Rare 1973 Dino 246 GTS up for Auction

Exceptionally desirable "chairs and flares" Dino part of RM Auctions consigment for Arizona next month.

These days every Ferrari features either a V8 or a V12, but that wasn't always the case. When racing homologation mandated Ferrari produce a V6, that's just what it did, and in addition to its Formula II racers, it was placed inside the Dino. Technically not a Ferrari, the Dino represented an additional model line separate from Maranello's principal range of eight- and twelve-cylinder sportscars, bearing the name of Enzo Ferrari's late son. What we have here is one of the most desirable examples.

Following the initial run of just 100 Dino 206 GTs, Ferrari upped the engine capacity and lengthened the wheelbase to create the Dino 246 GT. This, however, is a 246 GTS, one of only 1,000 targa-topped roadster versions. Further setting chassis 05720 apart from other Dinos is the rare combination of original equipment with which it was specified from the factory. Its wider Campagnola wheels necessitated enlarged fender flares, while inside it was fitted with the desirable Daytona-style bucket seats and air conditioning - one of just 92 examples so equipped.

Powered by a 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter V6 with triple Weber carbs and a five-speed manual, this 246 GTS has just undergone a comprehensive restoration, stripping the Pininfarina bodywork down to bare metal and respraying it in its original yellow, reupholstering the cockpit and rechroming the trim. RM Auctions anticipates it will fetch upwards of $400,000 when the gavel drops in Arizona next month. (Photos by Khiem Pham courtesy of RM Auctions.

Read more »

5 Top Tuned 458 Italias

One of the world's best mid-engined supercars has repeatedly been the focus of aftermarket tuners located around the world.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is perhaps the ideal mid-engined supercar currently on the market. Sure, the Lamborghini Gallardo is also a fantastic machine, as is the McLaren MP4-12C, but the 458 manages to combined Italian passion and outright ridiculous performance into a single, lust-worthy package. Despite its $230k base price, the 458 presents a compelling alternative to cars costing easily twice that amount. But still, aftermarket tuners have continuously worked to improve it in various ways. Check out these tuned 458s to see how.

Anderson Germany has never hesitated to take on the challenge of making a good thing even better. To that end, it took a stock 458 Italia and added a carbon fiber aero package consisting of a new spoiler, wider side sills and reshaped intake grills to give the Ferrari supercar an even more aggressive look. Also new here is an optimized engine software update and exhaust system that combined give the car an extra 53 horsepower, for a new total of 623 hp. As a final touch, Anderson coated the hood, roof, door handles, trunk-lid, taillights, and diffuser in carbon fiber. Perhaps that's why this is called the 458 Carbon Edition.

Despite its Italian heritage, the 458 is a regular favorite amongst German tuners. This time Graf Weckerle has applied its talents to the supercar. The crew famous for its luxurious takes on exotic sportscars added a set of 21-inch ultra-lightweight alloys up front and 22-inchers out back. Along with its lowered suspension, the 4.5-liter V8 has been given a power bump from 570 horsepower to 590 hp.

Jumping overseas this time, Canadian tuner SR Auto has given the 458 an even more enhanced exterior than either of the two previous tuners. Called "Project Ice Blade", the tuner added a new body kit and new set of wheels. The all-carbon fiber elements of the kit include a new front lip and splitters, side skirts, side mirrors, door handles and spoiler. In addition to performance being slightly enhanced due to the weight loss, the car's suspension has also been lowered and a set of PUR wheels have been added.

How could we talk about supercar tuning if we didn't mention something from A. Kahn Design? The British tuner added visual enhancements to the Ferrari via matte pearl grey front and rear bumpers, side skirts and roof. Also added are yellow brake calipers and a set of the tuner's own forged alloys. Although the performance aspect has been left untouched, the tuner claims the interior also received some upgrades, such as black leather electric sports seats, but customers can specify from a virtually unlimited number of modifications to suit their individual tastes.

South African tuner Evolution 2 Motorsport's inspiration for its aftermarket program came from race-prepped 458s and the results of this body kit clearly show that. Painted in blue and silver two-tone, the tuned Italia has also been fitted with a fresh body kit consisting of a new front splitter, mirror caps, rear spoiler, double rear diffuser, air duct mesh and trim and a set of custom 21-inch alloy wheels. Even the engine bay has been trimmed in carbon fiber. On a performance level, the ECU was reprogrammed and bespoke titanium sports exhaust system was added, which has boosted output to 602 horsepower.

Read more »

Ferrari Quattroporte Concept Expertly Rendered

Automotive design student Alex Imnadze has followed up his awesome Lambo design study with a Ferrari super saloon concept.

Following his exceptional design study of a future Lamborghini, aspiring automotive design student Alex Imnadze has dreamed up an equally impressive future Ferrari super saloon. Where his Bull remained nameless, Imnadze has dubbed his Prancing Horse concept the Quattroporte, apparently oblivious to the family feud that would create with supercar cousin Maserati. The focus was on creating a luxury sedan to sit with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Mulsanne.

Blending design cues from the Ferrari FF and F12 Berlinetta, the four-door Ferrari concept has been given a liftback-style body with a seriously sloping roofline and what appear to be suicide doors. A front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration isn't stated but can be assumed by the car's proportions and lack of side air vents.

Read more »

Ferrari Previews New Enzo's Styling

Ferrari is teasing us with a preview of its upcoming Enzo successor, making us wonder how much longer we'll have to wait until it's fully unveiled.

Though there's no shortage of high-performance machinery on the road, enthusiast are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ferrari's new hypercar. Maranello has already given us clues to the car's construction and powertrain, but has now teased its design with a pair of renderings. The shadowed front and rear images give us our best glimpse yet at the styling of the successor to the legendary Ferrari Enzo, expected to deliver over 800 hp from its V12 engine and KERS electric boost. With a carbon monocoque chassis, it promises otherworldly performance.

Read more »