Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Named after famous Ferrari coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, the 4.9-metre long, all-aluminum 612 Scaglietti will blend the perfect combination of performance and comfort in the best traditions of a true Ferrari berlinetta designed to accommodate four people in high-speed luxury and safety.

Although Ferrari has worked hard last year to meet the demands of its sportier clients, that has not stopped it from producing the Model Year 2007 version of the 612 Scaglietti for owners who like ultra-refined elegance as well as performance.

Unveiled at Detroit in 2004, the flagship of the Ferrari range now has an even more impressive standard spec than ever with leather trim in the same color as the seats now extending to the headlining and the side panels running lengthways between the A- and the C-post.

The result is a brighter and even more elegant cockpit finish that can be personalized still further courtesy of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti program.

The sumptuous MY07 also boasts a new radio-CD system with satellite navigation system, voice recognition system, MP3 player, Bluetooth and a Compact Flash memory card reader that will allow the owner to store and play 4 GB of music.

The system is integrated with a newly refined display on the instrument panel too. To improve handling in tight spaces, rear parking sensors are also now offered as standard.

The Layout

For the first time, Ferrari is offering a 12-cylinder model with both the space-frame chassis and body panels in aluminum, built entirely in-house at Modena, Northern Italy, in the dedicated Scaglietti light-alloy technologies facility.

The benefits of this construction method include a 60% increase in structural rigidity and significant weight savings of 60 kg compared to the current 456M GTA – despite the new car’s larger dimensions.

The overall layout – engine mounted behind the front axle, gearbox in unit with the differential at the rear – ensures an ideally balanced weight distribution (46% front, 54% rear), as well as permitting a lower centre of gravity, which benefits the dynamic behavior of the car.

The performance-orientated handling is enhanced by active damping and a new stability and traction control system, making its first-ever appearance on a Ferrari.

The 612 will run on 18 inch diameter front wheels with 245/45 tires and 19 inch rear wheels with 285/40 tires.

The Engine

The 612’s 5748 cc, 12-cylinder, 48-valve, 65°V engine is a product of the most advanced Ferrari technology.

The all-aluminum power unit has a compression ratio of 11.2:1 and generates a maximum output of 540 bhp at 7,250 rpm, with 434 lb-ft (588 Nm) of torque at 5,250 rpm.

The new car is expected to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds, and to achieve a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h).

All 612 models are fitted with a six-speed mechanical gearbox, with a choice of manual, and F1-style paddle shifts. Newly developed for the 612, the electro-hydraulic system is known as the F1A. It is designed to deliver both fast and ultra-smooth gear changes.

Designed by Pininfarina to epitomize dynamism and elegance, the 612 brings the name of Sergio Scaglietti back into public awareness.

Scaglietti is the coachbuilder who brought to life some of the most beautiful Ferrari models in the 1950s and 60s.

The new 612 features scalloped sides that recall the famous 375 MM he created for Italian film director Roberto Rossellini as a gift to his then-wife movie-star, Ingrid Bergman.

With a significantly longer wheelbase than the 456M, the 612 has been designed to offer ease of entry for rear-seat passengers to an outstandingly luxurious cabin which will accommodate four adults in comfort.

On-board comfort is boosted for the driver – by the adoption of ‘new generation’ ergonomics for the instrument binnacle, steering-wheel mounted and fascia-mounted controls – and for passengers by the fitting of dual-zone climate control and a Hi-End Bose sound system, specifically tailored to suit the unique acoustics of the leather and aluminum trimmed interior.

The capacity of the luggage compartment has been enlarged to 240-litres – 25% bigger than the 456M – and will hold a five-piece Ferrari luggage set or two full sets of golf clubs.

The new 612 model is 139 mm longer, 37 mm wider, and 44 mm taller than the 456M, with the wheelbase increased by 350 mm to ensure the latest Ferrari is a genuine 2+2 four seater.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world after it was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This stunning new all-aluminum two-seater is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises.

Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10.

The Ferrari 599 GTB was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.

The 599 GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.

A balance has been struck in the interior between the car's sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalization can achieve. The passenger areas of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are trimmed in sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fiber and aluminum.

In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminum passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fiber side rests.

Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from an already vast choice of personalization options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this program: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fiber trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels.

Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.

The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 366 cu in displacement, a specific power output of 103 bhp/liter (a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement).

Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimize torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity.

Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano's engine delivers a maximum torque of 446 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds.

The new model's breathtaking sportiness is due in part to record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 bhp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance.

Development work for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical resonance in favor of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.

Video

Top Gear Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition

A new version was introduced in 2006 called the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The 722 refers to the victory by Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955.

The "722 Edition" boosts power to 485 kW (650 hp) and 820 N·m (605 ft·lbf) torque at 4000 rpm, posting a top speed of 378 km/h (18 km/h faster than the standard SLR).

While modifications were also made to the suspension, with a stiffer damper setup and 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height introduced for improved handling.

Larger 390 mm diameter front brakes and a revised front air dam and rear diffuser were fitted.

Overall performance has increased, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 23.5 seconds.

Exterior changes, other than the larger 19-inch black light-alloy wheels, include red 722 badging, hearkening back to the original 722 racer.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car.

Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior.

Sale of the SLR 722 Edition in the U.S. has not been confirmed.

Continuing the Tradition

The new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955.

With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.

The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp.

The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound.

The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds.

The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body.

Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.

Discreet visual modifications mark the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group.

The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing.

At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolizes the practicality of these technical features.

Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Brakes
The brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature.

Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1200°C.

The front discs are internally vented and 370 mm in diameter. 8 piston calipers are used.

Rear discs are 360 mm in diameter with 4 piston calipers.

During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.

To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees.

The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~25%.

Exclusive "SLR Club" for SLR owners

Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR 722 Edition.

This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide "SLR. Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France.

As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the "SLR Club" provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits.

Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars.

David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.

Video SLR 722