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The Greatest Ferrari 12 Cylinders

2011-12-30T05:47:00.001-08:00

Ferrari has a long and successful history of developing 12-cylinder engines. From its first V12, in 1946, through today's cars, such as the 599XX and the 612, Maranello continues to produce powerhouse engines with outlandish ability. The fastest, most glamorous ultimate supercars through history have had 12 cylinders to power them, some of the best racing cars, too. A Ferrari is all about sensibility rather than sense and the 12-cylinders engine is right at the core of Ferrari's being and remain the Pracing Horse's most emblematic engine, both for its performance and its magical sound. The first Ferrari engine was, of course, a 12-cylinder.

The first V12 of 1946, designed by Gioachino Colombo, was an engine of mere 1.5-litre capacity; by the time its direct descendants had reached the end of their development, they had grown to 4.0 liters. The first quality expected from a V12 is smoothness. It is expensive, a bit longer than V8 and it is heavy, but it is the best compromise for smoothness in a road car.

It is impossible to choose which 12-cylinder Ferrari should be elected to represent part of the world's heritage, but what follows is a brief examination of the most notable 12-cylinders cars in Ferrari's history. The 250 GT Berlinetta was designed by Pininfarina and built at the Scaglietti works in Modena.

Its power unit was a further development of the original Colombo-designed single overhead camshaft per bank V12 engine. The Testarossa revived perhaps the most revered name in Ferrari's history and the engine was the first four-valves-per-cylinder 180deg V12 cylinder configuration unit fitted in a Ferrari road car. The F50 was the limited edition Ferrari "extreme machine" of the 1990's, taking over the mantle from the epic F40. Whereas the two previous Ferrari "supercars", the 288 GTO and F40, had been powered by turbocharged V8 engines, the latest variant used a normally aspirated V12 engine. The mid-mounted engine was a 65deg V12 unit fitted longitudinally.

The 612 Scaglietti was the first V12 Ferrari to feature an aluminum chassis and body unit, and with the engine mounted completely behind the front axle it has an optimum 46/54 front/rear weight distribution. The 612 is also the first Ferrari to benefit from the Atelier Personalization Programme, which provides clients with a wide choice of options to create a true one-off. The 612 Scaglietti embodies the series production of 2+2 Ferraris which started with the 250 GT in 1960 and was followed by the 330, 365, 400, 412 and 456 series.

However, more than any of its predecessor, this really is the ultimate 2+2, a true four-seater. The 599 GTB Fiorano pays tribute to the company's famous Fiorano test track. The numerical "599" refers to the 5999cc engine, which is derived from the astonishing unit fitted in the Ferrari Enzo. This new generation 65deg V12 engine boasts many features that have reduced its weight, size and centre of gravity. The mid-front engine car has a 200mph top speed and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of a remarkable 3.7 secs. All these plus a spacious leather-clad cabin and excellent luggage space, too.

The 12 cylinders have written pages in Ferrari's sporting and commercial history and represent the number that Enzo Ferrari wanted for the first official Ferrari in history, the 125.

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Ferrari and Michael Schumacher

2011-12-30T05:46:00.001-08:00

Michael Schumacher was born on the third of January 1969 in Hurth-Hermulheim, West Germany. He is a seven-time Formula One World's Drivers Champion and he is currently driving for Mercedes GP. He is considered by most "the greatest driver the sport has ever seen". He entered into history as the only driver in the sport to complete an entire season on 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in all races.

Michael, when he was only four, was given a kart powered by an old lawn-mower engine by his father. That was the beginning of a World Champion's career. In 1980 he traveled to Belgium for the World Karting Championship and was fully impressed by Ayrton Senna. Michael was soon making a name for himself and in 1984 he won the German Junior Championship and after that the 1987 European championship came his way.

Before joining Mercedes in the World Sportcar Championship and after beginning with go-karts, Schumacher won German drivers championships in Formula Three and Formula König. After winning consecutive championships with Benetton in 1994, Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996 and wins another five consecutive drivers title from 2000-2004. So he was seven time world champion, first in 1994, followed by 1995, 200, 2001, 2002, 2003 and ending with 2004. He won 91 races, for 154 times was on the podium and he collected 1,369 career points. His first race was the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991, wich is his first win in 1992. The last win was in 2006 at Chinese Grand Prix and his last race was the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2006.

In his last season the 37-year-old driver who made Formula One racing his personal playground wasn't at the end of his powers. There was no driver before so excellent for so long but Michael finally grew tired of the effort necessary to continue to excel and decided to quit while he was still ahead. This retirement was only for a period of time because in 2010, after a three year as a consultant to Ferrari, Michael signed a contract with the new Mercedes GP team headed by Ross Brawn.

