On the car scale, Ferrari is definitely at the top; and on the Ferrari scale, the Enzo is definitely at the top, which is why a special edition Enzo is no ordinary supercar. Called the FXX, it was sold only to “select” buyers, and was used by Ferrari as a test bed for development of their latest equipment.
Two years, and 20,000 miles later, they’ve gathered up enough data from the 20 cars to make an even better version of their wondermobile, and they’re calling it the FXX Evoluzione.
Again available only to a “select” group of buyers, the Evoluzione features 860 hp, a 9,500 redline, 60 millisecond shifts, a less invasive, more adaptable traction control system that can be adjusted in the cockpit on the fly, modified suspension geometry, and a new aerodynamic package.
Being a test driver for Ferrari doesn’t come cheap, but if you had the cash, would you turn down the offer? (Oh, and the $2 million it takes to own one comes with “a 15-member official team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients”. And you thought you had a comprehensive warranty!)
I would gladly trade ten years off of the end of my life to be Jeremy Clarkson for a day.
Why?
Because the man gets handed the keys to some of the most exclusive cars in the world, and then gets paid to drive them. Hard.
We’re talkin’ tire smoking, opposite locking, pedal to the floor hard; and then some. Top Gear must have to have a separate budget just for the rubber they go through each episode.
Bugatti, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini; if it costs more than a house, then chances are, Jeremy has been behind the wheel.
Which is why I can’t wait to pick up a copy of his new film, Supercar Showdown. In it, Clarkson road and track tests some of the most expensive supercars currently roaming the roads. Models include the Ferrari 430 Spider and 599 GTB Fiorano, Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago Roadsters, Bugatti Veyron, Audi R8, Porsche 911 GT3, Radical SR3, Aston Martin V8 Roadster and Ascari A10.
If a laundry list of the automotive elite isn’t enough to tempt you, then just check out this:
In Thailand, thieves steal the pieces and parts off of expensive rides, then buy what’s left at a police auction for a reduced price, reassemble, and sell the cars off for profit.
To send a message to these car launderers, the Thai government staged a smashing of a stripped Ferrari 456 GT. By bulldozing over the $1.2 million ride, they hope to show that this (very creative) type of stealing won’t be tolerated.
Proving that even a beautiful car can look badass in matte black, the Novitec Rosso F430 TuNero doesn’t just stop at good looks.
Twin compressors force feed the V8 through a new intake system and twin air-to-water inercoolers to produce 707 hp and 525 lb.-ft. of torque. Novitec Race exhaust lets the engine breathe easier for a sweet sound, an integrated aluminum roll cage keeps things safe, and the custom interior, wheels and carbon fiber engine compartment complete the sinister style.
Alongside the dark horse, Walz Hardcore Cycles built a bike to match, and let it share the TuNero name. Featuring a matching matte black paint scheme, a 120 hp RevTech engine, and plenty of sinister style of its own, this bike is sure to draw stares wherever it goes.
Put the two together, and it’s a dark force that not many are ready to handle.
New York trash extraordinaire Justin Gignac is at it again, and this time he’s got some wants that he’s looking to get.
Called Wants For Sale, it’s a series of paintings that he and his girlfriend have painted of the things that that he and his girlfriend have wanted, and they’re all being sold for the actual price of the actual item.
There’s a painting of an iPhone that sells for $649.17, a painting of a Guitar for GH2 that sold for $64.98, and Financial Security that sells for $1 Mil.
It’s an interesting concept, and judging by the results so far, one that is doing quite well for them.
Anybody interested in buying a painting of a Ferrari that I just did?
This fake might not fool a Ferrari fan, but it sure does look pretty good to me.
Starting out life as a 1977 Nissan 280Z, this “street rod” version of a 250 GTO has had every body panel changed and modified, a BMW V12 engine and Getrag 6 speed transmission installed, and right hand drive put in just “to make it different”.
The end result is a beautiful (and very accurate) creation that looks good and drives even better.
BMW V12 in a Ferrari bodied Nissan Z car? Perfection.
Hamann, a company known for firing up Ferraris and pimping out Porsches, turned its tuning eye towards the Lamborghini LP640 recently, giving the bull quite a bit more brawn with a slew of visual enhancements. The aero upgrades include a front spoiler, rear wing, side sills, a roof-mounted intake, and covers for both the lower and upper intakes. Though available in fiberglass, I suggest the carbon fiber option for true sinister status. In addition to the looks, Hamann also adds a sport exhaust kit with coffee can tips to give some bark to the bite. Finally, “Edition Race” wheels round out the package, finishing off this “Stealth-Bomber on four wheels”.
What do you get when you combine a 1960 Rambler Wagon Estate, a wrecked 2002 Ferrari F360 drivetrain, suspension and interior, some amazing fabrication skills, and a dream? You get the Ferrambo, a project that is underway over at Divers Street Rods.
Though it’s currently in a pretty rough state, the end result should be amazing, with the prancing horse lending quite a few cues to the final design.
If that’s not enough, Divers is also working on a ’39 street rod that they’re installing a Ford GT engine into. Amazing.
Actor/Comedian (though apparently not /Driver) Eddie Griffin was rehearsing for a charity racing event today when he lost control of his FERRARI ENZO (yes, a $643,330 Ferrari Enzo, one of only 399 to ever see pavement) and crashed it into a barrier. Thankfully, and yet sadly, the entire thing was caught on tape, so click through if you have a strong stomach for automotive carnage (Eddie was unhurt, though the car can’t say the same).
Supercar tuners are few and far between, though I’m guessing it’s mostly due to the price of admission, rather than the lack of desire. When looking at the cars made by manufacturers such as Ferrari and Maserati, there are some who are content with just leaving well enough alone, believing that, with a car this expensive, no expense has been spared. Then, there are those like Edo Competition, who believe that you can never have too much of a good thing. Edo Competition, upset by the fact that Ferrari had the FXX while Maserati had nothing, tuned and tinkered with their own MC12, giving it an additional 170 horses (to tie the FXX’s 800 hp rating), and ending up with the oh so creatively named MC12 XX. Additions include all new engine bits and pieces, adjustable exhaust, ceramic brakes, adjustable suspension, wheels and tires, tire monitoring system, and 100 kg of diet along the way. In addition to the car modifications, Edo Competition is also throwing in one day of track testing with an instructor, knowing that you are probably going to try and do everything possible to rip the car in half form the moment you step into the driver’s seat. As a final point of customization, they’ll even paint it whatever color you choose, though I’d suggest staying away from the trick or treat scheme that they went with for their demo car.
Because the man gets handed the keys to some of the most exclusive cars in the world, and then gets paid to drive them. Hard.
