05.01.2004 FERRARI'S NEW 2+2 COUPE, THE 612 SCAGLIETTI, MAKES ITS DEBUT AT THE DETROIT MOTOR SHOW
Ferrari have finally taken the wraps off their new 540bhp 5.75-litre V12 Coupe, the 612 Scaglietti, which takes its name from one of the marques most important past designers.
Officially unveiled to the world at the Detroit Motor Show by Group President Luca di Montezemolo, the event marks the first time that a Ferrari model has ever received its international premiere in the US, reflecting the importance of North America, their number on market. It is also significant as 2004 represents fifty years since the first Ferrari was sold on this continent.
“We have decided to celebrate 50 years in the United States by making the worldwide introduction of the new Ferrari 2+2,” said Luca di Montezemolo at the unveiling. “This is the car that will be number one in the world in terms of acceleration and top speed and room.”
“Every time we do a new car, we always look for some links to the past, always looking ahead to the future, of course,” he continued. In the case of the Scaglietti, the most important design details are the side scallops, inspired by the side scallops of the 375 MM. The only example of the 375 MM ever built was shown at the 1954 Paris Auto Show and was a car ordered by Roberto Rossellini as a gift for the actress Ingrid Bergman. That car was designed by the senior Sergio Pininfarina, father to Sergio Pininfarina, who was present for today’s unveiling.
The 612 is powered by a 5.748 cc V12 engine, producing a maximum 540bhp at 7,250rpm. Despite weighing in at a considerable 1.840kg, the 2+2 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed in excess of 315 km/h. This makes it the world’s fastest production 2+2 and is set to clearly become another automotive benchmark.
Di Montezemolo also celebrated today Ferrari’s record-making acquisition of its fifth consecutive world F1 title in 2003 and the fourth in a row with Michael Schumacher. He credited the F1 program for improvements that are reflected in the engine, materials and electronics used in the 612 Scaglietti.
Alongside the 612 Scaglietti in Detroit is a full range of Ferrari road cars, including the lightweight Challenge Stradale, the display completed by Michael Schumacher's F1 World Championship winning F-2003-GA racer.
THE FIRST FERRARI TO EVER PREMIERE IN THE US REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF NORTH AMERICA
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |