2006 Ferrari F430 Spider Convertible 2-door 4.3l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ferrari won't quit F1, says Christian Horner

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Ferrari and Formula One need each other just as much and the Italian glamor team's latest threat to leave after 2020 sounds like bluster, Red Bull principal Christian Horner said on Friday. Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne last week warned that his team could walk away, when current contracts expire, if they disagreed with the direction the sport was taking under new U.S.-based owners Liberty Media. Ferrari have made similar threats in the past under different management and Horner, whose team were champions for four years in a row between 2010-13, was skeptical about the fresh warning. "They'll bluster that they don't need Formula One, but what other form of motor racing is going to give Ferrari the platform that Formula One does?," Horner told Sky Sports F1 after first practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix. "The two go hand-in-hand together and have done since the beginning of the championship (in 1950). Nobody wants to lose Ferrari. And I don't think Ferrari can afford to lose Formula One," added the Briton. "So there'll be a lot of brinkmanship and chest-puffing at the moment. But I think when the music stops, they'll be there." Horner suggested also that Marchionne's response was part of a bigger picture that includes possible changes to the distribution of revenues. Ferrari currently receive a bigger share than any team due to their historic status as the sport's oldest and most successful entrant, and will be resistant to taking any reduction. Former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who dealt with Ferrari for decades under late founder Enzo and then Luca di Montezemolo, told Reuters this week that Marchionne's words should be heeded however. "The difference is that Sergio wasn't the guy in control before," said the 87-year-old, who was ousted by Liberty in January. "If he decides that's what he's going to do, that's what he'll do." "The world is changing an awful lot. So things that you would say would never happen, may happen." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by William Maclean)Related Video:

UK collector pays $800k for license plate '25 O'

You can't get a vanity license plate in the UK, but Brits have proven their willingness time and time again to part with huge amounts of cash in order to get a particularly desirable number to put on the front and back of their high-priced machinery. This time, a Ferrari collector paid over $800,000 for the license plate "25 O." The princely sum of GBP518,000 – equivalent to over $814k at today's rates – was paid by John Collins, owner of classic car broker Talacrest. Collins reportedly intends to put it on his Ferrari 250 GT SWB. What's more is that he had just paid another GBP130,320 ($205k) for the license plate "250 L" that he plans to put on his 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, the long-wheelbase touring version of the same vehicle. The winning bids were placed at an auction held by the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency – the 150th such auction held by the government office, marking its 25th anniversary. The "25 O" plate broke the event's previous record of GBP357,000 ($560k), paid in March 2009 for plate number "1 D." In 2008 noted tuner Afzal Kahn bought the license plate "F1" for GBP440,000, which is less than what Collins paid for "25 O" but different exchange rates worked that out to $870k at the time. Kahn was said to have turned down a $9 million offer for that plate last year. DVLA PERSONALISED REGISTRATIONS SETS A NEW BRITISH RECORD AS 25 O SELLS FOR GBP500,000 DVLA Personalised Registrations has set a new British record for a personalised registration sold by the Agency after 25 O was bought for more than GBP500,000. Incredibly, John Collins, who, as owner of Talacrest, is regarded as one of the world's leading collectors and dealers of classic Ferraris, bought 25 O for GBP518,000 less than three hours after successfully buying 250 L for a staggering GBP130,320. Both sums include fees and take the total amount paid by the businessman to GBP648,320. Both are among the 1,600 registrations being auctioned by the Agency as part of its 25th Anniversary three-day auction – and also 150th live sale – currently being held at The Vale Resort near Cardiff. Both registrations will be placed on two of the world's most exclusive cars; 250 L will head onto a rare 1964 Ferrari Lusso, while 25 O will sit on the Ferrari 250 SWB once owned by the rock singer Eric Clapton.

Ferrari FXX-K Evo sprouts wings and looks ready to fly

The winged devil you see above is the Ferrari FXX-K Evo. All those protuberances are there for a reason – from the reshaped front fascia with its carbon fiber splitters to the twin-profile rear wing and fixed fins – and that's to produce downforce. Some of the most important aero bits are hidden where you can't see. Vortex generators affixed to the belly of the beast and a massive rear diffuser help suck the FXX-K Evo to the track. A path of air travels from the hood, over the canopy, and ultimately to the rear wing, all in an effort to optimize flow and increase high-speed stability. At 124 miles per hour, says Ferrari, the bits and baubles push toward the earth with 1,411 pounds of downforce. In addition to the aero tweaks, Ferrari made adjustments to the FXX-K's suspension, fitted it with a redesigned steering wheel, and installed a larger interior display. Owners of previous FXX-K models can opt to have these upgrades added to their cars, and a limited number of new Evos will be produced. These 1,050-horsepower hybrid gasoline-electric machines aren't meant for the street. Instead, Ferrari arranges a nine-race schedule for owners who wish to stretch the FXX-K's legs out on the track. And if you're lucky enough to own one, we certainly hope you find enough time to take part in the high-speed festivities. Related Video: