Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

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He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world’s most uncompromising sports car brand – Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name – the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Gallardo and Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the ‘life blood’ of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

“A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend,” says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status among the brand’s fans and customers worldwide.

Limited to 250 units

After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand.
The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units.

Light-footed yet extremely safe

With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many customers’ requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem – naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.

Driving fun with unique character

In order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and safety, the engineers at Sant’Agata Bolognese have incorporated extensive modifications into the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow.

The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 litre ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars.

Powerful elegance in its distinctive design

The Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from the ‘70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of the Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Suggested retail price – without taxes
Europe:
162.000 €

UK:
137.900 £

USA:
219.800 $

FOTA Press Conference: working for more spectacular Grands Prix

"A very positive and constructive result for all the involved parties, which allows us to move on in a good and calm way.” Luca di Montezemolo, leaving the meeting of the eight FOTA teams today at Bologna, was satisfied with the agreement reached yesterday during the meeting with the FIA World Council in Paris.

Today’s meeting underlines what FOTA had already decided and was accepted unanimously yesterday by the Council: cost reduction and the objective to improve the spectacular aspects of the Championship, starting with certain rules and a stable situation, convincing all the big teams to remain in this Championship with agreements at least until 2012. Montezemolo said he was "struck by the enthusiasm people from F1 supported us when a break-up seemed unavoidable.” As far as the agreement is concerned the Chairman added: “We were coherent from the start and finally yesterday FIA accepted our proposals, guaranteeing certain rules, stability and allowing to reduce the costs.”

As far as the rules are concerned he underlined that “possible modifications to the rules, from now on, will be consigned to the F1 Commission", where also the teams are represented.

The Chairman and FOTA also thanked the FIA President: “Mosley was very clear and honest. He said that he had thought about leaving already some time ago and that his staff knew about it. Therefore I have to say, in a moment when Mosley is leaving, that I have to thank him, beyond the points of controversy we had, because he has been working very well, especially as far as safety is concerned.”

Young people choose Ferrari again

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Ferrari is still on top of the list where young newly graduated people want to start their careers. In Sweden’s University student survey, with a sample of around 8,000 students from 20 faculties, young people were asked where they would like to find work: on the first place the company from Maranello confirmed it’s position, as it has all the characteristics young people are looking for: creative, innovative and stimulating work and a friendly working environment. Also the international aspect of the brand with the Prancing Horse makes the company attractive, as there is the opportunity to make one’s career abroad. The survey suggests that the new generation of newly graduates is also looking for a company able to tackle a crisis and is also highly ethical, characteristics the interviewees see in Ferrari. Furthermore the survey underlines how the use of the Internet and social networks is the winning strategy to stay in contact with the world of young people looking for their first workplace.

Fiat Bravo MSN Edition

A combination of beauty and functionality, shape and content, exclusive Italian style matched with technological innovation: this is the special edition Bravo MSN Edition, the latest addition to the Fiat medium-sized car family which has proven extremely popular among the public in Italy and marks a further chapter in the collaboration between two industrial leader like Microsoft and Fiat Group Automobiles. Over the last few years, this collaboration has led to the launch of Blue&Me (a device which allows you to listen to music on several types of MP3 players, to phone hands free, to scroll down names in your phonebook and receive text messages, all with Bluetooth without ever taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road) as well as Eco:Drive, which analyses your driving style to improve it and reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. From today – with the contribution of Magneti Marelli, another company that excels in automotive technology – the Bravo MSN Edition is also available with the new on-board Instant Nav which combines a satellite navigator with maps on SD Card, a radio, a CD player and an Mp3 player, integrated with Blue&Me, in a single device (exact and quickly updated) built into the dashboard.

The Bravo MSN Edition is presented to the public with an original and innovative initiative, reflecting the original and innovative nature of the entire car. Crews comprising of both people who regularly use MSN and opinion leaders will be leaving on board a handful of Bravo MSN Edition cars from the capitals of the various European countries where the car will be on sale (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Spain) on 26th June. With the help of Eco:Drive installed standard on Bravo MSN Edition cars, the driving style of the various crews will be "monitored". At the end of this European tour, which will be finishing at the Fiat Group Automobiles Test Centre in Balocco (VC), everyone will be given a cash prize and the team with the best eco index will be awarded a larger prize. All the money will go to charitable causes in the various countries. In Italy, it will be used to take part in the construction of a nursery school in Abruzzo.

You can follow the various stages of the journey as well as the conclusive ceremony to be held on 29th June in Balocco on the MSN website (which will feature exclusive footage and photos). What's more, you can also book a test drive in the car on internet, to be taken at any Fiat dealer: the greater the number of test drives taken, the larger the contribution Fiat will make to the construction of the nursery school.

The Bravo MSN Edition is recognisable at first glance thanks to the MSN logo on the rear steering knuckles and the colour of the specific bodywork: Maranello Red, Maserati Blue and the new Tempesta Grey. Available with the last generation 1.6 Multijet 16v 120HP diesel engine equipped with a particulate filter that complies with the emission limits of the Euro 5 regulation, the new special edition offers those who get on board a world of technology to stay in touch with everyone all the time, even when you're on the move. In addition to the Instant Nav radionavigation device and to the Blue&Me technology, the built-in TMC Premium function makes it possible to know the latest traffic information in real time as well as to find out alternative routes to reach the desired destination, making the Bravo MSN Edition a genuine “concentration” of digital technology.

What's more, thanks to a special customised version “Bravo MSN Limited Edition” of the K770i Cyber-Shot mobile phone sold by Sony Ericsson, you merely need to press one key to enter the Microsoft instant messaging client Windows Life Messenger, currently the most popular instant messaging service in the world, allowing immediate contract between groups of people. Extremely popular among young people, it allows you to converse in real time with friends in the four corners of the globe, send files, share folders on your computer and work, just as though you were in the same room or office.

Bravo MSN Edition is the latest version of a very successful model - in Italy alone over 100 thousand have been sold since it was launched and it continues to be at the top of sales.

Ferrari at Le Mans

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An extraordinary result for the F430 GT at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: four Berlinette from Maranello on the first four places in the GT2 class at the end of the oldest and most prestigious endurance race in the world. Car number 82 from the Risi Competizione Team, driven by Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Pierre Kaffer, was the first of the cars from Ferrari crossing the line – this was the 18th overall position with 328 laps driven. This is the second success in a row for Giuseppe Risi’s team at Le Mans with an “encore” in 2009 after the victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Place three was also gained by Risi with the team’s second F430 GT, driven by Tracy Krohn, Nic Jonsson and Eric van de Poele. Between these two cars the BMS Scuderia Italia’s Ferrari with Fabio Babini, Matteo Malucelli and Paolo Ruberti came home. The “four-of-a-kind” was completed by the British team JMW Motorsport, with Robert Bell, Andrew Kirkaldy and Tim Sugden behind the wheel.

"I’m proud of this wonderful result. Four cars from Ferrari on the first four places in such a prestigious race is a great satisfaction and I want to congratulate the teams on the result; the teams have worked so hard to prepare the best way possible for this race. I especially want to thank Giuseppe Risi, who with his team has gained the second success in a row,” Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said. “It was a tough race, especially at the beginning when the cars from Ferrari had to fight against very strong competitors like the Porsches. When night fell Risi’s car took over the lead and didn’t cede. I’m especially pleased by the fact that nine out of ten F430 GT which started into the race crossed the line; this is not only a sign of competitiveness, but also of the car’s great reliability.”

Another five cars from Ferrari can be found on the first ten places in their class (with only a Spyker under the top ten); there are cars from the AF Corse team (sixth with Gimmi Bruni, Luis Perez-Companc and Matias Russo), Team Modena (seventh with Leo Mansell, Pierre Ehret and Roman Rusinov), JMB Racing (eighth with Christophe Bouchut, Yvan Lebon and Manuel Rodrigues), Advanced Engineering (ninth with Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster and Don Jr Kitch) and Virgo Motorsport (tenth with Michael and Sean McInerney and Michael Vergers). The only Ferrari not crossing the line was the one from the Hankook-Farnbacher team (Alan Simonsen-Dominik Farnbacher-Christian Montanari); the car had to retire in the morning due to a mechanical problem.

In the end one should remember that a tiny bit of Ferrari can also be found in the overall win: Marc Gené, the official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro test driver, sat behind the wheel of the Peugeot.

“MultiAir” is launched on the Alfa Romeo MiTo

Just a year before the celebrations for the Centenary and as ever a synonym of refined technologies and high performance engines, Alfa Romeo announces the marketing from September of the Alfa Romeo MiTo with 1.4 Turbo petrol MultiAir engines, the revolutionary technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The range of a winning model is therefore even broader, for a model which, since its launch to date, has seen 60,000 orders and is sold in 34 Countries throughout the world in 5 different continents.

The new engines are an important "breaking point" from the current petrol engine scenario, just as was the case for the diesel Common Rail technology which saw its debut on the Alfa Romeo 156 in 1997. Just think that, compared to a traditional petrol engine with the same displacement, MultiAir engines ensure an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), as well as a considerable reduction in consumption levels (up to 10%) and CO₂ emissions (up to 10%), of particulates (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%).

The heart of the MultiAir is the new electro-hydraulic valve control system which makes it possible to reduce consumption levels (thanks to direct air control via the engine suction valves, without the use of the throttle) and polluting emissions (thanks to the combustion control). What's more, an emblem of the concept of “downsizing”, the Multiair is a versatile technology, easily applied to all petrol engines, with a future potential development on diesel engines, too.

The head of this revolutionary family is the MultiAir 1.400 16v turbocharged and aspirated engine which on the Alfa Romeo MiTo model will be available with 3 different power levels (105 HP, 135 HP and 170 HP) and combined with 5 or 6 gear manual gearboxes. While the first two are offered on all versions of the MiTo range, the third will be exclusively available on the special version called “Quadrifoglio Verde” (Green Four-leaved Clover), debutting after the launch.

Made in Termoli (CB) at the FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies factory, the new MultiAir engines were designed from the onset of their development to enhance further the Alfa DNA selector, the device which makes it possible to adapt the personality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo to the requirements of the driver and the different road conditions. What's more, for the first time on the “most sporty compact car ever”, the Start&Stop system will debut - combined with the MultiAir engines. This system controls the temporary turning off of the engine and its subsequent restarting (for example when stopped at a set of traffic lights), keeping all the car's other devices intended for the passengers' comfort in operation.

Ferrari shall not take part in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship until the conditions of its entry are satisfied

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Following publication of the list of entries for the 2010 Formula One World Championship, which includes Ferrari as an unconditional entrant, Ferrari wishes to state the following:

• Ferrari submitted on 29 May 2009 an entry to the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship which is subject to certain conditions. As of today, these conditions have not been met;

• notwithstanding this and despite Ferrari's previous written notice to the FIA not to do so, the FIA has included Ferrari as a unconditional participant in next year's Formula One World Championship. For the avoidance of any doubt, Ferrari reaffirms that it shall not take part in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship under the regulations adopted by the FIA in violation of Ferrari's rights under a written agreement with the FIA.

The Swedish Post delivers with the Fiat Fiorino 1.3 MultiJet

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Fiat Group Automobiles and Posten, the Swedish Post Office, have signed an agreement for the supply of 3,000 Fiat Fiorino 1.3 MultiJet vans with 6-speed Comfort-matic semi-automatic transmissions.

The first vehicle of the fleet has been handed over by Lorenzo Sistino, CEO of Fiat Automobiles and Fiat Professional, to Andreas Falkenmark, CEO of Posten, on June 11, at the Headquarters of Posten in Stockholm. With over 30,000 employees, Posten is one of the largest companies in Sweden, and is famous throughout the world for the quality of it’s service.

Featuring the distinctive yellow livery of the Swedish Post, the light commercial Fiat has undergone a series of modifications to optimise it to the specific role and territory, including modified internal illumination, which features high-power LEDs, and a utility kit, which improves the visibility and operability in the cabin. Different for Sweden is also the fact that all the Posten deliveryvehicles are right-hand drive, which simplifies the delivery job of the operator.

This 3,000 vehicle contract once again demonstrates the winning characteristics of the Fiorino 1.3 MultiJet, awarded “Van of the Year 2009”. This versatile vehicle has completely redefined the standards in its category and is playing a leading role in the light commercial vehicle market. A unique vehicle, it was born to satisfy the specific requirements of the customer who is looking for a compact van with low running-costs, agile in traffic and manoeuvrable when parking.

Low fuel consumption and emissions are two of the principle characteristics of the Fiorino. Its ability to sip fuel at a rate of only 4.4l/100km (combined cycle) gives the 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel version with 75bhp a range of over 1,000km on a single tank of fuel. At the same time, its low emissions of just 116g/km of CO2 are the lowest in its segment. This latter aspect is particularly significant in Sweden, where there is accentuated sensitivity regarding the environment, and confirms the fundamental role that environmental issues play in the development of products for both Fiat Professional and the other brands of Fiat Group Automobiles.

The Fiat Fiorino, together with the other Fiat Professional products, forms part of one of the most modern and complete ranges of commercial vehicles available on the market today - stretching from the compact Panda Van, to the powerful Ducato Maxi and including the car derived vans plus the Doblò Cargo, Scudo and Strada pick-up. A versatile range meeting all possible requirements, it also includes the Natural Power versions, the Ducato 3.0, Panda Van 1.2, Grande Punto Van 1.4, Multipla Van 1.6 and Doblò Cargo 1.6.

The Fiorino itself will also soon see an expansion of its range, with the introduction of a Natural Power version, able to use either petrol or methane, and the innovative Traction+ system which significantly improves traction in slippery conditions.

Finally, the Posten fleet can count on the support of the Fiat Professional network of 31 dealers and 104 official workshops in Sweden, offering a comprehensive geographical coverage as well as 24-7 roadside assistance.

Michael Schumacher on the track with the 599 GTB HGTE

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Michael Schumacher covered around 20 laps of Fiorano today at the wheel of the 599 GTB equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package that was recently introduced at the Geneva Show.

The seven-times World F1 Champion took to the track to try out the improved handling offered by the new set-up which emphasises the performance of this, Ferrari's most powerful berlinetta.

The Handling GT Evoluzione package includes a lower, stiffer ride, a new tyre compound offering even better levels of grip, modified magnetorheological damper settings that improve body control and an even more sporty exhaust sound. The HGTE package also includes a number of styling touches that distinguish it from the standard production car, including a more aggressive front grille, specific 20" rims and abundant use of carbon-fibre trim in the cockpit.

Schumacher took the 599 GTB HGTE to its very limits at the Fiorano track during one of the factory's Pilota Ferrari driving courses. These are organised exclusively for Ferrari owners and four levels of courses are available - Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course and a dedicated one for those wishing to race in the traditional one-make racing series, the Ferrari Challenge. The courses have been run in Italy for over 15 years and, more recently, courses have also been set up in the USA, China and, from 2009, in Japan.

With its Pilota Ferrari driving courses, Ferrari offers owners a comprehensive range of expert tuition designed to progressively instruct drivers in the art of performance driving, enabling them to appreciate even more the handling characteristics of their cars, and help them use their full potential in absolute safety, both on the track and on the road.

Domenicali: “An automatic entry is not valid”

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These are hot days and not just in the meteorological sense, for Formula 1. A FOTA meeting took place today in London, attended on behalf of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro by its Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali.

Amongst the many rumours flying around at the moment, there was talk that the FIA intended to include Ferrari as a so-called automatic entry in the list of teams which will take part in the Formula 1 World Championship as of next year. Domenicali’s reaction to this was very clear: “Ferrari’s position has not changed. Back on 29 May, we put in a conditional entry with the other teams that make up FOTA. Along with this entry, we put forward to the FIA a package of proposals which included among other elements, a significant reduction in costs. As always, we will do all we can to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties. If this is not possible, then the FIA will not be able to include Ferrari in the list of teams entered for the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.”

Abarth 500 Trophy: Tavano and Baldan win at Magione

Salvatore Tavano and Nicola Baldan have scored one victory each in the two races held on the circuit of Magione, in the Italian region of Umbria, where the fourth round of the Abarth 500 Trophy was taking place. Baldan achieved the highest points score by finishing second in race one, while Tavano finished third in race two, on the heels of Denis Babuin.

Tavano still leads the championship with five wins to his credit in eight races, while his closest rival, Baldan, has recorded two victories. In the Under-23 category, Campani won race one to keep leading the standings of the Trophy, ahead of Tobias Tauber.

In race one, Tavano made a good start from pole position, moving towards the inside of the track to maintain first position into the first corner, ahead of Baldan. Further back the field, Parretta was trying to overtake Iorio and Campani but he slid wide in the second turn, losing ten positions or so. While Tavano and Baldan made it to outdistance Iorio, Campani and Babuin were fighting for fourth position. Their duel ended in favour of Campani, who finished first in the Under-23 category. Parretta climbed up to seventh. Baldan set the fastest lap time which earned him to start race two from pole position.

Baldan made the most of it and took the lead in race two, followed by Tavano, while Parretta successfully attacked Iorio and started a duel with Babuin. The two collided in the "S" corner before turn three and provoked chaos in the group of pursuers. The most unlucky were Iorio and Campani who were both forced into retirement. In the 12th lap, Tavano slowed down and Babuin took advantage of that to snatch the second spot.

The next round of the Abarth 500 Trophy will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at Mugello. Meanwhile, there will be five rounds of the Abarth 500 European Trophy, the first of them being held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June at Brno in the Czech Republic.

Classification of race 1: 1. Salvatore Tavano, 20 laps in 27min57.702s (average speed: 107.59 kph); 2. Nicola Baldan +0.768s; 3. Francesco Iorio +10.916s; 4. Alex Campani +18.429s; 5. Denis Babuin +19.028s; 6. Franco Cimarelli +22.514s; 7. Michele Parretta +24.209s; 8. Enrico Fulgenzi +36.052s; 9. Manuel Lasagni +36.456s; 10. Gabriele Larini +39.593s; 11. Giovanni Mancini +43.333s; 12. Andrea Carboni +1min07.004s; 13. Paolo Scudieri +1min08.154s; 14. Giuseppe Casillo +1min27.186s; 15. Simone Monforte + 1 lap; 16. Giovanni Ciraso + 1 lap; 17. Tobias Tauber + 4 laps; 18. Andrea Rizzoli + 5 laps.

Fastest lap: Baldan, 1min23.146s (average speed: 108.546 kph).

Classification of race 2: 1. Nicola Baldan 20 laps in 28min08.938s (average speed: 106.87 kph); 2. Denis Babuin + 2.282s; 3. Salvatore Tavano +9.303s; 4. Michele Parretta + 9.674s; 5. Manuel Lasagni + 15.960s; 6. Franco Cimarelli +24.823s; 7. Enrico Fulgenzi +33.775s; 8. Tobias Tauber + 34.892s: 9. Gabriele Larini +35.350s; 10. Alessandro Frigerio + 36.080s; 11. Andrea Carboni + 37.408s; 12. Giovanni Mancini + 38.589s; 13. Patrick Gobbo + 44.848s; 14. Andrea Maneo + 45.471s; 15. Giovanni Ciraso + 57.966s; 16. Paolo Scudieri +59.389s; 17. Giuseppe Casillo +1min08.115s; 18. Andrea Rizzoli + 1 lap.

Fastest lap: Tavano, 1min23.411s (average speed: 108.202 kph).

Abarth 500 Trophy provisional standings: 1. Salvatore Tavano 157 points; 2. Nicola Baldan 134; 3. Manuel Villa 79; 4. Denis Babuin 69; 5. Andrea Rizzoli 68; 6. Raffaele Giammaria 56; 7. Francesco Iorio 54; 8. Alex Campani 42.

Under-23 category: 1. Alex Campani 137 points; 2. Tobias Tauber 121; 3. Simone Monforte 106; 4. Gabriele Larini 88; 5. Enrico Fulgenzi 78; 6. Patrich Gobbo 62.

Ferrari: protagonist of major “L’Automobile Italiana 1899 – 2009” exhibition

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Contemporaneously with four other museums, Galleria Ferrari presents “L’Automobile Italiana” (The Italian Automobile), an exhibition offering car enthusiasts (and not only) from around the world a unique opportunity to admire the milestones of a century of creative genius.
International symbols of style, class, elegance, technology and sportiness, Italian cars lie at the heart of an original initiative which brings together the great iconic Italian marques as part of a voyage of discovery of the most exclusive products of Italian ingenuity between 1899, the year in which Fiat was founded, and the present.

The exhibition illustrates the extent to which the automobile has changed our way of life and customs at various turning points in history, and the influence of creative thought and the economy on the evolution of the cars themselves. It holds a mirror up to an entire era, revealing the advertisements, the aspirations, the sense of freedom and escape, and scientific application involved. This is the story of an entire century told by looking at the car, which probably more than anything else has characterised its direction and fuelled the dreams of every strata of society. In its role as official Prancing Horse museum and home to Maranello’s permanent single-seater and GT collections, the Galleria Ferrari has for the occasion decided to pay special homage to such technological masterpieces as the 1907 FIAT 130 HP, the 1954 Lancia Aurelia B 24, the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B and the 1948 Maserati A6 1500 as well staging the “110 Years of the World’s Most Beautiful Cars” exhibition of photography with original film clips produced by the various marques.

The Galleria Ferrari is taking part in the exhibition in collaboration with other prestige collections: the Museo dell’Automobile di Torino at the Torino Esposizioni centre, the Collezione Umberto Panini at Corlo di Formigine (just a few kilometres outside Maranello), the Museo Nicolis dell’Auto, della Tecnica, della Meccanica at Villafranca near Verona, and the Centro Storico Fiat, home to the designs and actual vehicles (destined for air, sea and land) produced by the renowned multi-faceted Italian company over the years.

Until October 31st, visitors will enjoy reduced entry fees at the other museums involved in the exhibition when they produce the ticket purchased at the first one they visit. Most importantly of all, they will be able to book very special visits to two private collections: the Collezione Umberto Panini, which houses one of the most complete collections of Maseratis in the world, and the Centro Storico Fiat, which opened in 1963 and is based in the first extension made to the workshops on Corso Dante in Turin, where Fiat began life.

Download the exhibition's brochure

Abarth 500 European Trophy: Spaniard Lucas Guerrero makes it twice at Valencia

After yesterday's victory, Spanish driver Lucas Guerrero won again in the second race of the Abarth 500 European Trophy, which took place today on the circuit of Valencia in Spain. On his home track, Guerrero won ahead of his fellow countryman Noel Jamal and very young Italian Simone Monforte who just turned 16.

This double success earns Guerrero a commanding lead in the Abarth 500 European Trophy standings with a solid advantage over pursuers Jamal, Campani, Villa and Perret.

The fight for victory was dashed after the first two laps as Italian Alex Campani did not make the most of the pole position he owed to his fastest lap time in yesterday's race. Spain's Noel Jamal took advantage of the situation to engage a fierce battle for first place with Guerrero. After having overtaken his rival, Guerrero gradually extended his lead thanks to a neat and proficient drive in his Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

Further down the field, Simone Monforte - who started from the 10th spot of the grid - began an outstanding rise, overtaking fellow countryman Manuel Villa and Frenchman Benoît Perret. In the last lap, the young driver made it to reach the podium to the detriment of Portuguese Jorge Rodrigues, crowning his superb rise by gaining third position. Italian Erika Monforte and Spain's Maria de Villota were unlucky as they were both forced into retirement in the second and ninth lap respectively.

Race classification: 1. Lucas Guerrero (E), 11 laps in 21min34.486s; 2. Noel Jamal (E) +6.118s ; 3. Simone Monforte (I) +15.442s ; 4.Benoît Perret (F) +20.839s ; 5. Javier Macias (E) +42.550s ; 6. Manuel Villa (I) +1min06.084s; 7. Alex Campani (I) +1min13.728s; 8. Daniele Vernuccio (I) +1min24.137s.

Fastest lap: Lucas Guerrero, 1min56.161s

Provisional Abarth 500 European Trophy standings: 1. Lucas Guerrero (E), 43 points; 2. Noel Jamal (E), 28; 3 Alex Campani (I), 27; 4. Manuel Villa (I) and Benoît Perret (F), 26; 6. Bernardo Arnaut (P), 18; 7. Simone Monforte (I), 16.

Lancia is the sponsor for the RomaFictionFest

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Lancia is the official sponsor for the RomaFictionFest 2009, scheduled to take place in the Italian capital between 6 and 11 July. It's the largest festival in the world dedicated to international television fiction in all its formats; from serials to TV movies, from mini-series to sitcoms. RomaFictionFest is put forward as the most comprehensive annual event to focus on global production, offering interesting new shows, some previewing for the first time.

The organisation will make available a fleet of 50 cars, customised with the show's trademark which will accompany all the stars and hosts of the RomaFictionFest onto theOrange Carpet.

Lancia will also support the 'Seriale' section of the Festival, which is the show's most represented. All works competing in this section will be screened in the Sala Lancia inside the Cinema Adriano.

Those taking part in the showings in the Sala Lancia may go into any Lancia dealership with their ticket counterfoil and try the new Lancia Delta.

By pairing up with the RomaFictionFest, Lancia is consistently continuing with its choice to support the seventh art even in its television expression. The values of the Lancia brand and its cars can also be found in quality fiction: style, quality of life, original and innovative solutions, personality, elegance and spirit.

Quattroporte wins Best of the Best trophy from Robb Report

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Robb Report magazine has presented Maserati with the trophy for their Best of the Best award in honor of the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

Every year Robb Report magazine, an authority on the luxury lifestyle, conducts a series of tests across categories to find the best of luxury, including cars, yachts, watches, resorts and wines.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S won the Best of the Best trophy in the sedan category, beating some very worthy competition including the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed and the new BMW 750Li.

This is actually the third time the Quattroporte has won the Best of the Best trophy from Robb Report – the Quattroporte won in 2004 and the Quattroporte Sport GT model won in 2006.

Only new or revised products are eligible to enter the Best of the Best competition, which means the Quattroporte is essentially a back-to-back-to-back winner, winning every time the car was eligible for the competition (when it was first introduced in 2004, with the introduction of the Sport GT model in 2006, and now with the redesigned 2009 Quattroporte).

Maserati is proud of this recognition for the Quattroporte, seen by the press as the ultimate in luxury performance sedans.

Ferrari still collecting funds for Abruzzo

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Thanks to clients from all over the world Ferrari is still collecting funds for the Abruzzo region hit by a devastating earthquake just over a month ago. Meanwhile Ferrari clients from as far away as Hong Kong and the USA are donating money for the reconstruction of the damaged buildings and cultural treasures.

During the presentation of the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M in Hong Kong a group of Ferrari clients collected 120,000 Dollars (ca. 90,000 Euros) for the support of the earthquake victims.

At the same time on the other side of the world a gala dinner in presence of Ferrari SpA CEO Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari North America President and CEO Maurizio Parlato and Peter Kalikow, one of North America’s most important developers and Ferrari collectors, was held at Washington D.C.. Kalikow donated 100,000 Dollars (ca. 75,000 Euros) to this important cause.

The aid Ferrari is providing to the Abruzzo region is growing: the two donations will be added to the 220,000 Euros gained at the Leggenda e Passione auction of the F430 held at Maranello and the sales of some memorabilia from the Scuderia Ferrari via the website www.ferrari.com.

Alfa Romeo a protagonist on three continents

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Alfa Romeo has always supported its customers with special offers and initiatives not only in the name of sport, style and performance, but to improve safety and accident prevention, too. Only Alfa Romeo has succeeded so well in combining and rendering totally compatible these distinctive values under the one brand.

To satisfy a growing demand for its products, Alfa Romeo is now returning to Argentina. “Centro Milano”, the official importers, are about to import 160 cars from Italy. Seventy are Alfa Romeo MiTos, and the rest a mix of Alfa 147, Alfa 159, Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider models. A new official website has been inaugurated for the occasion, too (http://www.alfaromeo.com.ar/). The “sportiest compact ever” will soon be a protagonist on the other side of the world too! From July the 120 and 155 HP 1.4 Turbocharged versions of the Alfa Romeo MiTo will go on sale in Australia.

And now, from South America and Australia to Europe! On the 4^th June the first French “Italian Motor Village” will be inaugurated in Cannes. The Italian Motor Village project began 3 years ago with the opening in Turin of the Mirafiori Motor Village, Fiat Group’s first multipurpose centre anywhere in the world. Over the next few months the concept will be extended to Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy. In the futuristic French village, the public will find a large area dedicated exclusively to the entire Alfa Romeo range.

Finally, the exclusive series events organised by Alfa Romeo for its fans are continuing. After the success of the first “Drive on Track” event in Varano de’ Melegari, the next event for Alfisti will take place on the 27^th June on the Pergusa circuit near Enna in Sicily, in the presence of the driver–instructors of the International Centre for Safe Driving. The Sicilian circuit is 4.950 kilometres long and winds through the spectacular scenery of the Lake Pergusa Nature Reserve. This excitement-packed event offers a wide range of activities and will provide a day of instruction in the pleasures of sport driving on board Alfa Romeo MiTo and Brera cars.