Ferrari CEO Talks GT Cars

Ah. The grand tourer. Long distance cruisers. One automaker that has made quite the reputation in building the best GTs is Ferrari. Forget pony cars, this here’s the real prancing horse.

While everyone’s talking about the 458 Italia and its future spider version as the replacement to the F430, Ferrari is turning its attention to its grand tourer lineup.

Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed that Ferrari will be busy developing new production car offerings that will be taking up the spots of their current lineup. There’s nothing too early for future development.

First to be replaced is the 612 Scaglietti but plans are not concrete since it’s only due to be replaced by 2012 given Ferrari’s typical eight-year product cycles.

Next up will bet the 599 GTB Fiorano which is the replacement for the old 575. A relatively new car, the 599 will be due for replacement by 2015 or thereabouts.

Finally, Ferrari will be working on an Enzo hypercar replacement. Ferrari has been developing really exclusive special editions such as the FXX and the technology that’s built in these efforts will most likely culminate in their new flagship production roadcar.

Source: CAR Magazine

Fernando Alonso Signs with Ferrari

Fernando Alonso just might have gotten his dream. The two-time world champion will be joining Team Scuderia next season and says that he wants to stay with the Italians until he retires.

“I really think that Ferrari will be my last team, as I said, leaving Ferrari to change teams is a step backwards. Ferrari is more than a team and I want to finish my career there,” Alonso said.

Alonso will be replacing Kimi Raikkonen who has been mulling a Formula One exit. Alonso signed a three-year contract with an option to stay.

Alonso was regarded as the best driver in F1 when Michael Schumacher retired. Though not securing a title in the past two years, Alonso is consistently among the best in the field.

The Spaniard says that he wants to achieve what Michael Schumacher did in the German’s stint with Ferrari. Alonso just prays that Ferrari makes things right with their 2010 season car.

Though not contenders this season, the Maranello team is holding up through sheer driver talent this season.