A JUNIOR CAR TO EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE MASTERPIECES OF FERRARI HISTORY.
Maranello, 9 August 2021 — The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a special project that gives Ferrari enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving an automotive legend.
A new limited edition for our most passionate collectors, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a 75% scale replica of a renowned classic, powered by an electric engine. The car is a faithful reproduction of the 1957 250 Testa Rossa, one of the most iconic and successful cars in Ferrari and motorsport history. A limited run of just 299 vehicles will be built.
Ferrari has led every aspect of the project, in collaboration with The Little Car Company, a firm specialising in the production of junior cars. Ferrari’s Styling Centre in Maranello oversaw the proportions and liveries, while the chassis and other components were created using original design drawings held by Ferrari’s Classiche department.
While the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is designed to be driven by anyone over 14 years of age, it is not homologated for road use.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa A key track protagonist in the 1950s and 1960s, the 250 Testa Rossa is one of the all-time great Ferraris, distinguished by its lengthy list of honors and its longevity. The car claimed some 18 victories in its history, and three championship titles in 1958, 1960 and 1961. It is also the only Ferrari to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times – in 1958, 1960, 1961 and 1962 (considering the 330 TR – the last evolution).
Design The Ferrari Testa Rossa J meticulously reproduces the lines of the 250 Testa Rossa in the original Scaglietti-designed barchetta version, nicknamed “pontoon fender”. Attention to detail is exquisite: the bodywork is constructed from hand-beaten aluminium, the same process that was employed in historical models. The paint is the same as that applied to Ferrari’s present road car range, as is the insignia on the front.
To accurately recreate the intricate chassis of the 250 Testa Rossa, the original paper drawings from the Ferrari Classiche Department were scanned and digitally recreated. The junior car retains the same steering and suspension geometry, giving it authentic handling to match its original appearance.
The same meticulous detail is found in the interior. Ferrari’s Styling Centre has designed a single seat that accommodates an adult and a teen, faithfully incorporating the piping motif of the original and using the same high quality leather upholstery found in the Ferrari range today. The steering wheel is made by Nardi, the same specialist company that supplied the 1957 model, and features Ferrari’s smallest-ever quick-release system to facilitate driver entry. The classic dials have been remastered and repurposed for their new role in an electric car, but retain the original design and fonts. The oil and water gauges now monitor the battery and motor temperatures, while the fuel gauge is now the battery gauge and the tachometer has become a speedometer. There is even a power gauge which also shows the level of regenerative braking being deployed.
As a nod to the current generation of road cars, the pedals are from the F8 Tributo and the tyres are supplied by Pirelli, Ferrari’s official technical partner, fitted on the handmade 12 inch wire wheels. Suspension is taken care of with Bilstein coilover dampers and custom springs which were fine-tuned and signed off by Ferrari’s test divers at the Fiorano test track in Maranello.
Performance and safety The three batteries powering the electric engine are positioned at the front of the car, and provide approximately 90 km range, depending on driving style. The batteries are accessed under the front bonnet, while the car can also be charged where the fuel cap previously resided.
The ‘Manettino’ dial gives the choice of four driving modes, ensuring driving pleasure with the highest levels of safety. The Novice mode (1 kW / 20 km/h) eases rookie drivers into the driving experience with controlled acceleration and the ability to remotely disable the car from a distance with a key fob. The Comfort mode (4 kW / 45 km/h), Sport and Race modes become progressively sportier, with instantly responsive acceleration and increased maximum speeds.
Safety has been a priority throughout the car’s development: the metal side panels were reinforced and an optional roll-bar can be anchored to the chassis. Brembo disc brakes replace the original drum system to maximize braking performance, and these are complemented by a hydraulic handbrake.
Customization The Ferrari Testa Rossa J offers a wide range of personalization and colour combinations. The Ferrari Classiche department carried out extensive research into all the liveries that have adorned the 250 Testa Rossa throughout its racing career. An online car configurator allows clients to choose from 14 historical liveries, 53 bodywork colours and additional personalized racing liveries, all authentically in keeping with Ferrari style.
Official pictures can be downloaded at Ferrari Media Centre.
Electric engine. Three batteries with approximately 30 km range each, for a maximum 90 km total range.
DRIVING MODES
Novice mode 1 kW / 20 km/h Comfort mode 4 kW / 45 km/h Sport mode over 60 km/h Race mode over 60 km/h
SAFETY
Engine and battery managed by software that governs power deliveryLaterally reinforced chassis Disc brakes for greater control Roll-bar anchored to chassis (optional)
STEERING WHEEL
Nardi
TYRES AND WHEELS
Pirelli Cinturato.Re-proportioned wheels based on the original Borrani rims. Authentic Borrani wheels are available as an optional.
PRICES FROM
€ 93,000 (taxes, shipping and optional features excluded)
Lamborghini Countach voted ultimate all-time car pin-up
Most popular childhood poster car of all-time
Show takes place August 19-22, 2021
Tickets cost just £18.50, or £37 for a family
It might not be a tennis player adjusting her behind or a shirtless bloke holding a baby, but the Lamborghini Countach has been crowned as the all-time favourite pin-up poster car among followers of The British Motor Show.
The striking Marcello Gandini masterpiece was the most popular poster car of the show’s Facebook followers, closely pursued by the Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 959 – and who (of a certain age) doesn’t remember flicking through them on the rails in the poster shops?
But there were some oddball respondents, too – one of the show’s fans had an MG Maestro on his bedroom wall, another had a Fiat Uno 55S and for one respondent it was the Leyland Roadrunner truck that took pride of place against the anaglypta, alongside Kim Wilde and Kylie Minogue.
The British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle, said: “Of course, this was just a bit of fun, but it seems that around one in five car fans have had a Countach Blu-Tacked above their bed, and it’s that love of cars that really drives the passion behind The British Motor Show.
“It’s also evocative of the cars at the show as well, as alongside halls of shiny new metal we’ve got classics and supercars. I’m not sure we can rustle up a Leyland Truck, though.”
The British Motor Show opens its doors in less than two weeks and promises to be the brightest, most engaging and most interactive automotive event of 2021, offering terrific value at just £18.50 a ticket, or £37 for a family of four.
To find out more about the show, book tickets or keep up with the latest news, visit www.thebritishmotorshow.live
Subaru’s staggering sales success saw a huge 125% increase in July in a market that shrank by close to 30%.
July is not just a blip for Subaru with the brand’s year-to-date accelerating by 158.47% so far in 2021.
The official figures issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlight Subaru as the second fastest growing brand in Britain to the delight of Subaru dealers and managers.
Subaru is far ahead of not just its immediate competitors but of all major car brands sold in the UK.
Pat Ryan, Subaru UK’s Managing Director, said: “Motorists are looking for quality and value for money and are finding that in the models offered by Subaru as more and more people are discovering this great brand.
“Our dealers have worked really hard to continue the turnaround in Subaru’s results and we are continuing to attract lots of interest from potential new dealers wanting to join in our success.
“It’s brilliant to see Subaru beginning to establish itself as a leading brand across the country where motorists have a greater choice than ever in deciding on their next car purchase.”
Subaru’s all-new Outback – a unique all-wheel-drive estate car/ SUV crossover – went on sale in May with more exciting new models on the horizon.
During 2021 Subaru plans to open 15 new dealerships in the UK and nine have already opened. The newly opened dealerships are: Livery Dole in Exeter, Tees Valley in Darlington, Ullswater Road Garage in Penrith and Ashby & Mann in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Rowcliffes in Somerset, Tweedmouth in Northumberland, C&M McDonald in Aberdeenshire and Fields of Bromsgrove and Fields of Dunely in the West Midlands.
On 18th August a new Subaru dealership, Celtic Subaru, will join the Subaru dealer network in Swansea. Four more dealerships will open in September with a further two planned for October.
Prototype for Dakar Rally completes eight-day test
All three Audi Sport driver teams deployed
Up to 112mph at a maximum of 34 degrees centigrade in the shade
On the way to its debut at the Dakar Rally in January 2022, the team of Audi Sport has taken another important step:
The new Audi RS Q e-tron completed an eight-day endurance test in sweltering heat in Spain on gravel sections of the kind typically used in cross-country rallies.
The roll-out in Neuburg an der Donau on June 30 was an initial functional check for the innovative rally car. A test in the area of Magdeburg in mid-July was focused on gathering initial experiences on unpaved ground. Now the first test in realistic conditions followed at a test area near the Spanish city of Zaragoza.
All three of Audi Sport’s driver teams took part in the test in Aragon. Dakar record winner Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Edouard Boulanger drove the first stint from Friday to Sunday. Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist took over the Audi RS Q e-tron on Monday for the next two test days. Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz concluded the intensive trials from Wednesday to Friday.
The three driver teams were obviously impressed with the handling and reliability of the futuristic SUV on the fast gravel sections. “For a first test in proper conditions for the car I’m really happy how the car behaves already,” said Carlos Sainz on behalf of his fellow drivers. “I had a really good feeling straight away. Of course, there is fine-tuning to be done – but the starting point is good.”
On the 10.5-mile long gravel sections, the Audi RS Q e-tron achieved a top speed of 112mph. In addition, temperatures of up to 34 degrees centigrade in the shade marked an initial litmus test for the cooling concept of the complex vehicle.
“This test was focused on getting in as much driving as possible and detecting weak spots,” development engineer Arnau Niubó Bosch said after more than 1,000 test miles in extremely harsh conditions. “The next test in September will take us into the dunes for the first time.”
The Audi RS Q e-tron uses an all-electric powertrain with two motor-generator units (MGU) from Formula E. The high-voltage battery that has been newly developed by Audi Sport is recharged while driving via an energy converter consisting of the efficient TFSI engine from the DTM and another MGU.
New Lotus Emira to make US debut at world famous auto festival in Monterey
Evija gets striking new livery, inspired by iconic Detroit GP-winning Lotus Type 99T
Type 62-2, coachbuilt by Radford, also revealed in California this week
The recently unveiled Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus and the best of breed, is making its US debut at Monterey Car Week.
The flagship event for Lotus will be at The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering. The Emira will also make its dynamic debut at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway for a very special celebrity track day – more details of that will follow later this week.
The Lotus Evija pure electric hypercar is also taking centre stage in California with a striking all-new livery that will resonate strongly with US motorsport fans. Yellow with blue accents, the colour scheme is inspired by the iconic Lotus Type 99T from 1987 – the car in which Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna was victorious at that year’s Detroit Grand Prix.
The 99T featured pioneering computer-controlled active suspension which allowed it to ride the bumpy and technically demanding downtown street circuit. The race win has become legendary in F1 circles, showing Lotus’ innovative approach and the car’s outstanding technical capability. It was also the last Lotus win for Senna.
It’s the second time the Evija has appeared at Monterey Car Week. Just weeks after it was unveiled in July 2019, California was the first stop on at world tour that also took in Japan, China and the Middle East.
The Evija has a packed schedule for its latest trip Stateside. On Saturday it supported the world premiere of the Radford 62-2 at the Lyon Air Museum, Santa Ana. The car – limited to just 62 examples – is based on the Lotus Type 62 and being manufactured using Lotus technology.
At the museum the car was shot by world renowned photographer Larry Chen, before the Radford unveil event.
From Monday to Thursday, the Evija – the world’s most powerful production car at more than 2,000 PS – has a full diary of private meetings with American depositors and prospective customers. On Friday it’s taking centre stage at the The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley.
The recently unveiled Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus and the best of breed, will also be at The Quail. Before that it’s heading to the nearby Laguna Seca Raceway for a very special celebrity track day – more details of that will follow later this week.
The Lotus pairing of Evija and Emira will also be joined at The Quail by the Radford 62-2. All three will be part of a press conference held at 9.15am PDT (GMT-8) on Friday 13 August on the Lotus stand.
First produced at the end of the 1950s, it marked Lotus’ transition from a maker of small racing cars, which had limited utility on the road, to the producer of a highly sophisticated road and race car. In the Elite, Lotus exploited its knowledge of new technology and racing pedigree to produce a car which, with its glass fibre monocoque and Coventry Climax engine, had the potential to be a world beater.
This book gives an insight into the reasons the car was produced and its importance in Lotus’ history, especially in the production of lightweight innovative cars. Through interviews with Elite owners, first hand accounts provide a good overview of owning one of these iconic cars, covering its foibles and quirks as well as its exemplary roadholding, handling and performance. Illustrated with many colour photographs, along with period advertising material, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars.
Lotus Elite by Matthew Vale
ISBN: 9781787115170 UPC: 6-36847-01517-6
AVAILABLE NOW!
£40.00(UK), $65.00(US), $85.00(CAN)
BULLET POINTS
A welcome new marque history of the Lotus Elite
A comprehensive history of the car, covering the design, development and production
Features interviews with ex-factory staff
Current owners share their experiences
How the Elite influenced the development of its successor – the Elan
Illustrated with high quality photographs
Period illustrations and advertising material
A look at the racing history of the Elite …
… and the Elite’s place in the current historic racing scene
Details of resources for maintenance, restoration and race preparation
