How to Drive a Ferrari on a Track in Maranello Italy

If you love the thrill and excitement that comes with speeding down a track in a powerful car, you have to drive a Ferrari down the Modena racetrack. A Ferrari from the Ferrari Challenge series is particularly suited to a day out on the tracks. It is freeing to drive around the track without having to worry about speed limits, traffic, and pedestrians. You can drive the car and push it to its limit for the wild excitement brought about by the adrenaline rush. Once you book your session, you can choose from two of the best Ferrari Challenge cars: Ferrari F430 Challenge and Ferrari 458 Challenge.

Test Drive Ferrari Challenge Series

By coming up with Challenge modified cars, Ferrari addressed the need for them to create cars that would be ready to race as they left the factory. When the Ferrari Challenge championship began, the drivers had to make a few hardware alterations to the earlier cars like the 355 and 348 in order to race competitively. Ferrari introduced the 360 that left the factory ready to race. That was the advent of the Challenge modified car; a car that was custom built for competitive racing. Then came the F430 followed by Ferrari 458 of the Challenge series. Both of them cannot be legally driven on the streets in most countries.

Driving a Ferrari F430 Challenge

The F430 Challenge was introduced by Ferrari in 2005 to take over from the 360 challenge car in the Ferrari Challenge championship. The F430 Challenge is based on the F430 that is street-legal and even uses the same production engine. The major difference is that the Challenge car has been customized to be more successful on the circuit. To boost its performance on the track, there has been substantial weight reduction and changes to the suspension system. The exhaust system is also modified for racing purposes. With the adjustments, the top speed is 350 km/h.
Since the engine is the same as that of the standard F430, it produces a torque of 343 lbft (465 Nm) and a power of 483 hp (360 kW). The engine is naturally aspirated and each cylinder has 4 valves. The transmission is inspired by Ferrari’s experience in Formula One. Consequently, the gear shift has been improved tremendously. You can shift the gear in 150 ms. The car uses a mechanical differential which is a move from the electronic differential in the non-racing F430. The F430 Challenge has managed to shave off 650 pounds from the production car by replacing the glass with Lexan. The stability control feature was also removed.

Ferrari 458 Challenge

The 458 Challenge was brought in in 2009 to replace the F430 in the championship. It was more adept to the rigors of racing. Ferrari’s involvement in Formula 1 inspired changes to its design and accompanying technologies. The interior design, done in consultation with Michael Schumacher (multiple Formula 1 championship winning driver) moved more controls from the dashboard to the new steering wheel. The car uses a 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 570hp (9000 rpm) and a torque of 398 lbft (540 Nm) at 6000 rpm. The 458 Challenge has a top speed of 340 km/h (210 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds.
The side windows are made using plastic and the seats are made of carbon fiber in an effort to reduce the weight. The 458 Challenge uses an electronic differential. To improve the traction control, Ferrari installed the F1-Trac that is inspired by the sophisticated Formula 1 traction control system. As this traction device is integrated with the E-Diff, the driver can corner much better. The traction control system, which can be disabled, can be adjusted for dry or wet track conditions. The braking system features a prefill function that has facilitated a significant reduction in stopping distance.

Test drives on Autodromo di Modena

Autodromo di Modena is a 2.4 kilometer (1.5 miles) long race track that is found in Modena, Italy. It is a test track open to the public just outside the city of Modena (northern Italy). Modena Autodrome has now been opened to visitors who wish to test their cars in a safe environment. Here, you can drive the Ferrari Challenge on a 12-meter-wide track with straights and bends that allow you to test its speed and handling. Afforded such freedom, you can experience the power and exceptional qualities of the Ferrari Challenge cars in a manner reserved for racing drivers. It is the best place to conduct a Ferrari test drive.

What Else to Visit.

Thanks to an enduring partnership between the Ferrari Museum and the Autodromo di Modena, you can enjoy a tour of the museum during your visit. At the museum, you will witness the rich history of the iconic “Prancing Horse.” In a dramatic way, you will travel through time going through the famous cars that have graced tracks in the past and revolutionized the car industry. The Ferrari Museum in Maranello is just 25 minutes away from the circuit, you can drive on the circuit and visit the museum at an affordable rate.

Requirements and Regulations for test driving a Ferrari on the track.

Before you are allowed on the track, there are certain regulations that you have to abide by. First, you must sign a statement waiving liability in case of injury which is accompanied by valid identification documents. To do a Ferrari test drive on the circuit, a valid driver’s license is required. Statutory rules require that all persons allowed on the track be 18 years and above. Those who are under 18 years can only be allowed as passengers. To ensure your safety, you have to wear a helmet and seat belts in the car.
The cars that are allowed on the track are 2 seaters and the driver is accompanied by an instructor.

Conclusion

Any driver who loves racing should try a Ferrari test drive at Autodromo di Modena. The facility boasts a world-class circuit where you can have the ultimate driving experience. The Ferrari F430 Challenge and Ferrari 458 Challenge are the ultimate cars to drive on the iconic racetrack. The close proximity of the circuit to the Maranello Ferrari Museum provides you with the rare opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Prancing Horse.

Ferrari Super Cars You Can Drive in Maranello in 2017

488GTB Ferrari Test Drives in Italy.

488GTB brings back the classic Ferrari model designated with the 488 in the moniker that indicates the engine’s unitary displacement. On the other hand, GTB are initials, and they stand for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. This car makes extreme power exploitable, controllable and it delivers unparalleled performance on an unprecedented level by even less experienced drivers. The car has an excellent engine and aerodynamics that are so sophisticated consequently combining with refined dynamic controls, and at the end, they radically improve the car’s razor- sharped responsiveness making it a road car that nears track level.

This car was first produced in the year 2015 by the Ferrari Company. Its assembly is done from Maranello in Italy and designed by Ferrari Styling Center under Flavio Manzoni. This car is classified as a sports car and has two doors Berlinetta with a longitudinal rear mid-engine and a rear-wheel-drive. It has 3.9L Ferrari F154CB V8 type of engine that is twin- Turbocharged. Its transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch and has a wheelbase of 2,650mm. It is 4,568mm long and 1,952mm wide with a height of 1,213mm. The car weighs 1,544kgs, and it was built to succeed the Ferrari 458. The car has improved carbon-ceramic brakes that are derived from same technology that is used in LaFerrari. It is manufactured with unique materials that lower the time required to achieve optimum operating temperature. 488GTB has a weight capacity of the power ratio of 2.2kg per horsepower thus making it a powerful machine

California Turbo Test Drive

 

California Turbo is a sports car manufactured by the Ferrari Company. It is a hard top convertible grand touring car with two-door. Initially, the car was powered by a head mid-mounted that naturally aspirated 4.3-liters V8. The company produced its second model in 2014 which uses a new twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8. California Turbo is least expensive in the Ferrari series. There are plans to replace this car with the Ferrari Portofino as from the year 2018. California Turbo was first produced in 2008 and assembled at Maranello in Italy. It is classified as a grand tour with a front mid-engine and it is a rear-wheel drive. This car can accelerate up to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 315km/h. It has a new front fascia that was inspired by the F12 with a reduction of emission pollution up to 15% when compared to its predecessor. It uses small turbo and has a variable boost management system that is aimed at reducing turbo lag. The car leads in Ferrari with an Apple CarPlay function infotainment system.

