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Future Ferraris could be based off single, modular platform

Thanks to its imminent initial public offering, Ferrari sits at the precipice of being an independent sports-car maker for the first time in decades. With Sergio Marchionne still at the helm, expect the famous brand to push even harder to grow sales around the world. According to an investigation of the company's future by Automobile, the next-generation of Ferraris could ride on a shared, modular platform and embrace turbocharging even more. Modular underpinnings, like Volkswagen's MQB or Volvo's SPA, are hugely popular in the industry because they let automakers cut development time and share more parts among models. According to Automobile, Ferrari is prepping an aluminum space frame that could support front- and mid-engine models. The design would also allow electronics, suspension parts, and powertrains to be shared among the Prancing Horse's vehicles. The first Ferrari using this platform could be the next-gen California, which is predicted to launch around 2017. The more aggressively styled hardtop convertible could also have an entry-level version with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, possibly shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Contrary to previous rumors, Automobile reports that the Dino might not be getting this engine, but instead could pack a bespoke, 600-horsepower V6 behind the driver. The coupe would carry a price tag of around $200,000. Also, look for Ferraro to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017 with a car Automobile refers to as the LaFerrarina, because it would use the LaFerrari's platform for a grand-touring model. Related Video:

Luxury carmakers make way more than just cars

Whether it's as simple as Ferrari offering model cars or as opulent as Bugatti with an $84,000-belt buckle, practically every automaker does more than just sell cars to keep their brands visible. The profits from these ventures might not be enough to keep the lights on, but in such a competitive industry, any extra cash is welcome. For the automakers that get licensing just right, there is a ton of profit to be made. According to a recent story examining the practice by The New York Times, Ferrari makes around $2.6 billion from merchandising each year, and General Motors tops that at $3.5 billion. Beyond just a profit center, merchandising can also protect an automaker's name. Take Hummer for example. The GM division shut down years ago, but it has continued to produce licensed cologne on sale around the world. "Because we still have the active fragrance, we're protecting the brand if we ever decide to bring it back," Gene Reamer, a GM licensing senior manager, told the Times. The whole piece is a fascinating look into this often ignored, but quite lucrative facet of the auto business. Read it for yourself, here. Related Video: News Source: The New York TimesImage Credit: Luca Bruno / AP Photo Design/Style Earnings/Financials Marketing/Advertising Read This Ferrari GM Hummer branding

The real Wolf of Wall Street's Ferrari Testarossa is for sale

In 2013, acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese profiled the rise and fall of financial crook Jordan Belfort in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, with Leonardo Di Caprio in the lead role. Now you can own an automotive piece of that fascinating real-life tale by buying Belfort's 1991 Ferrari Testarossa. According to the seller, Belfort bought the Ferrari in New York in 1991. He must not have driven it very much, though. There have been other owners since him, but the Testarossa still has only covered 8,300 miles. With its white exterior, your friends might think you're trying to emulate Sonny Crockett from Miami Vice, and the interior has beige leather, which still looks to be in great condition. To prove Belfort's ownership, the sale comes with his name and address in the warranty book and on supply invoices. There's even a set of matching luggage, and the seller allegedly found a $50 bill in one of the bags' lining. Even if Belfort didn't drive the Testarossa too much, he might have had some fun with it. According to the listing, "it was involved in a 'Wolf' moment as early as the original test drive." However, the seller will only tell the next buyer what that means. Belfort's Testarossa is currently for sale in Monaco for an undisclosed price, but as a car formerly used in the United States, it might not be too hard to bring back. If you do decide to buy Belfort's Ferrari, remember to treat The Wolf of Wall Street as a cautionary tale. Related Video: