Looking back the last Ferrari front-engined model of the 1960s

Rare ONES Many Ferrari products have succeeded in becoming part of the world's high-performance sports cars history, one of which is the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, but it only lasted from 1966 to 1968. Ferrari felt need to maintain the momentum at the time, then the company to create a new sportscar has a similar DNA to the 275 GTB/4 is powered by a V12 front-mounted engine later named the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona'.

1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is a two-seater gran tourer to continue the legacy of its predecessor Ferrari 275 GTB/4. (Picture from: Motoris)

In short, then the prancing horse logoed auto manufacturer colaborated with Pininfarina to develop a new V12-engined sportscar model. Then the coachbuilder based in Turin appointed one of its designers named Leonardo Fioravanti to design the new car. As time goes by, some early prototypes apply the front of the 275 GTB/4 that has been modified to make the car look tapered and angled. 

Not to forget the Plexiglass panel behind which there are headlights, its position connects to the side and blends with the indicator light. But according to the new US safety regulations prohibiting headlights behind covers so then in 1971, Ferrari replaced it by pinning the twin retractable pop-up headlights.

1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is designed by Pininfarina and has a physique such a muscle car. (Picture from: Motoris)

As the result, this car has a more aggressive appearance than the 275 GTB/4, through a physical form that is long, wide, and has sharp angles. Especially the front which resembles the snout of a shark. The long and wide front hood is also equipped with a pair of large air holes that function to channel hot air from the engine cabin.

Furthermore in design, Pininfarina deliberately does not want to 'contaminate' its body by pinning too many air holes, due to they think that if the body is too 'crowded' it will have an impact on its age which will look worn out quickly. The body shape flows down to the rear is applied the Kamm-tail-style complemented by Ferrari's typical circular taillights.

The cabin of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' looks very nice with a quite simple design and also has a dashboard covered by special layer called mousehair. (Picture from: Motoris)

After the Pininfarina's design work was done and got an approval of 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari, then to build the car bodywork was handed over to Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena. Most of the car's body components are made of ferrous metal, while certain parts such as doors, hood, and trunk hood are made of aluminum.

Then the body is placed on a chassis with a wheelbase sized of 2,400 mm with the construction uses a sub-structure, cross-bracing, and a large oval main tube. All of this is intended to support the body and various other components. Then the car's legs use a five-spoke designed rim model featured with a Rudge knock-off spinner lock.

1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is powered by a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine with maximum power of 352 hp, and could be upgraded to spew of 380 hp. (Picture from: OtoBlirz)

The interior looks very nice, although the design is quite simple. However, this simplicity is harmoniously combined with the level of luxury presented through the Connolly leather material on the seats and door trim, as well as a special wooden steering wheel. On the dashboard, there's a layer called mousehair is deliberately used that does not dazzle the eyes of the driver and passengers.

Then the car's engine is proved to be able to compensate for its physical beauty. If the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 carries a V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo with a capacity of 3.3 liters, then the 365 GTB/4 uses a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine that has been refined and has a capacity of 4.4 liters. 

Ferrari 'Daytona' had won an unofficial racing event called the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash of 1971 by traveled as far as 4,628 km from New York to Los Angeles. (Picture from: Motoris)

While the car lubrication system applies dry-sump technology like one on the racing car. By the fuel supply supported by 6 Weber 40 DCN carburetors to make the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 engine able to spew a maximum power of 352 hp. If the performance of the 365 GTB/4's standard engine is considered not suffice enough by the clients, so the Servizio Assistenza Clienti division will help them to upgrade the engine to be able to spew more ferocious power up to 380 hp.

The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 aka 'Daytona Spyder' is a convertible variant produced from 1971 to 1973. (Picture from: Hagerty)

This engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission with a rear axle (transaxle), through the axle in the torque tube. This layout is similar to that applied on the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, its predecessor, and is capable of producing a good weight distribution. Meanwhile, the front suspension uses a wishbone and independent rear suspension, ensuring the 365 GTB/4 has steady control at high speeds.

With that much engine power, the 365 GTB/4 is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 280 kph. So it is not surprising, if the car had become the fastest production car at that time. The options offered by Ferrari for its 365 GTB/4 were 'minimal', namely: AC devices, radios by Voxson and Blaupunkt, the Borrani's chrome-plated rims are wider than standard ones, and front fascia protectors.

After being considered satisfactory in terms of design and the car's completeness, then the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer introduced its Ferrari 365 GTB/4 at the Paris Auto Salon, October 1968. At the event, Ferrari got was unexpected reactions, it turned out that many people who attended at the time really admired the car. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was produced by the Maranello-based manufacturer from 1968 to 1973 with a total production of 1,284 units, and from 1971 to 1973 the company also produced 122 unit of the Ferrari GTS/4 (spyder variant).

The Ferrari's phenomenal victory moment at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place in the podium. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)

Then what about its 'Daytona' nickname which is always synonymous with this 365 GTB/4? Actually, the nickname was given by a number of automotive media journalists, when this car was shown at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon. The reason for the nickname Daytona was related to the Ferrari's phenomenal victory at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place winner. Although, Daytona is the unofficial name, but it seems the Italian automaker does not mind if its 365 GTB/4 wore the nickname.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | WIKIPEDIA | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]

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Peugeot has prepared its new 9X8 hypercar to fight at the WEC 2022

SuperBEAST Fierce and savage, maybe that's the first impression when you see the latest hypercar from the French company Peugeot. How not, the followed low-slung hypercar called the Peugeot 9X8 planed to fight at the FIA's World Endurance Championship 2022 for Peugeot. It will fight fiercely with other race cars like the Toyota GR Super Sport when it reaches the grid in 2022. While its unique name is taken from one of the Peugeot's legendary racing cars such as the 905 which had won the Le Mans 24-Hours of 1992 and 1993.

Peugeot 9X8 hypercar is prepared by French company to race in the FIA's World Endurance Championsip 2022. (Picture from: CarWow)

If we pay close attention, the fierce impression is clearly visible from its appearance starting from the claw-like headlight and taillight design, besides that the 9X8 also features the company's lion head logo that lights up on the nose and sides. While deep air intakes and large side scoops are standard hypercar fare, uniquely you wouldn't find a large wing at rear and that's perhaps the most striking design element of it.

Peugeot 9X8 hypercar is powered by hybrid system which consists of a rear-mounted 2.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine capable of spewing power around 680 hp and a front-mounted 200kW (272hp) electric motor. (Picture from: CarWow)

However the French auto company was reluctant to comment further, regarding the Peugeot's designers success removed the rear wing features while maintaining the required downforce and aerodynamic efficiency by simply saying that they intend to keep the secret of this innovation for themselves as long possible, as stated by Stellantis Motorsport Director, Jean-Marc Finot.

Peugeot 9X8 hypercar has a minimalist interior, with race seats, roll cage and clean dash, due to the dials and digital displays and everything is already attached digitally in the steering. (Picture from: CarWow)

The Peugeout 9X8's fierce exterior layered by Selenium Grey and contrasting Kryptonite acid green/yellow highlights on the interior, these are a typical livery of the Peugeot Sport Engineered as you can be seen on models like the new 508.

This is a typical livery of the Peugeot Sport Engineered as you can be seen on models like the new 508. (Picture from: CarWow)

Since it's built as the racing-purposed cars hence have a rather minimalist interior, only filled with race seats, roll cage and there's no dash which usually full of dials and digital displays such as on the other race car cabins, but in the Peugeot 9X8 everything is already attached digitally in the steering, so allowing the driver to stay focused on one point while on driving.

The hybrid system of the Peugeot 9X8 hypercar is then paired with a 900-volt battery packages and a seven-speed sequential gearbox. (Picture from: CarWow)

For the drivetrain, the Peugeot's hypercar applies a hybrid drive system consisting of a rear-mounted 2.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine capable of spewing power around 680 hp and a front-mounted 200kW (272hp) electric motor. The hybrid system is then paired with a 900-volt battery packages and a seven-speed sequential gearbox (which is said in the final stages of development) to make Peugeot 9X8 run faster on the tracks.

As per racing regulations, the total output of both power sources will be limited to just 670 hp through various softwares and hardwares. This will help to ensure tight and fair races on track while still giving more leeway to the engineers in developing more innovative powertrain technologies. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARWOW ]

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The last Aventador breed promised the best looks and performance

Wait.... Although the world's automotive dynamics today are currently spinning rapidly, they are always able to arouse the attention of fans when presenting something new. This time the world's automotive became noisy again when the Italian automotive manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini announced that it would soon present the newest fierce-looking hypercar that bears the name Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae.

The last Aventador breed named Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae promised the best V12-engined fiercest looks and performance. (Picture from: Motor1)

As we all know that the Lamborghini Aventador is the raging bull logoed Italian premium car manufacturer's mainstay model and also first V12 engined model which is uses carbon-fiber tub construction which was developed with the help of the University of Washington. After circulating on the streets for approximately 10 years since it first out of its Sant'Agata Bolognese-based plant in Februari 2011.

The last Aventador breed named Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae promised the best V12-engined fiercest looks and performance. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Besides came as one of the fiercest V12 engine hypercar models ever produced by Lamborghini, the Aventador is presented in many variants such Lamborghini Aventador S, Aventador SV, Aventador SVJ, and several other special variants. Today, the LP 780-4 Aventador Ultimae is also mentioned as the final variant of the Aventador breed. After this, there will be no more variants of the Aventador.

The last Aventador breed named Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae promised the best V12-engined fiercest looks and performance. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

As qouted of Road Show, the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae will feature 769 horsepower (or 780 metric horsepower as the name suggests) at 8,500 rpm and all-wheel drive. Furthermore, the Sant'Agata Bolognese based company aslo said, that the hypercar is meant to have the brutal performance as the Aventador SVJ and the elegant looks of the Aventador S, so wherever it's driven, this looks like a good one.

The last Aventador breed named Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae promised the best V12-engined fiercest looks and performance. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Well, the hypercar is powered by a V12 naturally aspirated 6.5-liter engine coupled with the Aventador's single-clutch seven-speed gearbox that is able to make it accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 2.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of around 335 kph, this is possible because the hypercar is built with the carbon fiber construction so its weight becomes a quite light which is around 1,500 kg.

The last Aventador breed named Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae promised the best V12-engined fiercest looks and performance. (Picture from: RoadShow)

Furthermore, the Ultimae's handling will most likely be good, even if it uses all-wheel drive. This is thanks to the four-wheel steering and a dynamic power steering system. Meanwhile, the braking system uses carbon ceramic brakes. The wheels, designed specifically for the Ultimae, are forged alloys wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber that measure 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear.

Lamborghini plans to make the Ultimae bull at its factory facility in Sant'Agata Bolognese as many as 600 units consisting of 350 units for the coupe and 250 units for the roadster. And the model is set to make its public debut during the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed. So far, the price and time of sale have not been announced yet, but the price estimated will be in the six digits and will not differ much from the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | MOTOR1 | ROADSHOW | ROADANDTRACK ]

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Here's another Serenissima's scarce sportscar

Rare ONES Again, we will discuss about classic cars whose appearance is very rare and very little known by the world's automotive enthusiasts like us today. The following car name may strange to some of you. But after seeing the shape it will certainly make you raise your eyebrows and have many questions. Because indeed you have never known this car before.

1968 Serenissima Ghia GT is one-off two-seater concept gran tourer designed by Tom Tjaarda and bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: Artcurial)

Well, the name of the following car is the Serenissima Ghia GT, a gran tourer of the end of 1960s which was built only one unit based on a design made by an Amertican designer named Tom Tjaarda, while the bodywork was done by Carrozzeria Ghia which at that time had been acquired by Alejandro de Tomaso for Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata.

As quoted of Silodrome, Count Volpi had inherited a large estate and noble title from his father, but his hobby contrast from that of other nobles who preferred polo. Instead, Giovanni Volpi prefers motorcycle racing and lead him later to be founded his own racing team called Scuderia Serenissima. At the first, the Count Volpi's racing team garage filled by the line of Ferrari's race cars, as he had an excellent relationship with 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari.

1968 Serenissima Ghia GTmade under commissioned of Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata and debuted at the Turin Auto Show 1968. (Picture from: Artcurial)

But things changed, when a group of top engineers left Ferrari after had disagreement with the big boss. Then some of these former Ferrari engineers established a new automotive company called Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS), to make racing cars and Count Volpi supported them.

Apparently Enzo Ferrari learned of this, then he refused to sell any new race cars to him, this left the Count in a difficult position and it directly led to the creation of the car you see here and other Serenissima's cars such the Serenissima Jet of 1965, Serenissima Agena of 1967.

Inside of 1968 Serenissima Ghia GT has twin short bucket seats, a centre console with an array of switches and buttons, a plethora of gauges in the dashboard, a radio, a gated shifter, and what appears to be air conditioning. (Picture from: Artcurial)

At first glance, the Serenissima's car has similarities with the previous by Alejandro de Tomaso's car made. This is not surprising because the car was developed by Ghia shortly after the De Tomaso Mangusta designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. 

And Tom Tjaarda took some of the Ghia's design language of the Mangusta to implement onto this new coupe-styled gran tourer, and it's also gave him the inspiration while designing the DeTomaso Pantera a few years later. These three cars share a clear design resemblance, so it is not surprising if many assumed that the actually Serenissima Ghia GT was an unknown De Tomaso prototype.

1968 Serenissima Ghia GT was initially powered by a Massimino 3.5 liter V8 engine but was later quickly replaced with an Alf Francis M-167 V8 engine of the same capacity. (Picture from: Artcurial)

This is also supported by a statement of Count Volpi di Misurata's as quoted of the Silodrome, ''I was friends with De Tomaso, who owned Ghia (…) De Tomaso was an amazing character, very dynamic and full of life. We built a really well designed coupé with him, which had incredible suspension. It went round corners completely flat."

While the interior of the Serenissima Ghia GT is rather well appointed for a concept car, it has twin bucket seats, a centre console with an array of switches and buttons, a plethora of gauges in the dashboard, a radio, a gated shifter, and what appears to be air conditioning.

1968 Serenissima Ghia GT's engine can shoot up to 320 hp at 7,500 rpm and chanelled to drive its rear-wheels via a five-speed Serenissima (Francis) gearbox and limited slip differential. (Picture from: Artcurial)

This Serenissima sports car was initially powered by a Massimino 3.5 liter V8 engine but was later quickly replaced with an Alf Francis M-167 V8 engine of the same capacity. The new engine is then combined with 4 Weber's carburetors so that it can shoot up to 320 hp at 7,500 rpm. Then, those engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed Serenissima (Francis) gearbox and limited slip differential.

This Serenissima concept gran tourer was built by Ghia which was then exhibited (under the initial color of green) at the coachbuilder's booth at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. Unfortunately this car was never produced at all, although it is known that the concept car is a fully functional car.

In 2019, the one-off car has been sold at a pretty fantastic price tag of around €452,960 or $513,883 (over of Rp.7 billions) while was auctioned at the Vente Rétromobile 2019 event by Artcurial (a French auction agency). Even though at that time the car was in 'not-well' condition and needed a fully comprehensive restoration for back into its original appearence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | ARTCURIAL ]

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Let's get to know with the most powerful Ferrari's spyder on the market today

The MOST ONES Exactly 50 years since the debut of the last spyder of the Ferrari lineup to sport a front mounted V12 engine, the Ferrari 812 GTS marks the return to the prancing horse spyder model's glory that has played an important role in the Maranello-based company's history. 

The Ferrari 812 GTS is the world's best high speed spyder supercar ever made by Ferrari. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

As we all knew, that the story of the V12-engined Ferrari Spyder has managed to showcase many iconic models since the 1948, when the company launched the Ferrari 166 MM, a true GT model that won two of the world's most prestigious endurance races at the 1949 Mille Miglia and Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Ferrari 812 GTS is claimed to be the one of the 21st century supercars could be provided phenomenal performance. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

And the last of the prancing horse spyder model's long lineage was the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS4, also known as the Daytona Spider for comemmorated the Ferrari's phenomenal victory at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours by two Ferrari 330 P4s of the factory team and the Ferrari 412 P of NART (North American Racing Team) whose won the podium to occupy the top three spots.

The Ferrari 812 GTS delivers crushing speed as just one component of the sensual experience . (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

This model applies the front-mounted V12 engine architecture that was last used in the Ferrari 365 GTS4 spyder. However, the next four limited editions were the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina in the 2000, the Ferrari Superamerica of 2005, the Ferrari SA Aperta of 2010 and, most recently, the Ferrari F60 America which only produced 10 units to celebrate Ferrari's 60th anniversary in the American market back in 2014.

The Ferrari 812 GTS's cabin is described as a high-speed concert hall with two comfortable seats right in the center of the orchestra pit for moving. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

Like its historical predecessors, the Ferrari 812 GTS sets new benchmarks in terms of performance and exclusivity. The car is known for carrying a powerful 6.5-liter V12 Ferrari's engine coupled with 7-speed transaxle dual clutch, and it is not only the most powerful spyder on the market, it is also the most versatile model thanks to its retractable roof, such a unique feature attached on the segment that also guarantees a larger boot capacity.

The Ferrari 812 GTS is powered a tremendous 6,500 cc V12 engine coupled with 7-speed transaxle dual clutch, so it could be delivers crushing speed ever. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

The retractable hard top (RHT) which can be operated in just 14 seconds and also can be done while the car on the run at speeds of up to 45 kph so it does not interfere with the interior dimensions, thus making the cockpit remain spacious. The electric rear screen, which acts as a windbreak, makes the car truly top-down, while in top-up mode passengers can enjoy the unique roar of its V12 engine.

The Ferrari 812 GTS marks the return to the prancing horse spyder model's glory that has played an important role in the Maranello-based company's history. (Picture from: BlackXprerience)

Besides that, there are also lots of interesting features that really help the driver when driving with this 812 GTS. One example is the Ferrari Peak Performance (FPP), which assists the driver when turning, so that the steering torque will give the driver an indication that the car is getting closer to the limit, as well as help him to control that dynamic state.

Furthermore, there is the Ferrari Power Oversteer (FPO) feature, which will assist the driver while in oversteer situations that are often induced when exiting corners, and steering torque will send a feedback to the driver and gives properly coherent steering wheel input so could be realigned the car onto the right track.

Not surprisingly, the 812 GTS records an overall level of performance very similar to its Berlinetta model, it could be accelerated from rest to 100 kph can be completed in under 3 seconds and 0-200 kph in just 8.3 seconds. Henceforth, the Ferrari 812 GTS can be driven up to a maximum speed of 340 kph. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR ]

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