Maserati GranCabrio - First Pics

The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker's history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

The introduction of the GranCabrio – the Trident’s third prong – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio will be powered by a 4.7 liter V8 motor, as seen in the GranTurimo S and has the longest wheelbase of any convertible on the market. The GranCabrio’s roof will be available strictly in canvas, emphasizing its link with the Maserati tradition.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed starting this winter, and will be enjoyed by customers the world over by Spring 2010.

458 Italia - Thinly Disguised

As the countdown to its world première at the Frankfurt IAA in just four weeks begins, Ferrari's sensational new 458 Italia has been spotted out testing on the roads around the Maranello factory wearing only a very thin disguise and clearly revealing the stunning lines that have caught the automotive world's attention since the new V8 mid-rear engined berlinetta was officially announced last month. Set to replace the F430 in the Pracing Horse model line up the 458 Italia is described by Ferrari as a "massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars."

Courtesy of www.italiaspeed.com

Schumi Cancels his F1 Return

FERRARI PRESS RELEASE
Maranello, 11th August 2009 - With Michael Schumacher now being unavailable to stand in for Felipe Massa, as from the forthcoming European Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro announces that car number 3 will be driven by Luca Badoer.

"I am very unhappy that a problem means that Michael cannot return to racing," commented Luca di Montezemolo. "In the past few days, I could appreciate his great efforts and extraordinary motivation which had spread through the team and fans around the world. No doubt his return would have been good for Formula 1 and I am sure it would have seen him fighting for wins again. In the name of Ferrari and all the fans, I wish to thank him for the strong attachment he displayed for the team in these circumstances. In agreement with Stefano Domenicali, we have therefore decided to give Luca Badoer the chance to race for the Scuderia after he has put in so many years of hard work as a test driver."
END

The problem being referred to by Montezemolo is a nagging neck injury that Schumacher sustained in a motorcycle accident that occurred earlier this year in February. Michael addressed the issue on his website earlier today, "...fractures in the area of the head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe. That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet."

Unfortunately the world will have to wait and see what is next with the Seven Time World Champion!