The Model Spot - SA

Ferrari revealed today the first images and official details of the 2009 California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position. The engine develops 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2).

California will make its world debut this autumn at the Paris Motor Show, but more details will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.

Despite Peugeot dominance for the first half of the race, the #2 Audi R10 TDI of Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) managed to win the 76th running of the 24 hours of Le Mans 2008.

Never falling behind the pace-setting #7 Peugeot of Gene-Minassian-Villeneuve for more than one lap, the turning point occurred with the arrival of the rain in early morning with Capello, Kristensen and McNish taking the lead at 05:17 and holding it until the finish at 15:00 hours.

Strategy played the deciding factor as Audi Sport Team Joest chose a set-up for their #2 Audi R10 TDI that was the best compromise for both dry and wet track surfaces. Meanwhile Peugeot took a different fateful approach by having to change their cars during the race to a rain set-up, Audi only needed to change tires. The result was Audi ahead of the Peugeot by one lap with Peugeot not rejoining the leading lap again until the very end.

Tom Kristensen, extended his existing record to eight Le Mans victories now. Dindo Capello won for the third time after 2003 and 2004. Allan McNish scored his second Le Mans victory with his first in 1998 and now 2008. For Audi Sport Team Joest, it was their third successive victory with the Audi R10 TDI, making it a hat-trick for the second time after 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Elsewhere, LMP2 was won by the Porsche Spyders who came first and second on their first visit to the Le Mans 24 hours. Aston Martin’s DBR 9 successfully defended its LM GT1 title, Ferrari taking revenge by scoring a massive 1-2-3-4 in LM GT2 class.

On top of the thrilling action, the energy of the 24 hours of Le Mans 2008 was heightened with a record crowd of 258,500 enthusiastic spectators in attendance.

For the 2008/2009 the A1GP will have a brand new car powered by a Ferrari V8 engine pumping out 600bhp and here is the first image revealing the general look of the car. Based on Ferrari's successful 2004 F1 car, the new car will have its inaugural shakedown test in Southern England piloted by former F1 driver turned A1GP commentator John Watson.

Tony Teixeira, Chairman of A1GP, said “Everyone is very excited about this project and it will be fantastic to see the new A1GP powered by Ferrari car turn a wheel for the first time on Friday. We obviously still have a lot of work to do as this is just the first step in what will be an intense development and testing programme, but I am very happy with the progress made so far. We have a small, dedicated group of people in Bognor Regis and are very lucky to be able to use some well known motor racing companies for certain areas of expertise. I am pleased to say we are on schedule and we will be announcing the date of the official unveiling of the car soon.”

The development of the new car follows an announcement last year that Ferrari had signed a six-year agreement to supply and manufacturer all A1GP engines. We also saw a glimpse of the technology to be used in the new engine with the Ferrari 430 Spider Bio Fuel Concept with the Italians stating the E10 biofuels will be employed in the V8 engine supplied to the A1GP.

The Bugatti Veyron is one of the most exclusive cars on the planet, with a price tag of $1,400,000 it hardly takes an Einstein to realise why. Every Veyron is built to order with a custom package as specified by the consumer and with this in mind we could easily argue the fact there will be 300 different special edition Veyrons on the street by the time the current generation production series ends.

Despite this, details have been released along with a few officially released photos of a new “Sang Noir” edition which translates to “Black Blood”. This model features an all over black livery, specially designed grille, unique alloy wheels and a bright orange interior – probably for those weary Monday mornings.