1987 Ferrari Testarossa Testarossa on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Are supercars becoming less special?

There's little doubt that we are currently enjoying the golden age of automotive performance. Dozens of different models on sale today make over 500 horsepower, and seven boast output in excess of 700 hp. Not long ago, that kind of capability was exclusive to supercars – vehicles whose rarity, performance focus, and requisite expense made them aspirational objects of desire to us mortals. But more than that, supercars have historically offered a unique driving experience, one which was bespoke to a particular model and could not be replicated elsewhere. But in recent years, even the low-volume players have been forced to find the efficiencies and economies of scale that formerly hadn't been a concern for them, and in turn the concept of the supercar as a unique entity unto itself is fading fast. The blame doesn't fall on one particular manufacturer nor a specific production technique. Instead, it's a confluence of different factors that are chipping away at the distinction of these vehicles. It's not all bad news – Lamborghini's platform sharing with Audi for the Gallardo and the R8 yielded a raging bull that was more reliable and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, and as a result it went on to become the best-selling Lambo in the company's history. But it also came at the cost of some of the Italian's exclusivity when eerily familiar sights and sounds suddenly became available wearing an Audi badge. Even low-volume players have been forced to find economies of scale. Much of this comes out of necessity, of course. Aston Martin's recent deal with Mercedes-AMG points toward German hardware going under the hood and into the cabin of the upcoming DB11, and it's safe to assume that this was not a decision made lightly by the Brits, as the brand has built a reputation for the bespoke craftsmanship of its vehicles. There's little doubt that the DB11 will be a fine automobile, but the move does jeopardize some of the characteristic "specialness" that Astons are known for. Yet the world is certainly better off with new Aston Martins spliced with DNA from Mercedes-AMG rather than no new Astons at all, and the costs of developing cutting-edge drivetrains and user interfaces is a burden that's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller manufacturers to bear. Even Ferrari is poised to make some dramatic changes in the way it designs cars.

Mike Tyson's 1995 Ferrari F50 packs one helluva punch

Despite a reputation as a bit of a letdown following the now legendary Ferrari F40, the Ferrari F50 is still one of the most raw and unfettered sports cars to ever grace public roads. RM Sotheby's auctions is now selling a pristine 5,694-mile example that was once owned by former professional boxer Mike Tyson. Like Tyson, the F50 and its Formula One derived V12 is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone that crosses its path. Though the celebrity tax varies from car to car, Hagerty's valuation tool says even a heavily used F50 is still a million-plus dollar car. RM Sotheby's expects the car to sell for between $2.2 and $2.4 million, slightly more than the $2.25 million estimate for a nearly flawless example, which this car appears to be. According to the listing, the car has never been driven hard and has been well maintained throughout its life. The 1990s weren't Ferrari's best years for design with soft edges and questionable fascias. Likewise, the F50 is a love it or hate it sort of design. The paint appears to be in good condition and free of any damage. The bare carbon fiber and leather interior shows little to no wear. The gated manual shifter connected to a 4.7-liter naturally-aspirated 520 horsepower V12 is a combo that's gone out of vogue. The engine is derived from the one that powered the Alain Prost's 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car. This car is number 73 out of 349 and one of only 50 built to US spec. Tyson sold the car with roughly 4,900 miles, with the rest accumulating since about 2005. The car's service records are incomplete, though it has had an a couple of engine-out services along a full electronic updates, a new rear seal, rebuilt oil and water pumps, the dashboard pod removed, serviced, and reinstalled, the lighting system upgraded, the ride height actuator replaced, new tires, new fuel bladders, a full brake system service, and new main seals. In addition, the car comes with two sets of tools in the front deck, owner's manuals and warranty booklet in their leather folio, wheel socket, car cover in bag, both the removable hardtop and emergency soft top with bag, utility light, its window sticker, and the "circus trunk" containing roll bars, and a carbon rear tonneau cover. Look for the car to head across the auction block on Saturday March 11. No Internet bidding, but if you have the cash to pony up the you probably can afford to be there in person. Related Video:

Spy shooter confessional | Autoblog Podcast #554

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore and Green Editor John Snyder talk to SpiedBilde spy photographer Brian Williams about just how he manages to get the shots of those camouflaged prototypes. Then, our editors discuss driving the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody. They also chat about a couple of news items, including the official reveal of the Audi E-Tron Quattro, as well as the latest happenings at Ferrari — like the beautiful Monza SP1 and SP2.Autoblog Podcast #554 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Chatting with spy photographer Brian Williams of SpiedBilde Driving the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Audi E-Tron Quattro Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, and other Ferrari news Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: