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Ferrari has always been associated with elegance and speed. It is not only one of the most desirable vehicles to drive and own, but it is one of the ultimate status symbols in the world.

The origins of Ferrari started in 1929 in Modena, Italy, at Scuderia Ferrari, established by Enzo Ferrari. The term “Scuderia Ferrari” literally means “Ferrari Stable,” and, figuratively speaking, it means, “team Ferrari.” Enzo Ferrari started out as the racecar driver for another car company, Alfa Romeo. In 1939, he stopped racing when Alfa Romeo hired him to head its racing department. Ferrari resigned in 1940 when he heard plans of Alfa Romeo trying to take over his Scuberia. Upon his resignation, he put up Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari. This shop made and produced aircraft accessories as well as machine tools. Enzo Ferrari’s first racecar was produced during this period and he named it the Tipo 815. The Ferrari factory moved to Maranello, Italy in 1940 and remains there up to this day.

The first models introduced to the market are quite different from those that are seen in showrooms today. In the years that followed, the company quickly shifted to the Gran Turismo market, much of which remains the same today. In 1971, Ferrari infiltrated the mid-engined 12-cylinder market using the Berlinetta Boxer. By the mid 1990s, the letter “F” was added to the brand’s new car models. However, this practice was abandoned after the F355 and the F512 models, but eventually returned with the F430 model.

Production started for the F430 model, the successor of the Ferrari 360, in 2004 and is still being manufactured up to this date. The F430′s body was redesigned to be aerodynamic while at the same time curvaceous with the down force having been greatly enhanced. This model contains most of Ferrari trademarks such as the taillights and interior vents with the car’s name etched into the driver’s side mirror that carries the Testarossa style. The front bumper openings are large and oval, reminiscent of the brand’s racing models of the 1960s, most particularly the 156 “Sharknose” Formula One car and the 250 TR61 Le Mans of Phil Hill.

The F430 model is the successor of the Ferrari 360. It is still being manufactured up to this date. The F430′s body has a curvaceous body with an aerodynamic design. It is one of the racecar models that carry most of Ferrari’s trademarks. The front bumper openings are large and oval, which is reminiscent of the brand’s racing models during the 1960s such as the 156 “Sharknose” Formula One and the 250 TR61 Le Mans of Phil Hill.

The Ferrari F40 is one of the most expensive and fastest of all Ferrari cars. A successor of the Ferrari 288 GTO, it is a rear-wheel drive, mid engine, two door coupe sports car. Production started in 1987 until 1992. This model was one of the first cars to use turbochargers. Ferrari is the most successful and the oldest race team in the Formula One championship. Most of all the Formula One record is held by Ferrari racecar drivers.

Because its popularity has been increasing, Ferrari decided to manufacture and produce its own brand of merchandise, which includes pens, eyewear, perfume, clothing, laptop computers, and even hi-tech bicycles. The brand’s well-known symbol, the “Cavallino Rampante” consists of a black prancing horse over a yellow background. The letters “S” and “F,” which are located at the horse’s hooves, stands for Scuderia Ferrari. Ferrari is the oldest and the most successful race team in the Formula One racing championship. Its team of racecar drivers holds most of the Formula One record in history.

Mechanics and Reputation of the Ferrari F430, check out Charles Philip Granere‘s site.

Popularity: 13% [?]

“The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme.

[Translation:the 16M comes in a special color combo only available with this special edition-- unless you're willing to pay for it and wait an additional God knows how long.] The new car also sports a special plaques on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver ‘limited series’ plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard.

[MONEY SHOT!] Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell (hmmm) and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard [not shown here because it probably looks like an after-birth, I mean after-thought].”

Popularity: 12% [?]

Your feelings on the Ferrari 458 Italia will depend heavily on whether you want a car that looks like it was designed by Italian surrealists or whether you want one that looks like it was painted by a more neoclassical hand. Because (and some people will argue with me on this) the Italia looks like a car. A nearly perfect car, but still: a car.

Other Ferraris assault the eye with precarious curves, hazardous pointy bits and violent-looking intakes, all of which convey the impression of big meat-eating power. So while the Italia too looks just as serious as its predecessors, it does so with subtle curves, elegantly angled headlights, a peekaboo-glass top over its mid-set engine. It’s just a genuinely pretty car, not wild-looking and alien, but still as impressive as a Ferrari should be.

0 to 60 in Just 3.3 Seconds

And this all plays out in its performance. Launched in 2009 as the descendant to the F430, the 458 Italia pumps out an astonishing 560 horsepower, getting it from standstill to 60 in 3.3 seconds. The eight-cylinder two-seater, while perhaps not as scary in appearance as some other Ferraris, certainly has the strength of its convictions, topping out at somewhere right over 200 mph.

And it’ll get there smoothly, with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission which anticipates the shifts by revving the next gear to match the one you’re currently in for a seamless transmission transition. Think about how a new relay runner matches the speed of the previous one before the handoff and you’ve got a vision of what’s going on in the gearbox of the Italia.

Not Just for Sheiks and Rock Stars

The future is all right there in the dash, for better or worse. There’s a simplicity to some Ferrari consoles that isn’t on display here — all the turn signals and windshield wipers are squeezed onto the steering wheel, so you better memorize the wheel before you go into turns. Then again, with the level of output this car delivers, it might not ever dawn on you to bother with signaling. No one’s going to keep up with you anyway.

For all its outstanding power, handling and performance, it manages to maintain its good looks and not succumb to the vents and sharp edges of outrageous design. And it doesn’t appear to hurt it at all. When compared to the ultra-exclusive Enzo, available to rock stars and sheiks, the Italia is far cheaper (at $230,000 this is a relative term) and yet still nearly as fast as the Formula One-emulating Enzo. The Italia absolutely tops its predecessor, the F430, which was already in a league of its own.

Learn more about Charles Philip Granere. Stop by Charles Granere’s site where you can find out all about Charles Philip Granere‘s hobbies.

categories: ferrari california,ferrari,super cars,sports cars,cars

Popularity: 14% [?]

In the late 1940s, Ferrari used to be famous as Scuderia Ferrari meaning the Ferrari Stable. This Italian industrialist very famous for making sports cars owned and created by Enzo Ferrari. Up to date, Ferrari cars have become a symbol of excellence in the lucrative business of automotive sales.

Launched in 1940 Mille Miglia, the first car built was the Typo 815. There was no obvious competition during that time because of the prevalent Second World War But the car that was regarded the formal first car was the 125 S made efficient by 1.5 liter V12.With Franco Cortese behind the wheel, the 125 S Ferrari won the Rome Grand Prix in 1947.

Enzo Ferrari sold his inventions with reluctance in order to invest more instantly gaining prominence for high car standards but he continued his eminent repugnance for his buyers. To prove that his indifference is true is with the case of Ferruccio Lamborghini who forcefully invented supercars not only because he became discontented with Ferraris but also because his laments were left unnoticed. In 1968, the Dino 246 GT a mid-engine rear drive automobile became distinctly unprecedented because there was no evidence of the embellished name on the race car. During the Italian Grand Prix in 1960, Dino 246 emerged victorious driven by Phil Hill. The 328 GTS ruled for three straight years during the 1980s.

As part of the BITOMORE project, Ferrari thought of making a lone seat type of car with its engine located on one end of the front portion and behind. Designed by Bertone, the 308GT4 is the only Ferrari car with a fiberglass body and was changed into steel later. Other Italian car producers have adapted and used Ferrari machines in their cars. When Ferrari celebrated their 50 years in the car trade, they made cars with double doors and displaceable roofing to showcase to the public. The use of spontaneous conductance was introduced through the 976 Ferrari 400GT.

Ferrari has accumulated 25 supremacy titles in a 500 Formula 2 race. The Ferrarina which is the smaller version of the Testa Rossa in 1958 had a velocity at its maximum of 113 miles per hour in a 1,000 cc91 bhp four cylinder machine made in alloy.

The prancing horse, the distinctive trademark of Ferrari was seen at first on radiator machines. This was styled by the Tuscan Cerrato company and was exclusively made for Ferrari Scaglietti cars. It is made of brass sheets three millimeters in thickness shaded in chrome and copied to make the symbol look magnificent. But as time passes, the emblem was changed to an adorned steel to make it suitable for the Ferraris. Today, this symbol is located at the faade and back portion of all Ferrari cars.

In 1982, the manufacturing area for Ferraris has been moved from the northern part of Italy in Maranello to a site nearer to the Ferrari race track named Fiorani. Fast cars that are to be used in Formula competitions as well as the parts and accessories are made there.

The distinctive shade of red is provided by the International Automobile Federation for fast cars made in Italy which are competing in Grand Prix competitions. But Ferrari cars are available also in 18 different colors.

Technology and Preeminence of the Ferrari F430, check out Charles Granere‘s site.

categories: ferrari california,ferrari,super cars,sports cars,cars

Popularity: 14% [?]

If you try to look around, you will find that some cars have a lot more similarities than the others. There will also be a select few that completely stand out from the rest. One look at this car will tell you that it is one of its kind, with a style that is uniquely its own. This is how you’d feel about a Ferrari.

Over the past few decades, the Ferrari has not only been a staple vehicle for race car drivers, it also signifies elegance, versatility and an evident touch of class. There are specific Ferrari models that may date back to over fifty years ago, but because of their innovative developments and remodelling, they are able to produce a fast and dynamic car that everyone will love.

Having back seats is probably not common when talking about Ferraris, but this innovative company is determined to break the mold and provide various options to Ferrari lovers and car enthusiasts. The Ferrari California takes pride in housing a V8 front engine and a 7 speed transmission, but there’s definitely more to love. This car, also called the Grand Tourer can allow you to bring some of your friends or young children for a ride. Expect them to fall in line!

If you have been used to spacious cars that offer a lot of leg room, you should know that you will not find it in the Ferrari. What you will find, however, is an immense speed that can be considered from one of the fastest cars in the world. Can you think of any other car that can take you from zero to 60 in only four seconds? This impressive feature continues to amaze car enthusiasts, but Ferrari is determined to make more developments to their product line like no other company ever has.

The Ferrari has also had its share in television and film, keeping its reputation for speed and functionality. One of the cars used in popular films would be the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. There were only less than 100 units sold for this model alone, and figures have shown that it was sold at a price tag of 11 million dollars at an auction!

It is not surprising how the value of the Ferrari continues to appreciate as the years go buy. It’s amazing how people have regarded the value of the Ferrari. As they continue to make more modern developments in their vehicles, the value of their older models almost become somewhat of a collector’s item.

The Ferrari likes to stick to a tried and tested formula, and then developing new innovation injected in most of their models. The new Ferrari California that was launched in 2008 still bears semblance to their older models, but owning one will not necessarily feel nostalgic at all. It’s a beautiful car with modern features and basic design, but in looking at the car’s performance, engine and other benefits, you would instantly know that such development can only come from a company like Ferrari.

The Ferrari continues to impress car enthusiasts, and even with its simple design, one would not even be the least bit bothered. Grumbling about leg room in back seats would seem insignificant to the countless features of the Ferrari , a feat that most competitors want to imitate but still fall short of.

Science and Cachet of a Ferrari, find more at Charles Philip Granere‘s.

categories: ferrari california,ferrari,super cars,sports cars,cars

Popularity: 13% [?]