2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Successor Spyshots

Another chapter can be added to the story around the 612 Scaglietti successor. The test mule was again spotted, but still nothing is really known about this perticular model driving around near Modena.

You will definitely spot the bulge on the hood, but what it exactly holds is unknown. The rumours suggest this model is due for 2012 and is in the early phase of testing. However, previous stories suggest Ferrari is developing a hybrid system or even a new V12 engine with a twin turbo setup. WorldCarFans even suggests it could be that Fiat’s MultiAir system is temporarily fitted to this test mule in order to see how much performance enhancement can be pulled from that.

Inside Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari has plans to open the “world’s largest indoor theme park, sitting under a roof designed in the style of a classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari,” in 2010.

Links to information are here, to video are here and photos are here.

Details are pretty scant. Here’s the key description: “With over 20 rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World is more than a theme park – it is the total Ferrari experience.”

Some additional information is available here, as well, although it amounts to about the same information repackaged.

Why bring it up? Well, the timing now may be a little less perfect than when Ferrari started building the park. But maybe by the time it really opens (I’m guessing 2010 is a pipe dream), the economy will be back in full swing.

What do people think? Does it seem a smart piece of marketing and branding or might it go the way of Euro Disney? Is it just plain stupid or do you have a new “Must See” item on your travel list?

Rare Ferrari sets $16m auction record

A RARE Ferrari has set a world record for the most expensive car sold at auction, with an anonymous buyer ignoring the global recession by paying €9.02 million ($A16.2 million) for a 1957 250 Testa Rossa.

This beats the previous world record – set at the same event at Ferrari’s Maranello factory a year ago – of €7.04m ($A12.4m) for a 1961 California paid by celebrity DJ Chris Evans.

Another famous Prancing Horse that was expected to challenge the record failed to sell after reaching €7.25m ($A12.8m). The 330 P4 is one of only three built, finished second at Le Mans in 1967 and raced in Australia at Surfers Paradise a year later, but which is currently in its last racing form with modified bodywork for the United States Can-Am series.

Also failing to sell on the day was a Maserati 250F Grand Prix car driven to victory in the 1956 Monaco Grand Prix by Stirling Moss. It was passed in at €1.35 million ($A2.4 million).

The record-setting black 3.0-litre V12 ‘pontoon-fender’ 250 Testa Rossa (chassis 0714TR) is one of 22 examples built and also has a racing history, but mainly in US amateur racing.

The new auction record was posted on Sunday at the third annual factory-sanctioned Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event held by RM Auctions, which would not reveal the identity of the winning phone bidder.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world – both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said RM Europe managing director Max Girardo.

Top 10 Ferrari Cars

Here are the Top 10 Ferrari road cars for your reference.

1. F50: More modern than F40 and more focused than Enzo, it provides the best driving experience among Ferrari's 200mph supercars. The engine sound is awesome. I think it is the best supercar ever made. It is possibly the last Ferrari with engine based on Formula-1 car.

2. 250 GTO: Rare beauty. The performance is amazing for its era and is one of the first cars that made Ferrari legendary.

3. Enzo: Ferrari's pinnacle (for now).

4. 166MM: It brought Ferrari's earliest victories. Ferrari became a significant player in the automotive world because of this car.

5. F40: Enzo's last car and the genesis of modern superexotics. In my opinion the besk looking car ever made. It had a successful racing program that allowed it to compete with much more modern and expensive apponents.

6. 206/246 Dino: The first entry level Ferrari and is one of the best looking roadcars.

7. 365 Daytona: The best GT car of its era, and sets the standard for later cars like 550 Maranello and 599 GTB.

8. F355: The best looking entry level Ferrari with amazing sound.

9. 360 Challenge Stradale: A good looking car with amazing handling and amazing sound. A true racecar for the road.

10. 275 GTB/4: One of the greatest traditional front engine sportscars, and one of the best looking sportscars ever made.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

2010 Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari has created a new 'technological laboratory' for a select group of 599 enthusiasts, called the 599XX.

The 599XX incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

A limited number of places and cars will be available, with the vehicles only used at private track sessions, worldwide.

2010 Ferrari 599XX Sports Car aimed at the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Geneva Motor Show isn't all about hybrids, EVs and hopeful thinking. There are some hardcore sports cars there as well. Ferrari, as always, brought out some serous iron. Or in this case, some serious alloy, carbon composites and technical know-how.

Witness the 700-horsepower 599XX. It’s about as serious as a sports car gets, but sadly, we’ll never see it on the roads. The 599XX is designed exclusively for the track.

The 599XX is based on the magnificent 599 GTB Fiorano but is a different beast altogether. It’s slathered with all the latest high tech goodies from Ferrari’s racing department and is not aimed merely at the rich. The 599XX, like the FXX before it, is to be sold, in Ferrari’s words, to "a select group of clients," which is to say people are are both rich and want to go wheel-to-wheel during exclusive Ferrari track days. When those few fortunate souls aren't actually behind the wheels of their 599XXs, Ferrari will graciously store them.