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Special series Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello to
celebrate Prancing Horse’s 16th F1 Constructor’s title

Scarperia, November 9th 2008 – Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider
16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1
Constructor’s World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car
features the very best of Ferrari’s latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact,
the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing
Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which
just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients,
drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes:
the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as
part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a
special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari’s 16th Constructor’s World title.
The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver “limited series” plaque just
above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a
roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that
can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with
central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than
the F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a
power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph
acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.
A new section dedicated to the Scuderia Spider 16M, complete of technical
specifications and images is available online at www.ferrariworld.com.

SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
• Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc
• Maximum power output 375.4 kW (510 hp) at 8500 rpm
• Maximum torque 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) at 5250 rpm
• Max engine speed 8640 rpm (at limiter)
• Compression ratio 11.9:1
• Bore and Stroke 92 mm X 81 mm
• Specific power output 118.4 hp/litre
Transmission
• Six-speed plus Reverse F1 gearbox
• Dry dual clutch
• Electronic differential E-diff + F1-Trac
• Oil gearbox lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger
Performance, fuel consumption, emissions
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3.7 s
• Maximum speed 315 kph
• Drive weight/power 2.6 kg/hp
• Fuel consumption 15.7 l/100 km (combined ECE)
• CO2 emissions 360 g/km (combined ECE)
Chassis and bodywork
• Car dimensions:
- Length 4512 mm
- Width 1923 mm
- Height 1216 mm
- Wheelbase 2600 mm
- Front track 1669 mm
- Rear track 1616 mm
• Dry weight * 1340 kg (-80 kg vs F430 Spider)
• Kerb weight * 1440 kg
• Weight distribution 43% front, 57% rear
• Fuel tank capacity 95 litres
• Independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbone suspensions,
titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shocks
• 398mm X 36mm carbon-ceramic material front brake discs with aluminium 6-pot
callipers
• 350mm X 34mm carbon-ceramic material rear disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot
callipers
• 19” five-spoke split rims front and rear
• Tyres: 235/35 front and 285/35 rear; Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa only
Electronic control systems
• CST Stability and Traction Control System. Steering wheel-mounted manettino
with five settings to integrate the F1 gearbox, CST and F1-Trac (Stability and
Traction Control System), suspension control.
*Figures refer to the European market versions

Fiat 124 Coupe

Don’t be as stupid as I was!

By: The Motormensch

There are some fine points to rebuilding a car that I hope to impart to amateurs who are willing to blow their wad on an emotional choice. First of all – STOP! Stop and take stock of what you are about to do before you click the “Buy” selection on ebay, or at least think about what you are about to undertake.

I was in my early 20s and in college when I made my fateful mistake. Given my age and educational level – of course I knew everything. My uncle owned wrecking yards and I grew up working for him. So, I knew cars. Friends and I rebuilt carburetors, transmissions and suspensions, so I knew cars. I had built up everything from scooters to hotrods with guys who knew what they were doing – so I knew cars.

Truth be told, I didn’t know a GODDAMNED thing about cars!

There she was, a Ferrari red, rare 1972 Fiat 124 Coupe with a straight body sitting in my uncle’s wrecking yard. It had a “near new” 1600 CC dual overhead cam 4 which the former owner used to replace the weaker 1400 CC unit. It had nearly no exhaust as everything from the header back was rusted away. Still, when it fired up – the rasp of the Italian 4 banger was awesome. The interior was in good shape and it had brand new looking carpet.

My friend had a similar idea but opted for a 1976 VW Super Beatle. This was the way to go for a beginner, but I knew it all and was no “beginner”! Besides, a bug verses a hot Italian number? There was no denying how good my car looked and all I needed was a book or two on how to fix a few odds and ends.

How hard could it be?

I had about $5,000 savings in the bank just begging to be blown on a cool toy. So, I bought it for $500 bucks and borrowed one of my uncle’s garages. Man, a cool and unique Italian car with a back seat to impress the girls as I carved the canyons! All I had to do is clean it up and replace a few things.

Six months later: I sold the car back to my uncle in pieces for $250 and a negative balance in my savings account. My Fiat turned into a 1992 Chevrolet pick-up truck. Strangely, this is the same truck I vowed to replace with my Ferrari red Fiat that would be fully restored.

