Charles Hurst Belfast gets Ferrari Classiche Officina status

Charles Hurst Belfast, the only official Ferrari dealership on the island of Ireland, has been awarded the title of Ferrari Classiche Officina, one of only ten in the UK to receive this recognition from Ferrari HQ.

As an ‘Officina’, or ‘Workshop’ location, Charles Hurst Ferrari and its customer base throughout Ireland can benefit from the direct support of the Ferrari workshop in Maranello, Italy, for vehicles over 20 years old.

There are only 49 confirmed ‘Ferrari Classiche Authorised Workshops’ worldwide, each committing to maintain a dedicated workshop ramp and a fully-qualified and trained technician exclusively for the maintenance, repair and certification of Ferrari classic cars.

Pictured are Andrew Gilmore, Aftersales Operations Director and Macros Dos Santos, Aftersales Manager.

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Enzo Ferrari was born 120 years ago

The Enzo Ferrari Museum is celebrating the anniversary of Enzo Ferrari's birth 120 years ago with a photo exhibition.

The legendary Enzo Ferrari was an Italian motor racing driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team and subsequently of the Ferrari automobile marque (wikipedia).

Enzo Anselmo Ferrari, the son of Alfredo and Adalgisa, was born in Modena on 18 February 1898. As a child, he showed an unbridled passion for cars (his father, had a metal engineering company) and as an adult he went on to become not only a great car manufacturer but one of the world's greatest representatives of the Italian spirit. He was also one of the most influential personalities of the 20th century.

To celebrate his 120th birth anniversary, a photographic exhibition has been organised at Enzo's birthplace, within the complex that now houses the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, Italy. It includes images depicting him at various stages of his life: from childhood to adulthood, and from his career as a driver to that of a manager and manufacturer alongside unforgettable motor racing champions such as Nuvolari, Castellotti and Villeneuve.

"It seems incredible to think that Enzo Ferrari was born in the 19th century," says Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne. "His lesson is more relevant than ever and his modernity unquestionable. He was a man with extraordinary vision and ability to manage people and resources as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional courage. One wonders what he could have achieved if he had had access to today's technical resources and knowledge. The mark that he left on the world remains a source of pride for all of us at Ferrari and for the whole of Italy."

Fast forward to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show where the latest Ferrari, the Ferrari 488 Pista will be unveiled (pictured above). It is the successor to Ferrari's V8-engined special series - the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale which have received critical acclaim for their performance and undiluted handling. The 488 Pista's engine is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history punching out 720hp.

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Ferrari celebrate 70 year anniversary at Goodwood

Ferrari celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with 70 historic, iconic and championship-winning Ferrari cars thrilling crowds with a special parade of cars tackling the famed hillclimb circuit, before coming together on the Lawn of Goodwood House to create a unique and spectacular 'Ferrari Moment'.

The parade was led by the first car to wear the Ferrari badge, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S, and Maranello's latest model, the very limited edition LaFerrari Aperta which is the star of the company's anniversary celebrations. Many championship-winning single seaters and endurance racers from the Scuderia Ferrari's illustrious racing history joined the two iconic cars to create a super display at the very heart of the Festival of Speed.

These cars were driven by motorsport legends Derek Bell, Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti, as well as Marc Gene (Scuderia Ferrari F1), Alessandro Pier Guidi (FIA World Endurance), Davide Rigon and Olivier Beretta (Ferrari GT). Ferrari's XX programme cars, the FXX and FXX K were driven by Factory GT Drivers Sam Bird and James Calado, while the 599 XX was piloted by ex-Scuderia Ferrari driver, Rene Arnoux.

The LaFerrari Aperta will be travelling around the UK's Official Ferrari Dealer Network throughout July and into August where fans will be able to see this exclusive car.

Unfortunately, it won't be coming to the ROI but Ferrari fans can travel to Belfast on 12 August where it will be on show at some venues throughout the day - Charles Hurst, Belfast; The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra, 153 Bangor Road, Holywood from 14:30-16:00; at the Titanic Slipways, Titanic Quarter, Queen's Road, Belfast from 16:30-17:00, with a later showing at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down from 17:30-18:30.

Ferrari 812 Superfast for Geneva Show

Ferrari will world premier its new 12-cylinder berlinetta, the 812 Superfast, the most powerful and fastestFerrari in the marque’s history, writes Trish Whelan.

The V12 series marked the official start of the Prancing Horse story in 1947, 70 years ago this year.

The 812 Superfast builds on the legacies of the F12berlinetta and F12tdf. It’s aimed at clients demanding the most powerful and exclusive Ferrari in the range. 

Powered by a new 6.5 V12 engine that unleashes 800hp, the car is the new benchmark in the mid-front-engined sports car segment, achieving maximum power output at 8,500 rpm. Max torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm. The 812 Superfast’s dual-clutch transmission has specific gear ratios which, combined with shorter up and down-shifting times between gears, sharpen throttle response still further.

The car is being launched in a special new colour, Rosso Settanta, which marks the company’s 70th anniversary.

LaFerrari raises $7m for Italian earthquake fund

Earlier this week, a prized LaFerrari was sold at auction in Florida for $7 Million to benefit the reconstruction of Central Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 2016. The auction was held in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s and in collaboration with the National Italian American Foundation's Earthquake Relief Fund. The price achieved represents a record for the most valuable 21st Century automobile ever sold at auction.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. RM Sotheby’s has graciously donated their expertise to raise the highest amount possible. The decision to donate a LaFerrari from the company’s own collection for this cause  was announced on 31 August 2016 on the occasion of the bilateral talks between the Italian and German governments that took place at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.

The LaFerrari boasts a unique livery with a distinctly Italian theme: a red exterior with a white dream line on the hood and rear windshield. A  small Italian flag on the hood serves as a reminder that this is a gift by Ferrari to its home country. The car will also feature a commemorative plaque.

World Premier of Ferrari FXX K next week

Ferrari's new FXX K research and development programme will receive its world premiere next weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, writes Trish Whelan.

The laboratory-car is based on Maranello's first hybrid model and will grace the world's tracks from next year onwards. The K in its name is a reference to the 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system it adopts in maximising its track performance.

However, the FXX K will never be used in competition. It was developed to provide an 'unprecedented driving experience' to the exclusive group of Client-Test Drivers with whom the Prancing Horse will roll out a test programme over the next two years.

The car has a total power output of 1050hp delivered by its conventional V12 engine and 190 by its electric motor. Maximum torque is in excess of 900 Nm.

We can just gaze and drool!

Rare Ferrari sells for €28.57 million euros

This precious Ferrari 250 GTO has sold for a record-breaking $38,115 USD.

Records were shattered at the Bonhams auction in Monterey, California on Thursday, 14 August as the 1962/63 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 3851GT, sold for the equivalent of €28.57 million euros. This underscores the unrivalled desirability for Ferrari in the collector car market and the continued dominance of the brand at auctions worldwide.

This car was the 19th Ferrari GTO to be completed and was invoiced on 11 September, 1962. It was most recently owned by Italian enthusiast Fabrizio Violati and was the centrepiece of his Collezione Maranello Rosso of previous Ferraris previously on view to the general public in the Republic of San Marino.

Violati acquired the 250 GTO in 1965 for 2,500,000 Lire, which was then around $4,000 USD of £1,400 Sterling. It was originally finished in metallic pale grey with lengthwise red, white and blue centerline stripes when acquired by its first owner, French privateer Jo Schlesser.

Total Ferrari sales on the 14th at Bonhams totalled just under $65 million USD.

Ferrari wins 'best performance engine'

For the fourth year running, a Ferrari engine has triumphed in two categories of the prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards - Performance Engine of the Year and the Above 4.0 class.

The winner on this occasion is the naturally-aspirated 4.5 V8 engine that equips the 458 Italia and 458 Spider and, in its most powerful guise, the 458 Speciale.

The V8 won both awards two years running in 2011 and 2012, and with the company's naturally-asirated, 740hp 6262cc V12 that equips the F12berlietta taking the same accolades in 2013, Ferrari's award count is now an impressive eight in four years.

The international judging panel includes journalists from 35 nations and all praised the Ferrari V8's blend of sophisticated engineering, power, throttle response, precision, performance and efficiency along with its peerless soundtrack.

A one-off debuts in Ferrari Cavalcade 2014

One of the 90 cars taking part in the third edition of the Ferrari Cavalcade was the F12 TRS, a one-off custom design making its public debut on Sicilian soil.

Based on the F12berlinetta, the car was developed at a client's request as an extreme, two-seater, open-top sports barchetta. One of the initial inspirations for the project was the 1957 250 Testa Rossa.

Lake all one-off Ferraris, the F12 TRS has the same exceptional performance figures as the F12verlinetta including 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 0-200km/h in 8.1 seconds, thanks to the massive 740 cv and maximum torque of 690 Nm at 9,000 rpm unleashed by its 6262 V12 engine.

Two new Ferraris to debut at Goodwood

Ferrari California T

The new California T and 458 Speciale will debut at this year's Festival of Speed. In addition, the Ferrari F12berlinetta will also be making a return to this year's event, writes Trish Whelan.

Ferrari's new Grand Tourer, the California T, will showcase its new turbocharged V8 engine that combines classic Ferrari engine qualities of razor-sharp response, blistering performance, powerful acceleration at all speeds and its exhilarating soundtrack, with the advantages of turbo technology such as significantly reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Ferrari claim this achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry.

The 458 Speciale's performance is 'exceptional across the board', with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 3 seconds.

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Ferrari will also be represented by the Scuderia Ferrari team who will be demonstrating the 2009 F60 Formula 1 car driven by ex-F1 driver, Pedro de la Rosa. Special guests Kimi Raikkonen and John Surtees will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the latter's F1 Championship title in a special Shell celebration event on Sunday 29 June. Each will drive their respective Championshp-winning cars - Raikkonen his F2007 and Surtees a 1964 158 F1.

Ferrari warranty cover now up to 12 years

While I will never get to own a supercar, there are lots of Irish people who do, writes Trish Whelan. This will be of special interest to Ferrari owners.

Ferrari has announced a first for an automotive manufacturer: extended warranty cover of up to the 12th year of the car's life.

The warranty scheme is divided into two programmes - the possibility of extending the all-inclusive factory-backed warranty by up to one year for a total of five years of cover, and a New Power Warranty which extends the existing level of manufacturer-backed cover up to the 12th year from first registration.

It's all to do with after sales services which Ferrari claim are the most comprehensive of any currently on the market.

Along with the manufacturer four-year warranty, all new Ferraris come with a free, seven-year Genuine Maintenance programme designed to ensure that cars are serviced to the highest standards and maintain their value over time. The standard manufacturer warranty periods may differ from market to market.

In Ireland, Charles Hurst is an official Ferrari dealer.

Now, where did I put that Lotto ticket?

Ferrari theme park for Barcelona

Irish holidaymakers will have a new must-see attraction when they holiday in Barcelona, writes Trish Whelan.

PortAventura Entertainment S.A.U. has signed an agreement with Ferrari to build Ferrari Land, a new Prancing Horse theme park, inside the PortAventura resort and theme park outside Barcelona.

Ferrari Land will cover 75,000 square metres and include a variety of new and exciting attractions for Prancing Horse enthusiasts of all ages, including Europe's highest and fastest vertical accelerator. An opportunity for the whole family to experience and discover the world of Ferrari.

The first Ferrari-themed hotel is also to be built inside PortAventura and will be a luxury five-star establishment with 250 rooms, restaurants and a driving simulator.

The project will involve an overall investment of €100 million. The Ferrari theme park itself will open officially in 2016. PortAventura already welcomes 4,000,000 visitors a year, of whom 50 percent come from outside Spain. It is now the Mediterranean's top amusement park as well as the second-ranked in Europe.

New Ferrari showroom opens in Belfast

Charles Hurst, the only official Ferrari dealership in Ireland, opened the doors of its completely new showroom in Belfast today, showcasing the Ferrari brand's latest Corporate Identity, writes Trish Whelan.

This new identity is designed to provide a welcoming environment for customers who can relax and enjoy the purchase and ownership experience.

Charles Hurst has represented the Ferrari brand in Belfast since 1995.

Three Ferraris for $16.5m

This is an $11m car, writes Brian Byrne.

The 1960 California 250 LWB Spider Competizione is one of only nine ever built and was sold for that figure at Pebble Beach to an anonymous collector.

The car was sold from the Sherman M Wolf collection, which had bought it from its first owner in 1979.

At the same auction other Ferraris from the same collection came under the hammer, including a 1985 288 GTO, sold for $1m and a 340 MM Spider for almost $4.5m.

Taxman targets supercar owners

If you drive a Ferrari or other supercar in Italy these days, you're more likely than ever to be stopped by police, writes Brian Byrne.

Not for speeding, but to see if you have paid enough taxes to support a Ferrari-owning lifestyle. Finance police are likely to pull you over on the road, at your favourite holiday resort, or even when travelling with a supercar owners group on an outing.

The result is that used Ferraris, Maseratis, Porsches and other high-priced cars are being sold out of Italy at a rate never seen before.

The spot tax checks are proving worthwhile. One Ferrari owner was found to have evaded €8m in taxes over the last six years, another had neglected to pay €3m.

On top of that, an austerity tax on supercars has seen annual taxes on the vehicles shoot up by €6,600 a year, to €8,400.

For those abroad who can buy, there are deals to be had. One Ferrari 458 owner put his €224,000 machine up for sale for little more than half that, after buying it less than a year ago.

Sales of supercars this year are expected to be half the 1,100 or so sold last year in Italy. Fiat's profits from the activities of its Fiat and Maserati subsidiaries in the first half of this year was €175m, making the supercar business a seriously profitable end of an otherwise troubled auto business.

Over 600 Ferraris to take part in parade

Ferrari North Europe is on target to break the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Ferrari cars with over 600 cars registered for the attempt on Saturday 15 September during Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone Circuit.

Ferrari North Europe previously set the record with 385 cars on the Silverstone Circuit in 2007.

However, the record now stands at 490 cars. Ferrari North Europe's ambition is to set a Guinness World Record with 1,000 cars, so registrations remain open for the final 400 spaces. (Note: We're sure some Irish Ferrari owners, North and South, plan to take part in the parade).

Ferrari will donate £5 for every car entered into the world record attempt to the UK's automotive industry's charity, BEN.

Belfast gets taste of 'World of Ferrari'

Over 20 Ferrari cars lit up the slipways of Titanic Belfast last weekend as Ferrari Owners' Clubs from Ireland and Scotland gathered in the city as part of a special Ferrari event, writes Trish Whelan.

There, in front of the world's largest Titanic attraction, were twenty-two Ferrari cars being photographed with the sculptured shape of the new Centre providing a spectacular backdrop.

The Owners Clubs toured the Centre and then headed north to the Giant's Causeway with a drive along the Antrim Coast Road, acknowledged as being one of the finest driving routes in Europe with local people admiring the convoy of cars along the way.

Alan Tyndall from the Irish Ferrari Owners' Club said: "We are delighted to welcome our friends from Scotland and hope that this will be at least an annual exchange between the two Clubs." He added it 'is great to be able to share our pleasure of owning these cars with the Irish public'.

Mike Shakespeare, Coordinator of the Scotland Owners' Club said they have invited their Irish friends across to Scotland in their own Ferrari convoy'. He thanked Charles Hurst for the input in hosting this event.

Geneva debut for new version of Ferrari California

The Geneva Motor Show will see the official debut of the new version of the Ferrari California, production of which has already started.

It has a retractable hard top and 2+ seating.

To meet the needs of clients looking for a more dynamic driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

The Ferrari California's GDI V8 now delivers 490hp with maximum torque of 505 Nm.

The car takes just 3.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint.

Fires cause Ferrari red faces

Ferrari is proud of its fiery motor cars, and paints most of them a fiery red. But it's red faces at Modena just now because they've had to recall 1,248 of their cars subject to a fire risk.

The company has been informed of five fire incidents involving the 458 Italia supercar, where adhesive used in the wheel-arch assemblies has overheated and ignited.

The recalled cars are 458s built prior to July of this year. The adhesive will be replaced with mechanical fasteners.

The fires reported were from California, Paris, Switzerland and China.

Ferrari sets Nurburgring record

A special version of the Ferrari 599 has set a new record on the Nurburgring race track.

The 599XX became the first production-derived sports car to break seven minutes on the 20.832 km Nordschleife circuit, lapping in 6 min 58.16 sec.