To Hell In a Handbasket

[Rich]

I see pigs flying

Hell is getting chilly

Omicron is sobering up

Raghaven is starting to like FWD

GoCougs is thinking about buying shares of GM stock

Raza is thinking about buying a Cobalt and FordSVT is going to sell his Mustang!  (Oh...wait.... )

Ferarri is going to build a Hybrid :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121391#2

Ferrari con Carne: FXX Mille Chili Concept

MARANELLO, Italy ? The centerpiece of Ferrari's future-tech presentation at the Fiorano test track was the FXX Mille Chili, described by several European journals as "the most important concept ever presented" by the House of Maranello.

Not intended for production, the Mille Chili (Italian for 1,000 kilos) displays a grab bag of innovative future technologies, many derived from Formula One racing, that Ferrari intends to begin applying to production cars over the next five years.

Among those technologies: hybrid drivetrains, carbon-fiber chassis and bodywork, fixed seats with adjustable pedals and steering, carbon-ceramic brakes and active aerodynamics.

The Mille Chili resembles a shrunken Enzo; in fact, it is more than 3 feet shorter and weighs more than 600 pounds less than the Ferrari supercar. The company says it could easily accommodate the Enzo's 6.0-liter V12, but Ferrari seems more intent on trumpeting its recent development work on high-performance hybrids.

The Ferrari system appears to be unique in that it ties an electric motor to the gearbox rather than the engine. The system is said to provide a seamless and near-instantaneous burst of torque during shifts, when the conventional engine is powered down. Coupled with an electronically controlled transmission, the system could find its way into Ferrari production cars by 2012. Ferrari also says that most of its future vehicles will be able to run on bioethanol.

What this means to you: Maranello joins such other prestigious marques as BMW and Lexus in exploring the performance parameters of future hybrid technology ? certainly a promising development for green-minded enthusiasts around the globe.

[Raza]

Need I more proof that Ferrari has lost its way?

[sandertheshark]

The ghost of Enzo is not amused.

[Raghavan]

[Soup DeVille]

OK, so why did Ferrari name a car after Milli Vanilli?

[SVT_Power]

The ghost of Enzo is not amused.

He's gonna be pissed 

[NomisR]

What's next?  A Ferrari Saloon? 

[Tave]

NomisR brings up a valid point, IMO: as long as the car is intended to be a sportscar, what's wrong with it? There's people who bitch about V8 Ferraris, yet how many here think the 360 or its line isn't a "real Ferrari."

Just because Ferrari makes a product doesn't mean it will live up to the brand's reputation, but if they happen to make a hybrid that captures the essence of Ferrari, what do you people have to complain about?

[NomisR]

You know though, the problem I have with a Hybrid is, it doesn't add much to the performance and it increases weight.. there's no benefit for it to be in a sport car..  but if it actually adds to it, i'm all for it..

I'd rather see Ferrari create an electric Ferrari, that'd be really fast in the same fashion as the Tesla is based on the Lotus Elise... I'd get one of those!   

[Tave]

You know though, the problem I have with a Hybrid is, it doesn't add much to the performance and it increases weight.. there's no benefit for it to be in a sport car..? but if it actually adds to it, i'm all for it..

So far. Someone might come along and wow us. Ferrari doesn't guarantee that, but they have a shot, just like everyone else. I think it's premature to condemn their effort before we know how bad it actually sucks

I'd rather see Ferrari create an electric Ferrari, that'd be really fast in the same fashion as the Tesla is based on the Lotus Elise... I'd get one of those!? ?

That would be cool. In fact, it'd be awsome to see the Tesla make production with someone, period.

[Submariner]

If they can make a hybrid thats as raw as the F40, only faster, i'll bite.

Hell, if Ferrari just makes cars that lose the pounds, ill be happy.

[NomisR]

Most likely though, I think Ferrari is going the same direction that Honda is going with the Hybrid technology, more of an assistance for additional power instead of a replacement as with the Toyota version of the hybrid.

I like Honda's method better but I don't know if the additional power would out weight the additional weight from it..