The number 9 signifies both longevity and excellence in China, and with Ferrari selling its 999th car in the Asian nation, what better time to celebrate?

Johnson Zhang took delivery of the milestone vehicle, a brand new 458 Italia, at a ceremony overseen by Ferrari CEO Amadeo Felisa. “For Ferrari, China represents the present and the future. It is a great country where we continue to invest. I’m convinced that in a couple of years, we’ll reach sales of 500 cars per year, a number equal to established European markets,” he told Auto Express.

Ferrari has been increasingly focused on China, with product debuts at the Shanghai Auto Show, and an art car collaboration with Chinese artist Lu Hao.

[Source: AutoExpress]

China is increasingly becoming the market place for luxury brands, and Ferrari‘s banner year in the Chinese market will likely force the Italian supercar maker to shift more of its energy to the Far East as China and Hong Kong gobble up more and more cars.

With 300 cars sold in 2010, China sold 50% more cars in the region than in 2009, and the company is expected to sell its 999th vehicle in 2011. With the number 9 having major connotations in China regarding longevity and good fortune, you can bet that Ferrari will be celebrating their record sales in a very big way.

[Source: Inside Lane]

The McLaren MP4-12C will go on sale in the UK with a base price of £168,500, narrowly undercutting the Ferrari 458 Italia by £1,045. But due to new UK tax laws, the McLaren’s “on the road” price, including taxes and registration, will actually be £5 more than the 458 Italia.

A price increase is expected for the 458 Italia to account for the new taxes, but the car features ceramic brakes as standard, while they remain optional on the McLaren. The MP4-12C will be sold through three retail stores in the UK, in London, Manchester and Birmingham. McLaren’s last supercar, the F1, sold for £635,000 when released in 1994.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Fenice Milano’s Fiat 500 La Dolce Vita wasn’t exactly our cup of tea, but it looks like their rendition of Ferrari‘s 458 Italia might be more acceptable. Despite a horrible rendering released by the company, the tuner looks to be on the right track with this tuning package.

Based on our source, there is supposedly a performance increase from the vehicle, but the numbers released by Fenice Milano simply look like the stock figures of 400 ft-lbs of torque and 560-hp. The aerodynamics of the car are tweaked though along with a lightened body thanks to carbon fiber replacements on the roof, front and rear fenders, mirrors and spoiler.

Fenice Milano is also offering an entirely new aluminum frame for the 458 Italia which is paired with suspension tweaks. Outfitting each corner is a set of staggered 20-inch three-piece wheels wrapped with 235/35 rubber in the front and 325/25 rubber in the rear. The only performance modification they state in the release is a new exhaust system which we imagine is good for a few horses.

No pricing or availability was released.

[Source: GT Spirit]

We’ve checked out Oakley Designs’ rendition of Ferrari’s 458 Italia before and now we’ll have a chance to see it in person in the HRE booth at this year’s SEMA show. By far one of the cleanest styling packages we have seen for the new Italia, the British tuner looks to to give it the American spotlight with its North American debut at the largest aftermarket show in America.

Since the Oakley Design 458 comes exclusively with HRE P40S Monoblok wheels, it’s no surprise Oakley Design opted to go with a co-branding opportunity in HRE’s booth. And for those that don’t know the details behind Oakley Design’s 458 Italia, it gets a power boost from 562-hp to 618-hp thanks to a remapped ECU and larger carbon fiber intake box.

The exterior is accented with a new front spoiler that provides plenty of additional down force while the rear gets a spoiler with Gurney flap.

We’ll be sure to check out this beautiful model in person with live coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starting November 2nd. Until then, check out our SEMA Preview here.

Press release available after the break.

GALLERY: Oakley Design Ferrari 458 Italia SEMA Car

EVOMS is known for its “intelligent tuning” capabilities on some of the world’s finest luxury and exotics. Their lineup of ECU upgrades includes products for Porsches, Lamborghinis, AMG Mercedes, Bentleys, Bugattis, Ferraris, Maseratis, VWs and Audis. In short, some of the greatest creations that sport four wheels.

This time around, EVOMS has teamed up with FabSpeed Motorsport to refine the brand new Ferrari 458 Italia. Equipped with FabSpeed’s headers and high-flow cats, EVOMS was able to retune the Italian beauty for an increase of 87-hp and 57 ft-lbs more torque. That’s extremely impressive when you consider just how expertly tuned the Italian exotic’s V8 already is with with 562-hp on tap.

Even though the focus is on EVOMS and their tuning prowess, it’s worth noting the craftsmanship in FabSpeed’s headers and high-flow cat creations. Their headers sport a fancy 4-into-1 high velocity merge collector and offer a 13 lb weight saving. Their high-flow cats incorporate extremely expensive 200-cell genuine German imported catalytic converters which then offer a nice 12 lb weight savings.

We’re guessing this 458 Italia sounds wicked and hopefully we’ll see some video of it soon.

[Source: EVOMSit Facebook]

GALLERY: EVOMSit / FabSpeed Ferrari 458 Italia

Yes, you’ve got yourself a Ferrari 458 Italia and while you absolutely love the vehicle, you want to do a little something to spice it up and set it apart from your neighbors identical version. But you don’t want to go overboard or scream “Hey look at me!” so what do you do? Well now you’ve got yourself a great option with replacement carbon fiber accessory parts straight from Maranello.

The side skirts come painted or unpainted, which makes sense since carbon fiber side skirts sometimes seem odd and don’t flow with the rest of the car when not painted. The front wings and rear diffuser however can be enjoyed in all their carbon fiber glory as accents to the front and rear bumpers.

The front wings are compatible with the parking sensors while the rear diffuser comes complete with vertical fins and fog lamps/rear grill frames.

No pricing has been announced, but we’re guessing it’s all a pretty penny.

[Source: Top Speed]

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Italia Carbon Fiber Accessories

While Ferrari is recalling all those beautiful 458 Italias out on the road due to a fire hazard, Amalgam Fine Model Cars has released a $5,000 1:8th scale replica of the Italian machine. Looks like some clever marketing to us, then again, maybe it’s just a coincidence.

Just checking out the photos of the replica shows just how intricately detailed it is. Apparently Amalgam worked closely with none other than Michael Schumacher to produce this replica. It’s a little perplexing why they’d need the input of Schumacher in designing a replica model that you don’t drive, but maybe it’s because the car they were replicating it off of got burnt down (hardy har har).

Nonetheless, the $5,000 toy comes in traditional Ferrari red, yellow or black and can actually be customized to your specifications. We’re not quite sure what that entails, or what accessories/options are available, but it’s there if you’re interested. We have to say though, we’re very impressed by how nicely detailed the interior is in this model. Many model cars normally just stop with the exterior, but Amalgam really nailed this one when it comes to the interior.

GALLERY: 1:8 Scale Ferrari 458 Italia Model Car

[Source: Amalgam]

Ferrari is quietly recalling 1,248 of its 458 Italia supercars due to a fire hazard that has seen multiple well publicized incidents of the 458 Italia catching on fire.

The fire risk has been a massive embarrassment for Ferrari as a number of blogs and even the BBC have been closely following the numerous fires with photo galleries and blog updates that brought the issue into the public’s eye.

The fires are allegedly caused by adhesive used to secure the wheel arch. The adhesive can cause the wheel arch to fall off and hit the exhaust, and high temperatures can also cause the adhesive itself to catch fire. Ferrari will replace the adhesive with mechanical fasteners.

Ferrari is attempting to do damage control by informing owners personally rather than making an announcement publicly, and will replace the burnt-down 458′s free of charge, provided the fires were started by the adhesive.

[Source: Auto Express]

Ferrari won’t confirm as much, but it’s believed the Italian automaker has recalled its new 458 Italia model after as many as four vehicles were damaged (or altogether destroyed) after spontaneously combusting like a Spinal Tap drummer. The vehicles created headlines (at least in automotive circles), with many blaming engineering while others blamed the drivers.

News of an alleged recall comes after owners of new 458 models on FerrariChat reported that they had received a letter from Ferrari. One owner even went as far as posting photos of the old part and the new part. Apparently the issue involves a gas overflow tube and gas vapor system that were placed too close to the red-hot engine, which could (and apparently did) result in a fire.

[Source: FerrariChat and Jalopnik]

Owners of Ferrari‘s new 458 Italia are taking delivery of their coveted exotics and it seems that more than just a few of those owners are quickly learning to do without. Several incidents of 458 fires have made headlines over the past month, compounded by the usual group of excited owners wrecking their cars.

The spike in red hot Ferraris going up in flames has prompted the Italian automaker to launch an investigation into possible causes.

Recently Ferrari issued a statement that “The company is currently investigating the particular incidents in which cars have apparently been involved in a vehicle fire, and it is currently treating these as separate incidents. Until these investigations are complete, Ferrari is unable to provide any further comment.”

