Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. For some extremists, however, even a car as superb as the 599 isn’t completely up to scratch.

Common criticisms of the 599 is that the car leans too heavily into corners when pushed to the limits, which in turn reduces turn in and leads to slower lap times. Ferrari engineers have analysed the problem and as they have done with the 575 and 612 before it, the 599 can now be ordered with a new track focused handling package. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade was first revealed at March’s Geneva Motor Show and has now been finally tested by the guys at Auto Motor und Sport.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving. The technical modifications introduced include a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has been lowered, which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. The package also includes specifically optimised tires featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

Furthermore, the car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The end result is a 0-100km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a new lap time for Ferrari’s famed Fiorano test track of 1m 26.5s – only 1.5s slower than the lighter and stiffer F430 Scuderia street-legal race car.

From a styling point of view, the HGTE package includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fiber widely used throughout the bodywork. The 20in split-rim wheels are new, and are available with a special diamond-cut matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier, too, thanks to a mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”.

Below is a list of Fiorano lap times for some important Ferraris:
F2008 F1 car – 59.1s
F430 Scuderia – 1m 23.9s
Enzo – 1m 24.9s
599 HGTE – 1m 26.5s
F50 – 1m 27s
F430 – 1m 27s
F40 – 1m 29.6s

Source: here

There’s a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover. And now Mercedes, it turns out, has a runny nose and a little cough. The home of the three-pointed-star is delaying the introduction of the E-Class convertible and wagon in order to save money on development and marketing.

The moves will allow Mercedes to stash money from E-Class sedan and coupe sales. It also lets Mercedes focus 2010 on the new CLS, its plans for the V6 Bluetec hybrid and, according to Auto Motor und Sport, a four-cylinder diesel replacement for the S-Class. – http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/r…ertible-wagon/

This HGTE handling package for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March and we’ve just been to Fiorano, appropriately, to test it. With Ferrari predicting the same sales in 2009 as 2008, despite the addition of around 2000 Californias, it plainly needs help shifting its current models, and particularly the V12s. But will the idea of spending an extra £13,960 for some chassis, gearbox and trim tweaks be enough to tempt existing 599 owners to upgrade?

So what does the HGTE pack give you for fourteen grand?

No engine modifications, for a start – not that the magnificent, Enzo-derived 612bhp V12 needs them. For the 2008 model year it cut emissions from 490g/km to 415 and consumption from 13.3mpg to 15.7; very impressive, if not exactly the kind of bar-room boasts that would tempt existing owners to change.

So the HGTE package aims to do that. It lowers the car by 10mm and springs are 17% stiffer at the front and 15% at the back. The magnetorheological damping system is remapped to reduce roll, the wheels runs half a degree more camber and the rear anti-roll bar is 1.5mm thicker. The six-speed paddle-shift manual transmission now shifts 15 milliseconds faster at 85m/s, and will perform multiple downshifts if you hang onto the left paddle. And the quad exhausts have been made a little louder and angrier, not that the current car is shy.

Full Story: CAR MAGAZINE – Ferrari 599 HGTE

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This year is an important one for Bugatti. Not only does 2009 represent the centenary of the legendary marque but in September Bugatti’s management will reveal the future plans of the company, which will include the announcement of a brand new model. Why September? Because that is the month in which the company was founded back in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti.

To kick-off the celebrations, Bugatti will be releasing its newspecial edition Bleu Centenaire Veyron, which was revealed for the first time at last week’s Geneva Motor Show. While the Bleu Centenaire was not the much anticipated super-Veyron that was on everybody’s lips, Bugatti CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen has revealed to AutoTelegraaf that there are several projects in the works. Paefgen also ruled out the possibility of a cheaper model than the Veyron, explaining that Bugatti’s next car will be every bit as extreme and just as exclusive.

As for the introduction of the rumored super-Veyron, Paefgen said if anyone tries to build a car that can dethrone the Veyron then Bugatti will be prepared.:D The American-built SSC Ultimate Aero TT currently holds the title for the world’s fastest production car (something that Bugatti has never attempted to attain with the Veyron) but the Veyron is arguably the better technical achievement due to its dual-cluth gearbox and ease of driving.

Paefgen also confirmed that there will be more special editions based on both the Veyron and the open-top Grand Sport.

In the meantime, Bugatti has its hands full filling current order lists. The company only has 50 spots left for the Veyron, of which the total build will be 300 units. The Grand Sport model, which is to be limited to just 150 models, has already received several dozen orders.

:banana:

Press Release

World innovation at Geneva Motor Show: the RUF Dakara
The High Luxury SUV built by RUF is named Dakara and is based on the Porsche Cayenne. The exterior and interior is able to embrace the most ambitious wishes. Because of the 911-headlights, the Dakara affects like a sports car. Four 22 inch- five spoke wheels and the broadened fenders demonstrate pure power. The bodykit fits to every Cayenne. Cameras in the front and in the back of the Dakara cater for the panorama view. The interior room is affected by complex processed leather trim which does not only fascinate with the precious materials but also with the new designed seats. A High-End Multimedia system with TV-reception, access to the internet and a CD-/DVD-Changer will gratify even the highest requirements. The V8-Turbomotor offers an engine output of 600 horsepower (600 Ps) at 6000 rpm. The maximum torque of 659 lb-ft/lbs (890 Nm) is delivered at 3000 rpm. So the Dakara is able to reach the speed of 62 mph (100 Km/h) in 4,8 sec. The chassis as well as the brake system are adjusted to the high requirements. Even ceramic-composite brakes are available.The Dakara perfectly ties in with the RUF model-range.