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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:

Haas F1 secures engine deal with Ferrari

Plans are coming together for Gene Haas to launch his US-based Formula One team in 2016. The tooling magnate and NASCAR team owner has renamed his grand prix racing outfit from Haas Formula to Haas F1, he's setting up shop in North Carolina with a satellite location to be announced somewhere in Europe, and now he's penned an engine supply deal with Ferrari.
The deal doesn't come as such a surprise after Haas signed on as a sponsor with the Maranello squad a couple of months ago, but confirms the reinforcement of the partnership between the two teams. "The multi-year agreement," according to Ferrari in the statement below, "is for the supply of the entire power unit starting from 2016," including the engine, hybrid assist and presumably the gearbox as well. But that's not the extent of the deal.
Billed as a "technical collaboration agreement," the deal opens the door for Haas and Ferrari to cooperate even more closely than the latter does with existing powertrain customers Sauber and Marussia. "We believe this new partnership has the potential to evolve beyond the technical role of supplying our power unit and all related technical services," said Scuderia Ferrari team principal Marco Mattiacci.

Seven-figure cars highlight day one of RM's Monterey auction

RM Auctions is one of several houses holding auctions during the Monterey weekend, and Friday night's festivities got quite pricey. Seven-figure vehicles were not at all uncommon during the first day of the two-day event, with the 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider, seen above, crossing the block for $9,075,000.
Other big earners included a pair of rare Ferraris, a 1950 166 MM Barchetta and a 1955 750 Monza Spider, which took $3,080,000 and $4,070,000, respectively. Outside of the red Italians, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special captured $7,480,000 while a stunning, color-appropriate 1955 Jaguar D-Type took $3,850,000. We've got images of these vehicles, and a few other stunning examples of last night's auction, in the gallery above.
Thought it seems impossible, tonight's auction is expected to see even more high-dollar action. The winner of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours, a 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Roadster is expected to command over $10 million. Also crossing the block will be a car we reported on a few weeks back - a supremely rare 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder. One of only 10 in the world, it's expected to take anywhere from $14 to $17 million when it hits the stage tonight.