[Source: AutoCar]

The latest in a long line of douchebags writing off exotic cars is one gentleman who apparently took delivery of a Ferrari 458 Italia at Ferrari’s Maranello factory, only to write it off 24 hours later.

The video features the predictable burnouts and revving-really-high-in-a-low-gear type of behavior prone to 17 year old Honda drivers, but then cuts to video of the 458 French kissing a pole. No footage of the actual accident is shown, perhaps to spare the driver further embarrassment…or because it was staged?

Hit the jump to see the full video

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue Reading…

Ferrari announced its financial results today, and the company has wasted no time in gloating that sales in the USA are up 10% while Chinese sales are up 20%, a number that is “likely to rise further still in the coming months”.

Ferrari credits the California, 458 Italia and 599 GTO with some of their sucess, but surely the real credit goes to their Ferrari boutiques which sell branded merchandise, a license to print money venture that comprises the bulk of their profits. Merchandise sales are up 40% this year, proving that while the wealthy still have money for cars, there is always a demand for upper-middle class folks to associate themselves with upscale brands.

[Source: Ferrari]

With the Ferrari 458 Challenge official revealed just last week, we have come to expect plenty more Ferrari 458 Italia race cars coming around. Now as realistic as this Ferrari 458 Italia may look, it’s simply a render done by the uber-talented Jon Sibal. We all know = that inevitably there will be a Ferrari 458 Italia GT race car to replace the current F430 GT, so why not indulge ourselves in what it could potentially look like?

Jon had the luxury of seeing one of the first (if not the first) 458 Italia’s in Southern California in person. He was once again inspired to render up a 458 GT race car and we’re thankful he took the liberty to. He claims that this is just a “quickie” and for us to “excuse the roughness.” Huh? We couldn’t spot any flaws in his work even if we wanted to nitpick.

We have to admit, the 458 Italia is starting to really grow on us. In race car form it’s just looks straight sexy with its sleek and low profile. We can’t wait to see these hit the track!

GALLERY: Jon Sibal Ferrari 458 Italia GT Renders

[Source: Jon Sibal]

Perhaps its divine punishment for that awful, gaudy Polo shirt, but some poor shmuck’s Ferrari 458 Italia went up in flames in Paris earlier this month.

Luckily, a passer-by happened to have a fire extinguisher on hand, but that didn’t stop his left rear fender from getting a little charred. We’re not sure how this transpired, or how someone just happened to have a camera, but we’ll sit back and chuckle anyways.

[Source: Autogespot]

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia In Flames

Ferrari is planning an onslaught of new products in the next few years, starting with a 458 Scuderia, and a successor to the Enzo supercar.

The new flagship promises to fill the shoes of not only the Enzo, but the 280 GTO and F40 as well, by adopting a 700-horsepower twin turbo V8, a dual clutch gearbox, direct injection and a carbon fiber structure.

For those of us without $1 million to blow on a car, the 458 range is set to expand, with the 458 Scuderia, that promises to be lighter thanks to carbon fiber parts, when it debuts in 2013. The 458 Spyder, due in mid-2011 will be mechanically identical to the 458 Italia, but undoubtedly a major draw with the Sunbelt crowd.

Even amongst the highest echelons of supercars, there are two kinds of buyers. Those who grovel and plead for a spot on the waiting list for a new Ferrari, Lamborghini or “off the rack” supercar (and often end up paying significant premiums for the privilege of buying one first).

Then there is the second segment, the uber-wealthy, loyal customers who tell Ferrari what they want, and expect it delivered to them. The most famous, the Sultan of Brunei, gets to design his own cars, which are then built by Ferrari. Others, like Eric Clapton, just want an engine swap.

According to Clapton, the 458 Italia has everything he desires in a car, except for the exhaust note. For Clapton, no V8 will do,. “I love the sound of Ferraris and I, as a musician, can confirm that these engines deliver proper music,” said Clapton. “I have to say that my weak point is the 12-cylinders’ music.”

Reports say that Clapton is having a one-off 458 Italia built with a 6.0L V12 from the 599 Fiorano, and hopefully he’ll let some lucky journalist test drive it…

[Source: Ferrari]

For most of us, the SEGA arcade game Ferrari F355 Challenge is the closest we’ll get to the famed one-make Ferrari Challenge series, but for some lucky wealthy folks, every few years they get to change rides, with each one getting progressively better.

