This week, we're going to take a look at four Ferraris that are definitely not forgotten - in fact, they're brand new. But there are some facts about them - and their own individual firsts - that you may be less than familiar with!
The Ferrari F430 is the first Ferrari to feature the Manettino steering-wheel mounted control knob. These little dials, mounted underneath the centre of the steering wheel, are modelled on the controls found on Formula One steering wheels. They allow for fast and simple alteration of the electronic suspension settings, traction control, differential and change speed of the gear box. Manettino means "little lever" in Italian.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the first Ferrari to come with an iPod holder as standard...
The Ferrari 458 Italia is the first Ferrari that will not be available with a manual gearbox. But the seven-speed, twin-clutch automatic unit it is equipped with is capable of changing gears with speeds impossile for any manual to match. The transmission can change gear in less than 50 milliseconds.
The 2008 Ferrari California isn't the first Ferrari to carry that name, but it is the first front-engined Ferrari to be powered by a V8, the first with the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the first to have a folding metal roof, the first with multi-link rear suspension and the first to have direct petrol injection. Rumour has it that it's the first Ferrari design to have started life with the intention being to sell it as a Maserati, only to have the makers be forced to badge it as a Ferrari as the only way to recoup its development costs - but that is just a rumour and has never been confirmed!
Tags: Vehicles, Forgotten Ferraris
