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The next Ferrari Icona Series could be the F40

The Ferrari F40 is a legendary car from the Maranello-based company that was produced between 1987 and 1992. This car marked the 40th anniversary of Ferrari and was the last Ferrari automobile personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. Now the Italian supercar manufacturer wants to bring this legendary car back to life through its Icona series, which started with the SP1, SP2, and SP3.

The Icona series started in 2018 with the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 models. Both models are based on a car that was introduced a year earlier, the Ferrari 812. Three years later, Ferrari introduced the third car in this series, the Daytona SP3, based on the LaFerrari model. With a modern design, it is considered the most aerodynamically efficient model ever built.

All models from the Icona series are limited editions that cost several million euros, which is too much for the majority of the population. Therefore, we can say that in Ferrari they aimed at rich collectors.

For now, there is no information from Ferrari about the car that should revive the legendary F40. However, the company’s 80th birthday is approaching, and in October Ferrari revealed its new model, the Ferrari F80, which will be produced from the end of 2025 to 2027.

The Ferrari F80 is the manufacturer’s most powerful car ever. It was created at the Ferrari Styling Center in Maranello and features retro headlights inspired by the Daytona model, rear wheel arches reminiscent of the F40, an asymmetric monocoque chassis made of carbon fiber and composite materials, while the roof is completely carbon. It is slightly lower than the LaFerrari and has active aerodynamics that make its rear unique.

It is powered by a V6 twin-turbo engine paired with three electric motors with a total power of 1,200 hp (882 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.15 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (217 mph).

Ferrari will produce only 799 units of the F80 and each one will cost 3.6 million euros.

Source: Reuters

News

Hyundai drivers prefer physical buttons over touchscreen

Touch screens have become standard in most new cars, making car interiors look clean and stylish. They provide more options for controlling the car’s functions, and when the vehicle is not moving, they work perfectly well to use. However, Hyundai has done research that shows American drivers don’t really like touchscreens.

Hyundai conducted several tests on a certain group of users and found that people are stressed and annoyed when they want to adjust something quickly but fail to do so. It takes more time to find digital controls, which takes their attention away from the road creating uncertainty while driving, while they find physical buttons easier to use.

“When we introduced infotainment screens to our vehicles, we tried to integrate the controls as well, but people don’t prefer it,” Hyundai’s vice president of design in North America Ha Hak-soo told the Korea JoonAng Daily.

Hyundai has already started offering physical buttons alongside touchscreens, such as in the new Ioniq 5. Some believe that drivers could still accept only touchscreens if the driver assistance system were improved, which some automakers are trying to do.

Source: Hyundai

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Mazda Iconic SP goes into production

At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Mazda revealed a concept car that could now go into production. It is a sports car Iconic SP, which represents a combination of classic and modern design.

General Manager Design Division at Mazda Masashi Nakayama said that this is not just a show car, but a car created with the real intention of hitting the road one day.

This finally resolved the doubt whether Mazda will start production of the Iconic SP. It will likely be offered in two versions, as a sports car that will follow in the footsteps of the RX-7 and RX-8, but also as a smaller car closer in size to the popular MX-5 roadster. Also, with its appearance, the Iconic SP represents a review of the design of Mazda’s sports cars.

When it comes to the powertrain, the option is a hybrid system – a combination of electric and rotary engine – with a total power of 375 hp (276 kW). In this case, the rotary engine has the role of a range extender, so that the car can move even when the battery is empty. Of course, during development, it was also taken into account that the car can use several types of carbon-neutral fuel, which reduces harmful emissions by up to 90 percent.

There will be more information in the coming months.

Source: Mazda

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Mazda Iconic SP goes into production

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