You may think that Lamborghini vehicles and Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG Gullwing have some exotic styles for their doors. Well, Ferrari is said to be working on a new kind of door that is aimed at improving passenger and driver entry into its vehicles, reports AutoCar.

The publication has acquired some documents from Ferrari’s patent application for a door that shows a part of the front wing and hinges, so that when opened, the driver or passenger can directly place their foot behind the front wheel.

Apparently the move will allow occupants to get in and out of a low-slung Ferrari vehicle easier than before.

The patent application claims that the new door would be “easy and cost-effective to make” when compared to gullwing doors.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Despite the fact that Los Angeles is probably one of the largest luxury market in the United States, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Bentley won’t be attending next month’s 2009 LA Auto Show.

“Bentley won’t have a presence in LA,” Dark Reuter, Bentley’s chief U.S. spokesman told The Detroit Bureau. Ferrari also said that it won’t be attending the show along with its sibling brand Maserati. Both have pulled their displays from the famous Concours Hall in Staples Center.

“It’s just the economy.  We’re cutting back on a lot of things,” the Ferrari executive said.

Well, that mean no Ferrari 458 Italia for us when we land in LA next month.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: LA Auto Show, The Detroit Bureau

We’ve been hearing rumors about a hardcore version of the 599 GTB Fiorano for some time now. According to Autogespot, the rumors may in fact be true. The publication reports that the car, known as the 599 GTO, will pay homage to the legendary 250 GTO of the 1960s.

Power is said to come from a V12 making between 680-hp to 700-hp, while weight is reported to be reduced by 100 to 150 lbs. The overall look of the 599 GTO will be inspired by the 599XX Concept that made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Sometime in the next two months, dealers and customers will head to Maranello for a personal introduction to the car. After that, the model should make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Pricing is said to start around at least $380,000 with production limited to around 500 units.

Ferrari 599XX:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Autogespot (via WCF)

During a parade lap at the Italian automaker’s Ferrari World Final, CEO Luca di Montezemolo managed to get a new Ferrari California stuck in a gravel trap on the track in Valencia, Spain. Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were on board waving to the crowd as Montezemolo randomly turned the steering wheel and ended up in the gravel pit.

Embarrassing? Yes. Nonetheless, Ferrari had another California waiting for Montezemolo to continue his parade lap.

Click through for the video.

Part 1:

Part 2:

- By: Kap Shah

For those of you that admire Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, you probably knew that yesterday was the premiere of Top Gear Series 14. We’ve just found some YouTube videos cover a segment of the show where the Top Gear crew drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Ferrari California and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder through Romania.

We recommend watching these videos right away since YouTube might yank them after BBC gives them a call.

Click through for the videos.

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Part 2:

Part 3:

- By: Kap Shah

Watching some of the world’s most exotic supercars falling into the hands of people that can’t drive them doesn’t even surprise us anymore. This week, check out two friends racing their Ferrari Californias in the streets of Sofia, Bulgaria.

“They were speeding around corners when one of them lost control, clipped a car, and crashed into some construction equipment,” according to the folks over at WreckedExotics.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WreckedExotics

According to Ferrari engine developer Jean-Jacques, the Italian supercar maker is considering turbocharging for its future vehicles. However, he said that the biggest obstacle the company faces was lag.

“Turbocharging will come eventually, but we need to solve the issue of turbo lag,” he told AutoCar. He said that a delay of any sort is unacceptable for a Ferrari vehicle.

Jacques said that Ferrari had built a prototype F430 with Fiat’s MultiAir engine, but couldn’t get it to work at the power outputs it required.

“The main benefit from Multiair comes in torque,” he said, “and it is difficult to get it to work at high revs.”

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

We’ve seen our fair share of supercar accidents here at egmCarTech. However, we’ve never met a driver that has been involved in at least 10 exotic car accidents over the last 3 years. According to the guys at WreckedExtoics, the anonymous 73-year old Florida business man managed to destroy the Ferrari 360 Spyder pictured above, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Bugatti EB110, a classic Ferrari Dino, a Ferrari F430, 1909 Ford Model T, a 1950 Yenko Camaro and others.

We think its time he gives up his driver license or gives up on driving cars that are out of his control.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WreckedExotics

One of our favorite auto journalists from the UK, Chris Harris, recently e-mailed us and included two videos of his experience of test-driving the new Ferrari 458 Italia. How did he like it? Well, we’ll let him tell in the two videos posted after the jump.

Click here fore more news on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Refresher: Power comes from a mid-rear mounted 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Italia:

Ferrari 458 Italia:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: EVO

Ferrari has announced that its special edition Ferrari 599 China was auctioned off to an anonymous client from Shanghai at the Gala dinner at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. The winning bid came in at a total of 1.2 million euro ($1.77 million USD).

“The innovative appearance of this unique model, blending classic Chinese elements with Ferrari distinctive features, immediately aroused great interest among the guests,” Ferrari said in a statement.

Honestly, you wouldn’t catch anyone of us shelling out that much for a limited Ferrari that looks like this, but hey, everyone has their own taste.

Make the jump for the press release.

Ferrari 599 China:

Press Release:

‘FERRARI 599 CHINA’ AUCTIONED IN BEIJING FOR 1.2 MILLION EURO

November 3, 2009, BEIJING – The unique Ferrari 599 China was won tonight by an anonymous client from Shanghai at the final price of about 1.2 million euro (including taxes). The auction was the climax of the Gala dinner organised by Ferrari at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. Lu Hao, the first Chinese artist to work with Ferrari, created this special model decorated with Song Dynasty Ge Kiln pottery patterns. The proceeds from this auction will fund outstanding students and young teachers of Tsinghua University’s Department of Automotive Engineering to study at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s headquarters.

The gala dinner was attended by Ferrari owners and collectors, joined by Ferrari Asia Pacific CEO Mr. Marco Mattiacci, contemporary artist Lu Hao, professors of China’s leading Tsinghua University Cen Zhangzhi and delegate of Politecnico di Milano University Bruno Pizzigoni. A few Ferrari objects, in particular a helmet and a model car signed by Michael Schumacher, who this morning personally unveiled the car to the international media, were also auctioned together with a racing overall worn by F1 driver, Giancarlo Fisichella. The innovative appearance of this unique model, blending classic Chinese elements with Ferrari distinctive features, immediately aroused great interest among the guests.

This follows the spirit of Ferrari founder, Enzo Ferrari, carried on by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, in investing in young talents and research. Ferrari was involved before in goodwill activities with Chinese associations, dedicated to youth.

Ferrari sources confirmed today that the company is working on an electrically driven 4×4 system for its future vehicles. Senior insiders at the company said that the final hybrid design will be used for front-engined GT models that will drive the front wheels.

Don’t expect to see the electric 4×4 system in models until at least 2014, sources say. Also, don’t expect the system to provide significant increases in fuel-economy – instead, the system will improve handling of Ferrari vehicles.

Insiders told AutoCar that using torquey electric-motors to power the front wheels will offer significant improvements in acceleration and more cornering power.

The first model to get the system will most likely be the next 612. The next-generation Ferrari 612 will also get a lighter and stiffer aluminum chassis and a modern direct-injected V12 engine. Sources say that there is also a possibility of a downsized turbocharged V8. A hybrid version of the 612, powered by a V8, could be shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Almost 100 Ferraris drove a trail across the United Arab Emirates over the weekend. They started out from Dubai and ended their journey in Abu Dhabi where they pulled up to the Yas Marina Circuit where they watched free practice sessions for the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Numbering both new and classic Prancing Horse cars, the parade was led by the brand-new Ferrari California, the Maranello front-engined 8-cylinder that is enjoying great success in the Middle East, Ferrari said in a statement. “The cars also stopped off at the showroom of another Made in Italy icon, Poltrona Frau, which is, of course, the official supplier of the luxury leathers used to trim Ferrari interiors.”

The parade was organized by Ferrari Middle East in association with Al Tayer, the official Ferrari importer for the UAE, and the Emirates’ Ferrari Owners’ Club.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Ferrari (via WCF)

Work is progressing on the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park and we have the first high-res photos of the work being done.

Opening in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park, sitting under a roof designed in the style of a classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari. The park will feature 20 rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – Yas Island:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CarScoop

As a tribute to the outgoing Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Novitec Rosso has unveiled its new Edizione 747.

As the name suggests, the V8 engine has been upgraded with a bi-compressor to produce a total of 747-hp with a maximum torque of 544 lb-ft. 0-62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds while 0-124 mph takes 9.4 seconds. To speed comes in at 218 mph. Novitec also threw in a new intercooling system that features its own dedicated water circuit and is given a maximum boost pressure figure of 0.53 bar.

Learn about the other modifications about the Novitec Rosso Edizione 747 in the press release posted after the jump. Also check out the high-res image gallery.

Novitec Rosso Edizione 747 (Ferrari 430 Scuderia):

Press Release:

NOVITEC ROSSO Edizione 747: Ciao Scuderia!

747 Bi-Compressor Horsepower, 738 Nm, 0 – 300 km/h in 22.9 Seconds, a Top Speed of 351 km/h and a Spectacular Color Combination

It takes its name from its rated power output of 747 horsepower: To mark the farewell of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, NOVITEC ROSSO presents the Edizione 747. The world’s leading tuner of the super cars from Maranello turns the lightweight model into one of the most powerful super sports cars of our time. And with its matte yellow and grey paintjob it is also one of the most spectacular-looking cars of our time. At the heart of this special model lies the new NOVITEC ROSSO 747 Bi-Compressor engine that boosts power output of the V8 that normally produces 510 hp / 375 kW by 237 hp / 174 kW. Driving performance improves accordingly: With a sprint time for 0 – 100 km/h of less than 3.4 seconds, 9.4 seconds to 200 km/h and just 22.9 seconds to 300 km/h the NOVITEC ROSSO model is the most powerful and quickest Scuderia in the world. Just as impressive is the top speed of 351 km/h.

If you don’t go forward, you go backwards. The NOVITEC ROSSO specialists have developed a new evolutionary stage of the NOVITEC ROSSO Bi-Compressor version of the four-valve eight-cylinder engine to commemorate the end of the production run of the Ferrari 430 model series.

The Edizione 747 specification is the ultimate high-end version and is limited exclusively to the Berlinetta model of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The layout of the engine conversion corresponds to all NOVITEC ROSSO Bi-Compressor conversions for the mid-engine sports car. Each cylinder bank is fitted with an intercooler and a cogged-belt-driven high-performance supercharger with a maximum boost pressure increased for this version to 0.53 bar. The intercooling system features its own dedicated water circuit. The radiator of the system is located behind a special centrally placed air duct in the front apron.

For an optimized supply of cooling air to the engine bay the specialists have developed a special underbody with integrated air deflector. The precompressed air is routed to the combustion chambers using a custom-tailored heat-insulated intake manifold with larger cross sections. Eight high-flow injectors ensure adequate fuel supply for the compressor conversion.
The NOVITEC ROSSO engine management system perfectly synchs all high-performance components and also increases redline speed by 200 rpm.

To guarantee perfect durability even under high ambient temperatures the conversion also includes more effective radiators for water and oil.

The result of this labor is a unique symbiosis of superior power and excellent running smoothness. With a rated power output of 747 hp / 549 kW at 8,500 rpm the NOVITEC ROSSO Edizione 747 Bi-Compressor engine surpasses its naturally aspirated brethren by 237 hp / 174 kW. The increase in torque from standard 470 Nm to 738 Nm at 6,300 rpm represents an enormous plus in low-speed power.

Driving performance is in an automotive class of its own: A sprint time of less than 3.4 seconds for 0 – 100 km/h is just as unique as the sprint time of 9.4 seconds to 200 km/h. After 22.9 seconds the NOVITEC ROSSO Edizione 747 already reaches the 300-km/h mark. Upon customer request the two-seater can be equipped with longer gear ratios for a top speed of 351 km/h.

