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This is part of the ItalianCar.net archive - go to ItalianCar.net now NEWS ARCHIVE Ferrari launches 612 Scaglietti at North American Motor Show in Detroit
Ferrari has chosen to stage its first ever new model launch outside Italy - the launch of the new 612 Scaglietti 2+2 - to mark 50 years in the US marketplace. Designed by Pininfarina the 612 is named after Sergio Scaglietti - the Modena coachbuilder who worked closely with Enzo Ferrari in the early years and was responsible for the body design of the first Ferraris.
The 612 replaces the 456 and represents a technological leap forward from the earlier model - this is the first 12 cylinder model from Ferrari constructed in aluminium - from chassis to bodywork. The result is a car 60% stiffer and 60kg lighter than its predecessor and with impressive stats to boot - 314km/h top speed 0-100km/h in 4.2 secs from a 540bhp (at 7250 rpm) 65 degree V12 engine. A mid-front engine layout gives a very even weight distribution - 46% front 54% rear shifting the centre of gravity towards the back and lower. The 612 has a longer wheelbase than the 456 it replaces giving just a little more room to passengers (with the emphasis on 'little') and - at an expected price of around AUD$390,000 represents - at $97,500 per passenger - an absolute bargain... for a Ferrari. The Scaglietti will be available with a choice of either 6-speed manual or F1-style paddle shift.
© italiancar.com.au 06/01/04 This is ItalianCar's 100th news article - and 1st in 2004. Coincidence?... we don't think so
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