Ferrari is
attending the 2006 Detroit Motor Show with five sportscars:
the FXX, F430 Challenge, F430 Spider, and 612 Scaglietti in
two-tone and Handling GTC versions. Ferrari is located on
Stand 5 in Oakland Hall, the traditional home of the
Prancing Horse at the Detroit Motor Show.
The year 2005
confirmed the extraordinary power of attraction that Ferrari
products still exert, not only in traditional markets, but
also in new and developing markets. In order to meet growing
demand, while maintaining its natural exclusivity, Ferrari
increased production, and exceeded 5,000 units in a single
year for the first time ever; the main objective was to
reduce the waiting time for its cars and to satisfy the
demands from new markets that had interesting results.
In Detroit the company has presented for the first time in
North America, two models bringing together different
elements that have been central to Ferrari's philosophy
throughout the company's history. Making its debut at the
Show is the FXX, a prototype aimed exclusively at 29 of its
most dedicated and passionate clients, around which a truly
innovative technical client-constructor collaboration
programme has been developed. Also on display at Detroit is
the F430 Challenge that will debut in the Ferrari Challenge
Trofeo Pirelli one-make championship in the 2006 season.
The FXX is the most technologically advanced GT car ever to
emerge from Maranello. It will be used exclusively on track
as part of a specific ongoing research and development
programme featuring the first ever group of "Client Test
Drivers". This model has not been homologated for road use
and racing activities are not foreseen. The FXX is the
culmination of Ferrari's expertise in building special
limited-series sports cars combined with its unparalleled
racing experience. The FXX will provide the basic framework
on which the specifics of future extreme models will be
developed. The exceptionally powerful FXX delivers
absolutely blistering performance: It is powered by an
imposing 6262 cm3 V12 engine which develops over 800 hp at
8500 rpm. The gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1
technology and delivers gear change times of less than
100ms. This is almost as fast as the F1 cars, themselves the
absolute pinnacle of current technological achievement. The
FXX has a dry weight of 1155 kg with a power-weight ratio of
1.44 kg/hp and completed a lap of Fiorano in under 1'18''00
- a time which gives an indication of the sheer power and
performance of this magnificent car.
The FXX's
aerodynamic design is also particularly innovative - with a
40% increase in downforce compared to the already impressive
Enzo. Ferrari's tyre partner, Bridgestone, developed a
specific 19" slick tyre for the FXX, and Brembo created a
special brake pad and cooling system for the 398 x 36 mm
Composite Ceramic Material discs. Another unique feature of
FXX is its sophisticated telemetry system which monitors and
provides feedback in real time. The instrument panel,
supplied by Magneti Marelli, is specifically designed for
the FXX and incorporates a new data acquisition system. A
video camera is also installed on the roof of each of the
cars, pointing towards the rear, with a special TFT display
on the dash removing the need for rear view mirrors.
The FXX package
also includes participation in a series of 14 track events
organised by Ferrari on various international-level circuits
over the coming two years in Europe, North America and
Japan, including the Ferrari World Finals. On these
occasions, an official team of technicians will be on hand
to provide any assistance and support required by the Client
Test Drivers. In addition to these unique official events,
Clients will also be able to take their cars out on the
track independently during private sessions. If Clients wish
to leave their car at Maranello while not in use, they will
be transported directly by Ferrari to the various circuits
for the scheduled events.
Given the car's
exceptional performance and the unique nature of the
package, delivery of each FXX also includes an advanced
driving course with tuition provided by the best
professional drivers. Courses take place at the Fiorano
circuit where Ferrari conducts its F1 single-seater testing.
After the seat and the pedals have been individually molded
for each driver, there will be a traditional "shakedown"
followed by a training session to introduce the Client Test
Drivers to test driving methodologies. The first FXXs were
delivered in mid-November 2005 and the last will be
delivered to their owners by the end of April 2006. The FXX
and the relative package cost a total of 1.5 million euro
(excluding taxes). Applications to join the programme were
evaluated by a special in-house committee.
The F430 Challenge it is also present at the Detroit NAIAS.
The new racing car is derived from the 8-cylinder road-going
berlinetta and will take part in the Ferrari Challenge
Trofeo Pirelli one-make championship in 2006. Over 100 F430
Challenge race cars will hit the tracks this year in the
three groups of the series in the USA, Italy, and Europe.
Ferrari has also reaffirmed the strong link between its GT
and sporting divisions with the new F430 Challenge which is
specifically designed to meet the expectations of its
sportier clients. The F430 Challenge retains the same
general look and 490 hp engine as the road-going version.
However, it also incorporates a large number of significant
track-oriented modifications and a host of new features not
seen in the 360 Challenge, which it joins on the track this
season and completely replaces in 2007.
As ever, the
transfer from Formula 1 is significant, particularly with
regard to the braking system which uses carbon ceramic
material (CCM) - a first for a Ferrari sports competition
car. The electronic gearbox is also F1-derived and works in
exactly the same way as the one used on the grand prix car.
Fifth and sixth gear ratios have also been modified with
respect to the road-going version, as has the final drive
ratio, in order to make the most of the engine on all the
circuits where the F430 Challenge will race. The new 19''
slick tyres were specially developed by Pirelli to combine
the extremely strict regulations that can call for long
distances with extremely high performance.
The F430
Challenge boasts a kerb weight of just 1225 kg (excluding
fuel). Weight has been reduced in every area of the car: of
particular note are the Lexan windscreen, the all-carbon
fibre intake plenum cover, and specific exhaust system.
Another important feature introduced in the F430 Challenge
is the new steering wheel which has a quick release
mechanism to provide easier access for drivers. The steering
wheel also has buttons for communication with the pits, to
set the pit lane speed and to interface with the new color
digital instrument panel. The rear of the car is
characterised by the specific exhaust system which has high
central tail pipes, and by the modified grille which
increases the extraction of hot air from the rear of the
engine bay. The anti-roll bars, springs and single-rate
shocks have also been modified for racing use. The F430
Challenge also features new centre locking wheels and
pneumatic air jacks for faster wheel changes in the pit
lane.
Ferrari is also finalizing development on the GT2 version of
the F430, the competition model dedicated to national and
international GT championships; the model will debut this
year with more than 15 units. The GT2 version of the F430
will also participate to the 2006 American Le Mans Series
(ALMS) championship.
In addition to the FXX and F430 Challenge, the Ferrari stand
in Detroit also features an F430 Spider and two 612
Scaglietti models, which blend performance, elegance, and
the driving pleasure characteristic of the Prancing Horse.
In particular, the Ferrari 2+2 pair demonstrates the unique
aspects that resulted from the Carrozzeria Scaglietti
Personalisation Programme, that 100% of Ferrari customers
benefit from. One of the Ferrari 612 Scagliettis on display
in Detroit is a special two-tone version - in Nero Daytona
and Rubino Micalizzato. The other 612 on display is equipped
with the optional "Handling GTC" pack, which, among other
things, includes the braking system with carbon-ceramic
discs (CCM), ball-polished modular wheels and
highly-advanced F1 gear change software and is targeted at
customers who desire a more dynamic handling.
Confirming its international recognition, both the open and
closed versions of the F430 have garnered a significant
number of awards from magazines in the sector: Road & Track
and Auto Week (USA), Quattroruote (Italy), Auto Motor und
Sport and Auto Zeitung (Germany), Top Gear (United Kingdom)
and Sport Auto (France), among others.
2005 was an important year for Ferrari both in terms of the
company set-up, commercial successes and the new products it
unveiled. In April, the Ferrari Maserati Group was split out
and ownership of Maserati was transferred to Fiat in order
to allow the Trident to establish a closer technical and
commercial relationship with Alfa Romeo, particularly on the
major international markets. Nonetheless, Ferrari and
Maserati continue to collaborate on an industrial level, and
with regard to technical projects, engines and sales
network.
At the end of
July, Mubadala, an Abu Dhabi government investment group,
acquired a 5% share in Ferrari from Mediobanca and was
immediately committed to being an extremely reliable and
stable partner with a range of exciting new business
strategies to share. In early November, Ferrari and Aldar,
an Abu Dhabi real estate company, announced an exclusive
agreement to develop an innovative and exciting Ferrari Area
in Abu Dhabi themed around the Ferrari brand. In October, a
few important changes were announced in the Sales
Organisation. The American branch, led by Maurizio Parlato,
is now responsible also for the countries of Central and
South America. The creation of a new Sales Department was
also announced for the Asia-Pacific area. This region covers
a total of 13 markets, amongst which are Japan, China,
Australia and Hong Kong. |
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Making its North American debut at the Detroit Auto
Show is the Ferrari FXX, a prototype aimed
exclusively at 29 of its most dedicated and
passionate clients, around which a truly innovative
technical client-constructor collaboration programme
has been developed |
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The region has enormous potential for development and is
extremely strategic for Ferrari which envisages commercial
successes in coming years. In 2005, Ferrari set a new sales
record with well over 5,000 vehicles delivered. This
historic threshold was crossed thanks to the performance of
the F430 in the berlinetta and Spider versions, and the 612
Scaglietti with 834 units delivered. Even the Superamerica
limited series (559 cars built and sold out in few months
after its presentation at NAIAS 2005) also made substantial
contributions to this achievement. North America (with an
increase of approximately 8% over vehicles delivered in
2004), Italy, United Kingdom and France were all especially
significant in terms of the positive evaluation of the past
year. Important contributions were also made by new and
developing markets (Middle East +41%, Eastern Europe +92%,
South America +36%), which generated a substantial increase
in volume without compromising the exclusive character of
the brand. In China, with a brand new commercial network,
Ferrari delivered 82 cars (about +100% vs year 2004). For
Ferrari, the commercial successes that characterized this
past year translated into a turnover and an operating result
that predict a significant improvement over the previous
fiscal year.
Ferrari in North America
2005 marked
Ferrari North America's 13th consecutive year of sales
growth. The year ended with approximately 1,550 units
retailed with an increase of 8%. Outstanding products, an
upgraded dealer network and an ownership experience unlike
any other have been the primary drivers of this
extraordinary span of growth. North America is the most
important market for Ferrari, representing approximately 30%
of the marque's worldwide sales. Ferrari's top car market in
North America is California, which accounts for 27% of
sales, followed by the Northeast with 16% of sales, Florida
with 11%, Texas with 7% and Chicago with 6%.
The Ferrari dealer network grew in 2005, expanding to 36
dealers (32 in the United States, four in Canada) with the
addition of two recently opened locations in Silicon Valley,
California, and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Existing dealers have
also made significant investments in upgrading their
facilities and improving their processess. In fact, the
dealer network has collectively invested approximately $75
million in recent years. In 2004, Ferrari North America
opened a showroom on 410 Park Avenue in New York City to
showcase its extraordinary products in one of America's most
prestigious locations.
In order to strengthen and consolidate Ferrari's presence in
Central and South America, Ferrari S.p.A. has given
responsibility to Ferrari North America for countries in
this region effective January 1st, 2006. Argentina, Brazil,
Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela are the key markets in this
area and Ferrari is represented at twelve sales outlets.
This consolidation is expected to strengthen the network and
improve customer satisfaction. Ferrari North America Inc.,
located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, is headed by
Maurizio Parlato, President and CEO, now in his fourth year
at the helm of Ferrari's largest market worldwide. Ferrari
North America is the sole authorized importer and
distributor of Ferrari sports cars in North America and is
responsible for all organization and operating requirements
for the marque in the United States and Canada, including
the technical training and spare parts service. Ferrari
North America has a retail facility on the West Coast of the
United States, Ferrari of San Francisco.
The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli 2006
2006 will mark
the 14th consecutive year of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo
Pirelli. This series is more than one of the most respected
and professional Gentleman's Racing Series. It is the
embodiment of the Ferrari lifestyle combining exclusive
ambiance with thrilling competition. The series offers F430
Challenge and 360 Challenge owners the opportunity to use
their race cars as they were intended. At certain venues
classic models compete in a separate series which also may
include historic and legendary Formula 1 cars. As a special
highlight, the FXX may also be seen going through its paces
at select Challenge events this year.
This year the series will welcome the new F430 Challenge,
the 8-cylinder berlinetta-derived competition car. The F430
Challenge retains the same general look and 490 hp engine as
the road-going version. However, it also incorporates a
large number of significant track-oriented modifications and
a host of new features not seen in the car currently used in
the series, the 360 Challenge, which it joins on the track
next season and completely replaces in 2007.
In 2006 the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli racing series
celebrates its 13th consecutive season in North America with
six events scheduled throughout the year and a final event
hosted in Italy. The final in October hosts participants
from all over the world and wraps up the season with two
days of competition in a festival of speed and performance.
This year's North American calendar will kick-off with the
first race at the Homestead Miami Speedway in the second
week of April. Races will follow at Infineon Raceway in
Northern California in May, at Mt. Tremblant in early June,
in Montreal in support of the Formula One race in late June,
at Road America, Wisconsin in July and at Portland in
August.
Ferrari first organised the Shell Historic Challenge back in
1996, for cars built by Ferrari prior to 1982 and in 1999
the series was opened up to include the Maserati marque.
There are five events scheduled for 2006 in North America,
four of them concurrent with Challenge races: Infineon
Raceway, Mt. Tremblant, Road America and Portland. The
season debut will be held in January as part of the
Cavallino Classic weekend in Florida.
Activities for Ferrari Owners
Ferrari North
America organizes a number of special events and racing
activities each year to give Ferrari owners the opportunity
to share the passion of driving their special automobiles.
Last year, Ferrari North America hosted its 7th Challenge
Rally in the Napa Valley from August 8th through 13th. In
2005, as in 2004, the Rally reached its limit for
participation with 50 Ferrari sports cars; everything from
historic models out of the 1950's through modern supercars
such as the Enzo Ferrari. The route featured the finest
roads in this historic wine making region, sometimes closed
to the public for timed special sessions. The rally ended in
Monterey just in time for the start of the Pebble Beach
Concours d' Elegance and surrounding festivities.
Ferrari North America Driving School
For the first
time ever, Ferrari North America will offer a factory
authorized Ferrari Driving School in North America. Located
at the Mt. Tremblant race track in Quebec, students will be
able to learn the techniques to help control and enjoy their
cars at the limit of their ability in an environment where
safety is always the top priority. This course is modeled on
the Ferrari S.p.A. driving course which focuses on proper
driving skills and gives owners the opportunity to
experience the full technology of their cars on a closed
circuit. The school will run from May until October.
Reservations can be made through Ferrari North America or
through an authorized Ferrari dealer. The exact dates and
costs of the school will be published shortly. The North
America Driving School corresponds to the basic "Pilota
Ferrari" course taking place in Fiorano. Ferrari S.p.A. has
organised a series of different driving courses for over ten
years offering, after the basic course, a progressive series
of steps leading up to a true racing course.
Power Service Contracts for New and Certified Pre-Owned
Ferrari Sports Cars
To provide peace
of mind and reassurance to owners of both new and pre-owned
Ferrari sports cars, Power Service Contracts are exclusively
available from authorized Ferrari dealers. These
comprehensive service contracts provide benefits similar to
an extended warranty. Available in three different packages,
the Power Service Contracts will cover selected components
on vehicles up to ten years old. In 2005, the security of
the Power Service Contract contributed to an almost 30%
increase in sales of pre-owned Ferrari sports cars at
authorized dealers.
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