Tag Archives: Ferrari

Ferrari Issues First Recall for Purosangue Due to Brake System Concern

Ferrari has announced a recall of 552 units of its Purosangue crossover in the United States, marking the first official recall for the marque’s first-ever SUV. The recall addresses a potential issue with the braking system that could compromise safety under specific conditions.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from the possibility of contact between the power cable from the fuse box and the passenger-side footrest. This unintended contact could result in a short circuit, potentially reducing braking efficiency.

To resolve the issue, Ferrari will retrofit affected vehicles with an additional insulating element to prevent any interference between components. Importantly, the automaker emphasizes that there is no risk of fire or electric shock from the defect.

The recall affects Purosangue models from the 2023 to 2025 model years. Ferrari confirms that units manufactured after February 2025 already feature a revised design that eliminates the issue entirely. Notifications to owners are scheduled to begin in September, with all remedial work to be carried out free of charge.

Under the hood, the Ferrari Purosangue boasts a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine delivering 715 horsepower, matched with a high-performance braking setup—15.7-inch front discs and 15-inch rears. Despite its utility vehicle form, the Purosangue remains true to Ferrari’s performance DNA.

So far, no incidents or customer complaints related to the defect have been reported. While this marks the first recall for the Purosangue, it pales in comparison to Ferrari’s most recalled model—the 1995 F355—which faced six recalls during its lifecycle.

As Ferrari ventures deeper into new vehicle segments, the brand’s swift response underscores its commitment to safety and quality assurance, even in uncharted territory.

Source: NHTSA

Great Wall Motor Teases V8 Hybrid Supercar to Rival Ferrari and McLaren

In a move that will send shockwaves through the global performance car scene, Chinese automotive giant Great Wall Motor (GWM) has teased what appears to be its first true supercar—a bold new halo model aimed squarely at Ferrari and McLaren.

The news broke via Chinese social media platform Weibo, where GWM chairman Wei Jianjun marked the company’s 35th anniversary with a striking image: company executives gathered around the silhouette of a low-slung, mid-engined machine draped in cloth. Though no details were revealed in the post, the shape beneath the sheet left little doubt—a full-blooded supercar is on the way.

This development follows earlier confirmation from GWM’s chief technology officer, Wu Huixiao, that the company has been secretly developing a high-performance flagship for over five years. According to Wu, the car is built around a carbonfibre monocoque chassis, and in no uncertain terms, he claimed it “will be better” than its European counterparts.

If that sounds ambitious coming from the maker of budget-friendly models like the Ora 03 and Haval Jolion Pro, consider this: GWM is China’s largest privately owned carmaker, delivering over 1.2 million vehicles globally in 2024. And it’s not just quantity. In recent years, GWM has aggressively expanded its brand portfolio, including premium SUV marque Wey, rugged off-roaders from Tank, and the soon-to-arrive Poer pickup range.

The new supercar is tipped to debut under a newly minted high-end sub-brand called Confidence Auto, set to rival BYD’s Yangwang, which itself has gained notoriety with the U9—an all-electric hypercar producing 1,250bhp and capable of leaping off the ground and conquering the Nürburgring in a blistering 7 minutes 18 seconds.

Though GWM hasn’t officially disclosed performance figures or a name for its supercar, there are mounting rumors that it will feature the company’s newly unveiled 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, first shown at the 2024 Shanghai Auto Show. While specs remain under wraps, industry sources suggest outputs could exceed 600 hp and 590 lb-ft from the engine alone.

More intriguingly, this V8 (or possibly the brand’s existing V6) will be paired with electric motors in a plug-in hybrid layout—putting it in the same high-performance hybrid league as the McLaren Artura, Ferrari 296 GTB, and Lamborghini’s new Temerario. That means total power output could comfortably eclipse the 800bhp mark, setting up the GWM machine as a serious player in the global supercar race.

With no confirmed name or reveal date, all eyes now turn to the Guangzhou Auto Show in late November, one of China’s biggest automotive events and a likely stage for the car’s grand debut.

If successful, Great Wall Motor’s first foray into the supercar world won’t just be a bold flex of engineering muscle—it could mark a pivotal moment in China’s transition from volume producer to purveyor of genuinely world-class performance cars.

Source: Autocar

Ultra-Rare Ferrari F40 LM GTC Heads to Auction

Few names in the automotive world evoke passion quite like Ferrari. While many models from Maranello have earned legendary status, only a select few ascend into myth. The Ferrari F40 is one of them—often regarded by enthusiasts as the pinnacle of the brand’s performance legacy. But beyond the celebrated road car lies something even more extraordinary: the F40 LM.

Now, one of these ultra-rare F40 LM GTCs is set to change hands at the prestigious RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week this August, and collectors are already lining up for a chance to own a piece of racing history.

The Unicorn Among Legends

Developed by Michelotto Automobili for the crucible of motorsport, the F40 LM (short for Le Mans) was Ferrari’s answer to both the American IMSA series and Europe’s FIA GT championship. Just 19 were ever built, each a bespoke evolution of the F40 platform, stripped, tuned, and sharpened for track domination.

The example going under the hammer is chassis number 95448—the 14th car of the limited 19—and one of the rarest of them all thanks to its even more exclusive GTC specification. This variant boasts the highest power output of any F40, pushing a ferocious 770 horsepower from its 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. With a featherweight curb weight of just 1,050 kilograms, it’s a full 317 kilograms lighter than the standard road-going F40, delivering a visceral experience that few machines—road or race—can match.

A Storied Provenance

Originally delivered new to Walter Hagmann of St. Moritz, Switzerland, a noted Ferrari collector, chassis 95448 has seen a fascinating journey. After changing hands a few times—including a return to Hagmann’s ownership—it eventually found its way to private owners across Italy, France, Spain, the Czech Republic, and later the United States, Germany, and Austria. Along the way, it participated in various historic racing events, living up to its motorsport pedigree.

In 2014, the car was sent back to Michelotto for a mechanical refresh, receiving engine and gearbox servicing along with a full respray in its iconic Rosso Corsa red. Ahead of the auction, it has undergone further preparation to ensure it’s in optimal condition, including new belts, spark plugs, fuel filters, and a fresh set of Michelin Pilot Sport GT Slick S7M tires.

A Million-Dollar Myth

Expected to fetch between $8.5 million and $9.5 million, this F40 LM GTC is more than just a collector’s trophy—it’s a symbol of Ferrari’s unrelenting pursuit of performance and motorsport glory. For the few who can afford it, owning this machine is akin to holding a piece of Ferrari’s soul.

The auction is scheduled for August 16th, where the spotlight will shine brightly on Monterey—and on one of the most formidable Ferraris ever built.

Source: RM Sotheby’s