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26/05/2011
REVIEW By EWAN KENNEDY
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Exciting things are happening in the world of Ferrari - which is hardly an exceptional circumstance in what is arguably the best known of all sports and racing car marques - with a pair of interesting new models coming onto the Australian scene.
Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari
The first is a tiny car that’s sure to be nicknamed the Ferrari Bambino. The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari began its life as a cheeky little Fiat 500, before being modified by Italian tuning specialist Abarth, and finally given even more dynamic performance and looks by Ferrari. As well as a name that’s almost as long as the car itself.
Engine output from the highly modified 1.4-litre turbocharged Abarth powerplant is 132 kilowatts, or 180 horsepower in European terms, a lot of horses in such a small, light car which will guarantee electrifying performance.
Performance that’s further enhanced by the sound generated by the exhaust system of this little Italian masterpiece.
Drive is taken through a semi-race automated manual gearbox that is controlled by steering wheel shifters just like those in a racing car. Shift times have been trimmed to an absolute minimum.
Suspension, steering and braking systems have all been significantly modified to cope with the extra engine output.
As well as the classic Italian Modena Red colour, the hot little Abarth is also offered to Australian buyers in Modena Yellow.
Some may say a price tag of $69,990 for this tiny Italian hotrod is over the top, but may we predict that you will be able to get your money back and then some more if you keep your Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari for long enough? If ever we have seen a collector’s car this is it.
Ferrari California HELE
Those who don’t understand automotive engineering may find the concept of a clean, green, economical Ferrari somewhat strange. But when you consider that engineering is all about getting the greatest possible efficiency from any vehicle, particularly one aimed at the top end of the high-performance market, the Ferrari California HELE suddenly makes plenty of sense.
In a very Ferrari manner HELE stands for High Emotion Low Emissions, note that emotion takes precedence...
The Ferrari California HELE has just gone on sale in Australia. The big Italian two-plus-two convertible has been optimised to reduce fuel usage and therefore CO2 emissions. Savings of as much as 23 per cent have been measured. Indeed, the local importer proudly boasts that the California HELE has similar emission levels to Australian family cars.
Cleverly, the changes to the body aerodynamics, engine, transmission and electrical system, together with the installation of a stop-start system to cut the engine when the car is stopped, actually result in more torque being available to drive the car. So performance isn’t hampered in any way, with the California being able to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in under four seconds on its way to a top speed, where conditions permit of 310 km/h.
The HELE enhancements add $2750 to the price of the standard Ferrari California bringing it up to a ‘mere’ $462,400 - I’ll take mine in red with tan upholstery thanks! |
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