In addition the NOVITEC ROSSO Edizione 747 is also the perfect eye catcher: The two-tone special matte yellow and grey paintjob emphasizes the sporty shape of the body and lends the Scuderia pedigreed racing looks. To complement these looks NOVITEC ROSSO installs black taillights, side markers and reflectors.
The racing theme dominates also the engine’s appearance: All carbon-fiber engine components come with a matte finish.

This color scheme continues on the NOVITEC ROSSO tire/wheel combination custom-tailored for the Scuderia. The diameter of the wheels surpasses the production wheels by one inch. The three-piece 20-inch NF3 double-spoke wheels in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle are fitted with Michelin Pilot Cup sport tires in sizes 245/30 ZR 20 in front and 315/25 ZR 20 in back.

Another measure to achieve even more agile and direct handling is the installation of NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs, which lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 30 millimeters.

To lend the Scuderia better suitability for everyday use despite the lowering NOVITEC ROSSO offers an innovative hydraulic lift system for the front axle. At the push of a button in the cockpit the front is raised by 40 millimeters. It allows drivers to safely navigate parking ramps, low curbs and speed bumps. After safely passing over the obstacle, another push of the button reverts the suspension to its original position. If the button is not pushed the front end reverts to its original position automatically once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h.

NOVITEC ROSSO also adds sporty and exclusive highlights to the interior of the Edizione 747. The Supersport steering wheel features a combination of leather and carbon-fiber and offers perfect grip. Its flattened bottom also makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier. To complement the steering wheel NOVITEC ROSSO offers carbon-fiber shift paddles. They are longer than their production counterparts and make manual shifting of the F1-SuperFast2 transmission even easier.

In addition, upon customer request NOVITEC ROSSO equips the coupe with a two-tone interior perfectly matched to the exterior colors.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Novitec Rosso (via WCF)

The wreckage loving folks over at WreckedExotics have obtained photos of what they say are “crash-tested Ferrari 458 Italias.” The photos show two separate 458 Italias hidden under covers one of which seems to be involved in a side impact test, while the other seems to victim of both, a front and rear crash test.

How did they hold up? Well, the pictures speak for themselves.

Check out more photos at WreckedExotics.com.

Click here fore more Ferrari 458 Italia news.

Refresher: Power comes from a mid-rear mounted 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Italia:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WreckedExotics

The Ferrari 458 Italia is on sale in the Europe later this year with prices starting at €162,900 ($239,242 USD). While we wait for Ferrari to reveal the official pricing for the U.S. market, we can kill some time by playing with the newly launched Ferrari 458 Italia Configurator.

Head over to the Ferrari 458 Italia Web Site to build your own version.

Click here fore more Ferrari 458 Italia news.

Refresher: Power comes from a mid-rear mounted 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Italia:

- By: Omar Rana

In an interview with CAR Magazine, Ferrari’s CEO, Amedeo Felisa, said that a Scuderia version of the 458 Italia is still a couple years away.

“The Scuderia was a special version, a new concept. For the new 458 there are not yet any plans for a new concept. It is too early,” Felisa said.

When asked what he thinks of the new McLaren MP4-12C, Felisa said: “We like the challenge. It is important to have the competition. But we are not worried about it – our culture is to do our own development.”

A Ferrari 458 Italia Spider has been confirmed but no official release date has been set.

Click here to read more Ferrari 458 Italia news.

Ferrari 458 Italia:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CAR

You can’t say that we didn’t see this coming. According to a report by Quattroruote.it, Ferrari has confirmed that it will produce a convertible version of its new Ferrari 458 Italia. Ferrari’s chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, confirmed to the publication that the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider will hit the market in the coming years.

“Deliveries of the Ferrari 458 Italia will begin in mid-January 2010,” said Montezemolo. “We are also planning a Spider version, but not for a couple of years.”

He said that Ferrari is waiting for the economy to recover a little and is looking forward with “hopeful realism.”

Power for the Ferrari 458 Italia will come from the same 470-hp 4.5L V8 from its coupe sibling. The 458 Italia coupe is mated to a 7-speed F1 gearbox. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Italia:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Quattroruote.it (via autoblog.it)