So, you need a fine sports car to show off your love for performance excellence. Can there be a more natural choice than a Ferrari? While many automobile companies struggle to retain even an ounce of their classic glory through various government regulations and computer systems, Ferrari’s scarlet-red heart continues to radiate through its vehicle lineup.
Most recently, the Ferrari Enzo proved to the world that the company's design and engineering department remains boundless in creating the pinnacle of high-speed motoring. Regardless of the model, it is the thrill of many a driver to grab hold of Ferrari's legendary horsepower. And in the latest Ferrari model -- the 612 Scaglietti -- the opportunity exists for that driver to make three passengers jealous, rather than just the standard one.
the luxury ride
Over the past half-century, ownership of a Ferrari has almost become a necessity for the rich and famous. Along with being a symbol of wealth and entitlement, Ferraris also provide a sensation that no other car can. In the case of the 612 Scaglietti, the revving of a famous V12 is an extension of your inner aggression.Situated behind the 612's front wheels and axle, the high-compression Ferrari V12 produces a ferocious 540 horsepower to the rear Bridgestone tires. Overcoming slightly more than 4,000 pounds of the sports car's weight, the 612 Scaglietti's mammoth power breaks 60 miles per hour from a standing start in just 4.2 seconds. Keep accelerating and you'll hit the 199-mile-per-hour top speed.
The gearbox options for the Scaglietti consist of two rear-mounted transmissions: a conventional manual system or a high-tech F1A semi-automatic. The F1A transmission, developed with Ferrari's know-how from their championship Formula 1 team, combines advanced software and electro-hydraulic mechanisms to allow harmonious manual shifts without a driver-operated clutch.
Receiving its name as a glowing tribute to Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti borrows styling cues from a one-off 1954 Ferrari 375 MM designed for Oscar-winning actress Ingrid Berman.
Through masterfully casted aluminum, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti carries the classic Ferrari sports car. And relying on the trusted design house of Pininfarina, the 612 Scaglietti inherits its smooth Italian lines from Ferrari stable mates. Special care is taken in the manufacturing process in the Modena and Maranello facilities when giving birth to a new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. In the production process, 450 verification points are measured by ultra-accurate computers before painting or interior units are installed.
Traditionally, Ferraris -- while engineered to the peak of high-performance racing perfection -- have sacrificed attempts to achieve the highest in luxury prowess. The focus on building a hardcore sports car is a response to Enzo Ferrari's persistence to build race cars first and street cars second. On the other hand, through the past decade, the focus has shifted to producing well-rounded Italian creations. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti interior's is a perfect example of Ferrari fusion. A comfortable, hand-crafted leather set of seats adorn the 2+2's cabin, while a down-to-business dash layout offers circular controls and buttons. A multimode display is planted within the driver's instrument panel that is capable of serving as either a trip computer or a tire-monitoring station. Other modern conveniences for the driver and passengers include a dual-zone air-conditioning system, a Bose audio stereo system, and an available Bluetooth hands-free phone.
The verdict
Ferrari continues to fulfill the greatest performance desires of their elite client base. The 612 Scaglietti's precisely tuned V12 engine and a gearbox inspired by the Formula 1 program will grant you the illusion of being Michael Schumacher. Meanwhile, the comfort level inside this 2+2 Ferrari is the “poshest” ever to come out of Maranello. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a near-perfect marriage of sports car and luxury car.Luxury score: 48/50
the practical ride
As one may guess, the Scaglietti's practicality takes a fall after making note of a single word: Ferrari.Starting with the configuration, although the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti appears as a four-seater, it is technically called a 2+2 sports car. In sports car language, 2+2 means the rear passengers may need a visit from a chiropractor if they sit in the back two seats for a long period of time. On the part of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, it has succeeded with an above-average job to make comfortable-looking seats for the rear passengers. The trunk room for the 612 Scaglietti also received seemingly unprecedented attention to convenience from Ferrari. For this car being a 2+2, Ferrari happily touts their success in providing a 8.75-square-foot trunk.
Nearly twice the space of a Porsche 911, the 612 Scaglietti's luggage capacity holds just enough for a weekend getaway to a fine wine-tasting festival. Also worth noting, Ferrari does make wonderful matching leather luggage to complement your car at only $6,661 for a six-piece set.
Like all Ferrari V12 engines, the 540 Italian stallions beating inside the block grow incredibly thirsty. Based on the 612 Scaglietti's 11 mpg-city and 17 mpg-highway fuel economy, expect to pay a $1,350 gas-guzzler tax in the United States.
Beyond the fuel economy, there remains another disturbing fact: When are you actually going to use 540 horsepower on the road? Perhaps it's a thrill just to have the option to use that power, even when at no time in this enchanting vehicle's life will you be able to exercise that opportunity.
Ferraris hold an exclusive value in the world stretching further than the richness of their spirit. The monetary value of Ferraris also assures that these cars will go to those appreciating the best things in life. In the case of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, expect the spirit of the Italian sports car to cost $250,509 for the six-speed manual or $262,634 for the F1A model.
Even if you're fortunate enough to afford a sports car costing over one-quarter of a million dollars, your ability to purchase a brand new 612 Scaglietti also depends heavily on finding one in the 36 dealerships in North America.
Every brand-new Ferrari comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty for bumper to bumper, power-train and corrosion coverage.
Based on the probable expense and rarity of parts for a limited production prestige sports car, a buyer may want to choose a 10-year extended power warranty (the wealthy didn't become wealthy enough to afford a Ferrari without making wise decisions in life).
The verdict
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, although being a 2+2, offers very little of what you would expect from a practical motor car. The price tag heavily injures any case that could be made for the 612 Scaglietti. When it comes down to buying a Ferrari, however, a buyer would almost be disappointed to have a practical Ferrari.Practical score: 33/50
and the total is…
Being true to an Italian car lover's wishes, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti lives up to the heritage of performance and styling that is expected from it. Again, Ferrari can prove through the aluminum sheet metal of the 612 Scaglietti that it belongs in the hearts of automotive purists by continuing to improve the breed. This 2+2 offers an understated amount of luxury for a four-passenger trip through some winding country roads. Regrettably, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti falls short in providing a truly usable four-seater.But remember: A Ferrari is built to be driven and only a privileged driver can completely absorb the true passion of commanding 540 horsepower. For them, that's amore!
81/100
References:http://www.carbodydesign.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_612_Scaglietti
http://www.ferrariusa.com/
http://www.ferraripower.com/POWER/index.asp
http://www.forbesauto.com/
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario