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.

New seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt”

The new seat "Abarth Corse by Sabelt" is born: a technologically evolved product which is the result of the cooperation between two Italian brands, sharing the same sportsmanship and technological values. In fact, Abarth once more found the ideal partner in Sabelt in order to develop this new product, which confirms the goal of the Scorpion brand to transfer to all its customers the functionality, in terms of performance and safety, of the racing world.

Designed by Sabelt Style Center, under supervision of Abarth Style Center, the new seats stem out of the same philosophy that inspired, in the 60’s, the creation of racing seats for the Abarths 595 and 695. This monococque seats, clearly sports featuring, were designed and produced by Roberto Fusina, with their rounded lines and marked containment bands, suitable either for track racing and tourist use.

Nowadays, the seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” match the tipical features of sport seats – such as lightness (10 kilos less than production seats) and the capability of retaining the body under lateral and lengthwise drives, thanks to their mono-layer padding containment bands – with the ergonomy and comfort of the seats conceived for road use.

Equipped with a release and forward-tipping lever, the backrest embodies the headrest and shows the typical slit for the passage of four-point seat belts. In addition, the shell (with its newfangled supporting backrest) and the cushion plate are made out of white compound material, formed by structural polyester resins with 1” glass fibers, and are moulded using state-of-the-art SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) technology.

Available in two versions (Frau black leather and fretworked black Alcantara, or black "F1" technical fabric) the seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” are embellished with some details like, for instance, the aesthetic felled seams with red thread and the distinctive Abarth writing, while the silver colour typifies the Scorpion Logo placed on the backrest tilt knob.

After being presented at the recent Geneva show, the first seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” have been installed on 200 Abarth 500s used as courtesy cars by European Ferrari dealers. This renewed cooperation with the Maranello firm deepens its roots in many shared values, such as passion for performance, racing soul, care of details and Italian style, and in the certainty that the “little and wicked” will be capable of satisfying even the highly demanding clients of Ferrari. Featuring an exclusive colour and a coat inspired by the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, these special cars show typical sport features such as the seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt”, the variable back-pressure exhaust “Abarth by Magneti Marelli” and the satellite navigator “Abarth Blue&Me^TM MAP” with Telemetry function developed by Magneti Marelli.

Some contents of this special series will be soon included in the official Abarth Cars Accessories catalogue, allowing all clients to customize their cars with racing features. In particular, the seats “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” will be available not only to the cars of the “Scorpion” but also to the Fiat 500 and Fiat Grande Punto 3-door models.

Fiat “500C by DIESEL”: playing the starring role at the charity auction in favour of AmFAR

The Cinema Against AIDS Gala in favour of AmFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), the association in charge of fund-raising for the fight against AIDS, is to be held on 21^st May 2009, during the 62^nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The charity auction, now in its seventeenth edition, will be taking place at Hotel du Cap in Antibes this year.

Bill Clinton will be the most eagerly awaited guest of this edition and will be hosting the auction alongside the event's godmother Sharon Stone and film producer Harvey Weinstein. Singer and founder of the Eurythmics Annie Lennox will be performing to numerous big names from the fashion and film industries, who will be helping raise funds for AmFar in an attempt to exceed the record amount of seven million dollars raised during the 2008 edition.

A large number of significant items will be up for grabs during the most eagerly awaited Gala of the film festival: these include an exclusive Fiat “500C by DIESEL”, resulting from the joint effort of Fiat and the lifestyle brand by Renzo Rosso. This cabrio model, a one-off car that is not available for purchase, combines two apparently distant worlds: fashion and motoring. As a matter of fact, they share some important concepts, such as talent, creativity, appeal and innovation, the winning ingredients of Italian style, which is famous all over the world.

Made on the basis of the Special Series of the same name and equipped with the powerful 1.4, 100 HP engine, this special version Fiat “500C by DIESEL” stands out for its black top combined with the matching "DIESEL green" bodywork. Both cars feature all the same aesthetic features for a strong visual impact: on the exterior, the 16" alloy wheels marked with the Diesel logo will catch your eye, along with the brake calipers which have been painted yellow, the side moulding marked DIESEL and the specific rear view mirror cover. These last two features are painted in satin steel finish, along with the grille, bumpers and the characteristic “feelers” on the bumper. Last but not least, the rear panel features the DIESEL logo and five air vents reproducing the characteristic detail of the cooling system of the historic 500. The same strong personalisation can be found in the interiors, such as the specific denim upholstery (with yellow stitching) branded DIESEL. The brand logo can also be found on the instrument panel (distinguished by a yellow background) and on the gear lever knob, while a special pocket reminiscent of the fifth pocket on DIESEL jeans is featured on the side of the front seats.

Record 250 Testa Rossa shown at Galleria Ferrari

Never before a car has been sold for such an immense amount of money: 9,020,000 €. This was the price paid at the ‘Ferrari Leggenda e Passione’ auction organised by RM Auction in collaboration with Sotheby’s in Maranello on 17th May.

The record car is a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, fourth of a mere 22 ever built. It debuted at the 1,000 kilometres of Buenos Aires crossing the line fourth.

The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa will be exclusively exhibited as the guest of honour at Maranello’s Galleria Ferrari over the next days, offering the possibility to collectors, fans and enthusiasts to admire it from close up.

Ferrari Administrative Board: No F1 in 2010 if the rules don’t change

Ferrari’s Board of Directors, chaired by Luca di Montezemolo, today analysed the first quarter results for 2009. Despite the current international economic climate, which has hit the automotive sector in particular, Ferrari’s figures were in line with the record levels reached in 2008.

Turnover for the first three months was 441 million euro compared to 455.7 million euro over the same period in 2008. The first quarter closed with a trading profit of 54 million euro compared to last year’s 59 million euro.

These results reflect the introduction of new models, in particular the success of the Ferrari California and the Scuderia Spider 16M, the constant growth in activities linked to the brand (e-commerce, licensing, merchandising and retail) and the company’s continuing efforts to maximise efficiency.

The Board of Directors also examined developments related to recent decisions taken by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 29 April 2009. Although this meeting was originally called only to examine a disciplinary matter, the decisions taken mean that, for the first time ever in Formula 1, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.

The Board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula 1 in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.

The Board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams. The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula 1 over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations. The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of the FOTA’s endeavours to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula 1 are the priorities for the future. If these indispensable principles are not respected and if the regulations adopted for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula 1 World Championship.

Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia’s approach to motor sport and to Formula 1 in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values. The Chairman of the Board of Directors was mandated to evaluate the most suitable ways and methods to protect the company’s interests.

Lancia Delta 1.8 Di Turbo Jet 200 HP

Lancia Delta reflects perfectly the concept of "Anticrisis Luxury" as it fulfils the current requirements of prestige and mobility thanks to the logic of downsizing - i.e. it ensures high quality and performance, reducing cost, size and fuel consumption. Thanks to these winning characteristics, in March this model became the leader of its car range in Italy and is fast growing at European level. In order to improve these results, today Lancia launches a new engine and a new version together with a number of technological changes that make this car the reference product for this car range.

The main innovation is represented by the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine, the most powerful one of its range. It is an innovative petrol direct injection engine that confirms Lancia's preference for sports cars and, at the same time, its commitment to protect the environment by limiting emissions and fuel consumption.
These qualities are achieved by enhancing its brilliance, flexibility and the pleasure of driving which have always made this model stand out. This engine is produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies - and is provided with a modern 6 speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum power of 200 HP (147 kw) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (32.6 Kgm) at 1,400 rpm. With such equipment, Lancia Delta can reach a maximum speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds. At the same time, the car stands out for low fuel consumption (7.8 litres per 100 km), reduced CO2 emissions (185 g/km) and a Euro 5 homologation.
The second innovation is the exclusive Executive version: a car addressed to clients who look for top luxury and comfort. The "top range" was designed to fulfil the requirements of business clients and members of the diplomatic and institutional worlds - as the attention invested in designing a comfortable passenger compartment shows. Seats are wrap around and comfortable as they are designed to business class standards. The back seats are comfortable for long trips with plenty of room for the legs. Therefore, Lancia Delta Executive offers a real, modern, in tune with the time alternative to bigger, heavier and more expensive cars. The fact this car was chosen to be the Official Car for the 9th World Summit of the Nobel Peace Prize held from 11th to 13th December 2008 in Paris - of which Lancia was the Main Sponsor - is not a coincidence. A Lancia Delta Executive fleet will also drive the international authorities to the G8 summit that will take place from the 8th to the 10th of July.
Lastly, the third innovation of the Lancia Delta 2009 range is represented by the marketing of some innovative devices aimed at making driving a comfortable and pleasant experience. First of all, there are the electronic suspensions with a variable damping system (Reactive Suspension System), capable of reducing car vibrations and ensuring maximum levels of safety, comfort and driveability. Then there is the brand new Sportronic 6 gear automatic transmission with controls on the steering wheels (currently the device is provided with only a 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet engine). The last technological innovation of the Lancia Delta is represented by the semi-automatic parking system called “Magic Parking”.
All these technological innovations - together with the self-adaptive bi-xenon headlights (Adaptive Xenon Light) and the integrated satellite navigator (Instant Nav) – were made thanks to the cooperation between the Brand and Magneti Marelli. We cannot forget that the cooperation between Fiat Group Automobiles, Magneti Marelli and Microsoft has given birth to Blue&Me™, a system complete with Telecom service functions - which Lancia Delta is the first one to offer - together with hands free, music player and navigation functions.

Lancia Delta was engaged for the Columbia Sony Pictures "Angels and Demons" new film kolossal. This film, inspired by Dan Brown's bestseller of the same title, is on the same line of the "The Da Vinci Code" and is also directed by Ron Howard, with Tom Hanks in the role of professor Langdon. Lancia celebrates this important product placement with a Delta Special Series that enhances the double soul of this model: an angel in terms of carbon emission and a devil in terms of performances. The proof is in the two engines available for this version, the 200 HP 1.8 Di TurboJet and the 190 HP 1.9 TwinTurbo, which ensure a better CO2/HP ratio for this range - i.e. maximum power for minimum emissions. The same winning features can be found in the other two models that make up the “Première Collection”: 105 HP Ypsilon 1.3 Multijet and 95 HP Musa 1.3 Multijet.
The Lancia Delta Limited Range, which is characterized by its pastel colours, a white main body and a polished black roof, has elegant interiors with a black leather and "Sport" Alcantara® covering. The rich equipment makes this range even more interesting: from the climate control system to the fog lights, from the CD MP3 radio to the steering wheels in leather with radio controls, from the Blue&Me™ system to the alloy wheels.
For the movie launch of "Angel and Demons" scheduled for the 15th May, Lancia has decided to launch an original communication campaign that goes under the slogan "One angel, 200 demons". Actions, performance and temperament: these three concepts dominate the commercial that, thanks to an agreement with Sony Pictures, exclusively shows some of the film shots of which the new 200 HP Delta 1.8 Di TurboJet is the protagonist. The press campaign is as sensational as the film as it combines one of the most emblematic film shots with a double image of the new Delta which clearly refers to its double soul: angelic on the outside, but with 200 demons inside. Lastly, a banner campaign and a web competition organised with the help of Sony Pictures, whose prize is of course a Lancia Delta, are about to be launched on the Internet.
However, the relationship between Delta and the film industry does not stop with the new "Angels and Demons" movie. The exclusive sedan was launched at international level with a commercial that is a true short film starring Richard Gere in the main role and with a soundtrack composed by the master, Oscar winning Ennio Morricone.
Furthermore, for the 9th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prizes, a film was produced to support Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and prisoner of her own country. In Italy, the commercial was supposed to have the voice of Dario Fo as the narrator, a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Lancia Delta is increasingly the car chosen by stars. Since last year, this model has been the Official Car of the most prestigious film festivals sponsored by Brand: following its launch at the 65th Venice Film Festival, a fleet of Delta cars drove cinema stars to the red carpets in Rome, Milan and Turin.

Maserati MC12 at Silverston Pictures

Abarth crew of Rossetti and Chiarcossi wins Rally Targa Florio

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000 of Luca Rossetti and Matteo Chiarcossi won the 93rd Targa Florio, a round of the Italian Rally Championship. In Sicily, where the event was taking place, it preceded the Peugeot 207 S2000 of Paolo Andreucci/Anna Andreussi and the Skoda Fabia of Renato Travaglia/Lorenzo Granai. With this success on the roads of the Madonie region, where it had already claimed victory in 2006, the Grande Punto Abarth bolstered its competitiveness.

Thanks to this result, Rossetti climbs up to second in the standings of the Italian Rally Championship for drivers.

The works Abarth driver has set the fastest time over five of the nine special stages which were held. He found himself in the lead from the start and only lost it to Andreucci at the end of the third special stage. He then recaptured first position to keep it until the end of the rally.

Worth to be pointed out are the optimum fifth place achieved by Sicilian Totò Riolo with a private Grande Punto Abarth S2000 and the sixth position of youngster Umberto Scandola, together with Guido D’amore, who was tackling the route of the Targa Florio for the first time with the works Grande Punto Abarth S2000.

“It's my first win with the Abarth and I'm pleased to have achieved it in such a prestigious event”, said Rossetti. “We had the perfect settings for this kind of terrain where all the components of the car are important: the engine, the setup and the tyres, these ones being supplied BF Goodrich”.

Taking place at the same time as the Targa Florio, in the Rally Sata Azores Giandomenico Basso and his co-driver Mitia Dotta were forced into retirement in SS 12 after an impact. Alen enjoyed a day-long battle for fourth place with Freddy Loix, but spun on the penultimate stage and dropped 15 minutes to finish 18^th.

Classification of Rally Targa Florio (Italian Championship): 1. Rossetti-Chiarcossi (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) 1h20min05.5s; 2. Andreucci-Andreussi (Peugeot 207 S2000) + 6.1s; 3. Travaglia-Granai (Skoda Fabia S2000) + 1min31.0s; 4. Medici-De Luis (Peugeot 207 S2000) + 1min36.0s; 5. Riolo-Marin (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) + 1min45.1s; 6. Scandola-D’Amore (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) + 1min54.6s; 7. Michelini-Perna (Peugeot 207 S2000) + 2min20.7s; 8. Perico-Carrara (Peugeot 207 S2000) + 2min43.5s.

Italian Championship standings: 1. Travaglia (Abarth, Peugeot and Skoda), 28 points; 2. Rossetti (Abarth) and Andreucci (Peugeot) 18; 4. Cavallini (Peugeot) 14; 5. Michelini (Peugeot) 12; 6. Basso (Abarth) 10; 7. Signor (Abarth) 8; 8. Scandola (Abarth), Navarra (Subaru), Trentin (Peugeot) and Perico (Peugeot) 6.

New Fiat Sedici

Fiat revamps the Sedici model in terms of style and engines: in fact now, it is even more environmentally friendly thanks to two new Euro 5 compliant engines (the petrol 120 HP 1.6 16v and diesel 135 HP 2.0 16v Multijet 16v), putting it at the top of the class as regards CO2 emissions. Renewed in terms of both interior and exterior style, in perfect harmony with the Fiat family feeling introduced with the Grande Punto and Bravo models, the New Sedici is the perfect answer for those looking for a compact SUV, with strong aesthetic qualities, equally at home in both the off-road and city environments, all focused on providing maximum safety and environmental protection.

«The New Sedici lends the range of Fiat products a consistency and modernness, thanks to a design more in keeping with that of the other models we offer and more similar to the world of off-road vehicles – states Roberto Giolito, Fiat & Abarth Style Director - Today, the appearance of the new model incorporates a series of details that immediately refer to the modern crossovers, with a solution that is trend-proof and destined to last a long time. All the elements contribute to the car's personality, though individually they have a specific function and are geared toward "hassle-free" use. Indeed this is the mission of the New Sedici, moving from areas where agility is key, like in city traffic, to the more demanding uneven ground or low grip surfaces. For this reason, the new design makes the Sedici even more tailored to diverse use, and yet more distinguishable from the rest of the offering in this specific segment».

The heir to a successful model – from launch day up until today it has recorded 74,000 registrations (of which roughly 44,000 in Italy, where the Fiat Sedici 4x4 is the most widely sold off-road vehicle in absolute terms – Source: UNRAE) – the new SUV from Fiat has been designed and built for those who want to set themselves apart with a refined car, thanks to an elegant profile and who, at the same time, are looking for a compact, manageable and safe vehicle capable of handling city traffic with ease (the New Sedici is 411 cm long, 176 cm wide, 162 cm high, with a 250 cm wheelbase). In addition, the new model allows customers to enjoy their leisure time, in particular, nature-lovers who want to satisfy their thirst for adventure and challenge: this is due to its “all-terrain” look and special adaptive and “on-demand” four wheel drive system which allows the driver to switch from 4x2 wheel drive to 4x4, thus involving lower fuel consumption compared with other off-road vehicles in this category.

The customer can choose between three versions (Dynamic, Emotion and Experience), two drive systems (4x2 and 4x4), 8 bodywork colours and two new engines, the petrol 120 HP 1.6 16v and the 135 HP 2.0 Multijet, the latter equipped with DPF as standard (particulate filter). The on-the-road prices for the petrol 120 HP 1.6 16v model start from 18,350 Euro for the 4x2 and from 20,350 Euro for the 4x4, while for the 135 HP 2.0 Multijet, prices start from 21,350 Euro for the 4x2 version and 23,350 Euro for the 4x4 model. In addition, the New Sedici comes with a 3-year guarantee.

Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina

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The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, once again attracting 50 stunning cars built between the 1920s and 1970s to the grounds of the eponymous Lake Como villa. All of the cars shown were of enormous historical value and either in pristine condition or restored.

The jury – presided over by Lorenzo Ramaciotti and made up of several high profile names from the car world, including Patrick le Quement, Lord Charles March and Hiedo Kodama - awarded the special prize for Best Restoration to the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pininfarina chassis no. 0419 GT. The car, owned by Kenneth and Dayle Roach from California (USA), also came second in its Class.

This particular Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina was originally exhibited at the 39th Brussels Motor Show in January 1956 and delivered to the Ecurie Francorchamps team that same year, going on to compete in numerous races. The full restoration, which encompassed both running gear and bodywork, was completed just a few days ago by Ferrari Classiche and returned the car to its original condition in every respect.

Maserati MC12 Second at the Tourist Trophy

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Car N. 1 - Bartels/Bertolini (Vitaphone Racing Team) - pos. 2°

Weather: cloudy (14°), dry (22°)
Lenght: 5.141 m

Silverstone (UK), May, 3rd 2009 - Maserati MC12 grazes victory at the Tourist Trophy with the Vitaphone Racing Team Bertolini/Bartels duo's second place.

Indeed, the success of the first round of the FIA GT championship goes to Wendlinger/Sharp (Saleen S7), which nevertheless had to fight for it tooth and nail with the Trident's Italian/German duo in a riveting neck and neck up to the last few minutes. When Bertolini re-entered the track - replacing Bartels - he gained top position thanks to superb teamwork, managing to do the second pit stop in record time. Unfortunately, while it was defending its position against Wendlinger's attack, car 1 was penalized by back markers.

Maserati MC12 no. 2 got a tough break when it was forced to exit the race after about one hour of racing due to a wheel problem. Driven by Miguel Ramos at the time, who had substituted team-mate Alex Mueller just a few laps before, it had been in third place behind Bertolini.

The next stage of the FIA GT championship will be held in Adria on Saturday, 16 May.

Michael Bartels: "We feel we are the winners of the GT1 category because I do not consider the Saleens as part of this car class since they have a definite edge over other cars because of their use of larger restrictors. So for us this second place amounts to a full-fledged success, it is the best position we could have aspired to today".

