All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News, Tuning

Ferrari Portofino M with 704 HP

In 2017, on the Italian Riviera, Ferrari presented its new car, the Portofino. Three years later, the Italian car manufacturer presented the Portofino M (Modificata) version, with several improvements and additional horsepower.

The Ferrari Portofino M is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 612 hp (456 kW) and 561 ft-lb (760 Nm) of torque. By comparison, the Portofino has 592 hp (441 kW). The engine is paired with an 8-speed Magna 8DCL900 dual-clutch transmission. It reaches 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, 124 mph (200 km/h) in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h).

However, the German tuner Novitec believes that this super car can do much more. First of all, the engine power has been increased by an additional 92 hp, so now the drop-top 2+2 seater has 704 hp (518 kW) and 650 lb-ft (882 Nm) of torque. Thanks to this, this supercar reaches 62 mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Novitec equipped the Portofino M with naked-carbon components, which improved the car’s aerodynamics. These include the frontspoiler lip, air inserts on the engine cover, inserts on the side openings on the bumper, side skirts, side mirror covers, air inserts on the front fenders and rearspoiler lip. There are also carbon tailpipes, a set of sports springs that bring the car an additional 35 mm closer to the ground, a new exhaust system, but also a set of forged 21 and 22-inch Vossen rims wrapped in 255/30 ZR 21 (front) and 315/25 ZR 22 ( rear) tires.

When it comes to the interior, Novitec allows each customer to personalize the design according to their own wishes.

Source: Novitec

Auctions, News

1968 Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia is for sale

In 1966, at the Turin Motor Show, Maserati presented its new car, the Ghibli Spyder, whose design was based on Giorgetto Giugiaro. The car attracted great interest among car enthusiasts, and only 125 cars were produced.

RM Sotheby’s has announced the auction sale of the first ever produced example of this model. It is a prototype produced by Ghia for Maserati. Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia is finished in Giallo paint and is powered by a 4.7 liter V-8 engine with 310 hp.

The car with chassis number 1001 differs from production examples by the handles that are mounted over recessed oval sections that improve hand access, as well as by the fact that the tank cover is hidden in the trunk. The rear deck lid is longer, and is characterized by a line that also increases rigidity.

The Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia has had four owners so far. In 2013, the car underwent mechanical restoration by Brian Joseph’s Classic and Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, while in 2015, it underwent further freshening measures by RM Auto Restoration. The car underwent a full rebuild of the engine with new pistons, rings, connecting rods, main bearing, valve springs, rod bearings, and intake, exhaust valve guides, carburetors, distributor and transmission. Also, new wiring harness, water pump, and hoses were installed. It is mounted on restored Campagnolo rims wrapped in new Pirelli Cinturato tires.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in brown leather. Leather is also found on the dashboard, the upper part of which is covered by mousehair fabric and new brown carpeting. The complete restoration, which took three years, cost $422,000.

Maserati Ghibli Spyder Prototype by Ghia comes with copies of factory records and correspondence, period photographs, Auto Club d’Italia estratto cronologico, period magazine articles and restoration invoices.

The auction will take place on August 18 – 20, and the car is expected to reach a price of $1.6 million.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

News, Tuning

The Singer Porsche 911 story has come to an end

Since 2010, the California-based company, Singer Vehicle Design, has so far offered wealthy customers around the world restored and modified Porsche models. Now after more than a decade the story has come to an end. Singer Vehicle Design has officially announced that it is no longer accepting orders for restomod Porsche 911 (964).

In its 12 years of operation, Singer has successfully realized 450 projects based on the 911 (964) model. Singer CEO Rob Dickinson has stated that Singer Vehicle Design will no longer offer restomod 911s from the 964 Series, despite the fact that there are still many of these cars on the market that would make an excellent basis for Singer’s method of restoration/modification. Dickinson also said that 12 years ago, no one at Singer thought they would end up selling 450 examples of a car that costs around $1 million.

The Porsche 911 restomod is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine with 390 hp (287 kW) and 315 lb-ft (427 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to push the car to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds. The engine is paired with a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission.

The company said that they are preparing for a new chapter, the Turbo Study, which was recently announced by the 911 model, whose appearance is clearly reminiscent of the first Porsche 911 Turbo that was presented in 1975.

Source: Singer Vehicle Design