2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia on 2040-cars

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New Zealander builds 1962 Ferrari GTO replica in chicken shed

The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most gorgeous vehicles ever made, but with just 39 produced, they're also some of the most expensive cars in the world, often setting records when they occasionally come up for auction. The eye-watering price presents an insanely steep barrier of entry to ownership, which has led at least one buyer to pursue a different option: simply creating his own. While the beautiful example in the video above isn't an authentic, original Ferrari, the story behind this replica goes far beyond some cheap knockoff slapped together haphazardly. Surrounded by crowing roosters and waddling ducks, Rod Temporo doesn't immediately strike you as a guy who would be building exacting replica racers in his shed. However, first impressions aren't always accurate, and Temporo is a maestro when it comes to metalwork. He has been doing this for decades and has recreated all sorts of vintage vehicles, including a beautiful Jaguar XJ13. Temporo and his team are true artisans. They make their own wood bucks for the body and then bang out the metal body with hammers and an English wheel. According to the video, it took them about four years to complete this 1962 GTO replica starting from scratch. The end result is a piece of automotive art.

Ferrari Portofino revealed: Goodbye California, hello beautiful

The Ferrari California, in both turbo and non-turbo configurations, has been soldiering on for nearly a decade. With a base price of just over $200,000, it's the brand's entry-level model. Today, the automaker announced the car's replacement, the Ferrari Portofino. This will be the brand's entry-level GT car, slotting in below the top-dog 812 Superfast. It's both lighter and more powerful than the California T while still retaining the convertible hardtop bodystyle. The now-familiar 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rests under the Portofino's long hood. The engine sends 591 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That's 39 more horsepower and 3 more pound-feet than the California T. A new engine map along with new pistons, connecting rods, intake and exhaust account for the boost. Ferrari's Variable Boost Management system limits torque in certain gears, only sending out what the wheels can handle. Ferrari says the Portofino will hit 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, pressing along to a top speed of 199 mph. The Portofino makes use of the third generation of Ferrari's electronic rear differential. The car also comes with the F1-Trac traction control system. Combined with the Variable Boost Management, the Portofino should find adequate grip in most situations. A new generation of magnetorheological dampers helps improve ride and handling. Notably, the Portofino moves to electronically assisted power steering, following the same move in the 812 Superfast earlier this year. The car is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model. The new chassis makes use of modern design and engineering techniques, shaving an unspecified amount of weight from the car. At 3,813 pounds, the California T is a bit of a pig. Any weight savings will be a good thing. Because the V8 sits behind the front axle, the Portofino's weight distribution is 46/54 percent front/rear. As expected, Ferrari has emphasized aerodynamic efficiency when crafting the Portofino's design. Overall, it looks like a slightly smaller 812 Superfast. If you like that car, you'll like the looks of the Portofino. The car is covered with small lips and intakes to help channel air in the most efficient and useful way possible. Look just to the side of the headlights or the deep cut that leads from the front wheels all the way along the door. The rear end does a much better job of hiding the convertible hardtop.

Ferrari LaFerrari supercar to spawn Maserati LaMaserati?

CAR reports Maserati may benefit from the introduction of Enzo-succeeding Ferrari LaFerrari (shown below). According to unnamed parties, Maserati is keen to create a successor for the MC12 (above) based on the bones of the new Ferrari.
Details are about as scarce as they come, but CAR reckons Maserati has a few options when it comes to building its own supercar. Those include using the suspension, chassis and electrical systems of the Ferrari but with a unique carbon fiber body and without the LaFerrari's hybrid system. The new take on the MC12 could use a detuned version of the 6.3-liter V12 from the LaFerrari or stick a quad-turbo 3.8-liter V8 behind the front seats.
The latter option could see the next MC12 yield up to 900 horsepower, putting it within reach of its cousin as well as hardware like the McLaren P1. Of course, all of this - including our fanciful name in the headline - is just speculation for the time being. CAR says that if the machine makes its way to production, it would could cost well over $1.3 million.