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Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Roars of approval
On the hallowed asphalt of Ferrari's Fiorano test track stands Enzo Ferrari's iconic red-and-white building, the backdrop to every new model to roll out of Maranello. But today, the car on display isn't new. It's proudly used, and that's the point. Ferrari Approved is the Italian brand's official pre-owned car programme. Ferrari Approved, the company's official pre-owned car programme, aims to make the dream of owning a Ferrari a little more reachable. New models are eye-wateringly expensive. But pre-owned is risky: The history is unknown, there might be hidden repairs, who knows if a car was trashed within an inch of its life before it was sold? That's where Ferrari Approved steps in. A used car is carefully certified and restored by the factory, giving buyers peace of mind that they're getting the authentic Ferrari experience. Every car goes through over 200 technical checks, from powertrain and electronics to bodywork and trim. Worn-out and non-original parts (even something as small as an aftermarket exhaust) are replaced with genuine Ferrari components, bringing each car as close to factory condition as possible. 'A Ferrari is a product that has been created to last forever,' says Andrea Scioletti, head of Ferrari Approved. And it shows: More than 90% of Ferraris ever built are still on the road. Each pre-owned car is brought as close to factory condition as possible. I got to sample three cars, each well-travelled but brimming with life. First, the 296 GTB, a hybrid V6 beauty with 13,000 km on the clock. Even on a damp Fiorano track, it felt agile, alive, and every bit as thrilling as new, with a soundtrack to match. Then came the SF90 Stradale. Despite over 28,000 km under its belt, its ferocious 1,000 hp hybrid powertrain launched it down the straights as if fresh from the factory. Finally, I drove a pre-owned Roma in a stunning blue. Out on the winding hills, it felt tight and refined. No rattles, no squeaks. Earlier Ferraris had a reputation online for sticky 'melting' buttons in hot climates, but this Roma's controls felt perfectly crisp and tactile. Every Ferrari Approved car comes with a factory-backed warranty: 24 months in Europe, the US, West Asia and China; 12 months in markets like India; plus 24-hour roadside assistance. Owners can also personalise their cars using official Ferrari accessories: Carbon-fibre trim, wheels, and other subtle touches. From powertrain and electronics to bodywork and trim, nothing escapes inspection. Ferrari's cleverest move? Fixing hybrid battery life. Older hybrid cars often suffer falling resale values due to ageing batteries. Ferrari Approved covers this with a special warranty, promising battery replacement at the 8th and 16th year of ownership, using the most advanced Ferrari battery tech available at the time. It's a promise that helps future-proof hybrid Ferraris for decades. The final piece of Ferrari Approved is its global dealer network, where factory-trained technicians ensure each car meets Maranello's standards, whether sold in Italy or India. But perhaps the biggest draw is emotional. As Scioletti says, Ferrari Approved is 'very often the way to enter the Ferrari community'. Because at the end of the day, a pre-owned Ferrari isn't second best, it's simply a more accessible way to live the dream. From HT Brunch, July 05, 2025 Follow us on
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maharashtra-registered Ferrari's free run ends, owner coughs up Rs 1.4 crore in tax in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: For over a year, a bright red Ferrari zipped through Bengaluru's streets, turning heads — and raising eyebrows. On Thursday, its ride came to a brief halt near Lalbagh when transport officials flagged it for allegedly dodging Karnataka's lifetime tax. Registered in Maharashtra, the Rs 7.5 crore SF90 Stradale had been operating in the city well past the one-year limit allowed for out-of-state vehicles. The owner, a businessman, coughed up Rs 1.4 crore in tax and penalty on the same day to avoid having the car impounded. Acting on a tip-off, Jayanagar RTO officials began tracking a Ferrari that had been spotted frequently on Bengaluru's streets. On Thursday, they found the owner had not paid Karnataka's lifetime tax. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "In Maharashtra, tax on such cars is a flat Rs 20 lakh, but in Karnataka, it amounts to nearly Rs 1.5 crore. The vehicle was registered in Maharashtra two years ago. Around 8.30am on Thursday, the driver was cruising near Lalbagh. When we stopped the car and asked for documents, he said they were at home. Later, we verified the registration," an official said. After an investigation, RTO officials concluded that the vehicle had been used in the city for over 18 months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book 3 & 4 BHK apartments from 4.65 Cr* in Sec 22, Gurugram Ambience Creacions, Gurugram Learn More Undo "As per rules, if a vehicle registered outside the state is used here for over a year, the owner must pay the applicable tax or the vehicle will be seized," the official added. The officer said they had briefed senior authorities about the situation, who directed them to seize the Ferrari if the owner failed to comply. "Following this, the owner agreed to pay the due tax," the official confirmed. The businessman operating across 55 locations in India had chosen to register the car in Maharashtra to benefit from the lower tax rate. "But the rules are clear," said the official. "If you use an out-of-state vehicle in Karnataka for more than a year, you are liable to pay lifetime tax here." This isn't the first time the RTO has taken action against luxury vehicle owners flouting tax norms. In recent years, authorities have launched multiple drives in Bengaluru targeting high-end cars avoiding local taxes. In a special drive conducted in March, the department had collected Rs 40 crore from multiple luxury vehicles registered outside the state. Officials said the present drive will continue.
Courier-Mail
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Carmakers' massive U-turn on EVs
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Multiple automotive companies are scaling back their plans to produce and sell electric vehicles as demand for performance EVs tapers. Ferrari is the latest luxury manufacturer to pull the plug on their second all-electric model. According to Reuters, the luxury car manufacturer has pushed back plans for a second all-electric model from a planned 2026 launch to a new 2028 date due to a lack of demand for high-performance luxury EVs. According to sources close to Reuters, low market interest would also give Ferrari more time to further develop in-house technology for its second electric vehicle. However, soft demand remained the main reason for the delay. Instead, Ferrari will continue to reveal its first electric vehicle in October 2025, following the launch of several hybrid models, including the 296 GTB/GTS in 2021 and the SF90 Stradale in 2019. Ferrari has pushed back plans for its next EV. MORE: Insane features of 'preposterous' new SUV While details of the second electric Ferrari model have yet to be confirmed, Ferrari joins other European brands in delaying planned launches of their electric vehicles in recent times. Ferrari's Italian competitor, Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, announced in December that it will launch its first electric model in 2029, rather than 2028. Additionally, Germany's Porsche has scaled back its plans for electric vehicles due to lower sales of its electric Macan SUV and Taycan models. Audi has also announced it will postpone its plans to exclusively build electric cars from 2032, and instead opt to develop a new generation of combustion and hybrid vehicles to align with global market dynamics. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY The car maker planned to introduce its final new petrol-powered model line in 2026, with the end of the vehicle's lifespan in 2032 seeing Audi sell only battery electric vehicles from then onwards. The original EV-only date was announced back in 2021, with the German carmaker insisting it would only build zero-emission vehicles for all global markets except China. And in a recent update, company executives clarified that while electric cars remain a core part of Audi's strategy, the company will no longer limit itself to launching only electric models after 2026. Photo of the Audi SQ8 e-tron CEO Gernot Döllner said that the company is launching a completely new line-up of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and hybrid vehicles, allowing up to 10 years to see how the market develops. 'We have already decided to extend the production beyond the communicated end dates of the past,' he said. 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron MORE: Tesla rival's 'quiet statement' shades Elon Audi isn't alone with this change either. Volvo has extended ICE deadlines both globally and in Australia, while Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also shying away from an all-electric future anytime soon. This decision comes amid broader turbulence in the EV sector. Demand for electric cars has cooled in several markets due to high costs, gaps in charging infrastructure, and consumer hesitation. Data from the Australian Automobile Association revealed just 17,914 EVs were sold in the first three months of 2025 or just over 6 per cent of all vehicle sales in the country. Demand for EVs has cooled. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper The AAA quarterly vehicle report showed the last time EV sales were at that level was in 2023 when 17,396 cars were sold during the same period. The 2025 data also shows EVs have dropped market share when compared to the final three months of 2024 – 21,331 EVs were sold in the last quarter of 2024 to make up 7.42 per cent of the country's vehicle sales. 2025 Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Volkswagen ID. 4 Pro. Picture: Mark Bean MORE: Tesla reveals major 'Robotaxi' move That represents a drop of 1.12 per cent in market share quarter to quarter. Additionally, China's rapid development of high-quality electric vehicles have posed a significant challenge to US and European car manufacturers in Australia. Chinese EV brands, such as BYD and MG, have already made their mark in Australia, filling most of the top-selling positions after Tesla. The key driver behind this is the aggressive pricing that is pushing Chinese EV makers to the forefront of consumers' minds. 2025 Tesla Model Y. Picture: Mark Bean BYD is continuing to smash Tesla in Australia, with sales of Elon Musk's car company down 48.2 per cent compared to this time last year. Australian sales data published by the EV Council shows Tesla sold 3897 vehicles last month, more than seven times the 500 cars it delivered in April. It also just about doubles the number of cars sold by Tesla this year, to 6974. However, the company is experiencing a gradual decline in sales due to slow performance in the early months of 2025, attributed to a shortage of Model Y stock. Originally published as Carmakers' massive U-turn on EVsstrategies
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Ferrari To Postpone Its Second EV Because Of 'Zero' Demand
Ferrari F80 hybrid Given the momentum with which global carmakers are surging ahead with electrification plans, it'd seem foolish to think that preparations for a second Ferrari EV model are not in the pipeline, despite the fact that the company's first EV model hasn't even debuted yet. According to Reuters however, Ferrari's second EV is currently in jeopardy, presumably due to almost "zero" demand. Originally intended to be a low-production demonstration of their electrification technology, Ferrari's first electric vehicle is scheduled to debut on October 9, 2025. According to the newswire, an unnamed source claimed that Maranello had to postpone the second model's launch, which was originally slated for 2026, until at least 2028 due to low demand for the series-production model. Ferrari's Maranello factory. (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images) Electrification is nothing new to Ferrari. Both the LaFerrari and the SF90 Stradale, the Prancing Horse's first hybrid cars, were widely lauded by both fans and reviewers alike when they were first presented in 2013 and 2019, respectively. Going all EV, meanwhile, appears to be a completely different matter. When Ferrari first revealed its EV plans, many outspoken fans voiced their disapproval, as was to be expected. Some argued about "soul" and "character," while others, perhaps more sensibly, raised concerns about the possible weight gain from the EV batteries, which would compromise driving dynamics. Ferrari is still moving forward with its first EV supercar project, which is expected to launch for about EUR500,000. Their new EV model, to be built at Ferrari's new facility, is an integral part of a three-stage plan with the grand finale slated for sometime in spring (March to June) next year, with deliveries starting in October. Maranello's most recent move is just another example of sports car manufacturers scaling back their electrification plans, as many attribute this development to waning demand and changing market perceptions. Porsche most recently declared that, at least for the foreseeable future, it will continue to develop its internal combustion engines while delaying its electrification ambitions.
South China Morning Post
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Style Edit: Richard Mille and Ferrari unveil the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari, a masterpiece of engineering and design housed in microblasted titanium or Carbon TPT
When two icons of engineering – Richard Mille and Ferrari – join forces, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Enter the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari, the latest timepiece born from this powerhouse collaboration, designed not only to perform at the highest level but to look unmistakably Ferrari in every detail. Crafted with input from Ferrari's supercar factory Centro Stile, the RM 43-01 is infused with automotive DNA, from its sculptural crown to the strap inspired by Ferrari's Purosangue seat architecture. The case, pushers, and even dial components exhibit the same muscular look found in Ferrari's most iconic machines – think the SF90 Stradale or the Daytona SP3. It's not design for design's sake – every form is rooted in performance. Ferrari Formula One drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Photo: Handout Advertisement At its core lies the RM43-01 calibre, engineered over three years and developed with Richard Mille's long-time movement partner, Audemars Piguet Le Locle (APLL). Housed in either microblasted titanium or Carbon TPT (with 75 pieces available in Carbon TPT, and another 75 in Carbon TPT and titanium), the calibre rests on a highly skeletonised Grade 5 titanium baseplate – lightweight, incredibly strong, and visually striking. A torque indicator, function selector and 70-hour power reserve complete the technical 'dashboard', while an active seconds display with five rotating blades adds kinetic beauty. RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari in Carbon TPT. Photo: Handout But it's the finishing that truly elevates the RM 43-01. The metallic texture of the baseplate recalls the industrial elegance of sand-cast engine components, while microblasted bridges mimic the matt finish of Ferrari engine covers. Angular ridges, golden hexagonal screws, and X-shaped supports create a bold, three-dimensional aesthetic that feels almost like an exposed engine block as much as haute horlogerie. The Richard Mille tourbillon split-seconds chronograph has been reimagined with refined components that improve efficiency and power distribution. Photo: Handout The tourbillon split-seconds chronograph – a signature Richard Mille complication – is reimagined here with refined components that improve efficiency and power distribution. Through extensive simulation and testing, the mechanism has been optimised to deliver consistent torque across the entire power reserve, echoing Ferrari's relentless pursuit of peak performance. This is not just a tribute watch – it's a high-speed manifesto. One that bridges the worlds of motorsport and watchmaking with clarity, precision and style. As Ferrari's Flavio Manzoni puts it, 'Anything that has a technical purpose can also be beautiful.' The RM 43-01 embodies that philosophy in every screw, surface and split-second.
