It seems true car enthusiasts, even when it comes to Ferrari owners often get the short end of the stick. With waiting lists of Maranello’s newest offerings often excessively lengthy, the simple fact remains that demand far outstrips supply.

As a result, a number of serious Ferrari aficionados and collectors have been making noise about how they simply cannot get their hands on the latest limited run special, enough in fact that the company’s CEO Luca di Montezemolo, is seriously looking at forming an ultra-exclusive Ferrari owners’ club. Said club would be designed to its give members the right of first refusal on any new limited edition model (as if getting a “regular” Ferrari wasn’t hard enough).

As to how this club will be set up, along with the criteria for membership, remains to be seen, though expect standards to be high, such as ownership of at least four or five existing Ferraris. We can already hear the violins playing.

[Source: Automotive News]

China has become Ferrari’s second largest global market, a not-so-surprising development in light of the global economic realities. The Italian automaker enjoyed strong growth in the first half of 2011, with global sales up 12 percent to a record 3,577 units between January and June. The company also saw sales revenue climb nearly 20 percent up to $1.5 billion.

Ferrari sales have vastly improved in markets like the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, totaling 378 units in the first six months, up 116 percent from the same period last year. Ferrari is excited about its success and will enter 25 auto shows in China this year, more than double from last year. China still trails the U.S, where 939 units were sold in 2010. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said the sales momentum would extend into the second half as the company recently began deliveries of its four-seater, four-wheel drive sports car, the Ferrari FF.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Ferrari is aiming for global sales of 8,000 units within 8 years, unprecedented volumes for a sports car maker that has traditionally prided itself on exclusivity and the individual nature of their products.

Sales of 6,800 to 7,000 Ferrari cars are expected this year, with the Japanese market being the deciding factor. Ferrari sells about 400 cars per year in the country. According to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo, the jump to 8,000 units will have to come from emerging markets. ”A lot depends on India, Latin America and China. There is growth potential there,” he told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

China, which will sell 500 cars this year (up from 300) is expected to be the 3rd biggest market for Ferrari, behind the United States and Germany.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo expressed disgust regarding Formula 1′s new engine regulations, slated to come into effect in 2013.

According to a report by British network Sky Sports, the sartorially impeccable Ferrari boss said that the new turbo 4-cylinder engines are “a bit pathetic” for “the top class of racing”. “

Why couldn’t we have a V6 turbo?” asked di Montezemolo. “We should not confuse affordable with cheap. If there is the slightest possibility to delay the four cylinder, I will look for it. We see a chance. We need unity.”

Speaking to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, di Montezemolo re-affirmed that Ferrari will never offer a 4-cylinder engine in its road cars.

[Source: Sky Sports]

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]

In an effort to meet increasingly strict emissions standards, Ferrari would be open to the possibility of building a V6 engine says Ferrari boss Luca di Montezelmolo. In an interview with AutoCar, di Montezelmolo was asked about a potential V6 powerplant for a future Ferrari model, to which the Ferrari CEO commented: “An engine smaller than a V8? Why not?”

Di Montezelmolo was clear, however, that emissions regulations would not trump Ferrari’s number one priority: building impressive performance machines. He confirmed that a V12 hybrid (previewed in the 599 KERS at the Geneva Auto Show) is in the works but said a production model could be four years away. Hybrid systems won’t, however, be a part of the company’s plans for its V8 engines. For those, he insists that continuing advancements in internal combustion technology will be sufficient to create power and meet CAFE standards.

While modern Ferraris are powered by V8 and V12 engines, the V6 engine does play an important role in the history of the Prancing Horse, notably in the Ferrari Dino.

[Source: AutoCar]

Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo will step down from his primary position at the Italian automaker today ahead of a company restructuring that will begin tomorrow. He will, however, retain a position on Fiat’s board of governors and will remain the Chairman of Ferrari. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced he will draw out the automaker’s 5-year plan at that time.

It is believed Montezemolo is leaving the auto industry to pursue a career in politics. He first began with the company back in 1973 with the Ferrari Formula One racing team and will be succeeded by Fiat vice chairman John Elkann.

But Montezemolo’s departure is hardly the biggest shift in Marchionne’s 5-year plan, which is set to include a spinoff of the company’s automotive unit from its truck unit. According to a report by Automotive News, this spinoff will not only generate a cash infusion but would allow Fiat to focus on future alliances with other automakers. It has been rumored of late that Marchionne may be eying France’s PSA Peugeot Citroën as a possible partner or acquisition.

