Tag Archives: Ferrari

Motorsport

Ferrari 499P Ready for São Paulo Showdown

A legendary venue steeped in motorsport heritage, São Paulo’s Interlagos circuit is gearing up to host the fifth round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Returning to Brazil, Ferrari will once again unleash the 499P Hypercars, aiming to capitalize on the valuable data and insights gained during last year’s visit to this unique and technically demanding track.

Miguel Molina, part of the driving trio behind the No. 50 Ferrari 499P alongside Antonio Fuoco and Nicklas Nielsen, emphasized the importance of experience at this particular venue. “We return to Interlagos for the second time with our 499Ps, and the experience gained last year will be useful for this race,” noted the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.

At just 4.309 kilometers in length and comprising 15 corners—ten of which are left-handers—Interlagos stands out as the shortest circuit on the WEC calendar. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with complexity. The track’s iconic and compact layout, especially in sectors two and three, demands not only mechanical grip and car balance but also precise traffic management—critical in multi-class endurance racing.

“The main straight is one of the few areas where overtaking is relatively straightforward,” explained Molina. The stretch launches cars into the legendary “Senna S,” a complex combination of corners that immediately challenges braking stability and throttle control. This section leads into Turn 3, a high-speed corner taken flat-out, which flows into a secondary straight—another prime opportunity to overtake, particularly under hard braking into Turn 4.

Sector two introduces a new rhythm altogether. “Turn 5 is one of the fastest on the circuit but also extremely slippery,” Molina said. “It requires absolute concentration to maintain the right line.” From there, the track becomes more technical and slower-paced. Cornering becomes more intricate, and the margin for error shrinks. Managing tire wear and braking efficiency is key, especially through Turn 8, the slowest corner of the circuit, which ironically offers a strategic overtaking spot—particularly when lapping GT traffic.

The final sector presents a different challenge altogether. Drivers must navigate a sequence of bends leading into the famous uphill run to the finish line. “It’s vital to approach the uphill run to the finish as cleanly as possible,” Molina added. “Choosing the perfect line is essential to avoid losing valuable tenths and to complete the lap with a strong reference time.”

As Ferrari prepares for another showdown in São Paulo, the focus is on precision, patience, and performance. With minimal overtaking zones and high demands on car control, Interlagos promises to deliver another strategic and thrilling chapter in the 2025 WEC season.

Source: Ferrari

News

Australian Police Seized $20M Supercar Collection in Pharmaceutical Fraud Case

In the world of exotic cars, few sights are as arresting as a custom Lamborghini Aventador SVJ or a McLaren 765LT adorned with MSO options. But when these machines are hauled away on flatbeds as part of a criminal investigation, their allure takes on a much darker tone. That’s exactly what happened in New South Wales, Australia, where law enforcement recently seized a jaw-dropping collection of high-end vehicles from the property of a 58-year-old man now facing serious white-collar crime charges.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) began investigating the man in early 2023 following allegations tied to fraudulent claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), a federal program designed to make prescription medications affordable for Australians. Authorities believe that for nearly a decade—between 2014 and 2023—the man, believed to be a licensed pharmacist, made false claims amounting to more than AU$10 million (US$7 million).

The fallout from the investigation has been dramatic. In a coordinated operation, authorities raided both the suspect’s Dural residence and a pharmacy in Cabramatta East, seizing not only his place of business and personal home but also a fleet of rare and performance-focused vehicles that would make any automotive enthusiast’s jaw drop.

Among the 12 cars seized were:

  • A custom Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae, both symbols of peak Italian V12 engineering.
  • Two Ferraris, including a 488 Pista and a 488 GTB, the former being a track-focused homage to Ferrari’s racing legacy.
  • A McLaren 765LT, finished in black with red accents and MSO (McLaren Special Operations) customization—an elite spec for one of the brand’s most extreme road-legal machines.
  • Seven BMWs, including a matte black G80 M3 and a luxury 7-Series, underscoring the suspect’s taste for both performance and executive comfort.

But this wasn’t just a car lover’s loss. Authorities also froze several of the man’s bank accounts and confiscated real estate, bringing the total value of seized assets to over AU$20 million (approximately US$13.15 million). The man now faces two counts of dealing with proceeds of crime worth AU$1 million or more, alongside two counts of dishonesty causing a loss to the Commonwealth. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 35 years in prison.

What sets this case apart isn’t just the scale of the alleged fraud—it’s the unmistakable intersection of financial crime and automotive passion. These vehicles weren’t just casually acquired. Their rarity, customization, and pristine condition suggest a deep, even obsessive, appreciation for performance cars. The McLaren 765LT with MSO touches and the Ultimae version of the Aventador indicate someone who understood the significance of limited production models and sought exclusivity at every turn.

Ironically, these very symbols of luxury and exclusivity may now be auctioned off to support crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives. If prosecutors secure a conviction, the confiscated assets will be sold, with proceeds funneled into the Commonwealth Confiscated Assets Account—a kind of poetic justice, where million-dollar hypercars end up funding efforts to stop future financial crime.

This story serves as a stark reminder that behind every polished carbon fiber splitter or roaring V12, there’s often a deeper story. In this case, it’s one of alleged deception and a dramatic fall from luxury. The cars may yet roar again—but not for the man who once called them his own.

Source: 7News Australia

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Australian Police Seized $20M Supercar Collection in Pharmaceutical Fraud Case
News

Ferrari Amalfi Sets New Standard for GT Driving Dynamics

Ferrari has lifted the veil on its latest creation, the Ferrari Amalfi, a stunning front-mid-engined V8 2+ coupé that steps in to succeed the elegant Roma. With a name inspired by one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastlines, the Amalfi is more than a replacement — it is a statement. A statement that redefines what modern GT motoring should be: powerful yet practical, sophisticated yet visceral.

A Design That Breathes Movement

At first glance, the Amalfi’s form captures the eye with a sleek, minimalist profile. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a floating body-coloured wing over a dark band that smartly integrates the lighting and sensors. This clean-sheet approach to design, executed under the direction of Ferrari Styling Centre chief Flavio Manzoni, gives the Amalfi a monolithic and sculptural appearance, with tight surfacing and sharp graphics that communicate motion, even at rest.

The rear showcases a wraparound character line, hidden taillights, and a pronounced diffuser — aerodynamically functional but visually elegant. The integrated active spoiler remains flush until needed, maintaining design purity. The launch colour, Verde Costiera, adds an oceanic depth, evoking the serene power of the Amalfi coastline.

A Cabin of Intimate Sophistication

Step inside and you’re welcomed into a dual-cockpit interior that expertly blends luxury and performance. Premium materials, contrasting stitching, carbon fibre inlays, and an anodized aluminum center tunnel offer tactile quality and visual dynamism. The layout centers around three digital displays, including a 15.6-inch driver cluster, 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and 8.8-inch passenger display, giving both occupants a full interactive experience.

Ergonomics are elevated with a new steering wheel that reintroduces physical buttons and the iconic red start button — a nod to Ferrari’s driver-first ethos. Optional comfort seats with massage and ventilation further prove that this Ferrari is meant to be lived in, not just admired.

Powertrain: A Masterclass in V8 Evolution

Under that long, sculpted bonnet lies a re-engineered version of Ferrari’s revered 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 (F154 family). With 640 cv (approx. 631 hp) and 760 Nm of torque, the Amalfi is capable of hitting 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, and 200 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The redline has been nudged to 7,600 rpm, and its specific output stands at a blistering 166 cv/l.

Turbo response is razor-sharp, thanks to independently controlled turbochargers and bespoke pressure sensors for each bank. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission — first seen in the SF90 Stradale — is faster and smoother than ever, integrated seamlessly with new engine management software.

Ferrari’s engineers have also fine-tuned the soundtrack, overcoming stricter emissions regulations without losing that unmistakable V8 wail. A flat-plane crankshaft, equal-length exhaust headers, and a proportionally controlled bypass valve ensure an emotional connection from every rev.

Aerodynamics and Dynamics: Science in Motion

Aerodynamically, the Amalfi is as much about downforce as it is about elegance. Active aero plays a central role, with the rear spoiler offering three positions (LD, MD, HD) depending on driving conditions. The system generates up to 110 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, without significantly impacting drag.

Underneath, a flat floor, vortex generators, diffusers, and engine bay ducts manage air intelligently, ensuring cooling, stability, and efficiency. The result is a car that’s as happy carving up the coastline as it is stretching its legs on an autobahn.

The chassis systems are a tour de force: Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 6.1, a faster and more precise EPS-based grip estimation system, and a brake-by-wire system adapted from the 296 GTB. Braking, steering, and throttle inputs work in concert to provide confidence at all speeds, and a feeling of absolute control, whether you’re negotiating tight switchbacks or accelerating out of sweeping bends.

Technology for the Real World

Despite its track-ready DNA, the Amalfi doesn’t shy away from everyday practicality. It offers a 2+ layout with usable rear seats and expanded luggage options — making it one of the few super GTs that can comfortably handle a weekend getaway with the family.

The HMI suite supports Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto®, wireless phone charging, and even offers an optional Burmester® Premium Audio System with 14 speakers and 1,200 watts of power. In addition, a front lifter system, usable up to 35 km/h, helps the Amalfi handle city life with ease.

On the safety front, Ferrari’s most comprehensive ADAS suite is available, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, and optional surround-view cameras — showing Ferrari is no longer ignoring digital-era expectations.

Tyres and Maintenance: Confidence, Always

Standard tyres are Bridgestone Potenza Sport or Pirelli P ZERO, carefully chosen to strike the right balance between performance, comfort, and visual proportion, wrapped around 20” wheels with a familiar profile borrowed from the Roma.

Ferrari’s 7-Year Genuine Maintenance Programme ensures the Amalfi stays in peak condition, giving owners access to factory-level care at official service centers — a strong statement of both quality and commitment.

Source: Ferrari

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Ferrari Amalfi Sets New Standard for GT Driving Dynamics