the whole world. The bar is set high for the new Ferrari flagship, but Mr.Montenzemolo sounds pretty confident that the F12berlinetta has all it takes to be simply the best sportscar ever made.

The Ferrari’s stand at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show is one of the most crowded ones, but this year the excitement surrounding it is even more palpable than usual. The reason for that is simple: the world get its first chance to see the brand new F12berlinetta, the unbelievable new V12 coupe from the legendary Italian manufacturer that is bound to haunt the dreams of every motorist around the world.

The beauty of this machine is just blinding, and with the clear goal of out-Ferrari any other Ferrari out there written in its DNA, the model actually makes any other car from the Maranello-based carmaker like it’s from a different age. Technically speaking though, it really is from another planet. Under the bonnet pulses a 6.3-litre V12 unit with direct injection capable of delivering an output of 740 hp (redlining at 8,700 rpm) with 690 Nm of peak torque (80% of which is already available from 2,500 rpm). coupled to a F1 derived dual clutch transmission, the F12berlinetta is also considerably more environmentally friendly that the 599, consuming 30% less fuel and with CO2 emission rated at 350 g/km. Top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph), while the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) gets thrashed in just 3.1 seconds, hitting the 200 km/h mark in 8.5 seconds. Weighing in at only 1525 kg (70 kg less than the previous V12 coupe), the F12berlinetta also boasts a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kg/hp. As for the cabin, it has been optimised to ensure maximum usability with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tail-gate. If you want to know even more about the new Ferrari flagship, please check our previous, extensive post on the subject, also inclusive of the official press the release from the Italian automaker.

Inevitably overshadowed by its larger-than-life sister, the revamped Ferrari California could still win the Oscar for best car in a supporting role. From an aesthetic point of view, the model is not too different from the one it is about to replace, but under the bonnet the changes are quite relevant. The weight of its 4.3-litre V8 goes down from 1630 to 1600 kg, whereas its output got boosted from 460 hp with 485 Nm of peak torque up to 490 hp with 505 Nm. The car also gets new software and several other upgrades, while its torque curve will be higher and better distributed over the whole rpm spectrum. Check out our exclusive photo gallery.

View the full 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Ferrari F12berlinetta photo gallery

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Ferrari has just released few videos focused on the development and testing of the new F12berlinetta, the supercar due to be premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show where it will most likely be the belle du ball.

In the first video Ferrari F12berlinetta roars ferociously, and the outstanding V12 engine sounds as powerful as its performance. In the other two videos, Ferrari retraces the milestones of F12berlinetta’s evolution, paying special attention to the chassis and to aluminium processing techniques as well as to the vehicle’s style and design.

And just to remind you, the new supercar form Maranello weights 1525 kg, supplies 740 hp which enables a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 sec and 0-200 km/h in only 8.5 sec.

Given the sort of buzz that the new Ferrari F12berlinetta has spawned over the internet since it was launched a few hours back, there is almost no doubt that the model will be the absolute star at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The new flagship from the Italian carmaker is indeed gorgeous, super-technologic and hosts the most powerful Ferrari engine ever mounted on a production car under its bonnet: what else could you ask for? This car is meant to represent the dawn of a new era for Ferrari, and no doubt this beauty will have plenty of heads turning all across the globe. Here are couple of official videos starring the new model.

The first video (above) is a CGI presentation of the overall look of the car, which provides for a virtual trip both inside and outside the vehicle and allows us to appreciate the lines of this masterpiece. The external design of the model combines some of Ferrari’s classic features (see those tail lights for instance) and advanced aerodynamic solutions while in the cabin fine materials and top-notch finishing blends together with the electronic instrumentation in a smart and elegant way.

In the second video instead (see it after the jump) we have Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa testing a heavily disguised version of the F12berlinetta at Ferrari’s own Fiorano circuit, with both drivers documenting the experience ‘live’ through a headset. It goes without saying that the pair just loved it, but we have to admit that the massive roar of that 65-degree V12 at 1:08 really is quite impressive. Just turn the speakers on and hear that for yourselves.

Today is one of those days when the whole automotive indusrty just stops and takes notice. Today is the day that sees the launch of the brand new Ferrari F12berlinetta, the new, unbelievable V12 sportscar from the legendary Italian manufacturer that the good people from Maranello describes as “the first in a new generation of Ferrari V12 sportscars”.

Let’s get the record straight here: we are talking about a proper hypercar boasting unprecedented performance figures for a Ferrari production car. Its new 6,262 cc 65 degrees V12 engine produces 740 hp at 8500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 690 Nm available from 6000 rpm, allowing the F12berlinetta to thrash the 0-100km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds and reach 340km/h (211 mph).

The new model is obviously bound to become one of the main reference points in its class, but it can also be considered a new milestone in automotive history and surely one of the best cars that Ferrari has put out in the last 20 years. To find out more about this astonishing car, check out the official Press Release from Ferrari right after the jump.

View the full Ferrari F12berlinetta photo gallery

The first in a new generation of V12 cars unveiled exclusively on www.ferrari.com

Today’s on-line unveiling of the F12berlinetta ushers in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics.

Revealed to the world for the first time on Ferrari.com in preparation for its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, the F12berlinetta, finished in an attractive new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour, represents the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars.

This is, in fact, the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the incredibly efficient engine - in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics efficiency - which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track.

Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionised to match the more extreme performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards.

Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminium materials and construction, designed an all-new spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which have been used here for the first time in the automotive sector, and employing new assembly and joining techniques. This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 1525 kg (70 kg less than the previous V12 coupé) with an ideal distribution between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).

The F12berlinetta’s 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 740 CV which translates to a specific output of 118 CV/l. Torque reaches a peak of 690 Nm, 80 per cent of which is already available at just 2,500 rpm, and which provides an unrelenting surge of acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The F12berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kg/CV .

Fuel consumption has been reduced by 30%, with CO2 emissions of just 350 g/km - figures which put the F12berlinetta at the top of the high-performance league. These results have been obtained by extensive research and development which focused on efficiencies of the whole vehicle: engine, aerodynamics, tyres and weights.

Similarly excellent results have been obtained with the car’s aerodynamic development, thanks to the integration of the design process with extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and lengthy testing in the wind tunnel. Downforce has been boosted by 76 per cent (123 kg at 200 km/h) while drag has been significantly reduced (the Cd is just 0.299). These results come courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the Aero Bridge which uses the bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks where it interacts with the wake from the wheel wells to decrease drag. The second is Active Brake Cooling, a system that opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag.

The F12berlinetta’s impressive technical specifications are completed by Ferrari’s latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3) and the evolution of the magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM-E). As is now traditional with all Ferraris, its control systems (E-Diff, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, and high-performance ABS) are all fully integrated.

The result is that the new Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1′23″, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.

The design of the F12berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina and is a perfect balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions interpreting the typical elements of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way. A coupé with sleek, aggressive lines whose compact exterior dimensions conceal exceptional in-car space and comfort. The all-new Frau leather interior highlights the balance of advanced technology and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fibre and aluminium air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field.

The cabin has been optimised to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tail-gate. With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasised, grouping all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Type: 65-degree V12
Total displacement: 6262 cc
Maximum power output: 740 hp at 8500 rpm
Maximum torque: 690 Nm at 6000 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length: 4618 mm
Width: 1942 mm
Height: 1273 mm
Dry weight* 1525 kg
Weight distribution: 46% front, 58% rear
Weight-power ratio: 2,1 kg/CV

Performance
Maximum speed: over 340 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3.1 seconds

Ferrari has chosen the 29th of February 2012 as the date to present the new F620, apparently the most powerful Ferrari ever made, which will replace the 599 GTB Fiorano. Insiders have confirmed that it will be the most extreme V12 vehicle we have seen so far and rumour has it that the 6.3 V12 already used in the FF has been modified in such way that the Ferrari F620 will be able to deliver an astonishing 740 HP, while the 80% of the maximum torque will be already available at 2.500 rpm.

According to unofficial sources, the F620’s maximum speed will be of more than 340 km/h, it will sprint from 0-100 km/h in only 3.1 sec and from 0-200 in 8.5 sec. Its overhall weight will be of 1.525 kg, which means 165 kg less than the 599 GTB. But to find out exactly how accurate these rumours are, we just have to sit back and wait until the official technical specs are released. In the meanwhile, let’s enjoy this teaser.

Ferrari has begun producing the new California a few days ago, and here are the first pictures of the renewed model, which will come with some interesting technical content. Ferrari points out that the number ‘30′ will be particularly significant for the new California: thanks to the new exhaust system and the recalibrated electronics, the car will get an extra 30 hp over the 460 hp boasted by the previous generation, and it will be 30 kg lighter too, for an overall weight of 1,600 kg. Its 4.3-litre V8 unit with direct injection will then deliver 490 hp, with a maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Besides, its torque curve will be higher and better distributed over the rpm spectrum.

Ferrari’s engineers made large use of the advanced technology in steel manufacturing boasted by the Centro Scaglietti, which allowed them to take 30 kg off the outgoing California generation without affecting the structural stiffness and the overall performance of the car. The Italian carmaker claims that the 2012 Ferrari California will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, two tenths less than the old one.

At the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) we will also see the new California with the optional Handling Speciale package, which provides for magnetorheological dampers controlled by the ECU, stiffer springs and a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio. The package will obviously add up to the sporty feeling of the model and will make it more efficient while cornering.