[Source: AutoNews and AutoNews2]

Yesterday Ferrari gave the official first showing of its new 599 GTO Supercar at a private event in Italy. Held at Modena’s Ducal Palace military academy, the new “Fastest Ferrari” was presented by company head Luca di Montezemolo, as well as chief executive Amedeo Felisa and vice-chairman Pierro Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari himself. In attendance were 500 guests of honor, including cadets from the academy. At the unveiling Ferrari also announced that there was no need to reach for your wallet – as all 599 models have already been spoken for.

Limited edition Ferraris like this one always sell out and we can particularly see why with the 599 GTO. After all, as we already mentioned, Ferrari claims its the fastest prancing horse ever with a record setting 1:24 second time around the Fiorano test track. As for the GTO itself, well, Ferrari has equipped it with a version of the standard car’s 6.0-liter V12, making 670-hp at 8250 rpm and 457 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 rpm. Ferrari claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.35 seconds and a top speed in excess of 208-mph. Helping to achieve quicker acceleration is a reprogrammed six-speed F1 transmission with 60 ms shift times and the ability to drop several gears at a time. Ferrari engineers also focused on weight reduction, dropping the GT car’s curb weight to 3,538 lbs. Along with lighter bodywork, including thinner aluminum panels, the GTO also gets thinner glass, a lighter exhaust and transmission and an even lighter second-generation carbon ceramic brake setup.

New aerodynamic improvements were also made resulting in improved downforce but no more drag. New ducting around the wheels reduces drag, as do wheel doughnuts. A new front lip creates more downforce at the front axle, while new side skirts help streamline airflow under the body. It’s also hard to miss the new racing-style rear diffuser.

Suspension improvements have also been made with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar, as well as a second-generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2). More importantly, Ferrari says the SCM2 setup works with a tighter steering ratio, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and the updated F1-Trac traction control systems to be incredibly responsive to inputs.

Also helping in the handling department are new 20-inch wheels, with wider 285 front tires. And what’s more important to getting the most out of the car than the driver? No, Ferrari doesn’t include your own Felipe Massa, but the 599 GTO does come with the company’s Virtual Race Engineer system designed for the 599XX. It constantly monitors all aspects of the car and is able to tell the driver how close to the limit he is operating the car.

Ferrari will give the 599 GTO its first public showing at the Beijing Auto Show later this month.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599 GTO Unveiling

GALLERY: Ferrari 599 GTO

For a video introduction to the car (dubbed over in English) see after the jump:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

With the matte-green 599 hybrid concept on display at the Ferrari booth at the Geneva Auto Show, the Italian exotic automaker didn’t have a lot to say about it, but the company’s CEO did make an important remark about the future of Ferrari hybrids. Luca di Montezemolo commented that the automaker is looking to reduce emissions by up to 35 percent in the next three years and one way it intends to do that is to offer hybrid versions of all of its models in the next three or four years.

The 599 hybrid concept (Vettura Laboratorio HY Kers) is the start of what di Montezemolo called a long project, which is sure to include several updates before it becomes a full production model. The matte-green Ferrari uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System to give the model an extra boost of electric power – making it an even higher performer. The lithium-ion battery pack for the hybrid system is located low in the car, improving its center of gravity, while not intruding on the passenger compartment. It is hooked up to a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission and adds at least 100 extra hp (as Ferrari insisted every added pound was offset by at least one horsepower).

The electric energy generated under braking also powers the car’s batter and its accessories, and allows the car to run on pure electric power at times (although Ferrari doesn’t say how far or for how long).

See more on the 599 Hybrid Concept after the jump:

The experimental HY-KERS hybrid vehicle

Geneva, March 2nd 2010 – The HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) is an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.

This hybrid project is also aimed at ensuring that Ferrari will be in a position to comply with future CO2 emissions standards, particularly in terms of the urban cycle. City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalised as their engines are designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low revs and low engine loads.

Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt an advanced, lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved by the careful integration of all system components, positioning them below the centre of gravity and ensuring that interior and luggage space are entirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion batteries are positioned below the floorpan. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower than in the standard car.

Ferrari has also applied its F1 technology to the design, engineering and construction of a new kind of electric motor which helps optimise the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the car, enhancing traction and brake balance. The motor also features a unique cooling and lubrication system for maximum efficiency under all operating temperatures and loads.

Weighing about 40 kg, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. It operates through one of the transmission’s two clutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts. Thus power is coupled seamlessly and instantaneously between the electric motor and the V12. The electric motor produces more than 100 hp as Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp.

Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module which was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well as managing the power supply and recharging the batteries, the module also powers the engine’s ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive. It also incorporates the hybrid system’s cooling pump.

This experimental vehicle thus maintains the high-performance characteristics typical of all Ferraris while, at the same time, reducing CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.

Ferrari California Stop&Start

The other important novelty at the Geneva Show is again aimed at reducing emissions. From March 2010 in fact the Stop & Start system will be available on the Ferrari California, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 6 per cent in the ECE + EUDC combined cycle. This means a figure of 280 g/km, one of the most competitive of any high-performance cars. The Stop & Start cuts in virtually instantaneously – just 230 milliseconds, a time so fast that the driver barely notices the engine restarting.

This solution is a further step in Ferrari’s on-going strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, even when increasing performance. One of the principal areas of research has been dedicated to reducing friction within the engine. The Ferrari California’s direct-injection V8, for example, has eliminated the ‘pumping’ losses created by the changes in pressure below the pistons. Inserting purge valves in the crankcase below the crank throws allows blow-by gas and oil compressed during the combustion phase to leave the crankcase without being drawn back in during the compression phase. This ensures a direct increase in engine efficiency.

In addition DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings on the valve followers and super-finishing of the cam lobes reduces friction in the valve train and contributes to the overall improvement in engine friction.

Self-sufficient with green power in Maranello

In keeping with Ferrari’s 360-degree approach to efficiency and its commitment to environmental sustainability, new technologies for its road cars are matched by the considerable investments already made to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s production activities in Maranello.

After the inauguration of the photovoltaic installation on the roof of the Mechanical Machining facility in January 2009, which reduced the factory’s power requirements by over 210,000 kWh annually, 2009 also saw the opening of Italy’s biggest trigeneration plant (the simultaneous production of power, heat and cooling from a single source) – the first of its kind to be implemented by a sports car manufacturer. Combined, the two systems reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons a year (40 per cent). Thanks to these ecological solutions, Ferrari is completely autonomous for its energy requirements. This reduction also means that Ferrari will meet the Kyoto protocol objectives a full 10 years ahead of schedule and with double the figure imposed on Europe.

This represents another significant step forward in the ‘Formula Uomo’ strategy implemented by Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, at the end of the 1990s and which has transformed the Maranello production facility into one of the most advanced in the world. It has also helped create a unique working environment which, in addition to other initiatives for the well-being of employees, ensures that Ferrari has become a model, as demonstrated by the fact that the factory has, in the past, received the ‘Best Place to Work in Europe’ award.

Ferrari will show a hybrid concept at the Geneva Auto Show, based on the Italian automaker’s 599 flagship. Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo made the announcement while unveiling the company’s latest Formula One race car. Di Montezemolo also stated that this prototype is slated for production but did not give any timeline.

Ferrari has been known to be working on hybrid technology, a fact the automaker couldn’t deny when patents for a hybrid drivetrain surfaced last year, however, company representatives have said hybrid F-Cars are not in the automaker’s immediate plans.

The 599 Hybrid concept is expected to use a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) setup similar to the ones designed for Formula One, including a lithium-ion battery pack with electric motors built into the rear transaxle. This setup would allow for regenerative braking, a start-stop function and an electric boost capability to add even more acceleration to the 599’s already impressive 620-hp V12 engine. Under city driving it would also help improve mileage by 30 percent. That will be particularly noticeable on such a gas-hungry beast as the 599, which currently only gets 8.7 mpg, bringing it up to 13.8 mpg.

Di Montezemolo made it clear that that while in the past Ferrari lead the charge in getting race car technology to street cars, it now wants to be a pioneer in transferring the efficiencies found at the pinnacle of motorsport to the street.

[Source: AxisofOversteer]

Michael Schumacher has all but traded in his Ferrari red for the silver and black of Mercedes-Benz. According to Ferrari team president Luca di Montezemolo, the retired Formula One superstar told him in a recent phone conversation that there is a, “very, very, very strong possibility,” that he will be behind the wheel of a Mercedes F1 car next season.

Di Montezemolo even said that he had released the seven-time F1 World Champion from any remaining commitments to the Ferrari team, in order to facilitate a seedy and problem free transition to Mercedes.

Reports indicate that the only thing preventing Schumacher from joining Mercedes right now is the condition of his neck, which he injured last year in a motorcycle accident. Fractures from that accent prevented Schumacher from racing in place of Filipe Massa after he was hit in the head by a piece of debris during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Mercedes has said that an official announcement is expected early in the new year.

[Source: AutoCar]