2004 Ferrari 360 360 Modena Spider on 2040-cars

Auto blog

What new F12 has Ferrari got in store for Frankfurt?

Ferrari is widely expected to be preparing a new version of the F12 Berlinetta to unveil at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Assuming the anticipation doesn't prove futile, the question at this point is what that new variant will look like. At present, we're looking at two possibilities. One prospect would see the Prancing Horse marque present an updated version of the F12 to replace the existing model – much like the 488 GTB is replacing the 458 Italia, the California T replaced the previous California, or (perhaps more poignantly) the 575M supplanted the 550 Maranello. Ferrari has, after all, undertaken a pattern of updating its core models half-way through their eight-year life-cycles. The F12 was introduced in 2012, so a refresh for 2016 would be right on schedule. The other possibility, as Autocar asserts (and as we reported last month), would be to introduce a more potent model to slot in above (and alongside) the current F12. That would follow the pattern established by its predecessor, which yielded the hardcore 599 GTO to slot in above the 599 GTB Fiorano. Those latter three letters would be a more likely choice for the performance-focused F12 than the Speciale name that Autocar proposes and which was already used on the ultimate version of the naturally aspirated 458. Either way, we'll likely be looking at more power and less weight. The F12's 6.3-liter V12 currently produces 730 horsepower, and speculation has placed the new version's output anywhere between 760 and 800 hp. In any event, output will likely be enough to steal bragging rights away from the Lamborghini Aventador SV and its 740 horses. Just what form the revised engine will take remains a big question mark, but don't expect it to go turbo like the aforementioned 488 GTB and California T. Ferrari is anticipated to keep forced induction for its eight-cylinder models, and go with a hybrid boost for the twelves. The enhanced F12, then, could adopt an electrically boosted V12 like the one found in LaFerrari, or it could continue on unassisted for another four years until the model line is replaced entirely. One way or another, we're less than two months until showtime, so we'll find out soon enough.

Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa reportedly stepping down [UPDATE]

Update: In a statement to Autoblog, Ferrari USA predictably responded: "We do not comment on rumors. There is no announcement at this time." Rumors are currently swirling in the European media that Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa (pictured above) is stepping down from his position at the Prancing Horse. An exact timeframe isn't clear at this time. Motori Online from Italy indicates Felisa might not leave the company until September, whereas Autocar reports that he has already resigned from the Italian automaker. Autoblog has reached out to Ferrari for clarification, but the Maranello-based firm has not yet officially confirmed any of this speculation. Felisa has been the company's CEO since 2008 when Jean Todt stepped down. He joined Ferrari in 1990 as the director of product development and became general manager there in 2006. Felisa was also among people thought possible to take the role as chairman when Luca di Montezemolo left the Prancing Horse last year. Sergio Marchionne retained that role. If these rumors prove true, Felisa's departure would be the biggest corporate shakeup at Maranello since di Montezemolo's departure. The move would also come at a time that's not particularly pleasant for Ferrari or its corporate parent. Marchionne recently indicated that the Prancing Horse was just days away from filing the prospectus for its imminent initial public offering. The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles executive had previously put Ferrari's value at around $11 billion. So far, all we have are rumors and reports, but as soon as we know more, so will you. Stay tuned.

Petrolicious documents the motorsport-changing Ferrari 512M

Petrolicious has had plenty of beautiful cars and big-time personalities in its videos, but today's interview is sees one of the series' most well known subjects - US Formula 1 commentator David Hobbs.
Hobbs is an accomplished racer, capturing a number of podiums and a pair of class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in addition to short stints in F1 and at the Indianapolis 500. One of his Le Mans runs was behind the wheel of this, the Ferrari 512M, a car that's notable for two things - running a 1971 season that included the 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours of Sebring and Watkins Glen 6 Hour races. The other thing it's known for? Failing to win a single one of those enduros.
Still, the Ferrari 512 is one of the Italian marques most iconic 1970s racers and Hobbs' example is a proud member of that breed, delivering a delicious 5.0-liter V12 exhaust note that makes this an easy video to sit through.