Auto blog

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta auction raises $1.5M for Hurricane Sandy relief

Ferrari has managed to raise $1.5 million for victims of Hurricane Sandy during an auction in Austin, Texas for the very first F12 Berlinetta in the US. The funds will go to the American Red Cross and be earmarked for Hurricane Sandy relief. Ferrari started bidding on the F12 at $315,888, but the most powerful production model from the company fetched $1.125 million by the time the gavel fell through bids sourced both in person and over the phone. The company also managed to raise a further $345,000 in in-kind donations before the auction began, and donors gave an additional $50,000 during the event itself.
Ferrari debuted the F12 Berlinetta at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and the company is set to deliver its first model to a US customer in the second quarter of 2013. The automaker reminds its fans that it is still possible to donate to the Hurricane Sandy relief fund by visiting a special Ferrari section of the American Red Cross page. You can take a closer look at the full press release below for more information.

Autoblog Minute: Ferrari F12 TdF, Tesla Autopilot, Fiat brand leadership change

Ferrari unleashes the F12 TdF, Model S owners get an exciting announcement from Tesla, and Fiat North America undergoes a leadership change. Senior editor Greg Migliore reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Ferrari unleashes the F12 TdF, Model S owners get an exciting announcement from Tesla, and Fiat North America undergoes a leadership change. I'm Senior editor Greg Migliore, this is your Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. Ferrari's new F12 TdF gets its name from the legendary Tour de France race that Ferrari dominated back in the 50s and 60s. [00:00:30] This new Ferrari is derived from the naturally aspirated F12 Berlinetta's engine. There are styling and performance upgrades, and the company highlights changes in aerodynamics, weight reduction, and faster shifts. The result, Ferrari says, is a blistering zero to sixty-two time of, 2.9 seconds. It's pretty fast. Tesla released software version 7.0 for Model S owners. The big takeaway from this update is the much anticipated Autopilot mode. Tesla says Autopilot [00:01:00] allows Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes, and manage speed. Software version 7.0 will also allow for digital control of the motors, brakes, and steering for collision prevention. Now do you hate parallel parking? Tesla's got you covered. The Model S can park on command, right after it scans for a spot and alerts you when one becomes available. Jason Stoicevich resigns shortly after losing control of the Fiat brand. Automotive News reported that Stoicevich's leadership role at Fiat was handed over to the company's [00:01:30] head of the Dodge brand. That's Tim Kuniskis. The report cites diminished sales figures as a key reason for the personnel change at Fiat. This change resulted in Stoicevich leaving FCA altogether. Those are the highlights from the week that was. Be sure to check out my full recap this Saturday. Plus I'll have some added insight into BMW's M2. For Autoblog, I'm Greg Migliore. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM expected to net $12-15 million at RM's NY auction

If you're one of the very fortunate souls that has $12 to $15 million burning a very large hole in your pocket, we've found the perfect way to liberate yourself from the burden of so much money - buy this Ferrari, which is being put up for auction. It's a supremely rare Ferrari 250 LM, the 24th member of a 32-car run, that rolled off the assembly line on what we imagine was a brilliant, sunny Italian summer's day in July of 1964.
Officially known as Chassis 6107, this 250 LM is rare because unlike its brothers, it wasn't originally bought to be a race car. Its first owner used it more or less as a toy, both around town and on the infamous Mulholland Drive, in California. After a pair of owners, it found its way into the hands of an Ecuadorian pair, who kicked off its racing career. Its best result was at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, where it finished eighth overall and first in class, although subsequent runs at Daytona and Sebring were less successful. Its most recent owner was a Japanese collector, who purchased the car in 1983 and has had it on display ever since.