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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2011 |

We're not even half way through the press days of the Tokyo Motor Show, yet we already have news from the next event in our automotive calendar, the 36th edition of the Bologna Motor Show in Italy (December 3 to 11) which will provide the venue for the unveiling of the updated 2012 Ferrari 599XX Evolution.
The 599XX is track beast for a select few über rich of our world that was introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as replacement for the Enzo-based FXX.
The updated model features a number of technical improvements including an even more potent version of the Enzo-sourced V12 engine due to the adoption of side exhausts that allowed engineers to increase output to 750-horses at 9,000 rpm with a peak torque of 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft). In addition, Ferrari made the final gear ratio shorter to improve acceleration on technical, medium- to high-speed tracks.
The Italian company says that the non-homologated sports berlinetta also sports improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles’ electronic control systems.
The highlight of the aero package is an active rear wing design with two flaps that rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in relation to vehicle speed and the maneuver. According to Ferrari, the active rear wing is triggered automatically according to specific parameters which are integrated with the car’s other control functions (ESP, ABS, SCM and F1-Trac).
The 2012 599XX also gets a modified front splitter and a new rear diffuser featuring a larger surface area and redesigned fences and foot-plates. As a result of these changes, total downforce at 200 km/h (124mph) is boosted to 330 kg (727 pounds) when the flaps are open and 440kg (970 pounds) in the closed configuration.
Finally, the ultimate version of the 599 series gets a new set of Pirelli tires while Ferrari claims to have trimmed 35kg (77 lbs) off the original model.
According to the Italian automaker, the 599XX Evolution laps the Fiorano in just 1 minute and 15 seconds.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011 |

[2011 Ferrari California pictured above]

When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrariproved to be right and the California was a major sales success.Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.
Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.
According to the report, you won’t be able to see the changes as the aluminum bodywork will remain unchanged save for a few details such as (optional) silver front grille, but the 2012MY California will be dramatically different under the skin.
First of all, the 460HP, 4.3-liter direct-injection V8 will receive better-machined internals such as an “optimized micro cast” exhaust manifold and a new ECU mapping that promise a significant boost in output.
The upgrades will result in the California gaining an extra 30 ponies for a total of 490HP while torque will be increased from 485 to 505.7 Nm (373 lb-ft).
The use of lighter materials in certain parts of the chassis will shave 30 kg (66.1 lbs) off the current model. The new California will continue to be available with a 7-speed F1 twin-clutch transmission, with Car stating that it will post a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.85 seconds, versus 4.0 second of its predessecor.
In addition, the optional Handling Speciale package will feature an upgraded SCM magnetorheological suspension control system reducing the ECU’s response time by 50 percent to just 5 ms. Who is counting, but the dampers will be able to go from the softest to the hardest setting in a mere 8 ms, resulting in improved response and agility.
Finally, Ferrari will increase the HDD infotainment system's capacity from 30GB to 40GB, and it'll sync with Apple and Android smartphones.
Of course, there’s been no word on pricing yet, but considering all the changes, buyers should expect a higher sticker than the 2011 model.

2011 FERRARI CALIFORNIA