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[extract] Lamborghini has opened a new design center aimed specifically at the development of prototypes and concepts in a multi-storey building in the Sant
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Sergio Pininfarina leaves behind a legacy of outstanding design
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The automobile industry has lost another legendary designer. Sergio Pininfarina, best known for running the company that bore his name, passed away on 3rd July evening at his home in Turin, Italy. He was 85 years old and no cause of death was given. Born on 8th September 1926, Sergio went on to receive a degree in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic of Torino in 1950. He started his career at his father's coach building and design company, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, as the General Manager in 1960. He eventually became the chairman following the death of his father, Battista Pinin Farina, in 1966. During his tenure, the company created some of the most iconic automobiles in history. Among them are, according to chronological order: 1984 Ferrari Testarossa 1986 Fiat 124 Spider 1986 Cadillac Allante 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 1995 Bentley Azure 1996 Peugeot 406 Coupe 2002 Ferrari Enzo 2003 Maserati Quattroporte 2004 Ferrari Scaglietti In 2006, he stepped down as president of Pininfarina and became Honorary Chairman of the company. Pininfarina was active in politics as well. Between 1979 and 1988, he was a Liberal Party Member of the European Parliament (MEP), where his party was a part of the European Liberal Democrat alliance. Pininfarina leaves behind a wife and two sons. -
Lamborghini has been seeing great profits with popularity from models like the refreshed Gallardo and its many variants, its latest flagship the "A vent and a door" and increasing demand from upcoming markets like China, Russia, India. Heck even in our 'puny' sunny tropics, all 60 units allocated to Lamborghini Singapore have already been taken up until the third quarter of 2012. So what lies ahead for the raging bull? We look into the e-crystal ball and here's our findings. Aventador A topless Aventador, the Aventador Roadster is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show in January, featuring a targa top, that will be easier to use than the Murcielago
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[extract] Some of Fiat
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Legendary Hollywood actor, Steve McQueen is a man who is genuinely passionate about cars and obviously he loves fast cars. Most would know or remember the Ford Mustang that he drove in the movie Bullitt and it is one of the best car chase scene ever in movie history. Even though the Mustang was a brilliant piece of machine, McQueen prefers something a little different. The car that you see here is a Ferrari 275 GTB4 and it was once owned by Steve McQueen himself. It was said that McQueen took delivery of the car in San Francisco while filming the movie Bullitt. The current owner of the Ferrari 275 GTB4 has brought the car to Ferrari Classiche to have it restored to its original state in order to receive an authenticity certification. Ferrari Classiche is based at Maranello and they authenticate and certify classic Ferraris as original which would be a huge advantage to owners when they want to sell their cars. But for their cars to be certified as a Ferrari original, the car must be in the original condition (same specifications as when it left the factory) and with matching numbers and not subject to any modification. When the car arrived at Ferrari Classiche, there was one problem. One of the previous owners has converted the coupe to a convertible during the 1980s. This was done probably because the owner at that time wanted a 275 GTB4 NART which is the Spyder (or convertible) version of the 275 GTB4. He probably could not find or afford one as only 10 units of the Spyder variant were ever made by Sergio Scaglietti and Enzo Ferrari. Since Ferrari Classiche could not authenticate and certify a fake 275 GTB4 Spyder, the current owner had to allow them to turn his pretend Spyder back to an original coupe by reproducing the roof and other parts of the car with hand beaten steel panels. And this will restore the car back to its original condition and granting it Ferrari Classiche status. Classic Ferraris are becoming excellent long term investments. Recently, a Ferrari 250 GTO which was built for Stirling Moss sold for US$35 million in a private sale. The 275 GTB4 might not fetch a huge price but at least the owner made a good decision to restore it back to the original state. Plus, with the car
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For those automotive enthusiasts who are into the sport of golf, this piece of news is for you. Ferrari has teamed up with Cobra Puma Golf to add the iconic prancing horse on a line of golfing equipment. This long-term partnership between Cobra Puma Golf and Ferrari SpA is bringing a new type of product to the industry that is both beautiful and technically advanced, truly merging both art and science. The Ferrari Golf Collection was developed through a collaboration with Cobra Puma Golf and Ferrari SpA. It brings the most innovative technologies from Cobra Puma Golf engineers and Ferrari aerodynamic engineers together with premium materials, packaging and unquestionable style. "We saw an opportunity in the current marketplace to bring the Ferrari Golf Collection to life," commented Bob Philion, President of Cobra Puma Golf. "It's a high end collection the golf industry has never seen before; bringing together the best of Cobra Puma Golf enriched with the expertise of Ferrari in a superior product offering of equipment, apparel, accessories and footwear. We are thrilled to be working with Ferrari SpA on this long-term collection to bring a new, premium golf product line up to consumers." The culmination of the Ferrari Golf Collection lies in the Cobra Ferrari Driver, a true work of art designed and developed by Cobra Puma Golf equipment engineers with Ferrari SpA aerodynamics