Ferrari  458 Speciale Test Drive

Ferrari  458 Speciale is a sports car with a mid-engine and produced by Ferrari manufacturers. This Ferrari 458 Italia succeeded Ferrari F430, and it was initially unveiled in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Later the 458 was replaced by Ferrari 488, and the new model was unveiled in 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Speciale was in production from the year 2009 till 2015 and its assembly was done at Maranello in Italy. The designer of this car is Pininfarina. The car is classified as a sports car and has a body style of 2-door spider and 2-door Berlinetta with a longitudinal, RMR layout. Its engine is 4.5L Ferrari F136 F V8i with a transmission of 7-speed dual-clutch. The car has a wheelbase of 2,650mm, 4,527mm long, 1,937mm wide and 1,213mm high with a curb weight of 1,565kg. The 458 Speciale Edition was limited to 20 units that were geared towards the Chines market for commemorating the 20th Ferrari anniversary in China since the first Ferrari was ordered in Beijing which was a 348 TS. This car has a Marco Polo Red body with golden graphics of a dragon on the bonnet. It also has black and gold livery stripes that symbolize a racing track. Its wheels are gold painted with gold aeroelastic wighlets and gold embroidery on the car’s headrest. Ferrari 458 Speciale has forged wheels with a vented bonnet with taller rear spoiler and redesigned bumpers. The car’s electronic system is improved with the introduction of side slip angle control (SSC) that is aimed at improving the car’s control on the limit. There is also the 458 Speciale A (Aperat) which is a spider variant of the 458 Speciale. This car is limited to 499 examples only. It has a 4.5L with a naturally aspirated V8 and produces 597 horsepower. This car takes 3 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h, and its top speed is 320km/h. In the spider variant, the 458 Speciale A was the most powerful, naturally aspired and street-legal till it was taken over by the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta in 2017.

Where to Drive Ferraris in Italy.

The driving is organised in Maranello. Maranello is a commune and a town located in the region of Emilia-Romagna in the northern part of Italy. It is 18km from Modena and has a population of 17,165 people as by 2013. The town’s geographical coordinates are 44032’N 10052’E with a population density of 540/km2. This town is best known for being home to Ferrari manufacturers and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team. Maranello also played host to Carrozzeria Scaglietti firm before it was owned by Ferrari. This town has hosted Ferrari since early 1940s, after manufacturing, Ferrari cars are driven on the track in Modena as a testing procedure.

Ferrari Road and Track Test Drives.

Road and Track experience Road test drive extends between 30minutes to 120 minutes in approximation. Here a driver pays some fee that is inclusive of booking fees. There is an instructor who functions as the co-pilot, and a driver is allowed to request for specific cars. The minimum age limit for European Union drivers is 21 years, and one must be in possession of over two-year valid driving license. For Non-EU members, they are required to possess International Driving license in addition to EU drivers’ requirements. One must be within the alcohol limit allowed to a driver according to Italian standards. For instance, one’s blood should contain less than 50mg400ML and tolerance is zero to those drivers who are under 21years old. Drivers need to be flexible on time since there is high demand for test track and slots are allocated either in mornings or afternoons. Most cars available for these experiences are two-seaters thus they can only accommodate only the driver and an instructor. This is an experience that most car lovers strive towards participating in.

 

How (And Where) To Drive An Exotic Car in Italy

Going to Italy is on the bucket list of almost every person alive. This is because Italy is said to be one of the most romantic places on earth. It’s also home to great fashion trends and has the most exquisite shopping places. On top of the retail therapy and exotic food, Italy offers its tourists the chance to drive super cars on the public roads and also on the racing tracks. Several companies offering this service are available to make your trip to Italy simply unforgettable.

How to Drive an Exotic Car in Italy

You can hire a super car in any agency for a few hours as a driving test or take it on a spin for two days. Every car comes with a driving instructor who is always with you for safety.

Where to Drive an Exotic Car in Italy

Ferrari F12Berlinetta 6.3 '12

1. Maranello and Modena

A test drive in Maranello starts with a private driver picking you up from your hotel and taking you to the heart of Italy of motor sport. This area is also known as the home of Ferrari or Italian Motor Valley. You board your super car of choice right after you pass the Ferrari factory. At this point you get to sit behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari and feel its roar and power. The instructor will sit right by you to give you instructions as you start slow in normal roads. You can increase the speed and use F1 super gear as you get used to the car until you reach the Modena racing track.

At this location you can combine road drive and tracking driving at the Modena autodromo. This is a complete racing track with amazing bends and gradients. The instructor will take the first lap as you watch closely so you can know how to do it. After that you are given back the pilot seat to take four exhilarating laps on the track. You then get to drive the car back to Maranello for thirty minutes before giving it back.

2. Imola Racing Track

The city of Imola is known as the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. It is famous for hosting formula One San Marino Grand Prix .The Imola racing track is one of the biggest tracks in Italy and is also a tourist attraction. Imola has the biggest Lamborghini academy where people are taught to drive this high-end car safely. The instructor stays with you but you stay in control. The instructors are patient, polite and let you make your own decisions. The benefit of the Imola race track over other tracks is that you get unlimited laps and different super cars.