When Ferrari released the new 458 Italia, most people suspected that a new 458 Challenge car wasn’t far behind, and now we have the video evidence to prove it. The short but sweet video posted below gives you a hint as to what the new car will sound like, but we’ll need better footage to figure out what it can do on track. Enjoy this morsel for now.

Hit the jump to see video of the Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge

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Ferrari is notorious for their arduous buying process, where customers are given the privilege of waiting between one and two years before they can hope to purchase one of the Italian supercars. In recent years, this has caused frustration as new offerings from Porsche, Lamborghini and other automakers have served to entice potential Ferrari clients away from the brand.

Fortunately, Ferrari CEO Luca Di Montezemolo has recognized this detrimental effect, and told Autocar that he will be taking steps to change things. But feat not, Ferrari owners, as your residuals won’t be affected by the move. “We’re not talking about building more cars, we’re talking about building them quicker,” di Montezemolo said.

[Source: Autocar]

There will be no hard-core ‘Scuderia’ version of the 458 Italia says Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, due mostly to the fact that the 458 is already so advanced and such an incredible performance machine. During a private press gathering in London last night, di Montezemolo commented that, “We will continue to produce one new model each year – but there will not be a 458 Scuderia.”

Afterwards, another Ferrari representative told AutoCar that while the Prancing Horse always strives to build more hard-core versions of models, currently it’s just not possible to see how the company could build a version that is significantly superior to the 458. In other words, it’s too awesome.

The key word here, however, is “currently.” Ferrari usually waits until the very end of its production cycle to introduce a hard-core model and so its likely that by 2016 or so enough advancements have been made to make the 458 Scuderia possible.

Recently spy photos did show what appeared to be a 458 Challenge model; a track only version of the 458 that is certain to replace the current 430 in the Ferrari Challenge series.

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: AutoExpress]

The Ferrari 458 Italia has been spied in what appears to be full “Challenge” getup. For years, Ferrari has run the 355, 360 and 430 Challenge, a race series for wealthy playboys enthusiasts who want to arrive at the track, drive a fully prepped Ferrari race car, and let others take care of the oily bits.

The 458 seems like a naturally successor, and the single-lug wheels, rollcage, single racing bucket seat, lexan windows and revised aero bits suggest that this car is not suited for street duty, but as a new Challenge car being prepped for a series featuring the 458 Italia. Don’t think that would stop any of us from slapping some temporary tags on one and going for a blast down our favorite road (or tunnel).

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge

The General Motors Autobots are calling in reinforcements for the third installment of the Transformers franchise… from Italy. That’s right, the newest Autobot won’t be from a far-off galaxy, but from Italy – Maranello to be specific.

Director Michael Bay has confirmed on his personal blog that a Ferrari 458 Italia will play the role of a yet-unnamed good guy.

Bay had a few more details about the upcoming movie, which starts filming soon. Shooting will take place in LA, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, and China. As for the cast, it will include Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong – known for his work in the Hangover and as Senor Chang from the TV show Community.

There’s still no word on if a Gallardo has joined the Decepticons.

[Source: MichaelBay.com]

The first Ferrari 458 Italia to be sold in North America fetched a staggering $530,000 at an auction in Los Angeles last night. The proceeds from the sale will go to help Haiti relief efforts through the CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

In total $601,000 was raised at the event with other auction items including Ferrari F1 driver Fernando Alonso’s racing suit going for $31,000 and two Scuderia Ferrari team experiences at the Canadian Gran Prix in Montreal in June.

Those in attendance included John Mayer, Jeremy Renner, Patrick Dempsey, Aaron Eckhart, Joel McHale, Malin Ackerman, Mollie Simms, Katie Cassidy and director Michael Bay.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Chrysler might not be holding a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks time but the automaker is planning to draw crowds at its booth by showing off a long list of Italian machinery, including several Fiat products that are expected to launch in North America in the near future.

Previous reports have already suggested Chrysler will show a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta premium hatchback, which is expected to be one of the first new Chrysler-badged Fiat models to arrive in North America.

Now we have word that Chrysler will show the entire Fiat 500 lineup of cars, including a new electric version of the car. We don’t know if this will be a concept or a production model. In addition to the 500 EV, there will be the standard hatchback and excessively cute convertible models. We’re most excited to see the Abarth model (above) with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 133-hp and 130 ft-lbs of torque.

Even more surprising than all this is word that inside the Chrysler booth we’re expected to see Fiat-brands like Ferrari and Maserati – meaning Detroit F-car fans will get a chance to gaze upon the new 458 Italia.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]