VIDEO: Ferrari California gets Squashed by Tour Bus

Blame their celebrity-like status, but when a new supercar gets involved in an accident, it’s bound to attract some media attention. This here incident involves a brand new (or fairly new) Ferrari California and a tour bus that crossed paths at the intersection of Camden and Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. We don’t know the details surrounding the mishap but the result is that the Ferrari got squashed into a curb by the tour bus. If you happen to know anything about the crash leave us a comment after the jump. Hop through the break to watch the video.

Source: SoCalspeedzone & Concoursblog via Motorauthority

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VIDEO: Ferrari Drops FF Press Cars at Ski Resort with a Chinook Helicopter

Over the next few weeks, some 200 handpicked journalists from all over the world will have the opportunity to try out Ferrari’s latest creation, the new FF sports car. Usually, a Ferrari presentation of this kind would take place at a race circuit, but not this time as Maranello chose the Plan De Corones ski resort in Italy to tout its new four-seater model’s all-wheel drive capabilities.

Being that the ski resort can only be reached by ski-lifts, Ferrari commissioned the help of the Italian air force to transport the two press cars at the top of Plan De Corones at 2,350 metres. A CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter from Viterbo’s 1st Regiment Antares and three Agusta 205 helicopters from the 4th Regiment Altair from the Italian air force in Bolzano, assisted Ferrari in moving the cars to the Dolomites. You can watch the air-lift in the video after the break.

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Ferrari Video Explains how the FF's 4WD System Works

The Ferrari FF has attracted a lot of attention at this year's Geneva Motor Show, mostly for its shooting-brake shape and top-of-the-range status. But for tech lovers, what really stands out about this car is the four-wheel-drive system under its skin, a first for a series production Ferrari model. Understanding how the system works beats everything else for engineering geeks, so Ferrari has offered us a detailed video on the 4WD system.

As the company previously stated, the 4RM configuration weighs 50 percent less than conventional four-wheel-drive systems and doesn't affect the ideal weight distribution (53/47 rear/front). When grip is high, torque is sent to the rear wheels only, as with any other Ferrari.

But when slippery conditions arise, the system automatically sends torque to the front wheels via a front-mounted transfer case called “Power Transfer Unit” (PTU). This takes power directly from the crankshaft (and not the rear-mounted gearbox) sending it to the front wheels through two clutches that also ensure the torque vectoring function. Sounds complicated? The video below explains it better.

By Dan Mihalascu

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New Video of Ferrari FF Tackling the Snow, the Track and even the Desert

After yesterday's presentation in Maranello, Ferrari released some new video footage of its V12-powered FF. The Prancing Horse's first four-wheel-drive car is shown on all kinds of roads in various weather conditions, as a statement of the shooting-brake's versatility.

We see the FF devouring the Fiorano track, then going downhill really fast on what looks like a ski slope, rushing on a winding gravel road and finally crossing the desert to arrive at the Ferrari World theme park in Abu-Dhabi. The only thing that can rival the superb images are the howling sounds from the FF's V12-engine. Enjoy the video after the jump.

By Dan Mihalascu

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VIDEO: Best Footage Yet of the New Ferrari FF

With the recently unveiled all-wheel drive FF (as in Ferrari Four), Ferrari has opened a new chapter in its history. And to prove that they’re confident in the modern “breadvan’s” 4x4 capabilities, the Italians have released a series of photos with the FF being driven on snowy roads. Now, a new video has surfaced on Youtube showing the exotic GT as it’s put through its paces on snow once again. While there’s no impressive sideways action involved, this is the clearest footage of the FF yet. Hit the jump to see the video.

We’ll remind you that the FF is replacing the 612 Scaglietti and it’s the first ever all-wheel drive model to be manufactured by Ferrari. Boasting a 6.3-liter V12 engine producing 660HP, the FF is said to complete the 0-to-100 km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The FF will make its first official public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: Ferrari FF Snagged on Film in Barcelona, Spain

It won't be long before we get to see the new Ferrari FF in the flesh at the Geneva Salon, but until then, we'll have to do with whatever additional photos the Italians decide to publish and if we're lucky, some private scoops like these videos posted by a Youtube user who caught the all-wheel drive supercar completely undisguised in Barcelona Spain. Sadly, the person behind the (phone?) camera didn't quite manage to capture the car as we'd like. Nevertheless, if your neck can handle some twisting, hop over the jump to watch the three clips.

Source: Youtube via MotorExpertos [Gracias for the tip J.J.!]

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VIDEO: Oops...Ford F-150 Steps Over Ferrari 458 Italia

The owner of a brand new Ferrari 458 Italia with some 500 miles on the odometer in Brandon Florida received a quick lesson on the disadvantages of a low slung sports car in the land of pickup trucks and SUVs when a Ford F-150 ran over its hood. We don't know if the F-150 driver mistook Maranello's creation for a red speed bump or if the Ferrari owner questioned Ford's 'Built Tough' slogan, but something tells us this video is going to become a hit. You can watch the clip after the break.

Via: Autoblog.nl

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VIDEO: Track Action with the Ferrari F40 LM

The heavy snowfalls paralyzing most of the northern hemisphere are just another reminder that enthusiasts will have to wait a bit until they’ll be able to enjoy their cars on the track again. In the meantime, let us provide some driving “medicine” in the form of a video that shows the Ferrari F40 LM racecar driven by former F1 driver Jacques Lafitte. Don't forget to turn up the volume to properly enjoy the video available after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

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Tunisians Destroy Ferrari California Allegedly Owned by a Family Member of the Exiled President [with Videos]

Earlier this week, a video showing ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano dangling from the forks of an industrial truck made world headlines. But that wasn't the only car from Maranello to be targeted by the angry protesters. New videos and photos showing yet another Prancing Horse model being 'liberated' have now surfaced online.

This time it's a red-colored Ferrari California claimed to be owned by a member of the former Tunisian Preseident's family named Sofiane Ben Ali. In their mad rush, Tunisian rioters utterly destroyed the hardtop convertible relieving it from tires, badges and anything else that could get their hands on.

The looting seems to have taken place in the garage where the Ferrari was parked, meaning that no one took the Italian supercar for a spin, which is kind of sad (in a twisted way of course...). Scroll down for the video and photos.

Source: Czechferrari via Autoblog.nl

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Ferrari's Revolutionary Breadvan: The Four-Seater, All-Wheel Drive FF

Ferrari's replacement for the 612 Scaglietti has finally come out of the closet ushering a radical new concept for the famed company from Maranello. The FF, which is an acronym for Ferrari Four, is probably the company's most versatile series production model ever featuring seating and luggage space for four, an all-wheel drive system and a shooting brake body style. It will be revealed at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show with sales to follow later in the year.

Designed by Pininfarina, the FF is a large sports car measuring 4,907 mm in length, 1,953 in width and 1,379 mm in height. The elongated roofline, the styling of the rear quarter and the car's proportions bring to mind a variety of older models, one of which is the BMW Z3 Coupe.

The Prancing Horse company has not published any photos of the interior yet, but notes that the FF "can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage". Talking about boot capacity, there's 450 liters of space with all four passengers about, or 800 liter with the rear seats folded.

Ferrari added that it has developed a vast array of personalization options and accessories for the FF, including include six model-specific exterior colors and interior trims.

There's a lot going on under the sheetmetal as the FF introduces company’s first ever [production] four-wheel drive system. Called 4RM, it is said to weigh 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, thus helping to maintain an almost perfect weight distribution [47:53].

The Italian company has released few other details about the system, but it claims "it delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels."

The FF is powered by a brand new 6.3-liter V12 engine with direct injection and Ferrari's HELE tech that includes a stop/start system. Sitting up front, the 12-cylinder motor delivers 660-horses at 8,000 rpm and is hooked up to dual-clutch F1 gearbox. Ferrari said the FF completes the 0-100km/h [62mph] sprint in 3.7 seconds and 335 km/h (208 mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 15.4 lt/100km, equal to 15.3 mpg US, with CO2 emissions of 360 g/km.

The GT tips the scales at a hefty 1,790 kg or 3,946 pounds, but thanks to the powerful V12, it boasts a weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/hp.

Other highlights include the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

More details will be released at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but until then, check out the photos and video below, and tell us what you think about Ferrari's latest model in the comments section.