3. Mugello Racing Track

At Autodromo Internazionale Del Mugello, one gets to learn all the tricks of race cars before test driving one. It is a big race circuit in Tuscany that enables one to take long laps and enjoy the super high speed. The facility is upgraded regularly to meet safety standards because it’s used by a lot of companies and individuals. You can test the power of an amazing GT car in this exhilarating descents and long straights with the guidance of an instructor.

At the Mugello’s circuit it also possible to drive a Formula one car.

4. Monza

Monza circuit is the most famous sports complex in the world because it hosts the prestigious grand prix events .It has long straights and fierce bends that will take your breath away. Monza circuit has 3 tracks; Gran Premio, junior tracks and the Speed track. Get a driving course in the junior track and then get behind the wheel on a fast race in the GT program. Monza circuit is also great for watching famous racers do their thing on track days.

At the Monza’s circuit it also possible to drive a Formula one car.

How to Get An International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive a super car in the public road in Italy you should obtain an international driving permit.

Drivers from outside EU are required to get an international driving license if they are to be allowed to drive in Italy. This license must then be translated into Italian to avoid problems with the traffic police. Anyone who has a USA driving license is eligible for an international one from any AAA club in US or Canada. It does not require a driving test, only an online application with photos and a $15 fee. It must be renewed annually, just like every other driving permit. The process is real fast and comes with minimal hassle.

Supercars, Super Foods of Modena

Connoisseurs of wonderful cars and superb cuisine will find a holiday in the delightful medieval town of Modena in northern Italy most rewarding.  Modena and near-by Parma are the home of Italy’s greatest exports, Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic vinegar and, of course, Ferrari and Maserati.  Plan your next holiday to include enough time in this region to get a true taste of some of the best that Italy has to offer.  Here are some of the attractions that you must include in your holiday plans.

Romanesque cathedral
Cathedral of Modena

Hombre Farm – Motorvalley Panini Collection Tour.

Matteo Panini is a young farmer in the region, one of many Parmesan cheese producers, who also happens to  have an amazing collection of motor vehicles which have been passed down to him from his illustrious family which included his father Umberto, who together with his brothers Benito, Franco and Guiseppe, invented the famous Panini stickers.

The motor collection started with tractors, which all farmers needed, and one of the exhibits is a 1934 Landini, still in perfect working order.  After tractors came motorcycles, the most common mode of transport after WWII, and after that came the wonderful cars, featuring examples from Maserati that are thought to be the most important collection of these super cars in the world.  In addition to Italian motor vehicles, there are also many examples from other countries such as British motorbikes from Norton, and even a Messerschmitt car and a Lotus!

A visit to the Hombre farm is an excellent family day trip.  First visit the dairy, where 12 wheels of Parmesan are produced daily, and then enjoy the motor museum.

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The Maserati Eldorado at the Panini Museum

Osteria Francescana

No culinary visit to Modena would be complete without having a meal at this wonderful restaurant, the brain-child of world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura, who grew up in Modena and developed his love of cooking by watching his mother prepare food.  Massimo has come a long way since then!  His food is a modern interpretation of classic Italian cuisine, but this chef, who has worked with some of the big names of the culinary world, such as Alain Ducasse and Ferran Adrio (of El Bulli) is forever pushing the boundaries.  He won his first Michelin star in 2002, a second in 2006 and a third in 2011, as well as numerous other awards and distinctions.  This year, 2013, La Francescana came in 3rd of the 50 best restaurants in the world.  Of course you have to book well in advance, and of course it is expensive, but it is worth it!  His signature dish for 2013 is called Camouflage – a hare in the woods; it is made up of a thin layer of foie gras decorated with various powders composed of hare blood, chestnut and several herbs – perhaps this dish is not for everyone, but it is an example of the chefs’ innovation.  Of course, there are more conventional dishes to suit all palates.

osteria francescana met Bottura
Chef Massimo Bottura at his restaurant La Francescana in Modena – Source

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Genuine Balsamic Vinegar has been produced in Modena for centuries, and is a unique artisanal product, completely unlike regular vinegar.  The basic ingredient is grape Must (juice) from predominantly Trebbiano grapes (sometimes with the addition of Lambrusco grapes).  The must is simmered (never boiled!) for a lengthy period to reduce and concentrate the liquid.  This liquid is then allowed to ferment and mature for a minimum of 12 years in the case on a “true” Balsamic.  This wonderful product, known as Black Gold, can sometimes be matured as long as 25 years and a new batch is traditionally started to mark the birth of a baby girl, and treasured to become a part of her dowry!  Balsamic vinegar should be used sparingly – just a drop or two to enhance a sliver of Parmesan or a slice of Parma Ham.  Make sure to visit one of the Balsamic producers of Modena during your visit to learn the process of the production, learn how to use it, taste the wonderful nectar and, of course, buy some to take home with you to remind you of Modena.

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The 2 Ferrari museums – Casa natale Enzo Ferrari Vs Maranello Ferrari Museum

This article wants to tackle the dilemma of the 2 Ferrari Museums that are now available now in Modena and Maranello, and visitors seems to be confused about which is the best.

Maranello Ferrari Museum.

This is located about 30 minutes from Modena and it easily reached by car and attempting to go by public transport is going to be stressful if you do not know what you are doing. However you can purchase a shuttle bus ticket from the other Ferrari Museum in central Modena that will allow you to go to Maranello for a a reasonable fee. You should check for details on their website. The Maranello structure is the one that everyone knows about, it has been built in the 1970s and it is next to the factory and the Fiorano track, so it has all the historical value that you will ever find. Inside you will find some collections of vintage Ferrari plus a collection of Formula one cars. The Maranello museum offers the possibility to tour the factory ground by shuttle bus. However you will not enter the production facility. Tickets are  priced at 14 euros for the museum, and 14 euros for the shuttle tour. The museum also has  a cafe’ and a souvenir store. To visit the museum you will need about 45 minutes.

Ferrari F1/89
The Maranello museum – a collection of F1 cars – source

Casa natale Enzo Ferrari museum in Modena.

This is the newly opened Ferrari museum in Modena, and it is located about 5 minutes from the station. This museum is housed in a fancy structure designed by  Jan Kaplicky and  it resemble to a Ferrari car bonnet. Inside you have a collection of vintage Ferraris, and sometimes other cars designed by Enzo in collaboration with other car manufacturers such as Stanguellini or Maserati. In fact the museum hosts regular themed exhibitions. The yellow structure is also attached to Enzo Ferrari house where you can learn about the designer life from this interactive part of the museum. There is also a restaurant that offers fancy dishes from the traditional Modenese cuisine. If you want to learn more about Casa Natale Enzo Ferrari please continue reading here

Canza Enzo Ferrari
Ferrari museum in central Modena

Which is the best Ferrari museum? Both have pros and cons, it depends what are your priorities, if you have time you should stay in Modena and visit them both. You can take the shuttle bus from Casa Enzo Ferrari and then go to Maranello without struggling with public transport or renting a car. What is good at the Maranello Ferrari museum? It is at the historical site of the Ferrari factory, with possibilities to drive the car from 3rd parties companies around the museum  the crowds are here at the moment as it is the most famous site for Ferrari cars. The museum is definitely good for die hard Ferrari F1 fans. What is not so good at the Maranello museum? The museum is not easily accessible by public transport, but now you can use the shuttle bus from Modena Casa Enzo Ferrari.The museum is also dated and the exhibitions quite static, so there are no many fancy exhibitions going on. It is not  so interesting for those wanting to know more about the history behind Ferrari What is good at the Modena Casa Enzo Ferrari museum? It is a stone throw from Modena central Station, ideal if you do not have much time. It is a flamboyant modern structure, with themed exhibitions that are changed time to time. A real chance to learn about the cars and the people behind the marque. What the cons at the Modena Casa Enzo Ferrari museum? It is not at the historical site of the factory. However there are companies that allows you to drive Ferrari cars around. It is not so much about modern F1 cars.

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