Latest news with #SF90
Canberra Times
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Canberra Times
2025 Lamborghini Revuelto review
We have spent a lot of time with the Lamborghini Revuelto lately. We took our time with the Revuelto around Brisbane's inner suburbs for a few days, before taking it up for a spirited drive around Mount Glorious/Nebo. We then spent a day at Sydney motorsport park putting in lap after lap and being gob-smacked by the sheer pace and composure on offer, before taking another Revuelto out to a regional airport in Wyalkatchum in Western Australia to drag race it against the likes of the SF90, McLaren Senna and so many others.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ferrari Agrees: Touch-Sensitive Steering Wheel Buttons Were a Bad Idea
There's a new Ferrari in town, and it's called the Amalfi. Continuing the automaker's penchant for naming sports cars with Italian landmarks, the Amalfi, which is the successor to the Roma, brings evolutionary styling and upgraded tech to the base-level Ferrari model. However, its most welcome feature is something refreshingly simple: proper physical, tactile buttons on the steering wheel. With the Amalfi's arrival, Ferrari has officially backtracked on one of its most criticized decisions – its insistence on using touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Introduced on models like the SF90 and Roma, the system aimed to enhance modernity and performance, but instead left many owners fumbling through menus mid-drive or accidentally activating features while on a spirited drive. Speaking to Top Gear, Ferrari marketing boss Enrico Galliera explained the company's reasoning behind the haptic controls, and its subsequent reversal. "Our philosophy is always 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.' But we were finding people were having too much time with their eyes also on the wheel. We listened to our customers," he admitted. He added that while touch controls may be faster on a smartphone, the experience in a moving supercar proved far less intuitive. Galliera also acknowledged that Ferrari's HMI (human-machine interface) "was probably too advanced and not 100 percent perfect in use." The touch interface had been developed in pursuit of performance and speed, mirroring the ultra-fast SF90's hybrid system, but ultimately didn't match the needs of drivers in the real world. Now, Ferrari is "re-balancing, not changing" its design strategy. Design chief Flavio Manzoni seconded the move. "Beauty is simplicity," he told Top Gear, reinforcing the notion that elegance and usability can – and should – coexist in a Ferrari. Best of all, the tactile steering wheel buttons are not a feature locked to the new Amalfi. According to Ferrari's product development chief Gianmaria Fulgenzi, several existing models - including the 296 GTB, Purosangue, SF90, and 12Cilindri - can be retrofitted with the new steering wheel setup. "Yes, you can have it," Fulgenzi told Top Gear. "We don't even have to replace the whole wheel. Just the center." The retrofit can be performed at any Ferrari dealer, and after a short test drive to verify calibration, drivers are good to go. It's a rare move for a brand like Ferrari to admit fault so directly, but one that's bound to earn goodwill from customers who've long wanted the brand's supercars to get back to just being great to drive. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Top Gear
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ferrari will retro-fit its spoiled supercars with new steering wheel buttons
Ferrari will retro-fit its spoiled supercars with new steering wheel buttons Best mod ever set to make 296 and 12Cilindri more excellent, and SF90 actually driveable Skip 17 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 17 The very best thing about the new Ferrari Amalfi is… its steering wheel. Gone are the touch-sensitive controls which were so annoying, Ferrari latterly switched them off if you didn't touch them for ten seconds, to stop drivers accidentally scrolling menus and activating cruise control while trying to enjoy a corner. That should've been a clue. But you don't have to buy an Amalfi to go back to buttons. The same common sense is now available to most recent Ferraris. As well as confirming the next batch of future Ferrari cars will also have the physical button wheel, product development boss Gianmaria Fulgenzi has told owners of existing cars can get the same clicky-button upgrade. Advertisement - Page continues below 'Yes, you can have it,' said Fulgenzi when we asked him if the new old-skool wheel was compatible with the likes of the 296 GTB, Purosangue, SF90 and 12Cilindri. 'We don't even have to replace the whole wheel. Just the centre [boss],' he added. Fulgenzi also said owners who want this upgrade (that'll be, um, everyone) won't have to ship their car all the way back to Italy. Any local Ferrari dealer will be able to carry out the operation. 'Then we just do a short test drive to confirm all calibration is okay.' Easy! Explaining the decision to go back to buttons, Ferrari's marketing boss Enrico Galliera told TG: 'Our philosophy is always 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the roads. But we were finding people were having too much time with their eyes also on the road. We listened to our customers.' Going further, he explained why Ferrari even bothered with the touch-sensitive nonsense in the first place. 'When we were designing the SF90, we set out to create the most high-performing Ferrari.' Galliera explained that meant everything – not just the 986bhp hybrid drivetrain – had to make things happen as fast as possible. Ferrari design chief Flavio Manzoni also commented that 'beauty is simplicity". He's a noted fan of minimalist controls. Advertisement - Page continues below But Galliera conceded: 'When you are using a touchscreen phone, you are much faster. But we recognise that when you are also driving, too often it was hands on the wheel, but also eyes on the wheel.' Galliera also said the interior HMI (human media interface) was 'probably too advanced and not 100 per cent perfect in use. We're re-balancing, not changing our strategy'. We could get all 'told you so' here. But… we won't. Because we're just relieved Ferrari has decided its brilliant supercars don't deserve to be spoiled with naff infotainment controls that turn every drive into an irritation. Grazie regazzi. What next? iDrive clickwheels remaining in BMWs? Knurled knobs returning to Audis? Teslas with gear selector stalks? We can dream – let's start a comments section wish-list. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
How Chevy Builds a Corvette ZR1 That Shames Hypercars Costing Three Times More
The $174,995 price tag for the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the highest ever for a Corvette (soon to be eclipsed by the all-wheel drive ZR1X), but compared to even the cheapest models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, the ZR1 is a downright bargain. Not only is it less expensive than even the cheapest supercars from ultra-premium brands, but the ZR1 also delivers astounding levels of performance that bests Ferrari and Lamborghini hypercars that cost three times more. How is Chevy able to do this for so much less than the others? We take a closer look. The ZR1's price seems stratospheric for even a top-tier Corvette, but it pales in comparison to other brands' less capable entry-level models. The Ferrari Roma, the cheapest Ferrari sold today, costs $279,965. The upcoming Lamborghini Temerario will cost around $290,000, making it the least expensive Lamborghini supercar. The $254,100 McLaren Artura costs less than the Ferrari and the Lamborghini, but it's still $80 grand more than the ZR1. You can buy a BMW M4 with the leftover funds. The Corvette ZR1 isn't compromising anything in the way of performance, and that's been proven on the drag strip. The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter LT7 engine that churns out 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it the most powerful V8 Chevy has ever created. 0-60 comes in a scant 2.3 seconds, and it tops out at 233 mph. According to Motor1, the ZR1's output numbers might be even higher than Chevy stated. It looks like the ZR1 might be closer to 1,180 horsepower and 920 lb-ft based on dyno figures and after estimated drivetrain losses. A recent drag race video between the Chevy Corvette ZR1, the Lamborghini Revuelto, and the Ferrari SF90 reveals the 'Vette's immense straight-line capability. In a quarter-mile sprint, it bests both the Ferrari and the Lamborghini. The ZR1 isn't as quick as the Revuelto off the line, but it cooks the SF90 from the get-go. As the speeds increase, the powerful twin-turbo V8 ZR1 starts to catch up to the Revuelto, and the Ferrari never gains on it. At the end, it's the ZR1 that takes the quarter-mile crown, an impressive feat for a car Ferrari and Lamborghini owners might ordinarily look down on. Not anymore. Chevrolet rates the Corvette ZR1 at 9.6 seconds at 152 mph. In the actual drag race with the Revuelto and the SF90, the ZR1 did it in 9.8 seconds at 146. That might be a tad slower than Chevy stated, but keep in mind that the twin-turbo V8 in the ZR1 only powers the rear wheels, whereas the V12 Revuelto with three electric motors (1,001 hp, 787 lb-ft) and the twin-turbo V8 SF90 with three electric motors (986 hp, 590 lb-ft) can't keep up with the ZR1. To boot, the Revuelto costs $608,358, and the SF90 is priced at $528,764. Each one costs over three times more than the ZR1. The ZR1 is a supercar that's destroying hypercars two at a time. The Chevrolet Corvette has long been a symbol of attainable performance, beginning with the C4 in 1983. Now in mid-engine configuration for the first time, the 2025 C8 Corvette Stingray (490-hp 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine) ups the ante. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and attains a top speed of 195 mph. It also hangs on with authority, providing 1.03 lateral g's. This is the entry-level Corvette, folks. All this for a base price of $68,300. The C8 Corvette in any trim delivers supercar thrills at a fraction of the price. With the arrival of the ZR1, Chevrolet has built a world-beating supercar that holds nothing back. The ZR1 uses a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06's 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8. The Z06's engine already revs to 8,600 rpm and makes 670 horsepower without turbocharging. The ZR1's two turbos send this number to 1,064 horsepower. The upcoming all-wheel drive ZR1X will throw down 1,250 horsepower to all four wheels. We can't imagine what its performance numbers will look like. One of the biggest contributing factors to the ZR1's comparatively low price is that Chevrolet can deliver this power using proven, mass-produced components. By leveraging economies of scale and existing architecture, they avoid the costs that come with bespoke powertrains seen in the likes of a Ferrari SF90 or Lamborghini Revuelto, both of which use powertrains not found in their other models. Each one has its own sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup. The ZR1 does not. GM's extensive testing and engineering can ensure reliability even with the added boost, something that often plagues smaller-volume supercar makers that don't build anything other than high-performance vehicles. One of Chevrolet's most potent tools is the manufacturing might of the General Motors juggernaut. The Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant that builds the Corvette can churn out thousands of cars per year using highly refined dnd time-proven processes. This is something that boutique supercar brands simply can't match. By building the ZR1 alongside Stingray and Z06 models, Chevrolet can leverage shared components and production efficiencies, suppliers can offer better pricing thanks to higher volume orders, and quality control benefits from systems honed over decades of mass production. Corvettes, overall, are typically less expensive than Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or McLarens primarily due to differences in production volume, materials, and brand positioning. For example, Ferrari only built 799 SF90 Stradale coupes and 599 SF90 Spiders, but Chevy says they will build as many ZR1s as the market demands. Corvettes are mass-produced with shared components, while Ferraris are known for their exclusivity and hand-built processes. This results in higher production costs and prices. Chevrolet can offer similar or superior performance at a fraction of the cost. Supercar manufacturers often rely on very expensive materials like carbon fiber monocoques to save weight and add stiffness. Do they work? Yes, but the C8 platform has been proven to work marvelously. The aluminum spaceframe offers impressive rigidity without the cost of developing and manufacturing carbon tubs. Carbon fiber requires a complex manufacturing process, and it costs over forty times more than aluminum. The ZR1 also utilizes carbon fiber aerodynamic components (splitters, diffusers, wings) where they matter most, without overusing expensive materials. The massive rear wing is adjustable and creates tremendous downforce without the use of active aero, which is pricier and utilized for a certain look. On top of that, the ZR1 also uses underbody panels to reduce lift rather than a complex active aero system that adds expense. For the ZR1, Chevrolet can push this even further with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 for adaptive damping that rivals or exceeds systems on cars costing far more, and that tech isn't just used for the ZR1 but across other GM models. The ZR1's approach is more functional than aesthetic, and that keeps costs lower. Pricey exotics like the $2.5 million Pagani Utopia have impressive interiors using gobs of billet aluminum for an artisanal interior that's unique to the model. At the opposite end of high-performance cars, the ZR1 uses the same design and materials as the Stingray but with some upgrades. It's not a unique interior in terms of design, and that saves on costs, too. What's more, high-end supercars often load up on tech, and these systems can be costly, and in some cases, unnecessary for the pure driving experience. Chevrolet can prioritize: A simple, high-quality digital cluster that provides important driving data along with a useful infotainment system and good switchgear. You won't see optional packages for the ZR1 that cost tens of thousands of dollars and can drive up the price of a car into the stratosphere. The most expensive options are $13,995 carbon fiber wheels and the $8,495 ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package. Even special paint colors like the Competition Yellow Tintcoat Metallic in some of these photos won't set you back more than a grand. Ferrari will charge tens of thousands for exposed carbon interiors, special stitching, or custom paint. Chevrolet doesn't bog down the price of the ZR1 with near-endless aesthetic options. Of course, if you want fancier looks, like two-tone seats or special badging, the prices are quite reasonable for the ZR1, not more than a few hundred dollars. You won't see anywhere near those prices for the European steeds. The Corvette ZR1 represents more than just the next step in the C8's evolution. It's a chance for Chevrolet to remind the world that you don't need to spend half a mil or more to enjoy world-beating performance. By focusing on smart engineering, leveraging mass production, and refusing to get caught up in the excesses that drive supercar prices sky-high, Chevy can deliver a ZR1 that obliterates expectations and lap records alike. The upcoming ZR1X will show off its wares and firepower soon, proving even more that the C8 Corvette's premium iterations can best the most expensive cars in the world. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Bumblebee 1000 is gearing up for its latest charity supercar roadtrip
BUMBLEBEE 1000 is now gearing up for its second charity event of 2025 — The Talladega Nights Roadtrip — which takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13-15. This latest adventure will feature over 100 of Ireland's finest supercars. 6 RED DEVIL: This red SF90 features loads of carbon pieces, even the Ferrari badges and weheels are carbon Credit: Darren Liggett I can't list them all but here's a few to whet your appetite. In just over two weeks you will be able to see some of Italy's finest supercars like the stunning twin-turbo V8 Ferrari SF90 that produces 986bhp, or the twin-turbo V6, 819bhp Ferrari 296 GTB. Like your Lamborghinis? Well there will be a herd of raging bulls taking part including Huracáns and the track-inspired STOs, plus V12 Aventadors and the exclusive SVJ models. Other Lamborghinis taking part is a super rare Aventador SVJ 63, a limited edition model with only 63 of them in the world. And the last Gallardo Superleggera ever made, number 618 of 618, will be taking part, this incredible machine, once owned by Eric Clapton, has to be seen to be believed. 6 RARE BEAST: Limited edition Lamborghini Aventador 63 Credit: Bumblebee 1000 6 HEAVY METAL: Beautiful Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera was previously owned by Eric Clapton Credit: Darren Liggett There will be Bentley Continental GTs including Ireland's only 2025 Mulliner model and other luxury marques include Rolls Royce Cullinan. Other spectacular supercars will include many McLaren models including a 765LT that can blitz 0-100kph in just 2.8secs. Most read in Motors Plus German sportscars will be out in force and you can see plenty of Porsche models like the race-ready GT3 RS, and also add in a bevy of BMW M cars. And we cant forget Mercedes so make sure to check out the E53 and C63 AMG models and all the Audi V10 R8 supercars. There will also be Nissan R35 GT-Rs including a rare NISMO model. Ben Lambe will be bringing his Ford Ranger Raptor that's kitted out like an American SWAT Team truck. And I'll be joining the adventure as the Irish Sun's tamed motoring editor — The Ligg. ROUTE DETAILS: Talladega Nights Roadtrip June 13-15 DAY 1 - Friday June 13 STARTLINE : Barberstown Castle, Dublin, 9am PITSTOP : National School, Scoil Bhride, Sallins Rd, Naas, Kildare, 10am FUEL STOP : Barrack Obama Plaza, Junction 12, Moneygall, Tipperary, 12 noon LUNCH STOP : Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Limerick, 1.30pm FINISH LINE : Neil Armstrong Way, Tralee Town, Kerry, 4pm DAY 2 - Saturday June 14 FUEL STOP : Walsh's SuperValu Caherciveen, Kerry, 10.30am LUNCH STOP : Sneem Hotel, Sneem, Kerry, 12.30pm FINISH LINE : Lewis Road Car Park, Killarney Town, Kerry, 3pm DAY 3 - Sunday, June 15 START LINE : The Europe Hotel Killarney, Kerry, 9.30am FUEL STOP : Mallow N20 Plaza, Limerick Rd, Mallow, Cork, 11am LUNCH STOP : Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville, Cork, 12.30pm FINISH LINE : Portlaoise Plaza, Junction 17, Portloaise, Loais, 3pm 6 WINGING IT: Porsche GT3 RS Weissach edtion Credit: Jacob Liggett Day One of the big three-day adventure kicks off bright and early at 9am on Friday, June 13 starting from Barberstown Castle near Dublin. The first Pit Stop will take pace at the National School, Scoil Bhríde, Sallins Road, Naas, Kildare at 10am and then we'll make our way to our first Fuel Stop which will be at the Barrack Obama Plaza, Junction 12, Moneygall, Tipperary at noon. We will then journey to the Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Limerick for lunch at 1.30pm. And Day One will come to an end at the Neil Armstrong Way, Tralee, in Kerry as we cross the Finish Line at 4pm. Day Two , Saturday, June 14 , will see us meet up at 10.30am and fuel our machines at Walsh's SuperValu, Caherciveen, in Kerry. Then we will hit the road again and power our way to the Sneem Hotel, in Sneem in Kerry where we will stop for lunch at 12.30pm. It will be another dash to the Day Two Finish Line, arriving at 3pm at the Lewis Road Car Park, Killarney, in Kerry. Day Three , June 15, will be another early start as those having a lie-in at the Europe Hotel in Killarney will awaken to the sounds of over 100 supercars starting up and revving into life at 9.30am. The multi-million euro convoy will head south to Cork and make a much-needed Fuel Stop at the Mallow N20 Plaza, Limerick Road in Mallow, at 11am. Lunch will be held in the Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville, Cork, at 12.30pm. Then the roadtrip will be on its final stretch as it heads for the Finish Line at the Portlaoise Plaza, Junction 17, Portlaoise, Laois at 3pm. As always, all proceeds from this event will go to the fabulous Little Blue Heroes charity that's voluntarily led by Garda members and provides vital support to the families of sick kids. Read more on the Irish Sun To date, Bumblebee 1000 has raised over €608,649 for this incredible charity organisation. For more info head over to 6 HOW G-R8 THOU ART: Audi R8 V10+ are a popular Bumblebee choice Credit: Jerry McCarthy 6 FAST AND FURIOUS: Beautiful 820bhp Ferrari 296 GTB Credit: Jerry McCarthy
