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Ferrari builds one-off hybrid F12 TRS roadster

When Ferrari makes an open-top version of one of its V12 super-GTs, it typically comes in particularly low production numbers. Maranello only made 448 examples of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, 559 of the 575 Superamerica and 599 units of the 599 SA Aperta. What we have here, however, is not just the first F12 roadster we've seen yet, but also the most exclusive.
Called the F12 TRS, it's obviously based on the F12 Berlinetta, but with some key modifications. Not the least of which is the open-top body-style (which may or may not have a folding roof mechanism of some kind), coupled with some unique bodywork like a cowled rear deck and reshaped hood. But the TRS (which we can only assume is some tribute to the 250 Testa Rossa) is also said to pack an F1-derived KERS hybrid assist, presumably similar to the one in the LaFerrari - or more poignantly, in the 599 HY-KERS concept - to give the 6.3-liter V12 even more juice than the prodigious 730 horsepower it produces in stock Berlinetta form.
The vehicle, apparently spotted in the garage at the company's Fiorano test track, appears to be a one-off built by Ferrari's Special Projects division for one discerning and evidently very wealthy customer who is said to have paid $4.2 million for the privilege.

Ferrari will increase production by 30% to 9,000 cars per year

After years of keeping production purposefully limited to guarantee exclusivity under the reins of Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari is looking to seriously ramp up its numbers in the near future. A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicates the iconic, Italian supercar maker intends to boost volume by 30 percent to reach around 9,000 vehicles annually by 2019, according to CNBC. Because Ferrari is already doing quite well financially, the extra sales would likely offer a serious boost to profits in the early years after its $10-billion initial public offering. Ferrari's filing also mentions growing demand in emerging markets and a larger "spending capacity" among wealthy buyers as reasons for growing the volume, according to CNBC. However, the company's execs intend to watch how the strategy works and ensure that the brand keeps an air of exclusivity. Sergio Marchionne initially promised to keep annual volume around 7,000 supercars last year. However after taking over as the Prancing Horse's chairman, he reportedly started considering pushing the numbers closer to 10,000. With Marchionne potentially becoming Ferrari CEO as well, the company's future is largely in his hands now. Under Marchioness plan, Ferrari plans to launch a new model each year through 2018. The Prancing Horse is reportedly developing a modular, aluminum space frame to underpin most of its future vehicles. The first to get it might be the next-gen California in 2017. Related Video:

Former Ferrari chief Montezemolo to be chairman of Alitalia

Luca di Montezemolo may be 67 years old, but he's not quite ready to retire just yet. Not, at least, if the latest reports emanating from Italy are to be believed. According to Reuters, the longtime former Ferrari chief is due to be named chairman of Alitalia.
The troubled Italian airline is on the verge of being bailed out after years of financial difficulty, with Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates set to take a 49-percent stake in the company. While the reports have yet to be confirmed by the parties involved, Reuters cites multiple inside sources in revealing that the airline's board met last week and agreed to appoint Montezemolo as chairman, with current Etihad chief James Hogan to act as chief executive officer.
Montezemolo, of course, long served as chairman of Ferrari, having assumed leadership of the company not long after founder Enzo Ferrari died. He also served as chairman of the Fiat group for several years after the passing of Umberto Agnelli, and has headed numerous trade organizations and sporting bodies. But his tenure at Ferrari and the broader Fiat Chrysler Automobiles empire came to an end two months ago when clashes with Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne saw Montezemolo step down.