Ferrari blends F1 with on-road models

The 599 GTB Fiorano was given the thumbs-up by Michael Schumacher. Photo / Supplied

Ferrari is using the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed to show the world how its road-going supercars have benefited from its Formula One programme.

It will run three models in a special event during the annual British extravaganza: the California, the Scuderia Spider 16M and the 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE, a race-bred handling package recently given the thumbs up by former Ferrari race pilot Michael Schumacher.

But one car that won't appear at Goodwood is the upcoming F450, which next year replaces the F430 in the Italian company's line-up.

The F450 is doing the rounds near the Ferrari factory. It packs a new 4.5-litre V8 engine, said to deliver around 375kW, and a new rear diffuser.

As well as a larger engine and improved aerodynamics it's likely the F450 will use a version of the Formula One-inspired KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) system, which recovers energy from braking and turns it into usable power.

Also, the F450 will benefit from a more exotic shape than other recent Ferraris. It will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The California is Ferrari's first front-engined V8 and was designed to echo one of the greatest designs from the company's history, the 250 GT California.

The new California is packed with the latest technology and includes Ferrari's first dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox, a direct-injection 4.3-litre V8 engine with 340kW on tap, the latest F1-Trac traction control system, a new multi-link rear suspension, and a retractable folding hardtop.

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is a special high-performance model launched to commemorate Ferrari's 16th Formula One Constructors' Title in 2008. Limited to an exclusive 499 examples worldwide, the Scuderia Spider 16M features the same ride and handling characteristics of the F430 Scuderia, but with some additional livery options and interior detailing.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with its HGTE (Handling GT Evoluzione) package is designed to deliver a more dynamic performance.

HGTE includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs, rear anti-roll bar and new calibration settings for shock absorbers. The ride height has also been lowered to further improve body control, and the tyres use a special compound to boost grip.

The car's electronics have also been upgraded for more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The package also includes styling touches that distinguish it from the standard production car, including a more aggressive front grille, specific 20-inch rims and abundant use of carbon-fibre trim in the cockpit.

Schumacher did about 20 laps of Ferrari's test track, taking the 599 GTB to its limits during one of the factory's Pilota Ferrari driving courses. These are organised for Ferrari owners and four levels of courses are available - Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course and a dedicated one for those wishing to race in the one-make racing series, the Ferrari Challenge.

The courses have been run in Italy for over 15 years and recently have also been set up in the US, China and Japan.