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AT THE SHOWS: Porsche Cayman World Premiere and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 North American Premiere at LA

November 29, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Los Angeles. Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the new Cayman at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The third generation of the Cayman, which is making its appearance before an international audience at the LA Convention Center, has been re-engineered from the ground up — it is lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. The two-seat sport coupé will be launched on the market in two versions: Cayman and Cayman S. A longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car to a level without equal in its competitive class.

Delivering more power with even better fuel economy than before, any of two highly efficient flat-six cylinder engines is mounted just in front of the rear axle, surrounded by its lightweight aluminium and steel body. The Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter engine with 275 hp; with the Sport Chrono package it accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The 3.4-liter engine in the Cayman S produces 325 hp; with PDK and the Sport Chrono package it sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The new Cayman will arrive dealerships in Spring 2013 starting at $52,600 for the Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S, not including a destination charge of $950.

In addition to the world premiere of the new Cayman, the 911 Carrera 4 and the Panamera Platinum Edition are celebrating their North American debuts at the show. The Carrera 4 models are distinguished by their prominent broad rear section and a red light strip between the rear lights. The typical Porsche all-wheel drive layout, which emphasizes power to the rear wheels, guarantees maximum driving performance on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The 911 Carrera 4 was unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show in September and is priced from $91,030, not including a $950 destination charge, and goes on sale early next year.

The Panamera Platinum Edition, available in Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 configurations, stands out thanks to subtle, independent design features in platinum silver metallic combined with expanded standard features and exclusive details. The base M.S.R.P for the Panamera Platinum Edition will be $80,500. The Panamera 4 Platinum Edition will have a base M.S.R.P of $84,600. Prices do not include the $975 destination charge. Panamera Platinum Edition models go on sale in January of 2013.

FERRARI 458 ITALIA: From Success on the Road to Glory on the Track

November 6, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 5th November – The 458 Italia has won more awards and titles than any other road car in Ferrari history. It has received more than 30 plaudits from the leading international magazines, including the best high performance engine award for two consecutive years. Now the GT2 and GT3 versions of the 458 have added to that long list a string of trophies won on circuits across the globe.

The latest arrived this weekend at the International GT Open in Barcelona where AF Corse secured both the Drivers’ title and the Team trophy for the SuperGT category, courtesy of Gianmaria Bruni and Federico Leo, while Kessel Racing did likewise in the GTS category, thanks to Daniel Zampieri and Michael dalla Stella. These prestigious victories resulted in Ferrari beating rivals of the calibre of Porsche, Mercedes and McLaren to win the Manufacturers’ title.

The new titles flank the many others won in the course of the year in the world’s most prestigious enclosed wheel championships including the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Grand AM, the Blanc Pain Endurance Series and the FIA GT3 Asia.

IN HISTORICS: Speed is of the Essence

November 6, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Historics urges fans to act fast in pursuit of Porsche 911 Speedster

Despite a span of 35 years between Porsche’s original Speedster, the 356, and its 911 namesake, the auctioneer Historics at Brooklands suggests there are signs the ’80s icon is developing a similar aura of adulation that has seen its predecessor become one of the most collectible classic cars.

With its steeply raked, low-cut windscreen and sleek “double-hump” fiberglass cover – paying homage to the 356 and other sports-racers of the 1950s era – the Carrera 911 Speedster stole the show at its public unveiling during the 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Just as the 356 Speedster was introduced on the basis that a lower-cost, simply trimmed, open-top version of the car could sell well in the speed-obsessed American market, Helmuth Bott’s evocative design for the 911 Speedster was equally unequivocal in its desire to adopt an overtly sporting presence.

Although production models were marginally more luxurious than the Frankfurt prototype, with a taller windscreen and roll-up windows, the convertible top was manually-operated and simpler than that of the 911 Cabriolet, with no headliner and thinner insulation used.

Build of the new-generation Speedster began in 1989, with construction capped at just 2,104 Speedsters, all produced in a six month period from January to July. All were equipped with the Turbo-specification chassis and competition-style brakes with cross-drilled discs and four-piston calipers.

