[Boxer]

Heard that Eric Clapton is taking delivery of a very special new Ferrari shortly. Anyone have details on it?

[GuyIncognito]

there have been rumors of him ordering a V12-powered 458, but I don't know if there's ever been confirmation that it would actually be built.

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by GuyIncognito

there have been rumors of him ordering a V12-powered 458, but I don't know if there's ever been confirmation that it would actually be built.

It's a V12 - confirmed

http://blog.jameslist.com/2010/eric-...ri-458-italia/

[barcheta]

Damn.... I WANT ONE!!!!

So is it a 612 Italia now? Maybe it's a 599 Italia, or possibly a 458 EC? Or a 458 Slowhand edition.

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by barcheta

Damn.... I WANT ONE!!!!

So is it a 612 Italia now? Maybe it's a 599 Italia, or possibly a 458 EC? Or a 458 Slowhand edition.

I don't blame you - Aston Martin put the idea into production.

Drove one and it seemed porky with the V12 upfront - put wow was it fun to drive!

[brettgagnon]

Clapton is too old to enjoy that, he should share with someone, i elect myself to be that poor sod

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by champagne612

It's a V12 - confirmed

Eric Clapton to receive upgraded Ferrari 458 Italia | James Spotting

I was at the factory on the day that Clapton's new 458 was being test driven, late last September.

This is what I was told by someone high up in the organisation:

Clapton has had a 458 made with a retro Boxer body. It is NOT a V12. It seems that EC asked for a V12 but it would not be possible to get the car to conform to Euro legislation and still call it a Ferrari.

So it is a 'regular' 458 with a Boxer body.

I am very sorry that I missed the car - it seems we missed it by less than half an hour. I still haven't seen any pictures of it, either, unfortunately.


Onno

[barcheta]

Damn... A new "boxer" with 458 running gear? That's even cooler. Any pics anywhere?

[David993s]

It's good to be Eric Clapton.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

I was at the factory on the day that Clapton's new 458 was being test driven, late last September.

This is what I was told by someone high up in the organisation:

Clapton has had a 458 made with a retro Boxer body. It is NOT a V12. It seems that EC asked for a V12 but it would not be possible to get the car to conform to Euro legislation and still call it a Ferrari.

So it is a 'regular' 458 with a Boxer body.

I am very sorry that I missed the car - it seems we missed it by less than half an hour. I still haven't seen any pictures of it, either, unfortunately.


Onno

This is exactly what I was told. It is a V8 but with a "Boxer" style body.

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

I was at the factory on the day that Clapton's new 458 was being test driven, late last September.

This is what I was told by someone high up in the organisation:

Clapton has had a 458 made with a retro Boxer body. It is NOT a V12. It seems that EC asked for a V12 but it would not be possible to get the car to conform to Euro legislation and still call it a Ferrari.

So it is a 'regular' 458 with a Boxer body.

I am very sorry that I missed the car - it seems we missed it by less than half an hour. I still haven't seen any pictures of it, either, unfortunately.


Onno

Seems odd - EC is pretty consistent with the V12's.

The second option doesn't suck - but still can't wrap my head around not being able to meet spec's

[Magnum6464]

Boxer body??? you mean the 512 Boxer???


~

Mario

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by Magnum6464

Boxer body??? you mean the 512 Boxer???


~

Mario

Don't know - what I do know is the interview had a 458 in the background and EC spoke of his love for the V12.

EC spoke right into Ferrari's wheelhouse about his love for Ferrari and it being the #1 car.

Went on to say how he drives them - all tee'd up for Ferrari PR.

Now if that PR doesn't get EC what he wants - then I have no idea what would.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Magnum6464

Boxer body??? you mean the 512 Boxer???


~

Mario

Yes, it would be based on the 365/512 BB lines and built under Ferraris customization program.

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Yes, it would be based on the 365/512 BB lines and built under Ferraris customization program.

Yep, that's what I was told by the factory.

I think it is pretty understandable that a V12 is not possible. If the engine doesn't match the filed 458 specifications, coming out of the Ferrari factory, then it cannot be put on the road as a 458. The way I understand it, a car manufacturer can legally only put in the certified engines in Europe, to prevent the manufacturers from fiddling with their CO2 compliance. So, for the 458 V12 there would need to be a new filing as a low-volume model, with its own emissions tests and possibly crash tests. This would make it prohibitively expensive for only 1 car.

Of course - once the car has left the factory, EC could have a V12 put in but whether that is possible within the confines of the 458 chassis I'm not sure. The current range of V12s seem to be a lot wider and longer than the V8.

Also - don't forget that this web page is from 2010. At the time, maybe they thought it was possible. Or maybe this is just the 'net talking rubbish, as it does often.


Onno

[champagne612]

Onno ... a group of us were at out local car dealer.

That day they were giving drives on the new Aston V12.

The whole EC issue came up and the head Ferrari mechanic said that Ferrari 599 V12 could fit in the 458.

Wouldn't Ferrari be required to do the same thing for 365 / 512?

Ferrari recently built this Gold thing which I believe was based on a 612 frame

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by champagne612

Wouldn't Ferrari be required to do the same thing for 365 / 512?

Ferrari recently built this Gold thing which I believe was based on a 612 frame

As long as the only change is to the body (and not the chassis/engine) then you woul dnot need to re-homologate it.