Off the track, Schumacher is an ambassador for UNESCO and a spokesman for driver safety. He donated tens of millions of dollars to charity and has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts throughout his life. Michael and his younger brother Ralf Schumacher are the only brothers to win races in Formula One, and they were the first brother to finish first and second in the same race in Montreal 2001 and 2003.

Michael Schumacher is world's best driver so it was Ferrari's best driver too.

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Ferrari 360

2011-12-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Ferrari 360 is a two-seater sports car that was manufactured by Ferrari from the year 1999 till 2005. This mid-sized mid-engine car replaced the then Ferrari F355. An entirely new all-aluminum space frame chassis was built for the Ferrari 360 after it united with Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America). This gave a new look increasing the rigidity by 40% and decreasing the body weight by 28%.

The engine that was used in Ferrari 360 is the new V8 engine which was much more powerful than that used for the previous Ferrari F355. The added stiffness to Ferrari 360 improved the performance where the acceleration from 0 to 100 mph was improved from 4.6 to almost 4.4 seconds. The technology used in this engine was soon followed by the other cars that were released later. F430 used the similar V8 engine that was produced later replacing the Ferrari 360.

Based on the design of Ferrari 360, few other models were released that were the different versions of this car model. 360 Modena is one of the first models that were released at par with Ferrari 360. It is a luxury sports-coupe that consisted of a fixed-roof two door and came along with 6-speed manual transmission. Later, a convertible alternative if the Modena was released which was called the 360 Spider. Challenge Stradale is another road model of Ferrari 360 that was released inspired by the design and technology of the 360 Modena and Spider. These three car models mentioned here were the three road models that were released of Ferrari 360.Few of the factory race car models were also released based on technology used in Ferrari 360. 360 Challenge, 360 GT and 360 GT-C were three factory model cars of the 360.

Almost all of the road models contained similar specifications and layout. For example, the same V8 engine was used with the same number of cylinders in all the models. The power and torque produced remained the same in Modena and Spider but slightly varied when it came to the Challenge Stradale.

The top speed of the 360 Modena reached around 183 mph and the acceleration took about 3.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The Spider though was considered as the classic sports car even when it was launched in the year 2000. Heavy design engineering was performed to get the stiffness and the performance for the Spider model. The looks of this model were also well received by the users. People say that 360 Spider looks very aggressive with its hood up but totally transforms into a neat and simple look when the hood is lowered. The design engineers took care and precision while working with its hood as it automatically folds away inside the engine bay despite the mid-mounted V8 engine that is being used by this car. The Challenge Stradale was more inspired by the racing car style and was slightly different from the Modena or the Spider model. It was purely made only for the track days.

Though the technology and design remained much similar, there are very few subtle changes between the three road models of Ferrari 360.

Ferrari 458 Italia: Pure Innovation

2011-12-30T05:43:00.002-08:00

Ferrari 458 Italia features the best torque in its category, an F1 type steering wheel and a backup of technology and electronic systems capable of delivering the ultimate in performance and safety. Completely new in terms of concept and design, Ferrari latest supercar combines extreme performance with great comfort. Innovation is the key element: the chassis and its components, the power unit, the aerodynamics, the ergonomics enjoyed by the driver, the electronic system capable its performance and new generation brakes are just some examples of what makes the new 458 Italia so special.

The proportions are extremely evocative of the Enzo, and the passenger cabin has plenty of room with priority accentuated to the driver. Controls are concentrated in the steering wheel and instruments are functionally divided into operational information, rev counter and navigation screen. The steering wheel, in particular, is impressive as it has all the commands at the driver's fingerprint, including the gearshift paddles.

The 458 Italia is a car coming after the two most successful models in Ferrari's history: the F430 with its outstanding performance, and the 360 that contributed in bringing the 100 per cent aluminum revolution to Maranello. The 458 Italia is a machine projected into the new decade: a completely new car in its chassis and suspension systems, the distribution of its parts and radiators, the engine, its aerodynamics and its second generation electronics systems. The Ferrari 458 Italia engine is the first engine for road usage capable of developing as much as 9,000 rpm and, together with a 120 Nm/l peak torque, guarantees top levels of sportiness and outstanding driving comfort even when used on a daily basis. Thanks to F1 experience gained, the 458 engine features a drastic reduction of friction and leaks in the mechanicals and pump action. Furthermore it uses direct double-stage injection which allows improving the peak torque but also reducing emissions, making the 458 Italia the best car in its segment. The 570 hp V8 engine is capable of performing 0-60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. The seven-speed F1-type gearbox is coupled with a dual clutch to guarantee a smooth torque transmission. Ferrari 458 Italia embodies a dual soul: performing when required but also gentle and comfortable when driving normally.

In addition to the aerodynamics and interior, the 458 Italia boasts all the highly sophisticated electronic supports able to guarantee top performance and safety. Because of the 458 Italia, now customers will no longer have to make compromises. They can have their California to enjoy the pleasure of grand touring or choose a 458 Italia struggling to hide the real attributes of a car that can take to the track and keep everyone in the shade.

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Interior of Ferrari 308

2011-12-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Ferrari 308 is a series of two seats, exotic sports cars for road use. Since its start in 1975 with Ferrari 308 GTB these cars have defined the image of Ferrari in the minds of general public as well as enthusiasts.

Although Ferrari 308 is primarily sports oriented and a luxury car as such, it does not mean that the luxury and comfort aspects of the car are neglected. The interior of Ferrari 308 makes it completely clear.

Ferrari 308 established new standards by the design of its interior. Before 308, no two seated performance oriented car had as comfortable and roomy interior as this one. Very few of them had adjustable seats.

There have been several changes in the interior design of Ferrari 308 series cars over the years but all of these follow the finest traditions of Italian design and provide a sense of luxury and comfort. In its original version 308 had adjustable, leather covered thin shell seats that were very comfortable and supportive. The height of central console was parallel to the seat and it did not extend up to the front bulkhead. The binnacle in front of the steering wheel was dominated by speed and tachometer and also supported gauges for fuel, oil pressure, engine oil temperature etc. Additional gauges were on the lower right of the main binnacle. The console also contains a chromed gear stick and various other controls.

With time 308's interior changed along with other things like engine, suspension etc. These changes included a flat black binnacle facia, instead of the brushed aluminum. Oil and temperature gauges are moved to the central console that contained the gear shifter stick. The stitching pattern of the leather seats were changed as well.

There were additional changes in the interior of later models such as 308QV. These included an improved tighter stitching of seat cover, a tidier central console and a modernized mono steering wheel with thicker and reshaped spoke and rim. The map pockets in each door were made a little larger as well.

Throughout these changes Ferrari 308 has maintained the degree of quality and design that people has come to expect of Ferrari cars as well as the particular theme set by original Ferrari 308. All things considered 308 series cars have one of the best interior design for the cars of its class.

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Hybrid Vehicles And Avoiding the London Congestion Charge

2011-11-16T15:11:00.001-08:00

Driving to work at rush hour and heading home, shopping, socializing and more - a large amount of time spent in London involves a lot of travelling and patience. The most popular method of travelling is by car, since the London car population has reached millions. Consumers should therefore be well aware of the London congestion charge which counts as a significant extra expense to the home budget.

However, due to new arrivals to the eco-friendly vehicle market, certain types of cars are now exempt from the congestion charge. This is due to their low emission level and the fact that they meet the Euro 5 standard, which is also available for plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, since green vehicles are quite high-priced, there are other ways of cutting down the congestion charge by fuel consumption.

The congestion charge has been implemented to improve traffic and enable a smoother flow to the Centre of London. The scheme applies from Marylebone to the Northern Euston Roads and is available Monday to Friday from 7a.m. to 6p.m., with the exception of civic holidays. At the beginning of 2011, a Greener Vehicle Discount has been implemented, stating that cars which aim to improve air quality and have an emission level limited at 100g per kilometre meet the Euro 5 standard and are therefore completely exempt from congestion charges. Furthermore, the Alternative Fuel Discount also enables drivers which cannot benefit from the greener car charge exemption, to discounts of the congestion tax by opting for an alternative fuel.

The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 comprises of the latest cutting-edge technology, which brings the diesel and electric motor combination at a whole new level. The hatchback emits 99g CO2 per kilometre, which meets the Euro 5 standards and holds the status for the world's first diesel hybrid. The emissions exceed the performance of the Toyota Prius with just 10g CO2 per kilometre. The 3008 Hybrid uses Peugeot's first class 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine which produces 164bhp and an additional electric motor which can produce up to 37bhp; together, both engines add to a total of 74.4mpg in fuel consumption. The difference between this and other hybrid vehicles is that the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 benefits from Peugeot's diesel engine which provides more torque. The front wheels of the car are powered by the diesel and generate 300Nm torque and the rear wheels produce up to 200Nm in torque. The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 brings a lot of enthusiasm to the green car industry, as it is only 70Nm slower than an Aston martin DBS. Its performance can easily make the hybrid hatchback the most agile green vehicle on the market.

