The Italian Menace

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am

It seems that Ferrari just won't give in to failure or exclusion when it comes to racing. Their latest supercar, the 458 Italia has already been involved in the FIA GT2 and the inner Ferrari Challenge circuits, but it looks like the mighty Grand Am's want to see if the car is really "all that". For racing reasons, the traditional 562 horsepower 4.5-liter Ferrari V8 engine has been detuned to 500 horsepower to keep the car between the lines of the other race cars in its class. So, it might be slower than the actual road car, but nevertheless. Ferrari always have a way of tuning their race cars to perfection. So, this detune might be forging a path something big hidden in this racer. Let's see how it does on the track. 

Happy 45th!

2012 Ferrari Superamerica 45

There are some manufacturers and dealers out there that adore their valuable customers. For example, my dad, a big Mercedes man, has become a valuable customer of Ray Catena Mercedes in Edison since he's been with them for almost 10 years. The people there are always looking to give him a good price on a new Merc. Ferrari is just like that, only much, much greater. Their most valuable customer, Peter Kalikow, has been with them for 45 years, and they decided to honor him with an exclusive one-off. Say hello to the Ferrari Superamerica 45. Now, you might've heard of the name Superamerica before because, a couple years back, Ferrari did make a Superamerica in the body of a 575. Now, the Superamerica takes its place in the body of the current 599. Everything on this car is bespoke, including the iconic fold-down targa top. The body has been painted in Blu Antille in order to match the first Superamerica out there, the 1961 400 Superamerica that Kalikow still has in his garage. The wheels are body painted with a diamond finish, the grille has been given a chrome finish, and the front splitter, sideskirts, and rear diffuser have all been given a sweet dark blue painting. All-in-all, this looks like a wonderful "Thanks for Being With Us" present for the honorable Mr. Kalikow. I hope he enjoys it.

Making Driving Easy

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

It's one of the fastest things to come out since the Lamborghini Gallardo. It's the sexiest thing to come out since the Aston Martin Rapide. It's the 2011 World Performance Car of the Year. It is the Ferrari 458 Italia. To celebrate this momentous award, Ferrari recently uploaded a video proving that the 458 Italia is a bit more simple then people have thought it to be. Now, if you remember Top Gear back in 2010, Jeremy Clarkson took this thing for a ride at the track and to find out that it's more complicated than a laptop.

"This isn't driving. This is like playing pelmanism" - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

But after seeing this video, I think Ferrari cleared most of their stuff up. What do you think? Take a look at the video below if you think they cleared it up.

And the World Car of the Year is...

2011 Nissan Leaf!

And you thought the Volt would take the crown, but alas, the Volt is not sold everywhere yet, and the Leaf itself garnered more votes than the Audi A8 and BMW 5-series, its real competition. If you recall, last year's winner was the Volkswagen Polo. Anyway, Congrats Nissan on making the best car of 2011, even though I really don't care about it. But, to those Volt fans who wanted the electrifying Volt to win, don't worry. The World Car Committee wasn't done with that car just yet. 

2011 Chevy Volt

The mighty Volt earned the 2011 Green Car of the Year award for being the most fuel efficient. Last year's winner: the Audi A3 TDI. Fact: the car's battery lasts much longer than the Leaf's, so if you're into buying a cheap electric car this year, I think the Volt is your best bet. These were just two awards, though. The World Car Committee had to more they had to give out.

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin was given the World Design of the Year award thanks to the Rapide's sleek and sexy design. Last year's winner: the Chevy Camaro. I don't blame them. Both cars are equally good looking, but the Rapide is just a sexy looking thing. Aston Martin deserves this award.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

And finally, the 2011 Performance Car of the Year award goes to none other than the Ferrari 458 Italia. This car left its predecessor, the F430, in bleeding dust. This car turned the tables on the Gallardo, the LFA, the Ford GT, anyone who came in contact with it. This award only goes to a car built for speed, agility, and performance. Last year's winner: the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. So those are the awards, which were given out today in New York. If your favorite car wasn't on this list, don't worry. They could be on the list next year. If they're not, go and yell at the company to make their cars better.

Test Drive Unlimited 2: Ferrari 458 Italia vs. McLaren MP4-12C

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (Test Drive Unlimited 2)

VS.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C (Test Drive Unlimited 2)

Now, some of you might've read the magazines warning Ferrari and Lamborghini owners about McLaren's newest creation: the MP4-12C. It has certainly been a threat for Ferrari and their new 458 Italia. Both cars are almost identical, it's hard to pick which is better. Well, I will do that for you, by implying some TDU logic. Check out the video below to see my review of both cars based on Test Drive Unlimited 2. I must warn you now: if you are a Ferrari 458 Italia owner, stop reading here and don't look at this video.