RACE RESULTS:
1) Wendlinger/Sharp (Saleen S7)
2) Bartels/Bertolini (Maserati MC12)
3) Moreau/Bartels (Corvette Z06)

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP:
1) Wendlinger/Sharp - 10 points
2) Bartels/Bertolini - 8 points
3) Moreau/Bartels - 6 points

Abarth 500 Trophy: Salvatore Tavano stands out at Mugello - Solid debut achievement in circuit racing for Paolo Bettini

Image via Wikipedia

Sicily's Salvatore Tavano has dominated the second round of the Abarth 500 Trophy, which took place at the Mugello circuit. Indeed, Tavano won both races and scored maximum points by posting the fastest lap time at an average speed of over 140kph. Thanks to this result, he now leads the standings of the Abarth 500 Trophy, in front of Manuel Villa from Liguria, Andrea Rizzoli from Emilia and Venetian Nicola Baldan.

World and Olympic cycling Champion Paolo Bettini achieved a good performance. Having posted the 24th time in qualifying, he started Race 1 from the 12th row and climbed up to 15th, eventually passing some competitors and achieving a remarkable 12th fastest time. Unfortunately, he made a mistake in the last lap when he went off the track. The car was repaired so that the champ could start the second race from the sixth row of the grid. He secured a commendable 18th place overall as he took the chequered flag.

In the Under 23 category, Alex Campani, from Emilia, took the honours after finishing ninth in Race 1 and eighth in Race 2.

Tavano made a good start in Race 1 and led all the way, followed by Giammaria and Rizzoli. Qualified fourth, Iorio started from the pit lane. Into the first chicane, the cars of Michela Cerruti and Luca Previtali collided and the young lady driver's car remained in the middle of the track, leading to the deployment of the safety car. The race resumed on lap 4. In lap 5, Cimarelli - who was 4th - was attempting to pass Rizzoli when he missed his braking point at the entrance of the “San Donato” curve and went off the track. Tavano took the win with the satisfaction of having set the fastest lap time, this allowing him to start Race 2 from pole position.

Tavano started Race 2 in the lead again and gradually increased the gap over his rivals. Baldan was on his heels and maintained his second position while the fight for third was at its hottest between Francesco Iorio and Raffaele Giammaria. Having started from the fourth row, Babuin recovered positions to finally succeed in conquering the third step of the podium.

The next round of the Abarth 500 Trophy will take place at the Imola circuit on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. On May 30 will also get underway the Abarth 500 European Trophy whose rounds are organised as WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) support races. It consists of six international meetings featuring the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse which has not disappointed the expectations of the drivers and of the public so far, putting on a strong show at the Monza and Mugello circuits.

Race 1 classification: 1. Salvatore Tavano 8 laps in 21min40.098s - average speed 116.188 kph (3 laps behind the safety car); 2. Raffaele Giammaria in 21min41.860s; 3. Andrea Rizzoli in 21min45.622s; 4. Manuel Villa in 21min46.716s; 5. Emanuele Moncini in 21min47.588s; 6. Nicola Baldan in 21min47.917s; 7. “Yolly” in 21min48.551s; 8. Manuel Lasagni in 21min52.430s; 9. Alex Campani in 22min01.281s; 10. Alessandro Frigerio in 22min01.502s.

Race 2 classification: 1. Salvatore Tavano 8 laps in 18min14.880s - average speed 137.965 kph; 2. Nicola Baldan in 18min18.318s; 3. Denis Babuin in 18min20.519s; 4. Raffaele Giammaria in 18min21.231s; 5. Andrea Rizzoli in 18min21.943s; 6. Manuel Lasagni in 18min24.172s; 7. Manuel Villa in 18min25.295s; 8. Alex Campani in 18min25.594s; 9. Emanuele Moncini in 18min25.777s; 10. “Yolly” in 18min28.139s.

Abarth 500 Trophy provisional standings: 1. Salvatore Tavano 77 points; 2. Manuel Villa 61; 3. Andrea Rizzoli 60; 3. Nicola Baldan 59; 5. Raffaele Giammaria 56; 6. Denis Babuin 19; 7. Gianluca Giraudi and Tobias Tauber 17; 9. Enrico Fulgenzi and Emanuele Moncini 16.