Ferrari F430 Spider by Inden Design

Tuning a Ferrari may be a challenge for tuning companies. However, German tuner INDEN-Design does reach their hand to the Ferrari F430.

INDEN-Design starts from a modified front spoiler, and not just for looks, as its there to help the INDEN-Design F430 achieve a top speed greater than 300 km/h (186mph). The aerodynamic kit also includes "muscular" side flaps, a rear carbon diffuser and spoiler.

Performance enhancement include a new stainless steel exhaust with a special damper control that automatically opens until full throttle, but can also be controlled remotely to modulate the engine's sound, and some engine electronics trickery which deliver a modest rise to 525hp from the stock 490hp rating.

The wide track of the F430 is covered by new, lightweight 20-inch wheels with 235/30 R20 tires at the front and 325/25 R20 at the rear.

INDEN-Design also provides some extra luxury and comfort for the cabin. A conjunction of carbon paneling and leather finish, with a variety of color combinations to choose from, help redefine the interior and cockpit. The original leather stitching is extensive, also covering the dashboard, steering wheel and center console.

Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package now available as dealer option

The Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano was first revealed at this March’s Geneva Motor Show. After months of waiting, the package finally is now available and can be fitted at authorized dealers.

There are two options available. The Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package for the pre 2008 models costs £17,213 (US$28,000) and includes handling, exhaust and aesthetic kits. For the post 2008 models the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package price is £19,703 (US$33,000) and includes handling, performance, exhaust and aesthetic kits.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, giving a focal point of improving handling. The standard 599 GTB is criticized for leaning too heavily into corners when pushed to the limits, which in turn reduces turn in and leads to slower lap times. The HGTE package is expected to solve the problem well.

But you need to pay attention that the more expensive pack comes with handling improvements, better exhaust, more performance, and aesthetic touches, while the less expensive one misses out on the performance benefits.

The full specification of each kit is detailed below:

1) Handling, includes:
* Lower suspension (10mm)
* New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
* More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
* More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
* HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
* 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:
* New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
* Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
* New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:
* New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
The Exhaust kit is designed for:
* vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
* all cars with manual gearboxes
* clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:
* New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
* Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid

Spy shots: First Ferrari F450 prototypes

In previous report, we got the upcoming Ferrari F450 test mules using an F430 body. But now here are the very first spy shots of the Ferrari F450 prototype. The F450 will replace the current F430. According to Auto Motor und Sport, a concept version will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in early 2010.

The F450 will have a 4.5L V8 engine. Expect between 550hp (410kW) and 585hp (436kW), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and possibly a brake energy recovery system. Spy photographers reported that during in town driving the engine sounded very quiet but when the throttle was tickled it blurted out the familiar Ferrari roar.

Some of the first details to catch the eye include bigger air intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted exhaust system and a slightly longer wheelbase. The new shots also confirm a wider track both at the front and rear axles as well as an additional pair of intakes located behind the rear window. Revealed for the first time on this test-mule is a completely new diffuser design, which shows a more fluid look than previous versions.

While the styling of the new F450 is expected to remain similar to the current F430, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it’s looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.

Expect more details to be released.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M tuned by Novitec Rosso

After tuning the Ferrari's extreme 430 Scuderia, NOVITEC ROSSO has now taken on a F430 Scuderia Spider 16M.

Novitec Russo has bolted on a couple of superchargers to the car’s 4.3L V8 engine. The final power output was rated at 696hp (519kW), up from the standard car's 510hp (380kW).

While the standard 16M will demolish the sprint to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 196mph, there's little doubt that all the additional horsepower will help push the Novitec Rosso Scuderia Spider 16M well beyond the 200mph mark, and possibly even come close to the tuned 430 Scuderia which tops out at 215mph.

Sportier springs have been fitted to lower the centre of gravity and improve handling while a hydraulic lift system is installed at the front end to lift the car by up to 40mm to help it negotiate obstacles like speed bumps and curbs. And the lift is activated simply by pushing a button from the cabin.

For the exterior, high-performance Pirelli tyres come in size 235/30 ZR 20 at the front and 325/25 ZR 20 at the rear. At the rear, Novitec's trademark black tail lights replace the traditional Ferrari-red, while a custom LED strip has also been added as an additional brake light.

NOVITEC ROSSO has put a price tag of €47,000 (USD66,000) on the tuning package.

ASI Ferrari F430

Japanese luxury tuner ASI is renowned for its work with Bentley Continentals, but now the company has undertaken its first project outside of the Bentley Continental series: the ASI Ferrari F430 body kit and engine upgrade.
The new bodykit from ASI gives the Ferrari some bold new looks and marries the two worlds of Japanese tuner cars and Italian exotica. According to ASI, the aerodynamic performance of the new bodykit matches that of F430’s original design, but more importantly the new kit is a full 27kg lighter than the stock version. Consisting of a new front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper, the full kit will set you back approximately $15,000, or alternatively the different parts can be bought separately.

ASI is also offering to tweak the Ferrari F430's ECU for a fee of $7,500, which should free up some extra performance from the car with its focus on improving mid-range torque. The Japanese tuner will also be selling a Sachs suspension system designed specifically for the F430, which will set you back $13,000, resulting in a total cost of $35,500 for all the available parts.

Additionally, the ASI Ferrari F430 program will be extended in the future dry carbon rear wing, front brake system, diffuser fins, a center exhaust 19-Inch forged wheels. The dry carbon rear wing set to arrive later this month along with a front brake system. Next month, diffuser fins and an ASI center-tip exhaust system that is compatible with the bodykit will be available and August will see the launch of custom 19in forged alloy wheels.

Ferrari 599XX officially unveiled

The 599XX is being highly praised by Ferrari as an extreme vehicle which, as it appears, has not undergone any road-oriented changes. The car, which is a technical study, was first shown at the Geneva last March and is patterned after the 599 GTB Fiorano. However 599XX is not developed for F1 competition but its for a series of dedicated track events for existing customers to experience how extreme a Ferrari road car can get.
The final product has not yet been revealed but a 599 Scuderia is not out of the question. The 599XX is equipped with 700hp that it reaches at 9,000rpm and an aerodynamic system that significantly boosts downforce to 280kg at 200km/h and 630kg at 300km/h. The vehicle’s Actiflow system consists of fans at the rear that conduct air under the car to a couple of grills at the back and artificial jets ensure smooth airflow and drag reduction. The performance on the car is maximized through the ‘High Performance Dynamic Concept’ which reduces the mechanical limits of the car to electronic controls. Carbon fiber components maintain the lightweight design of the car and shift times have been lowered up to 60 milliseconds as a result of gearbox tuning.

Pricing has yet to be announced but there will be a limited units produced for the super rich people.