Although 171 cars were fitted with a narrow body, the majority of Speedsters were equipped with Porsche’s striking “Turbo Look” bodywork.

Historics’ 1989 wide bodied 3.2 litre model is presented in metallic Zermatt silver with a full claret red leather interior and matching soft top. A right hand drive, UK specification car, it’s fitted with a five speed manual gearbox, 16” Fuchs alloy wheels, stainless steel exhaust and electric sports seats.

With the 911 Speedster the last Porsche model produced at the old factory in Stuttgart; a fact that along with its rakish lines and limited production numbers ensured it became a highly collectible car from the outset, Historics is expecting offers in the region of £62,000 to £76,000 at Brooklands on Saturday 24^th November.

Much as the 911 Speedster saw its styling born out of the standard 911, so the earliest Porsche Speedster took its cues from the original 356 and in a further fillip to fans of the Porsche marque, Historics has consigned a 1960 Porsche 356B T5 Super Cabriolet to its sale.

Originally supplied to Brumos Porsche Car Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, the T5 body styled 356B Cabriolet was imported to the UK in 1995, before being given a sympathetic restoration and a new lease of life by marque specialists.

With every attention paid to detail, including an interior re-trim that features the correct carpet weave, Historics is predicting no let-up in love for a model it has sold at each of its first three auctions in 2012, and expects significant interest in its latest consignment, with an estimated sale price of between £40,000 and £50,000.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday November 24^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche Introduces 550-hp Cayenne Turbo S

October 12, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2012 — The Porsche Cayenne range is now expanded to include a Turbo S model with 550 hp, an increase of 50 hp from the Cayenne Turbo. The new Cayenne Turbo S sport utility vehicle employs advanced active chassis technologies. These technologies allow it to surpass the driving performance of many sports cars, while preserving the off-road capability, ride comfort and towing ability typical of the Cayenne.

In addition to an increase of 50 horsepower compared to the Cayenne Turbo, the Cayenne Turbo S also benefits from increased engine torque, which is boosted from 516 to 553 pound-feet. This translates into faster acceleration and a higher top speed. The sprint from zero to 60 mph now takes just 4.3 seconds (-0.1 seconds), and the Cayenne Turbo S accelerates to a top track speed of 175 mph (+ 3 mph).

The Cayenne Turbo S is equipped for maximum dynamic performance. Accordingly, it incorporates chassis and drivetrain technologies which are optional on the Cayenne Turbo. More specifically, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), and Power Steering Plus are now standard, in addition to the air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which is already standard on the Cayenne Turbo. PDCC allows for even flatter cornering, improving agility and ride comfort. PTV Plus adds torque vectoring at the rear wheels together with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, which improves traction and therefore offers more agility in a wide range of driving situations. The new Cayenne Turbo S is also equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard, which includes an analog and digital timer located at the center of the dashboard. The performance display informs the occupants about the total driving time, lap distance covered so far and individual lap times. It also shows latitudinal and longitudinal acceleration via the TFT display in the instrument cluster.

The exterior of the Cayenne Turbo S lives up to the high standards of a top model. The front air intakes and rear view mirror trim are painted in high-gloss black. The standard 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels with colored Porsche badges are exclusively tailored for the Cayenne Turbo S; their inside surfaces are painted in high-gloss black. The wheel arch extensions and rear spoiler separation edge are painted in exterior color. The model also features dual twin-tube sport tailpipes in polished Aluminum.

Porsche designers created an exclusive two-tone leather interior package that is available in either Black/Carrera Red or Black/Luxor Beige combinations. They feature an exclusive combination of contrasting colors and pieces that are further accented by deviated stitching throughout. Front and rear seats feature the Porsche Crest embossed on the headrests while the roof is covered in Alcantara^® from front to rear. The instrument panel, door, and center console trim showcase the standard Carbon Fiber interior package that further complements the exclusive interior.

The Cayenne Turbo S is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2013 and is priced from $146,000not including a $975 destination charge.

IN HISTORICS: The most valuable cars in the world will gather at Goodwood Revival 2012

September 4, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

With a mouth-watering array of rarely-seen automobiles, the total value of the cars being gathered together at Goodwood is almost beyond comprehension. Just consider the following…

In the pantheon of desirable cars, one stands above all others. The Ferrari 250 GTO has everything – stunning looks, fantastic performance, and impeccable heritage. Launched in 1962, the GTO reaches its half century this year, and to celebrate the Revival will feature a display and daily track parade of 15 GTOs, which is sure to be one of the most jaw-dropping (and valuable) sights in Revival history. With an average value estimated at £20 million each, the value of the 15 Ferrari GTOs displayed at the Revival totals a cool £300 million.

In addition to the 250 GTOs, this year’s Revival will offer visitors a truly unique opportunity to see a large gathering of mythical pre-war Silver Arrows being demonstrated on track together at speed for the first time in more than 70 years. The sensational Auto Unions and Mercedes-Benz will appear alongside examples of the ERAs, Maseratis, Rileys and MGs they trounced on their first appearance on British soil, 75 years ago at the 1937 Donington Grand Prix.

Goodwood estimates that the Revival will see the largest ever gathering of Silver Arrows racers brought together in the same place at the same time, with at least ten examples. Although most are priceless, and virtually impossible to estimate their true worth, a combined value of the collection in the unlikely event they would ever be offered for sales is comfortably in excess of £100 million.

The one-hour, two-driver Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race for closed-cockpit GT cars remains the jewel in the Revival’s crown. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a spectacular grid of super-rare GT cars racing in anger, driven by great aces past and present. The grid will once again feature a breathtaking £100+ million array of internationally-renowned historic cars, including Ferrari 250 GTO and GT SWB; Aston Martin DB4GT, Zagato and Project cars; plus Jaguar E-types and E-Type Lightweights.

This year’s Saturday feature race will be very special indeed, featuring a grid exclusively made up of AC Cobras and variants in the Shelby Cup, in celebration of the model’s 50^th anniversary. It will be a 45-minute two-driver race, with driver changes in the pits between 15 and 30 minutes. With a mixture of standard cars and special-bodied coupés, it should make for an intriguing spectacle and a fitting tribute to this iconic Anglo-American sports car. Racing Cobras with known history can change hands for up to £2 million each at present, so a mild average value estimate of £500,000 per car still adds up to a £20 million grid of snarling V8s.

The total value of the other cars and motorcycles in the remaining Revival races add up to another £80 million, and that’s not including the stunning array of vehicles offered for sales in the Bonhams auctioned at the event on Saturday 15 September, nor any of the 2,000 tax exempt classic cars that park-up in the Revival Car Show each day!

So, the combined value of the vehicles appearing at this year’s annual Goodwood Revival is conservatively estimated at over £600 million. That’s an awful lot of lottery wins needed to acquire that lot. Revival-goers are certainly in for a very special treat next week!

Tickets and further information for the 2012 Goodwood Revival can be ordered by on the Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motor sport/), or via the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
On-line via the Ticket section of the website www.goodwood.com/motor sport

Lighter, faster, more agile: the new 2013 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S

August 27, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 unites the performance and efficiency of the new, seventh-generation of the 911 Carrera with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel-drive system PTM (Porsche Traction Management). The typical Porsche all- wheel-drive system with focused rear bias in this latest 911 version promises maximum vehicle dynamics on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The new 911 Carrera 4 models deliver traction and dynamic performance to the fourth power.

The new all-wheel-drive 911 is being launched in four versions – the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S, each as Coupé and Cabriolet. They sport the same traits as the rear-wheel drive versions: their lightweight body design, suspension, engines and gearboxes are identical, the only exception being modifications related to the all-wheel-drive. This means that despite a higher level of engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than the previous models; total savings for individual versions are as much as 16 per cent. In addition, the new 911 Carrera 4 is up to 143 lbs. (65 kg) lighter in weight when compared to the previous generation 911 Carrera C4.

The most distinct identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is the wider rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear wheel housings each extend further outward by 22 mm for a total of 44 millimeters, and the rear tires are each ten millimeters wider. The traditional red light band that connects the two taillights on the 911 Carrera C4 has also taken on a new form.

The Coupé and Cabriolet of the 911 Carrera 4 S each have a 3.8-liter rear-mounted boxer engine that produces 400 hp; this enables acceleration to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.1 seconds) and a top-track speed of 185 mph (Cabriolet: 183 mph) with a suitable equipment configuration. Fuel consumption values with PDK are EPA estimated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for both the Coupé and the Cabriolet.

New: all-wheel drive indicator, Porsche Active Safe (PAS), sliding glass sunroof, extended Sport Chrono pack
In the new 911 Carrera 4, an additional menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine power. In addition, with the debut of the 911 Carrera all-wheel-drive models Porsche is making the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) available to the entire model range, which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which helps to prevent front-end collisions.

In addition, Porsche offers a new sliding glass sunroof as an optional feature for the 911 Carrera Coupé. Driving 911 cars with a manual gearbox and Sport Chrono pack can now be even sportier: In Sport Plus mode, the system automatically double-declutches during downshifts.
The new all-wheel drive models replace a very successful previous generation, of which 34 percent second-generation 997 models where all-wheel-drive. This previous generation launched with one of the greatest development steps in powertrain technology that the 911 ever made: new were the engines with direct fuel injection, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox and electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM). In July 2011, Porsche crowned the model series with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, whose 3.8-liter engine was boosted to 408 hp.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera with all-wheel-drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show September 29, 2012. The new 911 models will launch in the US early in 2013. The 2013 911 Carrera 4 will have a base MSRP of $91,030, and the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet base MSRP will be $102,930. The 911 Carrera 4S will have a base MSRP of $105,630 and the Cabriolet will have a base MSRP of $117,530.

IN THE NEWS: McLaren Unveils 12C Spider at Pebble Beach

August 20, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(August 20, 2012 – Monterey, Calif.) McLaren Automotive showed the second model in its growing range of high performance sports cars, the new 12C Spider, for the first time in public at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The 12C Spider was revealed at the prestigious Gooding & Company Auction preview in Monterey, Calif. on Friday, August 17, then displayed on the Concept Car Lawn throughout the weekend.

The 12C Spider is lightweight with a high-powered engine which boasts 616 bhp, a unique Retractable Hard Top (RHT) folding roof system that can be lowered or raised on the move, and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C coupe. Aside from shared architecture, the 12C and 12C Spider share a unique combination of spectacular performance with remarkable usability.

The new 12C Spider will be priced from $265,750* in the U.S. and is now available to order from McLaren retailers across the globe. First deliveries to customers are planned for early next year.

The 12C Spider, in new volcano yellow paint, was dramatically revealed with the drop of a Kabuki in front of a crowd of VIP guests attending Gooding & Company’s preview. McLaren received much more interest over the Pebble Beach weekend where the 12C Spider continued to be displayed along with the 12C GT3 Can-Am edition concept.

Best-in-class performance

The 12C Spider’s impressive 616 bhp output from its bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine is transmitted to the car’s rear driven wheels through a 7-Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, which itself provides lightning-fast gear changes through rocker-mounted shift paddles affixed to the rear of the steering wheel. A clear view of the 12C Spider’s lightweight M838T power plant is available through a glass screen positioned behind the tonneau cover.

Vehicle dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake combine to offer sublime comfort in all driving conditions; and yet deliver race car performance and handling on track. An overview of 12C Spider performance compared with the 12C is below:

	2013MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp)	2013MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph)	6.1 sec	6.0 sec
0-124 mph (0-200 kph)	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph)	10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max	204 mph (329 kph)	207 mph (333 kph)
CO2g/km	279	279

Technical specification highlights

McLaren is a carbon fiber pioneer. In 1981 McLaren gave a debut to a carbon fiber monocoque chassis in Formula 1 with the launch of the MP4/1 race car, and in 1992 the legendary McLaren F1 introduced the advanced composite technology to the world of road cars. It was natural then for McLaren Automotive engineers to apply its carbon fiber expertise when developing the ground-breaking one-piece molded chassis of the 12C. Its 165 lb ‘MonoCell’ requires no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 12C Spider. The result is a sports car almost identical to its fixed roof equivalent in performance terms, and weighing only 88 lbs more with the addition of a convertible roof system.

Behind driver and passenger sits a rear windscreen which may also be electronically lowered and raised. With the roof lowered this acts as wind deflector to minimise disturbance to the 12C Spider’s occupants. With the roof raised the rear window can be lowered, allowing the exhilarating noise of the 12C Spider’s V8 twin turbo engine to flood the cabin on demand at any time.

With the roof raised the area under the tonneau can be used as an additional luggage area which provides useful storage space. Bespoke luggage (two soft bags) has been designed specifically to fit this space and is supplied as standard with every 12C Spider.

The 12C Spider also features a passive Roll Over Protection System to maximize occupant safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect both driver and passenger.

Ferrari at Pebble Beach

August 16, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

F12berlinetta debuts in the USA, handover of the first Tailor Made in America and some of the most beautiful Ferrari models on auction

Pebble Beach (California), 16 August 2012- Pebble Beach has always been a special place for Ferrari. The elegant town near San Francisco with a special event inside a special event, where thousands of clients and collectors come together so see the latest models from Maranello and some legendary cars included in the traditional auction and the Concours d’Elegance.

This year Ferrari has organised a series of exclusive events including the presentation of the F12berlinetta. It is the debut of the most powerful 12-cylinder, praised by the specialist press all over the world for style, handling and performance as well as the combination of high power outlet and reduced emissions and consumption.

Meanwhile the first Tailor Made car in the USA will be handed over at Pebble Beach: an FF, which has been personalised by the famous British golfer Ian Poulter thanks to the innovative personalisation programme available from the Prancing Horse. The car’s livery is a particular triple-layer “Sabbia” colour, while the interior is made of black Poltrona Frau leather with tartan pattern, the characteristic of Poulter’s next clothing line collection.

The boot in carbon fibre and high-tech fabric reminds of the world of golf with some details (like the tartan) used for the first time in a car. The British golfer will receive his FF during a special evening with the participation of Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa.

The Prancing Horse will also take part in other events at the Pebble Beach festival. In the Gooding & Co auction catalogue one can find a 1973 365 Daytona Spider certified by Ferrari Classiche and models such as the 1960 250 California Spider Competizione passo lungo and the 1955 857 Sport, once owned by the artist Andy Warhol. Those cars might probably reach 10 million dollars or more.

On Sunday Ferrari will participate in the great Concours d’Elegance in two categories for the Prancing Horse. Pebble Beach is still a way for clients and collectors to come together and share their passion for the cars from Maranello, for which the USA is first legendary market.

Bentley Motors at Pebble Beach

August 16, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

New Continental GT Speed makes N. American debut
EXP 9 F luxury SUV displayed on Concept lawn
Highly prized classic and vintage Bentleys to be auctioned

(Pebble Beach, 16 August 2012). As California’s Monterey Peninsula is primed for a week of displays and events involving some of the world’s most coveted, historic automobiles, Bentley Motors prepares to share a glimpse into the future with the North American debut of two new models – the Continental GT Speed and the EXP 9 F luxury SUV concept.

“Pebble Beach and the spectacular scenery of the Monterey Peninsula provide the perfect venue for automotive connoisseurs and enthusiasts from around the world to display and celebrate the very best of motoring,” said Christophe Georges, president & COO of Bentley Motors, Inc. “It also serves as an ideal backdrop for Bentley to showcase not only its latest production model, the Continental GT Speed, but also, with the EXP 9 F SUV concept, to provide a glimpse into Bentley’s future.”

Bentley’s fastest ever production model, the 616hp Continental GT Speed, will make its North American debut on the Pebble Beach concept lawn. The Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s performance flagship, is set to enter the market in October, and until then, Pebble Beach spectators will have to imagine its 4.0-second 0-60mph sprint and its 205-mph top speed during the static display.

The muscular, elegantly sculpted coachwork of the Continental coupe is enhanced with subtle design touches that reaffirm its sporting character. Most notable are the dark-tinted matrix front grille and lower air intakes, ‘rifled’ finish to the exhaust tailpipes and unique 21-inch alloy wheels.

For those looking even further into Bentley’s future, EXP 9 F SUV concept makes its North American premiere on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. EXP 9 F highlights the marque’s desire to build the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world, and the concept car combines a stunning interior at the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology with a dramatic and purposeful exterior. With an exciting range of drivetrain options under consideration, any Bentley SUV would offer the thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned.

Pebble Beach is also renowned for its auctions of highly-prized classic and vintage automobiles. Featuring this year at the Pebble Beach auctions is an array of evocative Bentleys, among the most significant in the company’s history as outlined below:

Gooding and Company will auction three Bentleys between Saturday, August 18^th and Sunday, August 19^th –

1931 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre SC “Blower” Sports 2/3 Seater Boattail (presale estimate: $8-10 million). More information available here.
1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Vanden Plas Le Mans Sports “Bobtail” (presale estimate: $5.5-7.5 million). More information available here.
1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Drop Head Coupe (presale estimate $150,000 – $250,000). More information available here.

RM Auctions will auction one Bentley on Saturday, August 18^th

2001 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans Prototype Racing Car (presale estimate $1,900,000 and $2,500,000). More information available here.

August 14, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Pebble Beach, CA, August 14, 2012 – On Sunday, August 19th at the First Tee of the Pebble
Beach Golf Links, the North American Premiere of the F12berlinetta will usher in a new
generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance
from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes
along with extreme aerodynamics.

The F12berlinetta represents the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars. In the United
States, deliveries of the F12berlinetta are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013.

“With many of our most valued clients and avid fans joining for the Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance, this is the ideal moment for the North American premiere of the new F12berlinetta,”
says Marco Mattiacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ferrari North America. “Both
beautiful and breathtakingly fast, the F12berlinetta carries forward the traditions of the great
Ferraris of today and yesteryear,” Mattiacci continues.

The reaction from the global motoring press to F12berlinetta has been highly positive, with
uniform praise for its extreme performance capabilities balanced with equally exceptional
drivability, together with its innovative design and exceptional passenger comfort.

The F12berlinetta is the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks
to the incredibly efficient engine – in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics
efficiency – which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and
electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track.

Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionized to match the more extreme
performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats
have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled
Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact
car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic
efficiency that sets new standards.

Scaglietti, renowned for its expertise in aluminum materials and construction, designed an all-new
spaceframe chassis and bodyshell using 12 different kinds of alloys, some of which have been used
here for the first time in the automotive sector, and employing new assembly and joining
techniques. This has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in structural rigidity while reducing weight to just 1525 kg (70 kg less than the previous V12 coupé) with an ideal distribution between the axles (54 per cent over the rear).

The F12berlinetta’s 6262cc 65° V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder. Its maximum power output is 740 CV (730 bhp) which translates to a specific output of 118 CV/l. Torque reaches a peak of 690 Nm (730 lb-ft), 80 per cent of which is already available at just 2,500 rpm, and which provides an unrelenting surge of acceleration all the way to the 8,700 rpm limit. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The F12berlinetta boasts a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.1 kg/CV.

The result is that the new Prancing Horse 12-cylinder accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also completes a lap of the Fiorano circuit in 1’23”, faster than any other Ferrari road car. Benchmark performance and maximum driving involvement are guaranteed by immediate turn-in, with smaller steering wheel angles, and increased cornering speed. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced.

The design of the F12berlinetta is a result of the collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina and is a perfect balance of uncompromising aerodynamics with harmonious proportions interpreting the typical elements of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars in an original and innovative way. A coupé with sleek, aggressive lines whose compact exterior dimensions conceal exceptional in-car space and comfort. The all-new Frau leather interior highlights the balance of advanced technology and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fiber and aluminum air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field.

The cabin has been optimized to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tailgate. With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasized, grouping all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience.

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