Edo 599 GTB

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Germany’s Edo Competition is an expert when it comes to modifying ultra-rare exotics so who better than to tune one of Ferrari’s fastest cars ever produced, the 599 GTB Fiorano. Squeezing more power from a highly strung engine like a Ferrari V12, where peak power levels are developed at lofty heights of close to 8,000rpm, is no easy task, but somehow the tuners at Edo have managed to churn out up to 750hp from the 599.

Edo offer two states of tune for the 599, a ‘Level 1’ spec with 650hp courtesy of a recalibrated ECU, modified intake system, performance exhaust system and high-flow catalytic converters. The second stage, or ‘Level 2’ spec, offers 750hp but requires an engine swap with the FXX’s 6.3L unit.

Also available is a newly developed high-flow exhaust system with electronic butterfly valve control.

Once the engine work is complete, developers add 20in racing wheels with Pirelli tires measuring 305mm up back and 245mm up front. They then install a KW sports suspension set-up with adjustable compression and rebound damping.

News from AutoBlog this morning:

Road Legal FXX in Switzerland

“Hey, wait a minute – we thought you couldn’t actually purchase the Ferrari FXX, let alone take one out to cavort on the streets of Switzerland. The way it was originally explained, people with 2.5 million dollars to dispose of could purchase the privilege to plant their hindquarters in the driver’s seat for Maranello-sanctioned track events. You’ve got to have some serious juice to get an FXX to begin with, and then to get it legalized for use in Switzerland takes even more pull. When we say “crazy rich” we don’t mean nutty with lots of money. “Crazy rich” in this instance means Scrooge McDuck style swimming in dubloons.

Looking in the background of these pictures, you can see lesser vehicles fleeing for their lives. The FXX is keeping a particularly close eye on a tasty Fiat at one point. What’s apparently going down in the photos is an FXX getting legally tagged for street driving after being gone over by inspectors in Zurich. The price of the inspection and tags was reportedly around $250,000, a mere ten percent of the initial cost. With an FXX as your personal car, you won’t have to worry about blending in, and we must say it’s refreshing to see a Ferrari in a color besides Rosso Corsa.”

I can’t think of anything to add to that except “wow”.

Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

What’s got 860hp and shifts in 60 milliseconds? It’s Ferrari’s latest version of the FXX, which is part of a program for 20~ lucky owners to participate in their racing development. This newest version whips around Mugello two seconds faster than it’s predecessor  and can be retrofitted to any of the FXX cars already built (no doubt for a substantial cost). We’re waiting on a street version before we plunk down the cash however.

More of the story here

Lamborghini ornaments

To celebrate Christmas Lamborghini-style, the Italian super car manufacturer has produced a pack of limited edition Christmas tree baubles.

The ceramic baubles in box-sets of three are finished in a special orange glaze, Arancio Borealis, one of four colours in which Lamborghini’s super lightweight car, the Gallardo Superleggera, was launched earlier this year.

A set of slow-burning candles in the special orange color are also available. With the Lamborghini shield imprinted on one side, the candles are as suitable for year-round use as they are for Christmas.

Lamborghini’s Christmas collection also includes 2008 calendars and even a set of 20 Christmas cards featuring the €1 million Lamborghini Reventón, alongside the candles and baubles.

Today’s third place at Zolder, claimed with Michael Bartels, saw Thomas Biagi secure the GT1 Drivers’ title. This is the second time the driver from Bologna has won the title after taking victory in 2003.

Thomas Biagi (Maserati MC12) ended on 61 points, with Wendlinger/Sharp on 57 and Hezemans/Deletraz on 55. In the team classification, Vitaphone Racing (Maserati MC12) finished on 115 points. Next came Playteam Sarafree (Maserati MC12) with 63. In the Citation Cup, reserved for gentleman drivers, Ben Aucott (Maserati MC12), took the title. The GT1 Manufacturers’ Cup went to went to Maserati (181.5) with Corvette (116.5) and Aston Martin (98) coming next.

I’m guessing that this product is aimed squarely at those who already have a year supply of Ferrari socks, shorts and F1 crew shirts. What a way to dilute your brand and look like a dipshit at the same time.

Segway Ferrari

More photos and information here

From AutoExpressNews:

The GTO isn’t the only Italian supercar to get a makeover – Lambor­ghini’s Gallardo has also been reworked. The Embolado Superleggera is inspired by the smallest Lambo, but features more aggressive styling and shorter bodywork to trim weight. Its minimal overhangs and flat surfaces show how a Gallardo successor could look.

The Embolado takes its name from a famous Spanish festival where a bull with flaming horns is allowed to run through the streets. It’s the work of university student Luca Serafini, who grew up just a few miles from Lamborghini’s headquarters. He came up with the design while studying at the University of Parma in Italy.

One lap with Peter Kox..