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VIDEO: Ducati Moto GP Riders Race Against Ferrari F1 Stars on Ice

While promoting Jeep products must have been a boring chore for Ferrari’s F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, we’re pretty sure they had a good time competing against Ducati Moto GP’s Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden in a series of races held on ice. Vehicles of choice were the ever entertaining karts and some sweet looking Fiat 500s. Highlights in the video after the break.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Ridelust

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VIDEO: More Track Action with James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

We’ve already seen car collector James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione on the racetrack in Turin, but the video footage wasn’t that impressive. Luckily, Youtube user Marchettino has caught the one-off special on tape (or so to speak) while running some tests on the Franciacorta circuit, near Brescia in Italy. Despite the foggy conditions, this video provides a....clearer picture of what the endurance racer is capable of. Hit the jump to see the clip.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: Youtube

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VIDEO: Tunisians Repossess Ousted President’s Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with a...Forlkift

As a result of the political turmoil going on in Tunisia, president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali has fled the country. But like any dictator on the run, Ben Ali had to leave plenty of wealth behind, accumulated in his 20+ years of totalitarian rule, including his Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which was “repossessed” by angry protesters using a forklift. Video after the jump.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Autogespot

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James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione Hits the Racetrack [with Video]

There’s still much to be discovered about James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione racecar, but judging by the latest update on the dedicated Facebook page, the F430 Scuderia-based competition model has reached the final stages of its development, hitting the racetrack for the very first time.

The finished product is quite a handsome beast, boasting sharp edges and voluptuous curves, complemented by the large rear wing and exposed carbon fiber. When it makes its racing debut later this year, the P4/5 Competizione will most certainly adopt some kind of livery, but to be honest, we like its “natural” look.

Racing pilot Fabrizio Giovanardi and engineer Paolo Garella drove the P4/5 Competizione during the track test held in Torino.

“The test was fine, or better fantastic. The car is so easy to drive and all the controls light and very direct. The circuit was very short but I was able to go up to the 3rd gear. Engine and gearbox very light,” said the first test report, uploaded to Facebook less than 24 hours ago.

To see the P4/5 Competizione in action and hear its magnificent engine sound, scroll down and check out the videos.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Facebook via Jalopnik

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VIDEO: James Glickenhaus Takes Ferrari P4/5 to France for High Speed Tests

James Glickenhaus’ P4/5 Competizione project may have missed its June 2010 deadline, but luckily for the famous car collector, he still has the “normal”, Enzo-based Ferrari P4/5 to kill some time with, while waiting for the custom racecar. In the latest footage available on Youtube, Mr. Glickenhaus took the car to France for high speed testing, followed by some R&R time in Paris. Check out the video after the break to see the simply breathtaking P4/5 in action.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube via Autoblog

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VIDEO: Ferrari 599 GTO Prototype Shows Some Muscle on the Fiorano Race Track

A prototype model of the Ferrari 599 covered in black cladding has been snagged on film during testing at the Fiorano circuit. We're not entirely sure if it's a test mule for a replacement of the 599 or an updated version of the current model, possibly featuring Ferrari's upcoming KERS energy-recovery system which was first shown on the Geneva Salon HY-KERS hybrid concept.

In any case, the vented hood and the styling of the bumpers point towards a prototype based on the 670-horsepower 599 GTO, which was introduced into the range this past April, with some minor changes such as the California-esque LED headlamps. Watch the video right after the jump.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Youtube/Marchettino

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Video: New Ferrari 458 Challenge at the Valencia Circuit

At this year’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy, Ferrari unveiled the fabulous 458 Challenge, a competition model boasting the standard model's 4.5-liter V8 capable of 570 hp. To promote the new racer, Ferrari also organized a series of tests at the Valencia circuit in Spain, inviting its own test drivers and Challenge Cup competitors to share their thoughts about the car. According to Raffaele De Simone, the 458 Challenge is faster than its predecessor, the F430 Challenge, but also easier to drive, while Maurizio Mediani was impressed with the double-clutch gearbox. Scroll down for the video.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia is Auto Express’ 2011 Performance Car of the Year

British car magazine Auto Express, has crowned the Ferrari 458 Italia their 2011 Performance Car of the Year (PCOTY). The magazine chose the Italian supercar from a list of 20 contenders, including other big names like the Audi V10 Spyder, Porsche GT3 RS, BMW M3 Competition and Mercedes SLS AMG. The Honda CR-Z, Renault Twingo Cup 133 and Skoda Fabia RS were the more down-to-earth cars of the group. Watch the video summary after the break to see what makes the F458 this year's performance car in AE's opinion.

You can also see each car's lap time here.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: Autoexpress

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