Diesel Hybrid cars such as the Peugeot 3008 have a huge advantage on London roads. As the cars usually emit less than the 100g/km CO2, they are completely exempt from the congestion charge. A daily tax has a 10 value, which means that people who work in Central London and travel to and from work daily can save up to 200 per month. Hybrid cars have the potential to be both environmental friendly and economical and as a result, make a great choice for London workers.

An alternative to the hybrid vehicle is the electric car. The Peugeot iOn is a battery-powered vehicle capable of 74.3mpg and a range of up to 80 miles. The disadvantage with the electric vehicles is that the technology has not been fully-developed yet and the cars do not enable long-distance travelling. Therefore, it is in the consumer's disadvantage if the distance to and from work is longer than 80 miles, as there are very few charging stations available. The benefit of the Peugeot iOn is that it has zero CO2 emissions; as a result it meets the Euro 5 standards and is exempt from the London congestion charge. Unfortunately, the new technology is quite unreliable as the battery has a short durability and any of the accessories such as wipers, air conditioning and radio consume even more. However, the Peugeot iOn would be excellent as a second car, with the purpose of getting to Central London and back home every day. The maintenance and running costs are even more reduced than for a hybrid as the car can run at a top speed of 81mph for a maximum of 6 hours.

If the exemption from the London congestion charge is not an option, there are ways of reducing the tax value by opting for alternative fuel. Cars like the Peugeot 308 and the 508 diesel version emit up to 149g CO2 per kilometre which does not classify them as the Euro 5 eligible. A discount has been made available for such vehicles which in order to benefit need to be converted to alternative fuel sources such as LPG or natural gases. These resources save up to 40% more in fuel consumption than diesel and petrol-power vehicles. The discount from the London congestion charge is available 100% for LPG or natural gases converted vehicles and registered before 24th of December 2010. An annual fee of 10 needs to be paid to benefit from the discount. The vehicles which are approved by the government test are ultimately included in the Energy Saving Trust Powershift Register, which installs and maintains all the necessary features to enable the conversion.

The congestion charge is an obligatory burden initiated to enable a simpler access into Central London. However annoying it may be, the tax encourages vehicle owners to reduce CO2 emissions by opting for more environmental friendly cars. Efforts to do so are rewarded by a full exemption from the London congestion charge, which during a whole year could add up to 2,400.

For more information regarding hybrid vehicles, electric cars and keeping the cost of motoring down.

Alternative Fuel Cars

2011-11-16T14:49:00.001-08:00

With so many initiatives currently in place across the world to reduce carbon emissions, it is little wonder that the car industry is taking an active part in producing and promoting low emission vehicles of the future.

Whilst some have made the step to completely remove petroleum fuels - either petrol or diesel - some have made the slightly easier transition to vehicles that combine petroleum fuels with other means of power to cut down on the fuel consumption.

A good example of these are hybrid electric vehicles, which are simply more efficient in the electric battery and motor, allowing a more efficient use of the petrol resulting in lower consumption. Other forms of hybrid electric vehicles are those that employ solar power to offset the use of fuel, resulting in the same outcome.

There are two main reasons for this sudden fervour for alternative fuel cars. The first is the threat of global warming. Whilst the long term effects of global warming are much discussed and widely speculated upon, what is generally agreed is that the Earth's surface is gradually heating up at a higher rate than it should, altering its climates. This is considered to be due to the overproduction of greenhouse gases, which form a layer in the atmosphere that traps heat and reflects it back at the Earth.

Major contributors towards these greenhouse gases are from energy production, causing many homes to switch over to eco energies such as Solar panels. Another big player in the greenhouse problem are vehicle exhaust fumes and so the move towards alternative fuel cars is partly motivated by a need to preserve the future of the planet.

The second reason is a more practical one. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, rapidly diminishing. Because of the rules of supply and demand, the less there is of it, the higher the price will rise. Therefore the need for alternative fuels for vehicles is an immediate one, provoking the car industry to put a good amount of resources into solving this rapidly approaching issue.

Whilst there are many hybrid vehicles around, there are very few entirely alternative fuel cars. The current issue with owning such a vehicle is the lack of widespread availability of places to refuel, requiring much greater planning in order to get to the few filling stations that cater for them. Until a new industry standard is established, this situation is unlikely to change, meaning that the issues presented by the continued reliance on petroleum fuels for cars will remain for the foreseeable future.

Steven Parkinson