Ferrari 599 HGTE official picture!

The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the sporty, dynamic Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car 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.

The two new arrivals will be introduced to the international media by Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the opening day of the Show, March 3rd, at 10 am.

In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a colour matching the F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire this single-seater that recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors’ World title. On the stand there will also be the full range of Ferrari road cars: the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and two Grand Tourer models, the Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the flagship 612 Scaglietti. The latter will be displayed in the Atelier, a dedicated area where owners can get a taste of the virtually endless personalisation options on offer to them.

Fiat, next super power?

Fiat was making poor quality cheap cars. Their cars were boring slow and the saying "fix it again Tony" reigned true. They were a company on the brink of bankruptcy.

Sergio Marchionne took over as CEO for Fiat in June of 2004. The Marchionne era of Fiats have been of better quality and better style. Under Marchionne Fiat has introduced the Bravo, Grande Punto, 500 and many more great cars. Under Marchionne Fiat has formed a joint venture with India's TATA motors and China's Chery motors. Marchionne also brought Fiat back to Mexico and Australia.

Fiat has partnered up with BMW to help relaunch the Alfa Romeo brand into North America. It is believed that new Alfa Romeo 149, which will replace the 147, will be built on a BMW platform and possibly even have a BMW power plant. This is great news for people who would like BMW handling with the beautiful line of an Alfa Romeo.

On January 20, 2009 Fiat and Chrysler announced the formation of a global alliance, in which Fiat will take a 35% stake in Chrysler with the opportunity of having as much as a 55% stake in the future.

So whats next for Fiat? They have been on a steady up rise since 2004 and they are showing no signs of stopping.

Will Fiat eventually come close to Toyota figures in the future? That will all depend on how North American sales will be, Once Fiat does come back to North America it doesn't look like they will ever be leaving. Finally a new Italian car that will not send you back six figures.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS

The designers at Pininfarina have succeeded in their aim of giving the car a sportier edge whilst preserving the integrity of the original design. The new grille is the most obvious exterior change. It is now wider and has vertical slats that echo the GranTurismo, whilst its black finish maintains the original styling cues.
The deeper set grille is fitted to the front bumper, and is framed by the new fog lights and air intakes that have been enlarged to cope with the more powerful engine. The combination of the redesigned bumper and the new grille bestow the front end of the car with an immediate visual impact.The front light cluster has also been redesigned and features a titanium finish. This underlines the more aggressive Quattroporte Sport GT S, a feeling reinforced by its xenon headlights and LED indicators.
Turning to the bodywork, the sweeping wing mirrors are more aerodynamic. The shape of the body below the doors lends the new model a more purposeful look. In profile, you can appreciate the car’s lowered stance: 10 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear. These few millimetres make all the difference. The car appears poised as if on the starting blocks, ready for action with its racier set-up perfectly complementing the new 440 bhp power unit. The car exudes speed even when it is stationary.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S comes with two new types of 20" wheel rim: Multi Trident rims in light aluminium alloy as an option and seven-spoke light alloy rims that have undergone the 'Dark Chrome' treatment.
Capable of 440 HP at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, it raises the car’s performance to unprecedented levels. These figures have been achieved not only by modifying the engine’s electronic control parameters, but also through in-depth development of the racing exhaust system, a real jewel of engineering installed on this version.The system is controlled by air valves that open in SPORT mode to reduce back-pressure in the exhaust; this increases the maximum power available, and creates a throaty roar at low engine speeds and full symphonic sound of a genuine sports car at higher rpm.

Ferrari F450

The replacement to Ferrari's high selling F430 is getting to be unleashed in October at the Frankfort Auto Show.

The F450 is rumoured to be getting a 4.5L V8 that will have in excess of 500bhp. It will not only have more power then the F430 it will also be lighter and greener.

Ferrari will also put the 7 speed dual clutch transmission from the California into the F450. This transmission is much faster and more enjoyable in auto mode, then the F1 transmission that is currently in the F430.

The F450 will be for sale in Europe late this year or early next year, but North American customers aren't expected to get their hands on one until mid 2010.

Ferrari 599 HGTE rendering

Like Ferrari did with the 575, they are now going to introduce a handling package for the 599. The Ferrari 599 HGTE will be uncovered at next months Geneva Auto Show. It will likely be a harder more aggressive version of the 599 GTB Fiorano. It will feature a stiffer suspension that will be better suited for the track, a special set of wheels that will be specific to this model, and a revised front bumper that resembles that of the 430 Scuderia.

This package is expected to add an extra $30,000 US to the price of the car. My rendering shows what the 599 HGTE might look like when it is revealed next month