Apparently, the rusted out exhaust system and the completely rusted out floorboards that were covered up by the new carpet should have been my first clue that something was wrong. The frayed, crispy wiring and leaky gaskets should have been my next clue. When I took it for its first spin (after buying it), I noticed the driver’s seat felt loose. It turned out later that all the seat brackets were nearly rusted off.

Before I began work, even my father – who knew his older cars – warned me that I was getting in way over my head. But I knew it all and would show them all. I mean, it was a cool looking car. Sure, it needed work, but I could slowly replace bits and pieces that needed it. Way cooler than a VW Bug!

Italian cars are like Italian food: sweet to look at and taste, but not very good for you.

Once I began dissembling the Fiat, I realized that nearly every part was corroded and many bits (nothing important, just nuts and bolts made specifically for that car) were ruined and I simply tossed. I torched out the severely rusted bits and was left with next to no body. I wasn’t worried, there were plenty of Fiat 124 convertibles out there and I could pick and choose – right?

No.

The 125 Coupe shared few components with the 124 convertible. In fact, it was a completely different car. Apparently, the gaskets and timing belt alone ran me much more than what I paid for the car. A ‘donor’ 124 Coupe was difficult to find and once I did, it was worse off than the one I purchased.

Then came the wiring… Did I mention that this was an Italian car? The only instructions I had on hand were written in Italian and this was before the internet so translation was slow and painful. The wiring harness came from Italy and cost me 3 times what I was expecting. The local repair books only covered the damn convertible! I never got it to turn over and somehow reversed the ground. Once, the dual Weber carburetors shot out flames! And that was as close as I came to reviving the engine.

In desperation and with less than half of my original budget left, I began calling Italian garages. Some laughed; one offered his prayers, a few referred me to super expensive Italian garages than cater to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Many would only work on one element like the engine or brakes. Not one would even replace a bolt for under 2 grand.

Feeling sorry for me, my father offered to have his friend Jon come to the garage and see if there was any hope. Jon professionally restored cars and understood what it was to look at a pile of parts and see if there was any potential. It took him less than 5 minutes to shake his head and look at me before saying, “What the hell were you thinking jackass?”

Weeks turned to months and I got nowhere with the Fiat. One nice mechanic offered to buy some of the new parts I had acquired. When he saw my pile of parts, he asked me why I didn’t start with something less complicated, like the fricken’ Space Shuttle.

By this time, I was no longer smiling at these jabs.

Defeated, I relented and added further insult to my injury when I saw my friend’s immaculate Bug about a year later. It was beefed up and handled like a discount Porsche. He took his time and researched every element of what he could do BEFORE he even bought the car. He was smart enough to know his limitations and priced everything with provisions for unforeseeable occurrences. He spent less than I did.

That was back in 92’ and I think his son drives it now.

As for me, when asked about my first attempt at restoring a car, I reply, “I didn’t know anything about cars.” Leave it to the experts BEFORE you make a mistake. Be realistic and go to shows and competitions where you might find someone who is willing to impart some expertise. If you insist on doing it alone, have a few people lined up who might be able to help BEFORE you wind up with a pile of parts.

And for god sakes, unless you really know what you’re doing, stay away from exotic cars!

Paris, October 2nd 2008 – The Ferrari California finally makes its official debut at the Paris Show today after a series of special previews on the web and during two dedicated events staged in Maranello and Los Angeles at which it received a hugely enthusiastic reception.

The Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolize not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication. This new car joins Ferrari’s 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It also flanks the 12-cylinder flagship 612 Scaglietti in the Grand Tourer category. The Ferrari California is a car with the track in its DNA. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfill the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers.

In line with Ferrari tradition, this model positively brims with innovative features. In addition to its retractable hard top and the aforementioned original 2+ concept, the new Prancing Horse car also offers: a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles coupled with a new dual clutch, a new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear), the new evolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs as standard (this latter feature is shared by the other models in the current range).

Press Release
Ferrari California Styling
The California’s sleek aerodynamic styling is, like the rest of the current Ferrari models, the result of our longstanding collaboration with Pininfarina and offers a host of signature Ferrari styling cues. Viewed from the side, the aerodynamic sweep of the bonnet beautifully contrasts with the compact tail volume and the pulled-back cabin. The front continues some of the themes hinted at on the flanks, harmoniously alternating concave and convex volumes. Seen head-on, the car clearly takes it much of its inspiration from the prestigious Prancing Horse car from which it takes its name: the grille and slender air intake at the centre of the bonnet most notably harking back to the 250 GT California. At the rear, the sides and the muscular tail section are both familiar too. As at the front, the single round LED taillights are inset directly along the edge of the boot. The California’s vertically stacked twin tailpipes are an original flourish as is the boot which sweeps right down to the bumpers to improve functionality. Of course, the interior also reflects the same level of design sophistication, exuding a sense of refined luxury, comfort and bespoke quality. Situated between the front seats, the new aluminum-trimmed centre console is another distinctive touch that goes beyond the merely aesthetic, beautifully combining functionality and design.

Aerodynamics
The Ferrari California’s aerodynamics were, of course, developed in tandem with its styling. This allowed Ferrari to keep the Cx (drag coefficient) right down with respect to the downforce required for optimal vehicle dynamics. In the coupé configuration, the California has a Cx value of 0.32. A desire to achieve perfect balance between vertical load and drag influenced the shape of the rear diffuser and the spoiler incorporated into the front bumper. Drag has been cut to 10% lower than on the other Ferrari models which not only makes the California a more aerodynamically efficient car but also reduces fuel consumption. Last but not least, the air intake on the bonnet ensures highly efficient cooling of the engine compartment.

The new 8-cylinder engine
This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminum, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks. The engine has a total displacement of 4,300 cc and a maximum power output of 460 hp/338 kW at 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of 107 hp/liter, its maximum torque is 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and delivers a blistering 310 km/h top speed. The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards. Thanks in part to these solutions, the Ferrari California consumes just 13.1 liters/100 km (ECE combined) and has carbon emissions of 305.6 g\km (ECE combined).

The California’s engine sound was also carefully developed as this is one of the great Ferrari signatures and really does contribute to enhancing driving pleasure. Particular attention was lavished on sound perception in the cabin both with the top up and down to ensure that trademark thrill without compromising on occupant acoustic comfort.

Gearbox and transmission
The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort. With the dual clutch, one clutch is used for ven-numbered gears and the other for odd numbered ones, and allows the pre-selection of the next gear required. The gears are changed by overlapping the opening and closing stage of both clutches, resulting in gear shifting times that are close to zero and with no “torque interrupt”. The result is not only enhanced performance but truly thrilling driving pleasure. The traditional transaxle layout (engine to the front and gearbox to the rear) also contributes to the California’s perfect weight distribution (47% front – 53% rear) and to reducing vibration to the body shell. In manual mode, the new gearbox guarantees great sporty driving pleasure while extra comfort is assured in automatic.

Chassis and suspensions
The Ferrari California’s chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminum. Thanks to the use of different aluminum technologies (extrusions and shell casts), the car’s exceptional versatility, onboard comfort and driveability has not added to chassis weight or to the dimensions of the structural sections – something that simply would not be the case had traditional steel architecture and technologies been used. Furthermore, static rigidity (torsional and flexional) has been improved with respect to average figures for a Spider to ensure exceptional handling in any kind of road conditions and to guarantee GT-standard comfort both with the top up and down.

The Ferrari California retains the traditional double wishbone suspension to the front while a new multilink system has been specially developed for the rear. The multilink system improves longitudinal flexibility of the suspension, keeping transverse rigidity values high. What this means in practice is that the car beautifully absorbs any unevenness, and noise and vibration are efficiently damped for exceptional ride comfort well on a par with the car’s nimble handling. The SCM Magnetorheological Suspension Control System, debuted on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, is also available on request.

Retractable Hard Top
Of course the Ferrari California’s signature feature has to be its retractable hard top (RHT). It is made from aluminum panels and has a cast aluminum weight-bearing structure which has reduced its overall weight and the moving masses involved. The entire opening/closing cycle is completed in just 14 seconds and thanks to the original stowage system, the California’s boot space remains extremely generous regardless of whether it is up or down.

The GT Manettino and F1-Trac
The manettino has now become one of the classic features of our entire range as has its position on the steering wheel which is clearly derived from our Formula 1 experience. The manettino integrates the gearbox, stability and traction control systems (CST and F1-Trac) and the SCM suspension system.

The settings are as follows:
• COMFORT: maximum safety in all conditions, particularly ideal for low grip situations (wet or slippery road surface). Best everyday driving setting.
• SPORT: maximum performance and stability in perfect grip situations. Recommended for sporty, high performance driving.
• CST-OFF: this setting gives the driver complete freedom and control of the car. There is no electronic intervention whatsoever apart from ABS.

The Ferrari California also sports the F1-Trac traction control system which can very
accurately read grip, assuring the very best can be made of the car’s potential at any
time.

• The F1-Trac system guarantees:
• Maximum grip coming out of corners
• Stability in all driving conditions
• Superb driveability and handling in extreme situations
• Consistent performance
• Exceptional ride comfort.

In fact, the F1-Trac offers a 20% improvement in acceleration coming out of corners with respect to a traditional traction and control systems.

Safety Equipment
The Ferrari California boasts an ejectable roll-bar to ensure that its occupants are protected should the car overturn. The system is installed behind the backrests of the rear seats and is hidden by the trim of the same. Ejection time is under 190ms.

The on board safety equipment is completed by front retractable airbags (driver and passenger sides), side retractable air bags in door panels, bi-xenon headlights and LED rear lights. New generation adaptive headlights, known as AFS (Advanced Frontlighting System), are also available on request, and offer improved visibility on the road. The headlamp beam angles are automatically adjusted in line with steering, angle, speed and lateral acceleration, offering a wider area of illumination when cornering.

Interior and standard equipment
Particular attention has been lavished on the design and in-car comfort standard of the California’s cabin. The new Ferrari is available in a choice of two configurations:

1. Two-seater plus rear bench equipped to take two roller suitcases or two golf bags.
2. 2+ configuration that sees the rear bench sporting two seats, Isofix attachment points, and two seat belts. In both version, the rear backrest folds down to allow the stowage of longer items such as golf bags or skis. The boot capacity is also impressively generous: 340 liters with the top up and 240 with the top down.

A new electrically adjustable, magnesium-framed seat was also designed for the California. Another new feature is the instrument panel with analogue instruments (tachometer and rev counter) and our-screen TFT Multidisplay. The Ferrari California also boasts a new infotainment system with 6.5’’ touchscreen, Sat Nav, USB connection, Bluetooth, hard disc, voice commands and IPOD connector.

Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Programme
The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme allows all Ferrari clients to personalize their car to suit their own tastes and requirements. There are four main areas covered by the Programme: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel. The Ferrari California comes with diamond-finish 19” 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels as standard. However, a further set of diamond-finish 20” forged 5-spoke alloy wheel that are 11 kg lighter than those offered as standard can also be ordered. The aforementioned diamond-finish gives the wheels an extra-high polish look.

The California is available in a choice of 16 different pastel and metallic colors. However clients also have the option of ordering the new Azzurro California shade created especially for the car’s launch.

In addition to the usual range of 12 leather colors available to choose from for the interior trim too, we’ve just added two new colors: Cioccolato and Iroko. A new racing seat with all-carbon-fiber frame and electrically adjustable backrest is also now available. In addition to the already impressive list of features offered as standard with the new California, owners can also choose to have a rear parking camera fitted or order the luggage set designed specifically to make the very most of the rear bench space, an option available in addition to the traditional three-piece leather set colored to match the interior trim, of course.

Samples of the various materials and virtual configuration tools will also be available to clients at every Ferrari showroom to help them make their choices too. They may also request out-of-range colors and content to really ensure their Ferrari California is absolutely unique.

FERRARI CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Length 4563 mm
Width 1902 mm
Height 1308 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm
Front track 1630 mm
Rear track 1605 mm
Dry weight 1630 kg
Kerb weight 1735 kg
Weight distribution 47% Front - 53% Rear
Fuel tank capacity 78 l
Boot capacity 340 l
240 (with roof retracted)

TIRES
Front 245/40 ZR19”
Rear 285/40 ZR19”
Front (optional) 245/35 ZR20”
Rear (optional) 285/35 ZR20””

CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
Front 390 x 34 mm
Rear 360 x 32 mm

ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
CST with F1-TRAC Stability and Traction Control System
TPTMS Tire Pressure and Temperature
Monitoring System

ENGINE
90° V8 Direct Injection
Bore and stroke 94 x 77.37 cc
Overall displacement 4297 cc
Compression ratio 12.2:1
Maximum power output 338 kW (460 CV) at 7750 rpm
Maximum torque 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5000 rpm

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed 310 km/h
0-100 km/h under 4.0 sec
0-400 m 12.2 sec
0-1.000 m 22.1 sec

GEARBOX
F1, dual-clutch, 7-speed plus reverse
Manual 6-speed + REV

SUSPENSION
Front: Double wishbone
Rear: Multilink

FUEL CONSUMPTION
ECE Combined* 13.1 l/100 km
CO2 EMISSIONS
ECE Combined* 305.6 g/km
*Europe version