For the Select Few: 800 horses for the FXX.
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Ferrari was the most exciting exhibitor in an otherwise dull North American Auto Show in Detroit, held from January 14-22.
Amadeo Felisa, Ferrari’s Deputy Managing Director, debuted the new 430
Challenge Race Car and reviewed Ferrari’s accomplishments for 2005. Ferrari built more than 5,000 worldwide of which 1550 came to the U.S.
Felisa also revealed the development of the first “Pilota Ferrari” driving school outside of Italy. The new school will open this year at the Mt. Tremblant race track north of Montreal.
430 Challenge makes its debut.
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The press was given a sneak preview announcement of the Maranello replacement with has been rumored for a long time. Ferrari’s website has actual photos of the car, but the public will not see it until March when it debuts at the Geneva Auto Show. This all new model rides on a short wheelbase version of the all aluminum 612 Scaglietti chassis and is named the 599 GTB. Can a 599 GTS be in the cards? The GTB will have a 6 liter V12 engine derived from the Enzo with 620 hp. Felisa told the press that it will do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and has a 210 mph top speed.
Significant changes from the 430 street version make the Challenge a real race car.
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The new “Super Enzo”, the FXX, was also displayed. Ferrari will build 29 cars with only a few of them designated for a select group of USA clients. Understandably, Ferrari wants these cars to go to special customers because the FXX has 800 horsepower and about 509 lb-ft of torque on tap from its 6.3 liter V-12. At only 2541 pounds, it boasts a power to weight ratio of 3.18 lbs per horsepower. This allows it to cover the Fiorano track in 1 minute 18 seconds, a full 3 seconds faster than a 360 Challenge car!
But a standard issue 430 V8 for the Challenge
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The new 430 Challenge racer was on display for the first time in the U.S. and it is considerably different than the 360 Challenge which it replaces. Armed with the standard 490 hp engine from the street car, the Challenge differs in just about every other aspect. It has center lock alloy wheels, race suspension and differential, air jack system, modified gearbox ratios and final drive. Weight has been reduced to 2,695 lbs thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber and Lexan. Inside the car is a quick release steering wheel which is outfitted with buttons for radio contact, pit lane speed control and the new color digital dashboard. The first North America Challenge Race will be at Homestead, Florida in April.
Return of the Two Tone? The 612 tries retro-paint.
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Also on display was a 430 Spider and two 612 Scagliettis, one of which was painted in a fifties-era two tone scheme featuring red and black metallic. This will apparently be a new exterior option for Ferrari buyers.
New Gallardo Spider will be on the market soon.
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The yellow cars from Sant'Agata were also on the floor, The new Lamborghini Miura concept car is a modern version of the beautiful Miura of 1966. It appears that Lamborghini is trying to capitalize on the retro craze ala Ford Mustang. In addition to the new Miura, the exhibit included the new Gallardo Spider, slated to be released shortly.
Miura Retro effort seems as clumsy as the 2005 Mustang.
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