Fiat 500 Wins Prestigious Car of the Year Award

As we are shopping for the perfect gift how about the Car of the Year. The newly introduced Fiat 500 has been named Car of the Year by a group of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries. The 500 was reported to have been a hands-down winner over its six rivals thanks to its look, safety features, the quality of its interior and variety of its models and engines.

Competing against the 500 were the Ford Mondeo, the Kia Cee'd, the Mazda 2, the Mercedes Class C, the Nissan Qashqai and the Peugeot 308. The 500, a re-edition of the classic car, produced from 1957 to 1977, made its official debut in Turin on July 4.

The car has a retro-look to recall the classic 500, named after its original engine size, following the example of the new Volkswagen 'Beetle' and the BMW 'Mini'.

Between the end of the Nineties and the start of 2000, Fiat design put the emphasis on the product’s high degree of practicality, with particular attention to the car’s interior space. Today, the brand has evolved in a new direction for Italian design, where details are carefully amalgamated with harmonious forms and homogeneous styling: a combination of traditional values in a bubbly, innovative setting.

The theme of stressing the brand’s Italian quality is expressed by the rediscovery of influences from Italian cars of the Sixties and Seventies and expressions of Italian culture, particularly fashion; also contributing to the Fiat brand’s new personality are major design companies in the Turin area, such as Pininfarina, Bertone or Italdesign, who represent a cultural heritage envied throughout the world.

Unfortunately, Fiat does not have a US commercial presence. The entrance of the Smart car by Mercedes gives me hope that sometime in the near future this little jewel will find its way onto US streets. Fiat developed the platform for the 500 with Ford Motor Company of the United States, which will use it for its revamped 'Ka' model. Perhaps this collaboration can be the foot in the door for Fiat while giving Ford a hot car for the US market.

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Lamborghini Alar – Quanto Sei Bella !

Lamborghini Alar is a beautifully inspired work of art. I think many of the same characteristics I desire in women are the same as I look for in car. Thinking about those with significant disposable income, they have harems of cars. Each one loved and cherished. Each car has a unique attraction. I love cars with sinuous lines, unusual designs, extreme performance, and a cabin that snuggly embraces you in soft and sensuous leathers.

The newest addition to the house of Lamborghini is a vehicle worthy of lust. I am not one to chase after the latest tight suspension or the body with exaggerated curves. The Lamborghini Alar is mysterious and aloof yet inviting all to dream about her. Her silhouette is long and sleek. Her oversized dark tinted windows sit on top of a solid body.

Air scoops in the side doors flow into the wheel wells adding aerodynamic stability while creating an hourglass type figure. If you are fortunate enough to sneak up on her from behind the cooling slats leading out from the bubble like back window become wings of a great dark eagle.

The most likely vision you will be fortunate enough to have of this little beauty is in the rear view mirror as she approaches quickly and swiftly. Her numerous air scoops in both the hood and front spoiler intertwine seamlessly creating a series of curves, nooks and crannies. As you start to dream of this beautiful babe she is gone, simply little red lights leaving your horizon. The emotion remains, you have been touched by an angel, even if only for moment. She is a glimpse of heaven. Once you have seen her, she will always be there, in your dreams, waiting just for you.

The Lamborghini Alar is my car of the decade.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Cars Lamborghini Travel Travel Tips Italy

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The Mythical Fiat 500 Reborn

I had my first introduction to the Fiat 500 in 1979. As a young pup along with a friend from Idaho we packed into the back seat of a friends 1965 Fiat 500. We were somewhat concerned. The lawnmower engine strained with our extra weight. At every corner we laughed nervously as a grinding sound permeated the cabin. Although the car was not scraping the ground the lateral movement from the curve would overcome the springs tension and the wheels would rub the surrounding well.

Most Italians have owned this car. It is the first car of many. Usually third or fourth hand as the new driver made their mistakes on this indestructible toy. Production of the 500 ended in 1975 and the few vehicles still running in the 1990s became collector’s items. A piece of Italian culture was disappearing.

Fiat stopped making the vehicle because sales were failing. There were so many 500s that the market was saturated. The Fiat story is similar to the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagon Beatle, cars that were victims of their own success. No one really missed the Fiat 500. They continued to run and as the years passed they took on a retro appeal. We can thank the rebirth of the Fiat 500 to the successful re-launch of the Mini Cooper and the German Bug. The new star of automobile giant Fiat launched the new, improved, reformulated, fantastically marvelous Fiat 500.

The party was impressive. A huge platform floated in the river Po. A huge crane lowered the new model slowly into the forum where 6000 people from all over the world cheered the newest model in the Fiat stables. Fireworks exploded and the 500 sign illuminated the night sky. For 500 lovers, and for many Italians, this was a welcomed event.

The entire year’s production of 500s pre-sold in less than three weeks. Without a doubt the 500 will be a favorite among younger drivers and baby boomers remembering their toys. As a tourist it will be difficult to try one of these babies but if you have local friends a trip around the city in the Fiat 500 should be an interesting trip.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Cars Fiat Travel Travel Tips Italy

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Maserati and Ferragamo – Partnership in Design

The two worlds of sports cars and fashion get together to create a symbol of luxurious passion. At the ante prima of the automobile show in Ginevra, the Italian sports car manufacturer, Maserati, and the Italian fashion designer Ferragamo announced a joint project to produce a set of elegant luggage. The name is “Maserati Gran Turismo”; the fantasy is Ferragamo. It is not often that two worldwide leaders get together to produce a product of extraordinary value. This exclusive set of luggage will be only sold at the 13 Ferragamo boutiques, 3 of which are in the US, beginning in September.

Maserati has been aggressively seeking to dethrone Ferrari as the premier sports car for over a century. For this year's Gran Turismo Maserati enlisted the services of automotive body designer Pininfarina. In an area reserved for the launch of the new Maserati, the set of designer luggage will share the stage. The set is the perfect assortment for both Him and Her in every travel situation and destination. The set is made up of five pieces, made of the finest leather. The luggage offers the maximum versatility and opulence. A suitcase, a smaller weekend bag, a garment bag, an overnight beauty case and a double shoe bag are the primary elements. The shoe bag emulates the cockpit of the Maserati Gran Turismo with a removable divider.

The coolness factor does not end here. The set can be personalized to one of the four color schemes of your new Maserati Gran Turismo. There are two basic designs, each with two color schemes. The first design is Firenze. The leather is finished with the palm of the hand resulting in a unique smooth, elegant texture. The second design is Modena, representing the rivalry with Ferrari, it is aggressive with raised stitching and vibrant colors.

You may not be able to buy a Maserati this year but the luggage in hand will always leave your acquaintances wondering.

Tags: Fasion Accessories Italian Designers Maserati Ferragamo Travel Italy

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Grand Premio San Marino – Ferrari Dominates

In the words of the commentators, “Ferrari is the most advanced racing machine in the Universe!” Michael Schumacher took the checkered flag in Imola after a stunning move with only 32 laps remaining while Felipe Massa finished fourth with the second Cavallino Modenese.

Ferdinando Alonso of Renault had the first three Grand Premi this year already under his belt but in a recent interview Schumi had stated that the season begins when the tour comes to Europe.

With continuing speculation concerning his retirement, Schumacher, the highest paid athlete in the world with over one billion euro in compensation over his career, showed he was not ready to sit in the boxes. With Alonso’s Renault driving a very defensive line holding Schumacher in the rear mirror Team Ferrari decided to pit and took on a new set of tires and enough fuel for 19.2 laps. The stop was executed to perfection as Alonso continued running. His lighter car, with less fuel and warm tires, turned in personal best laps of 1 minute and 25 seconds.

Schumacher returned to the course with a vengeance, pushing the now fuel heavy Ferrari with cold wheels to the limit. Several times in the following three laps the Rosso under-steered popping the wheels over the cords in the turns but Schumacher kept pushing. By the time Alonso pitted the Ferrari’s tires were hot and Schumacher pushed the Ferrari for all she was worth. Team partner Shell had just introduced a new fuel mix and the Ferrari technical team had reworked the piston rods to allow this racehorse to access another 600 Rpm cutting 0.5 seconds off the lap times.

Renault returned to the race several seconds behind Ferrari but quickly made up the time as Schumacher drove defensively. Imola is an unforgiving track. Errors not only make you lose time but also but tremendous strain on the mechanical portions of the vehicle. Alonso was convinced that Schumacher was holding him back as he aggressively attempted several passes only to be closed down by Schumacher. The frustration of the Renault team was evident as the pilot screamed back and forth with the team director.

In a surprise move the Renault team pitted again after only a few laps with the intention of repaying the favor executed earlier by team Ferrari. Schumacher pushed the Ferrari, bringing the lap times down and as Alonso exited pit row he was amazed to see the back of Schumacher’s Ferrari. Desperation set in for Alonso as Schumacher continued a defensive path, thwarting Renault’s attempts to slide by. The aggressive driving began to take its toll on the Renault and after 3 consecutive near fatal errors Alonso conceded defeat with seven laps remaining and neatly slid in behind Schumacher.

