2008 F430 Spider F1, Red/tan, 1-owner, 8700 Miles, Highly Optioned, Pristine Car on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ferrari patents new electronic steering assist

Automobiles keep getting more and more advanced, with computers playing an ever-increasingly vital role in their operation. But some things remain the same. Despite more advanced (if not necessarily better) technologies available, we still burn fossils to fuel our engines, we still check what's behind us in actual mirrors and (with few exceptions) we still turn a steering wheel mechanically connected to the front wheels to change directions. But that doesn't mean automakers aren't working at new solutions.
We've sampled electric steering systems developed by Japanese automakers like Honda and Infiniti that disconnect the front wheels from the steering column, but while those systems may be the way of the future, they leave the driver feeling physically disconnected from the road. Ferrari, however, has a different idea.
Instead of either relying completely on a traditional system or replacing it with an entirely digital one, Ferrari appears to have found a sweet spot in the middle. According to a patent filing obtained by Evo, Ferrari is developing a system that still uses a direct mechanical steering linkage, but enhances it through the use of software that corrects for certain inconsistencies.

Sebastian Vettel rips Ferrari FXX K around Fiorano

Sebastian Vettel is without a doubt the most successful driver currently on the Formula One grid. He's won four world championships, 39 grands prix and taken pole position 45 times. That makes him the third most successful driver in F1 history, retired or active. And now that he's signed with Ferrari, he's driving for the most successful team in the series as well. That's good news for the tifosi, but it's also good news for Vettel. Because not only will he be driving one of the best cars on the grid, but he'll have access to some of the best wheels off of it, too. Case in point: This latest video released by the Maranello outfit, in which the multiple world champion takes the new FXX K out for a spin around Fiorano. The track-bound evolution of the hybrid LaFerrari hypercar, the FXX K is said to lap the circuit in 1:14, making it the fastest Prancing Horse this side of a purpose-built racer like the SF15-T he'll be piloting in the 2015 world championship. In short, it's a heck of a step up from the special-edition FX crossover Infiniti made for him when he was still at Red Bull. And while you might think it still wouldn't measure up to some of the race-winning single-seaters he's driven over the years, he does seem to enjoy the experience. At least it's got a bit more elbow room than what he's used to. Related Gallery Sebastian Vettel in Ferrari FXX K at Fiorano News Source: Ferrari Ferrari Supercars Videos F1 Sebastian Vettel fiorano ferrari fxx k

Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka

Two people are lucky to be alive after a brutal crash during a recent Ferrari 458 Challenge event in Japan. Driver Shigeru Terajima lost control of his machine on the Suzuka Circuit start/finish straight, left the course at nearly 200 miles per hour and struck the inside wall where a corner worker was standing and monitoring the race. The 458 immediately disintegrated, sending bits of carbon fiber bodywork, suspension components, wheels and tires scattering into the infield and across the race course. The passenger cell spun through the air before coming to a stop on its roof.
Miraculously, both Terajima and the corner worker survived the incident. While the driver was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, he's expected to make a full recovery. The track worker, meanwhile, saw the incident coming and dove out of harm's way at the last possible moment, saving him from the brunt of the impact. You can watch an observer's frightening footage of the Ferrari crash by scrolling below.