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Touring displays Ferraris old and new at Villa d'Este

Arguably more than any other, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has long been a mainstay of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, and this year the coachbuilder chose to highlight its long history by showcasing two Ferraris: the first one it ever did and the most recent. The latter is the Berlinetta Lusso which Touring showcased at this year's Geneva Motor Show. A more subtle and elegant take on the visually aggressive Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the Berlinetta Lusso is rebodied in handcrafted aluminum and carbon fiber and will be offered in a strictly limited run of five examples. The former, however, dates back a lot long than this past March. It's the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, one of the earliest Ferraris and the first (discounting the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815) that Touring was called on to clothe. The 166 Mille Miglia was the first car which Enzo Ferrari made in any serious numbers, but this particular show car wasn't just any example: this one was owned by Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli. It's a fitting display from the carrozzeria that won the Design Award with the Disco Volante just two years ago, displayed the Mini Superleggera concept last year and has been part of the Concorso since 1931. Sadly for the Milanese outfit, though, the Berlinetta Lusso didn't win the coveted prize this year: that went to the Bentley EXP 10 Speed Six, which also beat out the SCG 003C, Magna Mila Plus, Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Asterion and Zagato Mostro. Related Video: THE FIRST AND LATEST FERRARI DRESSED BY TOURING PARADE AT CONCORSO D'ELEGANZA VILLA D'ESTE 2015 - A rare opportunity to see on stage the acclaimed Touring Berlinetta Lusso and Gianni Agnelli's Ferrari 166MM Barchetta Touring. - Touring Berlinetta Lusso competes for the Concept Cars and Prototypes Design Award. - The magnificent Barchetta owned by l'Avvocato enters the "Gentlemen's racers" class after regaining its authentic shape at Touring Superleggera restoration atelier. Touring Superleggera is embedded in the Concorso since the early editions, having debuted in 1931. The hall of fame includes, among many, the prizes assigned to Isotta Fraschini 8ASS spider, Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider as well as Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider Coupe, Pegaso Z102 Berlinetta "Thrill" and recently Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring. Touring believes the Concorso is the ideal stage to showcase innovative prototypes, give rise to new stylistic trends, surprise and amaze the selected attendance".

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive

While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.
As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the US, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Ferrari extends Kimi Raikkonen's contract for 2016

Veteran Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen's second stint with Ferrari will continue in 2016, and the team announced Wednesday it's extending the Finn's contract for another season. Financial terms were not disclosed. The 35-year-old is fifth in the driver's standings this year with 76 points heading into this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. Nicknamed the "Ice Man," Raikkonen won the 2007 World Championship with Ferrari. He left the Scuderia in 2009 and dabbled in World Rally Championship and NASCAR competition, before returning to F1 in 2012 with Lotus. He's been back with Ferrari since the 2014 season. "We believe that extending Kimi's contract into the next season will provide further stability to the team," team principal Maurizio Arrivabene said in statement. "This has been our guideline, also considering the very good relationship between Kimi and Seb [Sebastian Vettel]. On our side, this shows our great confidence in him, and I expect this confidence to be well-rewarded." Raikkonen has teamed with Vettel (who's third in driver's points) to key the Scuderia's bounce-back season. Ferrari, the sport's oldest and most successful team, is second in the constructor's standings this year with 236 points, trailing Mercedes (383). "For me, to be able to stay another year at Ferrari means that the dream goes on," Raikkonen said in a statement. "The Scuderia is my family, as I always said, it's here I want to end my career. I am more committed than ever and I want to say thank you to the people who gave me this chance." The announcement comes as Ferrari prepares for its historic 900th grand prix. It's won 16 races in Belgium, including 12 victories as Spa-Francorchamps. The team's most recent win there was in 2009 – by Raikkonen. Related Video: