She launched the Ferrari legend and forged the reputation of the Italian brand by his sporting; The 250 GTO has reigned on the runway like no other and still today one of the most important models in the history of Ferrari.In early 1960, the 250 GT SWB still dominates the league, but losing momentum. Enzo Ferrari then undertook the construction of the mater is in charge of the competition. The 250 GTO (Gran Turismo for omologat) embody this new racing machine profiled for the 1962 season.
The main work of the house engineers focused on improved aerodynamics, thanks to a very streamlined silhouette designed by Maura Forghieri Sergio Scaglietti and the athlete strengthens its top speed and stability on the road has been undermined by a before very short. The weight loss program has been successful Italian weighs only 1000 kg and is also lowered: to win in its mechanical efficiency have been strategically positioned as low as possible. The great Stirling Moss himself feels the prototype on track in September 1961 for the ultimate settings. A few months later in February 1962 the 250 GTO is officially presented to the press.
The berlinetta to figure conceals a particular type V12 3l Colombo under its hood. The 300 standards produce a din incomparable sweet melody to the ears of purists. Boasting a power to weight ratio exceptional operates the 250 GTO's 300 horsepower at 7 400 rpm through a 5 speed manual transmission.
At top speed the 250 GTO file to 285 km / h. First race, first victory: the 250 GTO not silent for long ambitions. Tough and reliable, fast and lightweight, it quickly became the most sought mount shelf GT. Very selective, Enzo Ferrari's steering wheel will grant only a few pilots picked. For two years the 33 copies of the 250 GTO dominated the league and opponents n'apercevront ahead of Ferrari on the grid. The berlinetta is the best ambassador for Ferrari and reported three titles of world champion in Maranello.
The must? This racing machine is capable of inviting each other on the road and extends the pleasure of the eyes and ears ... This reputation comes at a price, a 250 GTO is trading today around 15 million euros.
The young Belgian designer David Cardoso considered the 6 Series and has designed a virtual version M. Failing to respect the simplicity of the original model, the design study displays one ultra sporty look.
Do not try the original M6 with the features of this design study, the last time the 6 Series has been under the spotlight was in Frankfurt thanks to a limited series 'M6 Competition'. Since then, nothing. This gap fuels the imagination of designers, David Caroso in mind: the Belgian his vision of a German cut very muscular. The M6 David Cardoso lack of fluidity, the designer forgets simple and unencumbered by complicated lines to the detriment of the philosophy of BMW voluntarily restrained. No details on the virtual engine of the beast or the cockpit, Cardoso has concentrated on the outside.
The project includes David Caroso small grille standard two-part Series 6, but the front draws most of GINA concept car: the headlights are stretched and released on both sides of the bodywork, front wheel arches are prominent, the whole gives a more aggressive face successfully the concept. Short and low on legs, M6 virtual receives streamlines to stick to the road. She takes the train back massive, huge wheels and quad exhaust of the GT for a sporty look far from the sober elegance of the 6 Series. In the exuberance of this concept is preferred M6 Competition, formidable performance and smoother look ... And you?
Sign of the times or simply a marginal phenomenon, the automotive passion can now live without constraints and therefore ... no emotional bond between owner and vehicle.
This is not a problem once it has integrated the parameters maintenance, or discount parking, according to Jean-Marie Agosto, manager Stradale Drivers Club. Now, passion is pragmatic ...
Sport-Prestige Stradale Drivers Club is a name that was discovered in Paris in 2008, the World Cup. The results after one year and a half of existence and a few miles?
Jean-Marie Agosto: At the time, we communicated mainly on the principle of this club to a new kind. Which almost obscured our initial activity: the business event, always in relation to the premium automobile of course, is up for almost 3 years.
To illustrate our activities, we recently organized a trip Paris-Deauville on a weekend for a tire manufacturer, with 11 cars. This takes the form of a rally "Tourists," in which participants change their car every step. This is a quite original company seminar.
And thanks to the club that Stradale became known last year ...
SP: Now, post-crisis, the event represents how much of your business?
J-M. A: Not quite 50% at present. Ideally, there should be one that is shared equally between the club and events. Obviously, we have suffered economic climate. And anything that is communication and events, that's when companies close their valves first. Especially since they prefer to remain discreet and politically correct during the delicate phases.
Today, the means are there, but not as much as before the crisis. It restarts slowly, but we do not have any visibility ...
SP: Individuals are always asking ...
JM.A: Under Stradale Drivers Club, we are dealing with individuals who already have a comfortable standard of living. That has not changed, they are always present and the desire to be happy is here ...
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S-P: The standard profile of a club member?
J-M. A: The preferred customers of amateurs, although there are some more interested in the "look". Inevitably, the ticket is more "accessible" than buying a super-sport, we must make some selection. But overall, it was mainly dealing with fans, ages 30 to 40 years, entrepreneurs and professionals. Often, they are already owners of other emergency vehicles and want to try something else without being necessarily the owner.
SP: That can work if the enthusiast is ready to free themselves of ownership of the vehicle ...
J-M. A: The most reluctant to take the plunge are probably lovers of "old school", 60 years and older. It is true that this principle of "roommate" vehicle is new, but the 30/40 years have included this dimension highlighting the practical side. Recall that there is no constraint maintenance or insurance: in Paris, the advantage is not bad! The only obstacle to the member, is the availability of the vehicle on the dates he wants.
SP: Less than a year after launching the concept, how are you question "effective"?
J-M. A: From our side, 17 members spread over 4 cars, which allows a rate operating result. What may seem a bit tight, but we just get closer to another "club" by agreeing on an exchange system that gives us access to a Bentley GT contiental, a Flying Spur, or an Aston Martin DB9 Volante particular. For example, we have lent them our Ferrari F430 in recent days. We must see our current stock as a start, there are still some nice pieces in the program ...
Stradale Drivers Club currently offers four Italian (Maserati Quattroporte, Ferrari F430, Ferrari 456 GT, Lamborghini Gallardo), available for day or weekend, delivered at the place desired by the member.
From December 18, 2009 to January 17, 2010, the museum will attempt to highlight the two facets of Bugatti, namely sport and elegance.
Many models are expected from the first Type 13 to the recent Veyron. The exhibition will also house a rare Bugatti Royale (which will be presented for the first time in Belgium) and the equally rare working prototypes of the Veyron.
The cars, from private collections, the museum of Mulhouse or loaned by the brand itself will be arranged to highlight the different faces of Bugatti.
Autoworld opens daily from 10am to 17h on weekdays and up to 18h on weekends, with the sole exception of December 25.
Official site www.bugatti100.com
It will be a long wait, here's finally the declination Coupe Cadillac CTS.
A waiting even longer than the CTS Coupe Concept presented in 2008 at the NAIAS was very close to a commercial reality ... version of this series is also extremely loyal.
The official presentation only called a few days for the Los Angeles Auto Show, the list of engines available on the Cadillac CTS Coupe has not yet been revealed but it is obviously the version CTS-V Coupe, which will of already crystallized all expectations.
A waiting even longer than the CTS Coupe Concept presented in 2008 at the NAIAS was very close to a commercial reality ... version of this series is also extremely loyal.
The official presentation only called a few days for the Los Angeles Auto Show, the list of engines available on the Cadillac CTS Coupe has not yet been revealed but it is obviously the version CTS-V Coupe, which will of already crystallized all expectations.
Pending confirmation of graft next (and inevitable) of 564 hp V8, enjoy these first pictures of the CTS Coupe version of "wise" who should still enjoy the V6 3.6 309 hp.
Waiting to take the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4 Multiair 170 hp announced for the beginning of the year, we did some laps with a wheel Multiair MiTo 135 hp. The opportunity to become acquainted with this system both technically and sensations.
But what this system Multiair? This is a new way to manage the intake valves. The latter are more directly controlled by the camshaft but connected to it by an electro-hydraulic controlled using a solenoid. Clearly, using such a system composed of a rocker, an oil pump and a solenoid valve per cylinder, one can edit almost envy the opening of each inlet valve to Within the same cycle. An operating mode called Multi Lift allows even the valves open and close twice in one cycle.
Obviously, the passage from one to the other modes of operation Multiair are completely transparent to the driver and, frankly, the 135 PS version that we tested turned out nicely, even surprisingly lively provided d 'trigger mode dynamic control DNA. In other words, it is even more impatient than we expect the 170 hp version.
But what this system Multiair? This is a new way to manage the intake valves. The latter are more directly controlled by the camshaft but connected to it by an electro-hydraulic controlled using a solenoid. Clearly, using such a system composed of a rocker, an oil pump and a solenoid valve per cylinder, one can edit almost envy the opening of each inlet valve to Within the same cycle. An operating mode called Multi Lift allows even the valves open and close twice in one cycle.
Obviously, the passage from one to the other modes of operation Multiair are completely transparent to the driver and, frankly, the 135 PS version that we tested turned out nicely, even surprisingly lively provided d 'trigger mode dynamic control DNA. In other words, it is even more impatient than we expect the 170 hp version.