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Marchionne hints at once-'obscene' idea: a Formula E electric Ferrari

Ferrari is certainly protective of its brand image, even if it means coming off as a Luddite. A year ago, Chairman and ( now) CEO Sergio Marchionne said that an all-electric Ferrari would be " almost an obscene concept," adding, "You'd have to shoot me first." So it's surprising to see him tell Auto, the FIA's magazine, that "we need to be involved" in all-electric racing series Formula E. Earlier the interview, Marchionne talks up Ferrari's need for electrification, at least in terms of incorporating more hybrid technology. "Hybridization is crucial to Ferrari," he says, not necessarily in meeting emissions targets, but for performance. Ferrari will use new technology, electrification included, in future models, with a focus on creating an emotional experience for the driver. Late last year, Marchionne said that the brand would leverage hybrid technology to boost production figures and profits, and that every model would offer some hybrid technology by 2019. When asked about the likelihood of Formula E entry, Marchionne says, "It's difficult to say." He then adds, "We need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridization is going to be part of our future." What that level of involvement would be is also uncertain, but he didn't rule out the possibility of a Ferrari Formula E racer, which would by necessity be all-electric. Of course, Ferrari could find a development role in the race series without entering its own vehicle. Regardless of the type of involvement, Ferrari's reputation could stand to gain from representation in the series, especially if it means it's not appearing to fall behind the likes of McLaren, Jaguar, BMW, and Audi, who have all played a part in Formula E. Either way, it appears that Marchionne is warming up to electrification, and that the idea of an all-electric Ferrari – even if it's confined to a single race series — isn't quite as obscene as it once seemed. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: AutoImage Credit: Getty Green Motorsports Ferrari Electric Hybrid Racing Vehicles Sergio Marchionne Formula E

Ecclestone against F1 cockpit protection

Bernie Ecclestone has made it clear that he is not a fan of the Red Bull Aeroscreen, which was tried by Daniel Ricciardo on Friday, in Sochi. The FIA will continue to study both the Red Bull device and Ferrari's Halo, and will make a decision by July 1 about which will be added to the 2017 rules. "We're going to get a lot of pitstops now when they have to stop to clean the screen and things," he said when asked by Motorsport.com about the Aeroscreen. "That will be good." Asked if he liked the look of it or preferred the Halo, he said: "Not particularly. I don't like any of them," adding that the sport should do "nothing" with regard to cockpit protection. "I just think to try to simulate something when you've got a stationary object, and you're firing a tyre at it, when in the race when the wheel has come off normally both cars would be moving. "So how can you simulate it by having a car stationary? And how would you ever know what's going to happen with a wheel anyway? "If it hits the thing it would probably bounce off anyway. So I don't know," Ecclestone added. Quizzed on Lewis Hamilton's suggestion that danger was part of the appeal of the sport he said: "In his case I don't know whether the money made any difference as well. "We can make it more dangerous if he wants." Related Video: This story, by Adam Cooper, originally appeared on Motorsport.com, the world's leader in auto racing news, photos, and video. Image Credit: Dan Istitene/Getty Motorsports Ferrari Safety Racing Vehicles F1 bernie ecclestone halo

Why this 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO will sell for at least $45 million

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti will be up for auction by RM Sotheby's in Monterey next month. Actually, perhaps "the" 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO would be more appropriate, because the list of its accomplishments, claims to fame and reasons for being extremely expensive are probably more than the rest. And by "rest," we mean 36. And by "extremely expensive" we mean an expected sale price of between $45 million and $60 million. View 47 Photos If you want to read in vivid detail about the car in question, RM Sotheby's provides a lengthy tale of "the world's most important, desirable, and legendary motor car." Trying to regurgitate it here really wouldn't do it justice. Instead, here are some of the bullet points. No. 3 of 36 Ferrari GTOs built. Known as 3413. Considered by experts to be one of the most authentic and original of those 36, all of which survive One of only 4 of those 36 to receive upgraded at the time with Series II GTO/64 body work by Scaglietti. It is more aggressive in appearance, more aerodynamic and many say attractive Won the 1962 Italian GT Championship First in class at the 1963 Targa Florio in its original body work First in class at the 1964 Targa Florio in the Series II body work you see today, as detailed in the Sotheby's story Won its class in the 1964 Targa Florio, helping Ferrari win the 1964 International Championship for GT Manufacturers More than 15 class and overall wins from 1962 to 1965 Last purchased in 2000 for $7 million – There's a reason German banks are suggesting adding a classic car to your investment mix. 3413 has actually been driven during that time, making appearances at countless classic events and vintage races Purchase includes exclusive access to some of the world's most prestigious events and rallies, including the GTO club and tours – Value! Currently fitted with a 250 GT engine block built to GTO specification to allow the car to be driven to those countless classic events and vintages races – The original block has been removed for preservation and comes with the car. This Ferrari's expected price of between $45 million and $60 million would make it the most valuable car ever put up for auction. A 1963 250 GTO sold for $70 million in a private sale. Another sold at auction in 2013 for $52 million, so the upper level of 3413's sale estimate definitely seems feasible. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.