2012 Ferrari on 2040-cars

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Robert De Niro cast as Enzo Ferrari in new film

In one of Robert De Niro's early defining roles, he portrays a young Vito Corleone as a man climbing up the ranks of the New York underworld in flashbacks during The Godfather: Part II. Soon, we might see De Niro stepping into the shoes of a godfather from the Italian sports car industry in a biopic about Enzo Ferrari. According to The Guardian, De Niro recently told an Italian newspaper that the film would go into production soon and would shoot in Italy. This project apparently holds a high priority for him, and in addition to starring, De Niro's company is co-producing. It could be a while before we see the film in theaters because the script is still being written. We're also told that Clint Eastwood might sit in the director's chair, if he likes the story. Ferrari had a life every bit as fascinating as many fictional characters with stints as a racecar driver, an engineer and of course a canny businessman. He also held a long passion for motorsports, which could make for some very exciting scenes. According to The Guardian, the film would focus on Ferrari's life from around the founding of his sportscar company in the mid '40s through to his death in the late '80s. With characters like Jake Lamotta in Raging Bull and Sam Rothstein in Casino under his belt, De Niro certainly has shown the chops to portray a larger-than-life figure like Ferrari. Hopefully, he has retained the clout to get the film finished, though. Similar motorsports biographies haven't made it to the screen, such as the supposed Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise flick Go Like Hell or the Mad Men-inspired TV show about sports car racing in the '50s and '60s. Related Video:

Ferrari FF spotted testing, may get new turbo engine

With the introduction of the turbocharged Ferrari 488 GTB at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, the FF is about to be the oldest model in the Ferrari lineup. The Prancing Horse doesn't appear to want the 2+2 shooting brake getting too much longer in the tooth, though, if this prototype is any indication. This one wears all of its camouflage around the lower grille and hood, and the tape makes it look like Ferrari is trying to direct air to some new ducting under its bodywork. Beyond just some updated styling, these changes suggest something different is going on under the hood. One possibility stems from an earlier rumor that Ferrari's V12 models could get hybrids to be more efficient and boost power. Alternatively, other rumors suggest that the FF might get the 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 from the California T and 488 GTB to create a new, entry-level model. Ferrari has already been caught on video lapping an FF around the Fiorano test track. It looked relatively normal except for some odd exhausts poking out the rear, which weren't on display for this test car. In any case, one thing is certain: The Prancing Horse definitely has something in the works for its all-wheel drive wagon.

Beautiful Ferrari 250 California poised to break hearts, records

If you think buying a new Ferrari is expensive, just look at the prices collectors pay at auction for some of the brand's most desirable classics. The figures regularly delve well into eight figures. As in, tens of millions of dollars. One of the most sought-after is the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, and the one you see here looks poised to raise the bar yet again. One of only 56 made (and just 16 with open headlights), chassis number 2505 GT is an exceptional example of the breed in Blu Scuro with Pelle Beige interior. Unlike most Californias that were sent to the US, this particular one was delivered new within Italy, where it remained until 1974 when it moved to Switzerland for 20 years. Since undergoing full restoration by Ferrari's own Classiche department, it won top honors at the Cavallino Classic and honorable mention at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, it's been displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and was even driven by Luca di Montezemolo himself in the parade at the Finali Mondiali in Valencia a few years ago. Now it's going up for auction by RM Sotheby's at Villa d'Este next month, where it is sure to fetch a pretty penny or two. (And by "two," we mean "bajillion.") It's got quite an act to follow: the last time a California Spider traded hands, it sold for a record $18.5 million – and that was an unrestored barnfind – eclipsing the pristine example Gooding sold last summer for over $15 million. The records at Sports Car Market demonstrate that California Spiders hold the top spots for the most expensive variants of the iconic 250 GT ever sold at auction, and though pre-sale estimates place its value between $12 and 14 million, we wouldn't be surprised to see it fetch much more once the gavel drops. Though surely the most valuable, it's not the only collectible Ferrari up for grabs at the event on Lake Como this year. The California will be joined by a 1950 Ferrari 195 Inter Berlinetta along with an enviable quartet of Prancing Horse supercars (288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo) as well as a rare 599 GTB with a six-speed and HGTE package and a single-owner 575 Superamerica.