Displaying items by tag: ferrari

Ferrari LaFerrari: Repeating perfection, literally

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:53:05 +0000

Words by Carl Trocio | Photos courtesy of Ferrari S.p.A.

It is as if it was only yesterday Ferrari gave birth to the perfect steed - the 458 Italia - and did this little pony make waves. Everything about the Italia matched science, art, and wizardry; raising the bar so high, angels tripped on it. But given the strong red statement of perfection, Ferrari, like God, had other plans, plans so diabolical that even a car as infallible as the 458 Italia did not even make “flagship” status.

And this is why…

Every once in a while, Ferrari comes out with an ultimate supercar that makes all competition look like they were beaten by an ugly stick. It all began with the 288 GTO, the F40, the F50, and most recently, the Enzo. These generations of sports cars from Maranello are an integration of the current epitome of technology derived from Ferrari’s experience in their heritage of speed. If Ferrari was a band, these cars would be their “best of” album for a certain period of time.

When Ferrari came out with the Enzo, it was baptized with the same name, as their founder as the company was confident it was their ultimate supercar. Everything about the car bled performance originating from their experiments on the racetrack. This time, originally rumored-to-be F70, Ferrari decided to call it the “LaFerrari” - a car named after the company name. That’s a lot on the line right there.

Keeping up with the times, the LaFerrari will be outfitted with an electric motor to its heart. Yes folks, this will be Ferrari’s first hybrid. But this will not be attending your Prius Car Club meets. Ferrari’s new hybrid will have a combo meal of an Earth-loving electric motor making 160 electrical horses. No, our favorite prancing horse has not turned into a unicorn running through a field of daisies, because mated to it is an ozone-depleting-kill-the-baby-seals-fuel-burning 6.2L V12 internal combustion engine that redlines at 9,250 rpm to produce 792 hp.

With their powers combined, the LaFerrari will have a whopping 952 horses and will run the quarter mile rainbow (0 to 100 km/h) in less than 3.0 seconds and have an electronically neutered top speed of 354 km/h. All this is controlled by a flappy-paddle seven-speed double clutch tranny that can shift gears in around 50 milliseconds.

The electric motor will be activated by Ferrari’s HY-KERS system (Hybrid - Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which is an electro-remixed version from Ferrari's Formula 1 cars. This doohickey utilizes the instant torque produced by the electric motor to improve acceleration and works in a similar principle as McLaren's P1. However, the LaFerrari cannot run on the electric motor alone. Ferrari will eventually come around to that… but not now. There will always be some thunder to the lightning.

As a result of the hybrid-ing, the LaFerrari emits 330 grams of C02 per kilometer and produces 40% less emissions compared to a Bugatti Veyron and is at par with a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine… blah blah blah… emissions. Who cares?!

As for the body work, it's made from the usual things heard from supercar land such as carbon fiber, monocoque, diffusers here and there, active aerodynamics, automatic rear spoiler… yaddah yaddah yaddah. What is also not new but still spectacular are the doors reminiscent of the Enzo. As for the description of the LaFerrari’s sculpted body, just scan through the pictures and let your eyes glance at the drama of shape and the orgy of niceness.

Once again, Ferrari has created a freak of nature - one that has already caught the eye of 700 people who have offered to buy the prototype or have placed an order for one when it hits production. However, Ferrari will only make 499 of these fine specimens until the end of 2014 with a price tag unfit for mere mortals. Close your eyes and picture Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil, saying “1.3 meeeelyon dollaaaars, mwahahahaha!”

UPS signs deal as official logistics and shipping sponsor of Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:42:12 +0000

Starting this 2013 season, there'll be a new sticker added to Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa's F138 race car. That's because UPS just signed a multi-year contract to be Scuderia Ferrari's new official logistics and shipping sponsor.

As part of the deal, UPS will become fully integrated into Ferrari's daily operations on and off the Formula 1 grid by providing critical delivery and transportation services. In other words, they'll have the full responsibility of shipping all of the team's equipment, tools, and Formula 1 race cars to all 19 races in the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship season.

So from this point on, expect to see UPS's gold and brown shield on Alonso's and Massa's Ferrari F138, racing overalls, as well as the Scuderia's fleet of transporters and trackside equipment.

“We are extremely pleased to have UPS on board as our new Partner, as they are one of the most successful and recognized brands worldwide,” said Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali. “Excellence, innovation and precision are critical across every process within the team. Working with an organization that has the global reach and scale of UPS, and that also shares these values, will allow us to jointly explore and implement ways to improve operations and increase efficiency across the team.”

“We are excited to join Ferrari and be a part of their racing organization,” said Christine Owens, UPS Senior Vice President, Communications and Brand Management. “UPS has been involved in motorsports for more than 12 years. Expanding our involvement into Formula 1 with one of the world’s most recognizable racing teams brings together two worldwide brands that have rich histories and cultures as well as a track record of unmatched commitment to excellence.”

UPS's new partnership with Scuderia Ferrari further expands their involvement in sports which currently includes NASCAR, NCAA, golf, and the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympic Games.

2012 Paris Motor Show : The Inside Story

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 02:13:21 +0000

Words and photos by Elmer Maniebo

Paris is, without a doubt, the most romantic city in the world. Its culture, cuisine, and bright spirit are representative of its native language, which is quite possibly the most beautiful language known to man. It is home to some of the most iconic structures to have ever been built - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe. Nothing prepares you for its charm, nostalgia, and chic. Its effervescent warmth makes it the most visited city in the world. So when the chance to go to the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012, otherwise known as the Paris Motor Show, popped-up, I didn't think twice to grab it. It’s only five hours away from where I live, and kids go free. So, what the heck!

Without a proper motor show, I did what most Brits had to do to quench their craving for new metal - crossed the English Channel and see what our French neighbors are up to. Together with my seven-year-old, we drove along the French Autoroute in our Hyundai i30 and spent three days in this hypnotic city to see the cars of tomorrow.

Home Court Advantage

Aside from seeing the shiny metals, glittering lights, and beautiful women the Paris Motor Show promises, it's also an excellent opportunity for father-son bonding, away from the comforts of home, in a city where we knew no one.

Once inside, we suddenly realized our dilemma: “How do you see over a hundred new cars sprawled in five adjacent buildings while squeezing past 112,000 people?” Yup, that many people turned up. Families arrived in their thousands, kids in tow and some bored-looking housewives wondering why they’re in this chaos rather than shopping for a Blahnik. Believe me, it’s not easy to get around and see all the cars without bumping into someone. It’s like New Year’s Eve in Times Square but without the fireworks.

The group of Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault made up about half of the main building's hall space and had the best display.

Citroen hung a five-storey-high chandelier above a glistening white DS5 Hybrid4 as its centerpiece, while a dizzying array of DS3s, DS4s, and DS5s surrounded it and danced gracefully like a French ballerina. And it’s piece d’ resistance was the Citroen DS3 WRC rally car in full racing livery. The mechanics even fired up its 300 hp turbocharged 1.6L engine and – oh boy! – what an aural orgasmic experience it was.

Meanwhile, Peugeot’s stall reeked of pure French chic and understated European elegance. A tasteful urban crossover concept car painted in fluorescent yellow called the Peugeot 2008 swayed on a revolving pedestal served as its main attraction.

Opting for a different approach, Renault combined their green credentials with the electrics and hybrids on display. But to my dismay, the repeat appearances of old EV models like the Fluence and Zoe didn’t scream confidence for a struggling brand like Renault.

And as the home of the most recognizable motoring mascot, Bibendum or better known as the Michelin Man, came with the biggest interactive screen for dads and kids to play with.

The Real Motor Show
Car companies found some odd ways to showcase their cars to add some spice from the rather common revolving stand.

Ford flipped an all-new Focus on its side to show its undercarriage - great for those interested in the mechanics of a car, brilliant for kids to play around, and alluring for petrol heads. McLaren, on the other hand, hung a stripped-down MP4-27 on a wall, deprived of any decals and livery to blend with the orange-lava color theme of the rest of its models. Another impressive sight was the trio of BMW’s Concept Active Tourer, the glass-covered i3 Megacity Vehicle, and the stunning plug-in i8 Concept Spyder hybrid. But hands down, the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was the most jaw-dropping of all.

The Brits are Coming
To balance the equation, British manufacturers crashed the party and showed the world that they're alive and kicking.

Jaguar and Land Rover paraded its hard-hitting models, starting with the launch of the all-new 2013 Range Rover. Next in line was the Evoque in both three- and five-door variants that's becoming a common sight in the streets of Paris.

Flying the rough side of the Union Jack was a battle-ready Land Rover Defender Skyfall Edition that was used in the 23rd James Bond film of the same title. We sat in it for a good 10 minutes, pretending that we were on a classified mission in the French capital. We left shaken, but not stirred after a fleeting Bond moment.

Equally imposing was Jaguar's display of its much-hyped and newly-launched F-Type convertible. It got mixed opinions from veteran hacks and curious onlookers, while the press hailed it as a revolutionary revival of the beautiful E-Type.

But the real star of the show (as far as we're concerned) was the mighty McLaren P1. Poised as the F1's successor, it packs a mind-blowing 960 horsepower and an even more mind-numbing £800,000 (P56-million) price tag. The promise of the best handling car in the world, backed up by a Formula 1-derived KERS technology seemed to be divine. I drove almost 1,300 km from England to Paris just to see this magnificent creation, and it was definitely worth the trip.

An Awesome Experience
We practically poured all our time to savor the sight of the McLaren P1 to our hearts’ content. This meant that we failed to see the display in the other two buildings that the 2012 Paris Motor Show occupied. This included the likes of the VW Group, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Skoda, Hyundai, and after-market brands.

Although we weren't able to see all the cars on display in just one long day, we experienced arguably the most exciting new car launches of the year. We also couldn't help but feel proud to be British with those stunning British marquees.

Autostrada Motore Inc. straddles the Ferrari California 30 for those who want to go 30% faster

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:09:58 +0000

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

There's a new stallion in Ferrari's stable. Brought in by the Italian marque's official Philippine importer and distributor Autostrada Motore Inc., this is the new Ferrari California 30. Though the model was first launched back in 2009, they added “30” to its name as a grim reminder to any daring challenger that it is now 30 kg lighter and has 30 more horsepower than before.

A little tuning got an extra 30 hp and 15 Nm from the 4.3L V8 that sits up front, bringing the total to 480 hp and 505 Nm of torque. This slashes 0.1 second off the time in the dash to 100 km/h, which is now achievable in just 3.8 seconds and should peak at 312 km/h. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, on the other hand, remains unchanged.

Scaglietti also managed to shed 30 kg from the California's aluminum body without sacrificing rigidity, luxury, and the retractable hard top that opens or stows in just 14 seconds.

But its sharp performance and even sharper looks won't be complete without a sharpened handling. This is taken cared of by an optional Handling Speciale Package, which improves suspension response while maintaining comfort that's essential in a Grand Tourer. The upgrade gets you “magnetorheological dampers,” stiffer springs, and a faster ECU to increase steering response by 10% and minimize body roll.

“The Ferrari California is very agile and easy to drive hard. The Ferrari bloodline ensures exceptional performance, as well as the California distinction of comfort and practicality in a a Grand Tourer (GT),” said Autostrada Motore Inc’s Chairman and President, Wellington Soong.

What's interesting though is how Ferrari actually offers an optional High Emotion Low Emissions (HELE) package for the California 30. The system includes an auto start/stop function and adaptive transmission to save fuel - a feature most customers don't concern themselves with when buying a 300 km/h V8.

We asked Autostrada Motore Inc. Executive Director Marc Soong how much the new Ferrari California 30 retails for. He replied that it should be around P20 million each. Do care to note that the price includes seven years of scheduled maintenance (every 20,000 km or once a year) - something you can't have when you buy grey.

Shell extends LEGO Ferrari collection promo until December 31

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:15:50 +0000

With seven (yes there are seven) LEGO Ferrari toys in Shell's collection, you'll have to travel to the moon and back just to complete the set. You see, you only get to buy one of these LEGO Minifigures every time you gas up at Shell worth P1,500. We estimate that you need to consume around 200 liters of fuel, all in the name of LEGOs. Worse part is, they only gave us a month to do so.

Thankfully, the boys and girls at Pilipinas Shell wants us to have a very Merry Christmas. So to celebrate the holidays, they're extending their Ferrari Model LEGO Collection promo until December 31, 2012.

“We are very happy with the overwhelming support we received for the Ferrari Model LEGO Collection. In response, Shell decided to extend the promotion, to give our loyal customers more chance to complete their collection, or even give them as gifts this holiday season,” says Vanessa Ejercito, Shell Fuels Brand Manager.

The seven LEGO Minifigures you need to complete the set are the: (1) Ferrari F150° Italia, (2) Scuderia Ferrari Truck, (3) Ferrari 250 GT Berlinettapassocorto (SWB), (4) Ferrari F40, (5) Ferrari FXX, (6) Ferrari 458 Italia, and the (7) Shell F1 Team.

These LEGO Ferrari models and mini figures can be bought for only P140 each when you fill up with Shell's V-Power Nitro+ Racing, Gasoline, or Diesel worth P1,500. Or 180 when you gas up with Shell FuelSave Unleaded or Diesel. On the other hand, those who avail of any participating Shell Helix Oil Change Package can get one of the LEGO Ferraris for FREE.

As big LEGO nuts ourselves, the Kotse.com Crew Collected, Built, and Raced every single one of them just like Shell asked us to. And after spending hours playing with these minifigures, here's everything you need to know about Shell's LEGO Ferrari toy collection: Dissecting Shell's LEGO Ferrari collection brick-by-brick

Dissecting Shell's LEGO Ferrari collection brick-by-brick

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:29:13 +0000

Words and photos by Christopher Kho

Late in October 2012, Pilipinas Shell caught the LEGO bug when they launched the Ferrari toy collection. These officially-license toys were made available at Shell stations nationwide, where you could get them every time you gas up. Thankfully, they were kind enough to give us a complete set, saving us the trouble of having to drive a few tanks' worth of fuel just to put together this LEGO Ferrari collection. And as big LEGO nuts ourselves, we Collected, Built, and Raced every single one of them just like Shell asked us to do.

After spending several hours playing with these minifigures, here's everything you need to know about Shell's LEGO Ferrari toy collection.

COLLECT THEM.

Shell and Ferrari teamed up with Danish toymaker LEGO to help them celebrate 60 years of passion and performance. What they got was a garage-full of miniature Ferraris that stand no longer than 10 cm each. The collection includes five (5) officially-licensed Ferraris and one (1) Iveco transport truck. The fast five are the 2011 F150° Italia Formula 1 car, 458 Italia, FXX, 1993 F40 Competizione, and the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB.

But what the posters don't show is that there is in fact a 7th Shell LEGO toy set, which, according to collectors, is the rarest set of all. While it doesn't have four wheels, the Shell Ferrari Pit Crew is just as important to the collection. The set is composed of a Ferrari Refueling Engineer, Shell Track Scientist, Ferrari Race Mechanic, Fueling Rig, and Chemistry Lab. Plus, the cardboard flyer Shell gives away with these LEGOs can be folded into a six-car starting grid. However, we don't have the plastic Display Stand Tray that's exclusive to Singapore.

TRIVIA: The Philippines is the 3rd country worldwide to get the Shell LEGO Ferrari Collection in October 26, 2012. The 1st was Hong Kong and Macau (August 1, 2012), followed by Singapore (September 10, 2012).

BUILD THEM.

According to the packet, anyone six years old and above should be able to put together these LEGO toys. But if you want things done neatly, you might have to use a toothpick or an X-ACTO knife to position the tiny stickers in the right place. All in all, the seven (7) toy sets are made up of 292 LEGO pieces. We've taken the time to show you what you get inside each set and what it looks like when built.

The Ferrari 150° Italia (LEGO Set 30190) is their Grand Prix car for the 2011 Formula 1 season. There's an option to build it as Fernando Alonso (#5 and blue helmet) or Felipe Massa (#6 and green helmet).

Pieces: 36

The Scuderia Ferrari Truck (LEGO Set 30191) is an Iveco tractor head used by Ferrari's own Formula 1 team to bring all the equipment between races.

Pieces: 40

This Ferrari F40 (LEGO Set 30192) is a special Competizione model built to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where only 10 examples were ever built.

Pieces: 52

Ferrari's 250 GT Berlinetta SWB (LEGO Set 30193) from 1959 was the very first Ferrari GT car to be fitted with disc brakes. It won the Constructor's Championship for the GT Class in 1961.

Pieces: 25

As the F430's successor, the 458 Italia (LEGO Set 30194) is powered by a 562 hp 4.5L V8. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h.

Pieces: 34

The Ferrari FXX (LEGO Set 30195) is a prototype race car based on the Enzo. Only 30 were built, with each example costing US$1.8 million. It can only be driven on special track days organized by Ferrari.

Pieces: 56

The Shell F1 Team (LEGO Set 30196) comes with a Ferrari Race Mechanic, Ferrari Refueling Engineer, and a Shell Track Scientist. There's also a trolley, mobile refuelling unit, fuel lab in the set.

Pieces: 49

RACE THEM.

As they come with awesome pull-back action, we had to race all six LEGO Ferraris against each other to see which one goes the furthest. So we whipped out a tape measure and launched each one down the track, otherwise called my living room, and here are the results.

LEGO Ferrari	Distance (cm)
250 GT Berlinetta SWB	479
F40 Competizione	469
FXX	380
F150° Italia	377
458 Italia	284
Scuderia Ferrari Truck	40

As the lightest car in the bunch, the 250 GT Berlinetta had the best performance, because it tracked straight and ran smooth from every launch. It was followed closely by the F40, FXX, and F150° Italia. Tough promising, the 458 had a lot of wheel spin from the line which hampered its results. And with most of its weight up front, the Truck did nothing more than pull some donuts.

TRIVIA: By the time you collect all seven LEGO toys, you would have spent a grand total of P11,480 for fuel and the toys themselves. That's if you fill up on Shell V-Power.

LEGO Challenge

With a little free time on our hands, we went out to take some “artistic” shots with our LEGO set. Enjoy!

Build and race your own LEGO Ferrari collection brick-by-brick with Shell

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:54:02 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho

Kids and kids at heart, if you've ever dreamt of owning your very own Ferrari supercar collection or Formula 1 team, today's your lucky day. Starting October 26, 2012, Pilipinas Shell is letting you build, race, and collect pint-sized LEGO Ferrari's brick-by-brick. They might not get the girls, but they should be just as fun to play with as the real deal.

Celebrating 60 years of passion for performance between Shell and Ferrari, there are a total of five (5) officially-licensed Ferraris and one (1) transport truck available, plus a special Ferrari pit crew. Put in some quick laps around Fiorano in Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso's 2011 F150° Italia Formula 1 car, race the Enzo's racing evolution - the Ferrari FXX, or revive the old glory days in a 1993 Ferrari F40 Competizione. But if you prefer to cruise around the streets of Modena, then either the 458 Italia or 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB should suit.

Providing full support to the team is the Ferrari pit crew that's composed of a Ferrari Refueilng Engineer, Shell Track Scientist, and Ferrari Race Mechanic. And there's the Scuderia Ferrari truck to transport all the team's staff and equipment in between races.

Then, the cardboard flyer Shell gives away with these LEGO toys can be folded into a six-car starting grid!

These LEGO Ferrari models and mini figures are available when you fill up with Shell's V-Power Nitro+ or FuelSave. For every P1,500 worth of single or accumulated purchase of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Racing, Gasoline, or Diesel, customers can collect any of the seven (7) LEGO sets for only P140 each, or P180 if you gas up with Shell FuelSave Unleaded or Diesel.

On the other hand, those who avail of any participating Shell Helix Oil Change Package can get one of the rare LEGO Ferraris for FREE.

“This campaign perfectly represents the joint passion for performance and innovation that Shell and Ferrari stand for while incorporating the fun and imaginative nature of LEGO products. Whether they are fans of Ferrari, motorsport, or LEGO bricks, we think these toys will prove an exciting reward for our customers,” says Vanessa Ejercito, Shell Fuels Brand Manager.

You better start collecting now, because these prancing horses ain't hanging around forever! Promo lasts until November 30, 2012 only.

To give this special promo the green light, Pilipinas Shell flew in a full-sized LEGO model of the Ferrari F150° Italia Formula 1 grand prix car now displayed at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay, and in SM Megamall from November 2 to 5. It'll stay in the country for only one week where they'll let the public climb into the driver's seat.

So fuel up with Shell and head on over to SM MOA and Megamall for a Ferrari overload!

For more info, visit www.shell.com.ph.

Pilipinas Shell pips “Most exciting car launch of the year” (w/ video)

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:32:16 +0000

Something big is coming to Shell. How big? Well, they sent us this 15 second teaser of what they'd like to hail as the “Most exciting car launch of the year.”

While they're keeping mum on what exactly is hiding under the cloth, the silhouette resembles a modern Formula 1 car. But from what we can see, its front wing, side pods, air intake, and rear wing are either too high or too angular to be anything close to the past or present grand prix cars. One important detail though is that the Italian racing red cover bears the emblem of Scuderia Ferrari.

So, could it be a Ferrari Formula 1 driving simulator, a life-size LEGO model, or perhaps some sort of top secret prototype? Take a wild guess.

If the launch venue is any indication of what it'll be or what it'll be for, then consider The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig as your first clue. Catch Shell's official public debut this Friday, October 26, 2012.

Win a ride on the world's fastest roller coaster with Shell V-Power Nitro+

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:22:22 +0000

Feel the high-octane rush of V-Power Nitro+ as Shell gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a ride on Formula Rossa - the world's fastest roller coaster - whenever you gas up at Shell. Fly to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and experience what it feels like to be behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 grand prix car.

Get a peel-off game card for every P1,500 single or accumulated purchase of FuelSave Unleaded and FuelSave Diesel, or two game cards if you fuel up with Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline, Nitro+ Diesel, and Nitro+ Racing. Instantly win prizes including official Ferrari or Shell V-Power Nitro+ merchandise or a P20 fuel credit.

The peel-off game cards will also serve as raffle coupons to the grand draw on October 31, where three (3) lucky winners will each be given a trip for two (2) to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The grand prize includes round trip airfare, 4 days/3 nights hotel accommodation, and a visit to all the must-see attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

“This is one way Shell gives back to its loyal customers, rewarding them with a once in a lifetime chance to visit the must-see Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, while providing them with the power and performance they need on the road,” says Pia Ang, Shell V-Power Brand Manager.

Time to gas up and go as promo starts on August 20 for Visayas and Mindanao, and August 27 for Metro Manila and Luzon, and runs until October 19, 2012 only.

Visit www.shell.com.ph for complete mechanics.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park that features 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest roller coaster and advanced racing simulators where visitors can drive like a champion and feel the Formula 1 rush. Every feature of the park lets visitors get a glimpse of the whole Ferrari story and learn about Ferrari’s trademark of excellence and technological innovation, giving its audience a whole visually exhilarating experience.

This exclusive promo illustrates Shell’s long-standing technical partnership with Ferrari, which drove Ferrari to 12 Formula One World Drivers’ and 10 World Constructors’ Championship crowns.

The Passing of a Legend: Sergio Pininfarina 1926 - 2012

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:06:18 +0000

Words by Niky Tamayo

Perhaps no design house is more storied or better known than the House of Pininfarina (Pinin SpA). This Carrozeria has been responsible for some of the most iconic automobile designs of all time, including the Ferrari Testarossa, the Maserati Quattroporte, and the Ferrari Dino.

But Pinin has not always been about supercars. The houses credits include such notable cars as the MGB GT and the achingly beautiful Peugeot 406 Coupé. Even the lowly Hyundai Matrix wears the coveted Pininfarina badge. Be sure to take a look next time you see one. This flexibility has helped ensure the success and longevity of the design firm, and is testament to the quality of leadership Sergio lent to the house that bears his name.

Born on September 8, 1926, Sergio Farina, from an early age, took interest in his father's work. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950, he joined the family firm and quickly became an integral part of the organization, taking over from his father, famed designer Battista "Pinin" (Little) Farina, as general manager in 1960. Such was the prestige and honor of the Pininfarina Carrozeria at this point that the Farinas were granted leave to change their family name to Pininfarina by no less than the President of Italy.

In the years after his father's death, Sergio was instrumental in establishing Pininfarina as not only a coach-building concern, but a research and design enterprise whose services were sought after by many customers, including Ferrari, Lancia, Fiat, Peugeot, Cadillac, Bentley, Rolls Royce and many others. Pininfarina has even worked on buses and trains. It is perhaps the engineering mindset, rather than simply artistic vision that set Pininfarina apart from the rest.

It is this mindset that gave rise to the modern Ferrari, as the very first mid-engined Ferrari, the Dino, was borne of Sergio's prodding. He would later be project manager for what is perhaps still the most hardcore Ferrari ever, the F40, in which the company showcased its expertise in exotic materials and aerodynamic development.

The great man passed away quietly last July 3, 2012, with his family at his bedside. He leaves behind him a legacy that his own father would have been proud of. Rest in Peace, Sergio.