engineers. The result is a super premium, aerodynamic, multi-material design that delivers fast club head speed and exceptional distance. After studying the Cobra ZL Encore Driver, Ferrari aerodynamics engineers suggested shape changes that would reduce drag coefficient, making the club swing easily through the air and resulting in more club head speed. These changes included new radii along the face perimeter, smoothing of the bottom sole surfaces and raising the trailing edge of the driver higher off the ground (to delay separation). These new designs along with multi-material construction reduce drag, increase club head speed and maximize distance. The attention to detail, performance and style did not end with the driver. The Ferrari Golf Collection apparel, footwear and accessories fuse form, function and fashion in a collection of impeccable design. The accessory range features premium visors, belts, gloves, umbrellas and bags. A selection of the accessories, such as the Ferrari Golf Luxury Bag and Ferrari Golf Luxury Duffel, are crafted in Poltrana Frau Leather, the same leather used in Ferrari GT Cars. For this season, the Ferrari Golf Collection apparel features polos, knits, jackets and pants. The Ferrari Golf Tech Polo uses state of the art fabrics and technology such as Coolmax All Season, UPF 50+ and moisture wicking for a shirt that keeps you comfortable and stylish in any weather. The Ferrari On Course Jacket has a striking style with contrast red stitching on black fabric, this design was based off of the interior of a Ferrari car. The jacket is also breathable, wind resistant and water resistant for extreme comfort throughout course of play. The Ferrari Golf Leather Shoe is handcrafted in Italy with genuine full grain leather upper and sole. Available in white or black, the shoe is the epitome of fashion and technology. Utilizing Puma's S2Quill technology, the shoe provides superior traction, stability and support while on course. The delicate stitching in the shoe is designed after the interior of a Ferrari car and the sleek silhouette is an understated, luxury look that will have heads turning all over the golf course. The collection can be found in select golf retailers, select Ferrari Stores and select high end retailers starting in July, 2012. Photo credit: Motor Authority
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Ferrari to hold online auction to help Italy earthquake victims
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Ferrari has announced plans to hold an online auction in aid of those affected by the two earthquakes which rocked Northern Italy -
This special edition Bentley was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and was a joint venture between Bentley and Italian styling house Zagato. The Continental GTZ is equipped with a 600bhp, twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 Continental GT Speed with a Zagato bodywork and special two-tone finish. It also weighs a 100kg less than the standard GT. During the Concorso D'Eleganza event in northern Italy, the same car was present with special panels covering the rear wheels.That aside, it features Zagato's signature double-bubble roof, a round tail with a unique taillight design, and a hand-painted pin-stripe that's the same color as high quality tan leather, which comes complete with Z motifs hand-stitched into the seatbacks. The original GTZ was priced at
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Mazda and Fiat to co-develop a rear wheel driven roadster
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Back in November last year, Alfa Romeo (which is under the Fiat Group) is challenging, particularly at the Mazda MX-5, the rear wheel drive roadster market segment with a new generation Spider. But now it seems that things are going to change. The MX-5 will receive a sibling but it will not be a Mazda. Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for both companies -
[extract] First I went wow, and then I went, hmm, and then I thought the car looks familiar and finally decided to buy one. In Forza or in die cast of course. The one-off extremely b.e.a.u.-tiful BMW Zagato Coupe blends design characteristics of the two companies, almost perfectly through many hours of hand-craftsmanship. To be unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d
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[extract] I once read a quote
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Without a doubt, the sultan of Brunei is one of the richest person in the world with a vast car collection, some specially created ones. With thousands of dream cars to go through, Carbuzz.com tried narrowing down to a few real exotics among the Sultan's immense fleet of luxury and ultra rare vehicles which is worth an estimated $300 (S$383) million, and fills five garages the size of airplane hangars. Rolls-Royce wedding car: The Sultan's Rolls-Royce wedding car: Gold Plated Rolls-Royce made with 24k pure gold Rolls Royce: The world's most expensive Rolls Royce, The Star of India costed him $14 million. Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR: The world's only right-hand-drive version with a 6.9-litre V12 powertrain producing 612hp. The tip of the iceberg is his collection of like any other gazillionaire the Sultan has a taste for Ferrari's with over 300 in his collection. Ferrari FX: Like any other gazillionaire the Sultan has a taste for Ferraris with over 300 in his collection. This FX is based on the F512M enclosed with a custom-built body and rumoured to have a seven-speed transmission from the Williams F1 Team. 6 F90 Ferrari Testarossa Speciale: All 6 are owned by the Sultan. All the F90's use a Ferrari Testarossa chassis producing 390hp sent to the rear wheels. The interior is custom with a glass greenhouse and a fully removable sunroof. McLaren F1s: Eight McLaren F1
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The Lamborghini Urus SUV concept debuted at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show with much anticipation and the car proved to be a big hit for the Italian automaker. The concept garnered much attention from all corners of the automotive industry; from enthusiasts up to rival auto companies. Lamborghini has mentioned that the car is pretty much on track for production but anyone who is interested in it has to wait until 2017, at the earliest. The reason for the delay is because the company has set some ambitious targets and this was revealed by Lamborghini
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[extract] Many would have already read reports of Lamborghini
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[extract]Lamborghini cars have some interesting model names. Jalpa, Aventador, Gallardo, Reventon and Murcielago; they all have one thing in common. Most of Lamborghini
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[extract] Back in 2010, Ferrari revealed the HY-KERS to the public which was featured on a 599 GTB. In short, it stands for hybrid kinetic energy recovery system and its main aim is to reduce CO2 emissions significantly while improving the engine
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[extract] With only 30 produced, and at a staggering
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[extract] For the ultra-rich folks who want to make their final journey in style, this is for you. Custom hearse builder, Biemme Special Cars, has converted a Rolls-Royce Phantom into the world
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[extract] Many should have already heard of Lamborghini
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A video of the custom Pagani Zonda 760 RS was found recently. A 'one-off' 760 RS was being readied for delivery to a Chilean owner, despite the Zonda being out of production. Horacio Pagani made clear that bespoke models would be produced, and the next two Zonda 760 models will come with a manual transmission. Now two more 760hp Zonda will be made. Interestingly one model has been ordered by former F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes Racing team. Hamilton was quoted as saying "My company car has a paddle-change gearbox, so when I drive for fun, I want a manual." According to some sources, the 760 RS has a Zonda F as base with Zonda R as enhancements.
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[extract] Very soon, Fiat will be revealing the new Viaggio sedan at the Auto China 2012 held in Beijing. Before that, here are some new photos of the compact sedan to tantalize the customers. The car's name,
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[extract] Many consider the Ferrari Enzo to be one of the ultimate supercars. A carbon fibre body, F1 style electro-hydraulic shift transmission, a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine that churns out 651hp and 657Nm of torque and a stunning design. It would be hard for its successor to follow-up on the Enzo
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One of the most iconic Ferrari models ever built will head for auction next month in Monaco. The Ferrari F40 prototype is only one of eight ever produced by Ferrari and is completely decked out in racing livery. It was the most powerful, fastest and advanced car of its time and made its first public appearance at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show marking Ferrari's 40th anniversary. Made out of carbon fiber, Kevlar and aluminum, the F40 packs a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine rated at 471hp good sprinting off to a 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and capable of reaching a top speed of 325km/h. This particular GT racing-spec model features weight-savings measures, bigger brakes, wider wheels and tires along with a power boost to about 600hp.
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[extract] Most of us are aware that Porsche is developing their next supercar model which is the 918 Spyder and it will be the world
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- De Tomaso Deauville Concept- It seems the revival of Italian car-maker De Tomaso has been stalled since December of 2011. But like every other failed or going to fail car manufacturer these days (think MG Rover and Saab) some company or comglomorate from China is ever ready to swoop in and pick up the pieces. In 2009 the ailing De Tomaso company was bought by former Fiat heavyweight Gianmario Rossignolo. He had announced that the new and improved De Tomaso would launch three new models. A luxury sedan, a luxury SUV Crossover type of vehicle and what most motorheads are eager to see, a new De Tomaso Pantera (a car that I have been lucky to see it in action). Somehow, within a span of two years, the new management had run out of money. Running out of money is something that happens quite often when it comes to manufacturers recently. This time it is the Hotyork Investment Group that will bail out De Tomaso. According to news sources, the deal was concluded in December of 2011 and Hotyork have announced that they will take the De Tomaso brand globally and that they have the financial capabilities to move the company forward. Don't ask what the Hotyork Investment Group does as I can't even find anything concrete of what type of investment the group actually invests in. But it seems all is not so rosy as Ithe Italian portal 247.libero.it reports that production was to have started at Pininfarina's old plant in Grugliasco but the company has not paid its employees since December of last year. The workers union, trade ministry of Italy, the previous owners Rossignolo as well as Hotyork's representatives are in the midst of trying to sort out all trade and labour issues in relation to the sale and purchase of De Tomaso as well as the fate of the workers. Then again, who's to say the new owners won't transfer tooling and make a new De Tomaso in China? The moral of this story is that while you can actually take over a bankrupt car company in a country that isn't yours, but there are tons of issues that would arise from it. On a personal note I wonder if a real De Tomaso would arise out from the ashes. The last I heard MG, now owned by another car manufacturer from China, recently launched a new model called the MG6, and it isn't a that much of an MG. So the upcoming De Tomaso cars may not be much of a De Tomaso.
