20/04/07; New 08' Ferrari 430 Challenge Stradale SPIED! (Lance Coren, photo credit; Hans G. Lehmann)
The anticipated 2008 F430 Challenge Stradale project appears to be nearing completion. Internal sources at S.p.A. have suggested that the car will take on a similar look to that of the F430 Challenge competition car. The front bumper facia will be altered slightly from that of the race car with larger air intake nostrils and some additional accent lines.

The rear bumper facia appears to be an exact duplicate from the competition unit, with centrally mounted and opposed exhaust trumpets and end breather grilles. The rear body panel will be a-la 2003-2004 Challenge Stradale perforated style. 

The rear engine cover will come with dual lateral supports for the Plexiglas.  The interior will offer up a full carbon-fiber trim package with some newly designed competition seat treatment. The suspension will be very similar to the competition car’s current package with variable rate springs, adjustable shocks and some interesting looking sway bars. The F1 transaxle will have a reworked ECU that will enable even faster shifting than the current unit.  The wheels may be composed of a lighter weight alloy and should be of a vane type design.

The curb weight of the Stradale appears to fall just under the 3000 lb. mark. With and extra 35-40 horsepower on tap, the Stradale will be able to gallop from 0-62 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.

The probability is high, that the new Challenge Stradale will be introduced as a 2008 model run unit with an anticipated first delivery date of September-October, 2007.  Pricing is not set as of this writing, but sources within marketing appear to be discussing a base MSRP of around $255,000US.     -Lance Coren, Editor at Large


 

15/04/07; The Ferrari Experience in Abu Dhabi. (Lance Coren)
Ferrariland Theme Park has been confirmed to be on schedule for a summer 2009 grand opening in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The park will actually be only one of the developments in an extensive tourist destination. Sources within the government management team have alluded to the entire program including, but not limited to, at least a couple of dozen family themed attractions that will include automotive race designed mini-tracks (plus a standard length course) for F1 style go karts and off-road ATV’s.  

In concert with all of this will be a number of planned hotels, condos, theme restaurants, shopping centers and assorted water marina parks. This project actually sounds like it will mimic a number of  Las Vegas style venues. Fun for the whole family, Dhabi Style!     -Lance Coren, Editor at Large

 

18/03/07; Alcoa Completes New Ferrari Plant (John Marconi)
Alcoa Aluminum has completed a brand new 5,000 sm assembly plant which has replaced the former plant inside Ferrari’s Scaglietti facility in Modena. 

Alcoa is known as the only supplier to Ferrari, of alloy spaceframe chassis for the F430, 599 GTB and the 612 Scaglietti models.

The facility is a fully state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that encompasses advanced technology in the construction of the aforementioned production chassis. It is a sure bet, that this facility will enhance the craftsmanship qualities of the completed products for Ferrari.     -John Marconi, Technical Editor

Concours on Rodeo 2004 (By: Max Janisch)
Rock Stars, Movie Stars and Car Stars.  The 2004 Concours on Rodeo in Beverly Hills had them all.  From 1930 Duesenbergs to a 2005 Mercedes-McLaren SLR plus a gaggle of 2005 Porsche Carrera GT’s.  Beverly Hills’ premier street, Rodeo Drive was blocked off between Wilshire Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd. for the 2004 Father’s...More...

2004 Ferrari International Meet, Monterey, CA. (Provided by FCA)
The 1994 FCA Annual Meet that took place in Monterey was, and still remains, the biggest Ferrari get-together ever held in the U.S. We are doing it again in 2004 when Ferrari is also expected to be the featured Marque at the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca and the post-war featured marque at the Pebble Beach Concours. More...

2004 Rolex Monterey Historic Races. (Provided by RMHAR)
Red will be the predominant hue as Ferrari, the fabled Italian sports and racing car marque, is honored at next year’s Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Chrysler. For the 31st year, the hills just East of Monterey Bay will be filled August 13-15 with the sounds of more than 400 of the world’s legendary racing cars...More..