2001 Ferrari Spider Convertible Custom Snow White Wrap Just Serviced on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Haas F1 names Esteban Gutierrez second driver

The 2016 Formula 1 grid is nearly complete with the announcement that Esteban Gutierrez will join the Haas F1 Team. To make the most of the signing the Mexican's appointment was announced during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, and if the crowds at the grand prix are anything to go by then Haas can count on an instant and large fan base as of right now. The 24-year-old Gutierrez will drive alongside Romain Grosjean, who was announced at the end of September at Haas' US base in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Gutierrez spent a little more than two years as a test and reserve driver for Sauber, plus another two years as a Sauber race driver in 2013 and 2014 before being let go at the end of last year and signing on as a Ferrari test and reserve driver. Haas' relationship to Ferrari and Gutierrez' local fans made him - politically, at least - a viable candidate. Manor is expected to be the only team that might have vacancies, but with recent upheavals there it's yet to be seen if they'll make the grid next season. The press release below has more information on the Haas F1 Team signing. Related Video: Haas F1 Team Names Gutierrez to 2016 Race Seat MEXICO CITY (Oct. 30, 2015) – In a press event inside the main lobby of the Soumaya Museum, Haas F1 Team founder and chairman Gene Haas named Mexican driver Esteban Gutierrez to a race seat with his team when it makes its 2016 debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Gutierrez will race alongside driver Romain Grosjean, who was previously announced by Haas on Sept. 29 in a press conference at the team's U.S. headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Haas F1 Team is the first America-led Formula One team in 30 years. The 24-year-old Gutierrez is currently the third driver at Scuderia Ferrari, the technical partner of Haas F1 Team. Gutierrez joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2015 after spending the 2013-2014 seasons with the Ferrari-powered Sauber F1 Team. "I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he's had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team," Haas said. "He's young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see firsthand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula One. "We're very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team.

This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California could sell for $17 million

Ferraris of all stripes typically command high prices, but the ones that bring in the serious money always have at least one of a few things behind them: additional rarity, racing heritage, famous ownership. This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider definitely has at least two, and arguably three. The car is one of just eight built with an aluminum body. It also participated in Le Mans, taking home third place for its class, and fifth place overall. Finally, it was campaigned by the Ferrari North American Racing Team, typically referred to as N.A.R.T. As a result, RM Sotheby's estimates this Ferrari roadster will sell for between $14 million and $17 million. Supporting the high valuation are other important things car collectors look for. The car has been certified as authentic by Ferrari's official classic department. It's also won its class at Pebble Beach after its first restoration was completed in 1983. It was restored again between 2010 and 2011 to bring it back to its original race-ready paint scheme. Besides the car's extensive history, it's a gorgeous machine. The 250 GT California line is one of the more iconic from Ferrari, thanks in part to a red replica being the star car of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The silver and blue color combination is unique and works great. It should also be a superb driver, with a race-prepped engine and notably lighter body. According to RM Auctions, the seller says it's excellent to drive, and if that's him in the pictures, we'd say his smile confirms his claims. The car goes on the block Dec. 6 at RM Sotheby's auction in New York City. To paraphrase Mr. Bueller himself, if you have the means, we highly recommend picking this one up. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione by Scaglietti View 30 Photos Image Credit: Diana Varga courtesy of RM Sotheby's Motorsports Ferrari Auctions Convertible Racing Vehicles Classics ferrari 250 gt california north american racing team

New Ferrari 488 variant spied at the 'Ring

Most Ferrari models eventually give birth to various special-edition or short-run variants. The Ferrari F12berlinetta gave way to the F12tdf. The Ferrari 458 Italia signed off with the wonderful 458 Speciale. It looks like the Italian automaker's current mid-engine V8 offering, the 488 GTB, is ready to spawn a variant of its own. Exactly what the model might be remains to be seen. There are plenty of rumors surrounding the car. This could be a focused, track-ready version in the vein of the 458 Speciale. If that's the case, look for more power, less weight, and improved aero. The car should pack bigger brakes, a stiffer suspension, revised tuning, and a bare-bones interior. There are also rumors that the car will pack a KERS system similar to the one run on Ferrari's Formula 1 cars. That should provide an extra bit of electrical boost. A car like this is almost a given. The past few mid-engined Ferraris have all had a high-performance variant. Then again, this car could also be the lower-powered, less-expensive Ferrari Dino that's been whispered about for a while. If that's the case, look for a lower horsepower V8 (or even a V6, if Ferrari would be so bold). It would likely stack up against the McLaren 570S and Lamborghini Huracan 580-2. This may come as a shock to some, but Ferrari has made no bones about expanding production. A relatively low-cost model could easily boost sales. The car in these photos gives no real indication as to what it may be. There's thin plastic camouflage covering most of the car. As always, it's difficult to tell what may have changed, but it looks like there have been revisions to the front bumper. The glass over the engine cover has been draped with a thin sheet of plastic, hiding what rests beneath. Ferrari has been mum on the model, but this isn't the first time we've seen the car out. Look for more news this fall. Related Video: Featured Gallery Ferrari 488 spy shots View 14 Photos Image Credit: Car Pix Spy Photos Ferrari Coupe Performance Supercars ferrari dino ferrari 488 ferrari 488 challenge