Latest news with #PrancingHorse
ArabGT
4 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Owning a Ferrari for Under 30K Starts with the Mondial
In the world of classic cars, the saying 'you get what you pay for' often rings true. But what if owning a real Ferrari didn't require breaking the bank? Believe it or not, there's a way into the Prancing Horse club for under $30,000—enter the Ferrari Mondial. This report explores why the Mondial is the most affordable Ferrari you can buy today. Why the Ferrari Mondial is the Cheapest Ferrari Available Launched in the 1980s, the Mondial was a unique proposition from Ferrari: a mid-engined four-seater coupe powered by a 3.0- or 3.2-liter V8. Depending on the variant, it produced between 214 and 270 horsepower. However, its angular design failed to capture the same admiration as curvier icons like the 328 or 355. Enthusiasts remain split—some appreciate its balanced layout, while others criticize the complexity of its maintenance. Several factors contribute to its modest price tag: Challenging maintenance : Engine access requires lifting the rear compartment, significantly driving up labor costs. Parts scarcity : While some structural components are common, crucial items like cooling and electrical parts are rare and expensive to source—often imported from Europe. Lack of prestige: Unlike the 308 or Testarossa, the Mondial never achieved elite performance status, leaving it in the shadows of more iconic siblings. Why Consider Buying a Ferrari Mondial? Despite its drawbacks, the Mondial offers unique advantages: Affordable entry into Ferrari ownership : With prices between $25,000 and $30,000 (SAR 93,750 to 112,500), it's the most accessible route to experiencing the Ferrari legacy. Classic V8 symphony : That unmistakable Ferrari engine note has remained unchanged for decades, delivering a rich auditory experience. Investment potential: As clean examples become rarer, well-maintained models may see gradual value appreciation. What to Check Before Buying Before diving in, keep these points in mind: Service history : Confirm documented maintenance, especially timing belt replacements within the last 5 years or under 30,000 km. Brake and tire condition : The car uses custom-sized tires that are increasingly hard to find, and the ABS may need upgrading. Electrical systems : Aging wiring and dashboards can be troublesome, leading to unpredictable failures and costly repairs. Professional support: Always consult a Ferrari-certified workshop and consider joining the Mondial Owners Club for reliable technical guidance. If your dream is to own a Ferrari without spending a fortune, the Mondial offers an enticing gateway. It delivers the soul of Maranello in a package that, while flawed, is full of charm and heritage. Just remember—buying cheap doesn't mean running costs are light. Proper care, a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and a readiness to tackle maintenance costs are essential. With the right preparation, the Mondial could be your ticket to Ferrari ownership at a price no other model can match.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Red, rich, and still losing: Inside Ferrari's 20-year F1 struggle
Lewis Hamilton has cut a frustrated figure at Ferrari so far. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The last time Ferrari won a championship, Lewis Hamilton was driving for McLaren. Realistically, how many people can actually picture Hamilton in a McLaren outfit? Even with all of the history, the Tifosi behind them, the greatest driver the sport has ever seen in Hamilton, and around R10 billion to spend annually, Ferrari have not known what it feels like to be world champions for nearly two decades. It's a drought often swept under the rug in the sport because people are still enthralled by the allure and rich history of the Prancing Horse. But let's face it — they've been slower than politicians delivering on their promises. F1: Emilia Romagna. Image: GraphicNews Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Yes, yes, yes … they have 15 world drivers' championships and 16 constructors' titles, making them the most accomplished team in F1. They've been a part of the sport since the first race at Silverstone in 1950 — but how long are fans expected to endure the drought? Kimi Räikkönen was the last man in red to lift a world drivers' championship for teh Scuderia back in 2007, after he pipped McLaren drivers Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to the crown that year. A year later, they recorded their last constructors' title, too A spate of unsuccessful principals Since 2007, they've gone through five team principals, with Fred Vasseur, the former Renault man, currently at the helm. Stefano Domenicali led from 2008 to 2014, followed by Marco Mattiacci, who served as interim principal from 2014 to 2015. Maurizio Arrivabene tried his luck between 2015 and 2018 but stood absolutely no chance against a rampant Mercedes. Mattia Binotto had the unfortunate pleasure of being in charge during Max Verstappen's meteoric rise at Red Bull, which meant Ferrari had no chance of glory during his tenure from 2019 to 2022, lathough they came close in his first year. Vasseur took over in 2023 but the situation does not look any better under his leadership. Many questioned Hamilton's shocking move to Ferrari last year, but many also saw it coming — given the struggles Mercedes have had since the departure of key individuals, most notably James Vowles. Talk of an eighth World Title with the most decorated team in the sport naturally bubbled to the surface at the end of last season, before Hamilton even got the chance to drive a Ferrari. The iconic image of Hamilton dressed in a dapper black suit outside Enzo Ferrari's home in Modena, Italy, gave fresh hope to the idea of that elusive eighth World Title. New driver, same Ferrari But then the first race of the season took place in Australia — and all that hope was shattered when the F1 world saw the behemoth McLaren had built for 2025. They also watched as 18-year-old Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli weaved his way around Hamilton and Leclerc, climbing from P16 to take a P4 for Mercedes. Hamilton pulled a rabbit out of the hat in China to win the Sprint but hopes of a main race win were quickly dashed after both Ferrari drivers were disqualified. Charles Leclerc's car was under the minimum weight, while Hamilton's car breached technical regulations. Leclerc seized Ferrari's first podium of the season at the Saudi Grand Prix with a P3 finish. His last win came in the US last year, while Ferrari's most recent victory was delivered by Carlos Sainz at the Mexican GP in October last year. The problem for Ferrari isn't a shortage of talented drivers — it's putting together a car fast and balanced enough to compete. Engine reliability and aerodynamics are two areas in which Ferrari have struggled in recent seasons, and this year is no exception. According to Ferrari, the SF-25 is '99% new', with only the engine carried over from the previous season. Ferrari switched from a push-rod to a pull-rod front suspension layout to allow for cleaner airflow around the car and greater scope for aerodynamic development. A new rear wing — with a deeper cut in the end fences and a 'W' shape to the main plane — was introduced to increase downforce and optimise airflow. They've also extended the SF-25's wheelbase compared to its predecessor, aiming for better stability and weight distribution. These changes have done nothing to improve their performance as they struggle for pace and precision. Heated communications Car aside, the heated radio exchanges between Hamilton and the Ferrari pit wall during the Miami GP suggest that the problems run deeper than just the SF-25. Building a fast car and acquiring faster drivers does not automatically win races — it requires the entire team working in harmony, from the pit crew to the race engineers issuing orders. The Miami GP gave a glimpse into just how unstable Ferrari are at an organisational level. Hamilton exchanged sarcastic, frustration-laden comments with his superiors — and not without cause. The seven-time champion was in a clear position to pass his teammate, but the team refused to give the order. Ferrari's radio communications didn't sound like those of an F1 team — responses to Hamilton were noticeably delayed as he pushed to get past Leclerc and improve his position. 'Have a tea break while you're at it,' Hamilton quipped to the pit wall. He later admitted the comment was made in the heat of the moment. From a strategic standpoint, poor tyre choices and ill-timed pit stops have plagued Ferrari's campaigns in recent years — and that hasn't changed.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Novitec turns the wick up further on Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale
Renowned tuner has extracted a bit more from the Prancing Horse's hybrid V8 flagship. Ferrari models bearing the label 'XX' were always designed exclusively for driving on racetracks. The SF90 XX Stradale, therefore, represents the first hybrid supercar to be developed in Maranello that offers the extreme performance properties of pukka GT race car, but that is still road legal. More power Enter Novitec where they start by fitting a high-performance exhaust system that not only provides a wilder exhaust note, but it also results in considerable performance improvement. ALSO READ: Ferrari removes the reigns from new hardcore 757 kW SF90 XX With the Novitec system, the SF90 XX Stradale's power output jump to 607 kW from the standard 587 kW. At the same time, torque of the combustion engine increases 804 Nm to 840 Nm. Being a hybrid with battery electric assistance, the total system output of the SF90 XX increases to 780 kW. Mechanical changes The Novitec exhaust system consists of 100-cell metal catalysts, while all the components can be manufactured from either stainless steel or light Inconel, the high-end metal alloy also used to manufacture the exhaust systems in Formula 1. The optimised exhaust gas routing lets the twin-turbo V8 expel the gases more efficiently. In addition, the thermally insulated system also lowers the temperature in the engine bay, which likewise contributes to the performance increase. More power has been extracted from the plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain. Picture: Novitec Even further improved heat dissipation of the Inconel variant can be achieved with optionally available 999 fine gold plating. The Novitec mufflers are available with or without electronic sound management by means of actively controlled butterfly valves. The sophisticated aerodynamics of the SF90 XX Stradale that are designed for maximum downforce remain untouched. Subtle changes have taken place inside. Picture: Novitec Designed with American manufacturer Vossen, the wheels are available in three different designs and in a variety of colours. Novitec sports springs are available to lower the ride height of by about 25 mm at both axles. This ensures an even more aggressive look while also contributing to further optimised handling. NOW READ: How to properly pimp a R11.8 million Ferrari Purosangue SUV
7NEWS
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
‘Perfect' weekend for Ferrari in Sydney
The Prancing Horse bolted out of the gates at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend and couldn't be caught. Arise Racing GT dominated the second round of the GT World Challenge Australia, with Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte combining to claim both pole positions and both race wins in their CarExpert-backed Ferrari 296 GT3. With the team now entering its second season in GT racing, it has begun strongly, as the Evans/Schutte combination look to claim back-to-back titles for the team, following Chaz Mostert and Liam Talbot's successful 2024 season. Team Principal Jordan Oon was understandably ecstatic with the performance of his drivers and team. 'It was a perfect weekend – a clean sweep with double pole and double wins – and I couldn't be prouder of the team,' he said. 'The amount of preparation and attention to detail that goes into everything they do is huge, and they earned every bit of this result. It was calm, methodical, and totally faultless from start to finish. 'Elliott and Jaxon are really hitting their stride. They looked confident from the first session, nailed qualifying, and controlled both races with maturity and precision. It's the kind of performance we've come to expect from them – and it's great to be giving them a package that allows them to deliver at that level.' The first win came under lights on Saturday night, when the Ferrari pair greeted the chequered flag 15 seconds clear of the rest of the field. The podium was completed by the Tigani Motorsport pair of Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVOs, with Supercars ace Tom Randle and his co-driver Marcel Zalloua claiming second, with Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti right behind in third place. In Sunday's race things were slightly closer, with the Evans/Schutte Ferrari only 10 seconds ahead at the finish. This time, instead of a pair of Mercedes-AMGs, it was an Audi duo that completed the podium. The Melbourne Performance Centre R8 LMS EVO II of Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks claimed second ahead of their teammates Brad Schumacher and Broc Feeney. The second Arise Racing GT 296 GT3 shared by Jordan Love and Steven Wyatt didn't enjoy the same success as their teammates, but Oon was still very happy with the progress the pair made in only their second event with the team. 'Steven and Jordan had a strong weekend,' Oon said. 'They adapted quickly to tricky conditions on Friday and built a solid foundation early on. By Sunday, they found their rhythm, delivering consistent pace and growing confidence in the car. Car 77's progress is great, and it's exciting to see the development.'
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
‘Perfect' weekend for Ferrari in Sydney
The Prancing Horse bolted out of the gates at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend and couldn't be caught. Arise Racing GT dominated the second round of the GT World Challenge Australia, with Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte combining to claim both pole positions and both race wins in their CarExpert-backed Ferrari 296 GT3. With the team now entering its second season in GT racing, it has begun strongly, as the Evans/Schutte combination look to claim back-to-back titles for the team, following Chaz Mostert and Liam Talbot's successful 2024 season. Team Principal Jordan Oon was understandably ecstatic with the performance of his drivers and team. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'It was a perfect weekend – a clean sweep with double pole and double wins – and I couldn't be prouder of the team,' he said. 'The amount of preparation and attention to detail that goes into everything they do is huge, and they earned every bit of this result. It was calm, methodical, and totally faultless from start to finish. 'Elliott and Jaxon are really hitting their stride. They looked confident from the first session, nailed qualifying, and controlled both races with maturity and precision. It's the kind of performance we've come to expect from them – and it's great to be giving them a package that allows them to deliver at that level.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert The first win came under lights on Saturday night, when the Ferrari pair greeted the chequered flag 15 seconds clear of the rest of the field. The podium was completed by the Tigani Motorsport pair of Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVOs, with Supercars ace Tom Randle and his co-driver Marcel Zalloua claiming second, with Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti right behind in third place. In Sunday's race things were slightly closer, with the Evans/Schutte Ferrari only 10 seconds ahead at the finish. This time, instead of a pair of Mercedes-AMGs, it was an Audi duo that completed the podium. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Melbourne Performance Centre R8 LMS EVO II of Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks claimed second ahead of their teammates Brad Schumacher and Broc Feeney. The second Arise Racing GT 296 GT3 shared by Jordan Love and Steven Wyatt didn't enjoy the same success as their teammates, but Oon was still very happy with the progress the pair made in only their second event with the team. 'Steven and Jordan had a strong weekend,' Oon said. 'They adapted quickly to tricky conditions on Friday and built a solid foundation early on. By Sunday, they found their rhythm, delivering consistent pace and growing confidence in the car. Car 77's progress is great, and it's exciting to see the development.'