What a race! What a car! Obviously, what a great pilot! Viva Ferrari!

Tags: Ferrari Formula Uno San Marino Schumacher Renault Alonso Imola
Milan Travel Emilia Romagna Italy

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Lamborghini – Tractors to Sports Cars

No trip including the visits to the top sports car producers would be complete without Lamborghini. Located in Sant’Agata Bologna, about 25 minutes from Maserati and Ferrari, the Lamborghini factory is easily accessible. This top line producer has a very interesting history. It is the most recent of the top name producers; the first sports model was created in 1967 but the company was established just following WWII.

In 1948, Ferruccio Lamborghini began purchasing WWII surplus vehicles and parts. He would assemble the parts to create tractors badly needed during the post war rebuilding and expansion. The company was successful but his passion was motors. In 1963 he created his first automobile. The car was an immediate success but the true money machine was the tractor business. It also was his downfall. In the 70s with falling demand for the high-end cars in the US and a cancelled order for 5,000 tractors to Brazil the company was strapped for cash.

Lamborhini sold 51% to an investor who changed the focus of the company attempting to increase profit margins. More money was needed and Lamborghini sold his remaining shares, then came Chrysler and finally, in 1998, Audi bought the company outright, bringing sufficient financing and restructuring the company returning the company to quality products. The last 10 years have seen a great rebound in the fortunes of Lamborghini however Ferruccio never saw his company return to greatness. In 1994, just a few years before the entrance of Audi, Lamborghini died.

His legacy is a monument to Italian ingenuity and workmanship. I have never owned or driven a Lamborghini but it is a dream. One time on the track, take this beautiful vehicle out and let her go.

Tags: Lamborghini Race Cars Emilia Romagna Bologna Italy

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Maserati – Tradition of Excellence

The seven brothers Maserati, born between 1881 and 1898, were all employed in the developing automotive industry except for Mario an artist. In fact the trademark, the Trident, a statue in Bologna to Neptune, is attributed to Mario. The first brother to begin working on motors was Carlo who designed a single piston motor for a bicycle factory just outside of Milan. Carlo was also a rider and in 1900 held the speed record at 50 km/hour. Carlo continued to race and had a great but short career and died at the age of 29.

Carlo had brought his brother Alfieri to work with him in the various automobile companies he represented. Upon the death of Carlo, Alfieri took his brothers place and in 1914 rented an empty warehouse to build racecars. Alfieri was hired by team Diatto, where he won numerous Grand Premio. Given his capabilities as pilot and technician, Diatto asks him to take over the design of their cars.

The first fully Maserati car was created in 1926 and in its debut won its class driven by Alfieri. In 1929 the V4, with a 16 cylinder motor, established the world speed record at 246 km/hour.

In 1937, following the death of Alfieri, the Maserati brothers sold the company to the Orsi family of Modena and the plant is moved to Modena where it stands today. The brothers remain in the company and continue to develop high quality racecars dominating Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Talbot. The golden years continue through 1967 during which time the company could do no wrong. In 1971, as Italy is facing social changes and competition from lower wage countries, Citroen purchases the company. Several interesting models, including my Quattroporte, were introduced but the vehicles suffered from quality problems. In 1993 FIAT, who had moved its mass production vehicles to Poland, purchased Maserati and initiated a complete reorganization of the company returning to the values of quality and innovation. The new models are beautiful, fast, and sure.

I owned a Quattroporte. This was a marvelous vehicle even though it suffered from some of the quality problems of the Citroen era. This 4 door vehicle was an innovation, larger than both the Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. It drove like a sports car but was comfortable enough for a 5 hour drive. When you started the motor it was like a 1960s muscle car, tight in the turns and with tremendous power. It was not only fast; it was quick. This was a dream car and priced about 25% under the Ferrari remained relatively affordable.

Maserati is born on the racetrack and you can feel it from the time you open the door. This is the kind of car that you take out in the middle of the night, turn the stereo up, and run the roads. The adrenalin rush is impressive. This was the first car that I drove where the car would hug the road tighter the faster it went. Accelerating into the curves you could feel the car sit to the inside. Finally it would stop on a dime. An incredible experience for those who love their cars, this is a must stop during any vacation in that includes Emilia Romagna.

Tags: Maserati Racing Modena Emilia Romagna Italy

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Ferrari – Il Cavallino Modenese

Ferrari the horse of Modena – Pride of Italy

Maranello, Italy is home and birthplace of the premier sports car in the world, the Ferrari. As a young pup, while I still was programming, I had the opportunity to write some code for the quality assurance program in Ferrari’s manufacturing plant. To be able to do this I spent about six months with the technicians learning what they did and why they did it that way. I met many of the team for the formula 1 car and at lunch would grill anyone I had at the table about Ferrari, its history, and how they did things.

Some interesting trivia about Ferrari, it may be outdated but the basic information should be valid. Every Ferrari is made by hand. A crew follows the car from start to finish. Each piece is documented and tested both before and after being mounted. The quality control is incredible. A car that is “born bad”, never leaves the shop. If a car has a rattle or unconfirmed noise the company will find it, fix it, test the car on the track, and finally replace the tires before giving it back to the client.

I have never owned a Ferrari, but have driven many. I can assure you this car is worth the price tag. It will last forever. At that time, Ferrari produced 2,500 units a year, 2,000 were sold in the United States. There was a six month wait for a Ferrari in the US and almost two years in Italy. The Italian version was faster than the US version due to the excess weight on the US version for side intrusion bars and vehicle emission stuff on the motor.

Ferrari is also a prime contender in Formula One, Two and Three, but when they talk about the “Rossa” they are talking about the Formula One. Formula One is exciting and widely followed in Italy. National pride abounds when these handmade cars hit the track. This link is to a site, in Italian, that has the various races tracks and teams. Check it out even if you do not read Italian, the graphics are fantastic and data is data. Michael Schumacher or “Sciumi”, pronounced shumy, is a hero in Italy.

Maranello is about 20 km south of Modena, a great vacation destination by itself. It is a small town where everything is developed around the car manufacturer. Great little restaurants, bars and hotels offer extremely high quality service at a reasonable price but the main attraction is the plant and its private testing track.

The factory is located on the Via Abetone Inferiore; This is primary road entering the town. It is not possible to tour the factory without the help of your dealer. Guided tours are sometimes arranged exclusively for dealers and their customers and for Ferrari Clubs. But everyone can have a look into the entrance hall of the factory that is generally open to the public. Various exhibits are on display there regularly, ranging from current production to Formula One cars.

A nice place for all "Ferrari spotters" is Via Musso right next to the factory. Every car going to the test track enters and exits the plant here. This includes customer cars, Formula One cars and the new prototypes.

Ferrari’s private test track is located at the end of the Via Dino Ferrari. There are some small streets that end right on the fence of the track; great photo shots if you have a 200m zoom lens. The Fiorano track is used regularly for Formula One testing, check F1 schedule - no testing one week before a race. Ferrari also tests its prototypes and normal production cars.

Check out Ferrari’s museum in Via Dino Ferrari. The Museum is open daily, except Mondays, between 9.30 h and 12.30 h and from 15.00 h to 18.00 h.

There are many hotels available; I would stay at the "Hotel Domus", located right in the heart of Maranello in Piazza Libertà 38. The phone is +39/0536/941071. This hotel was the favorite lodging for the Grand Prix drivers in the old days. If you are looking for something more upscale the "Executive Hotel" in Fiorano is also nice. Address: Via Circ. San Francesco 2, I-41042 Fiorano. Tel.: +39/0536/832010.

Here is a list of restaurants and bars where you can find great food and talk about Ferrari with those in the know:

Ristorante Giardino Dei Tigli
209 Via. Abetone Superiore
0536-940067

Ristorante Gatto Verde
162 Via. Abetone Superiore
0536-941169

Ristorante Da William
1 Via. Flavio Gioia
0536-941027

Ristorante Nuova Estense
2248 Via. Nuova Estense Pozza
0536-948225

Ristorante Cavallino - Customers hang out
1 Via. Abetone Inferiore
0536-941160

Ristorante La Scalinata
356 Via. Abetone Superiore
0536-941041

Ristorante La Gazzella416
Via. Vandelli Gorzano
0536-941079

Ristorante Trattoria Frascinotti
20 Via. S. Antonio Torre Maina
0536-941441

Trattoria Zanichelli
Via. Vandelli
0536-941851

Ristorante Piccola Sardegna
6 Via. Chiesa
0536-941300

Osteria Il Postiglione
143 Via. Abetone Suoeriore
0536-945307

Bar Trattoria La Fontana - Scuderia Ferrari hang out
57 Via. Vignola
0536-941024

On a personal note: The TestaRossa (red head) is my favorite Ferrari of all.

Technorati Tags: Ferrari Formula One Modena Maranello Italy

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