Ferrari developing a new adaptive 'sports' four-wheel drive system

pretty interesting.....I've wondered if Ferrari would ever consider a 4 wheel drive system at some point. The one they're developing sounds pretty good....on paper at least. I definitely have come to appreciate the advantages that can be had with it in my lowly Evo!!

 

We all know what this is - a foreshadowing of the dark future of Audi buying out Ferrari! Damn you Martin Winterkorntold! Damn you too Montezemolo! Four wheel drive exotics.. AUDI!!!!!







...........On a more serious note, this seems very uncharacteristic of Ferrari, I doubt many buyers would opt for 4WD.

 

Didn't that deal fall through? I thought Porsche's takeover was unsuccessful? Hmm, time to read up!

 

Very interesting topic. Does anyone remember the 4 wheel drive prototypes that ferrari had in the late 80's. They called it the 408/4rm. It was also thier prototype for testing an all aluminium road car. I guess if there is a big enough damand, especially in the 4 seat catigory it will happen.

 

Porsche DOES NOT control VW!

 

THERE IS NO TAKEOVER!

Porsche Seeks to Acquire Share in Volkswagen

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, seeks to acquire a share of approximately 20 per cent in the stock capital of Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, entitled to vote. Porsche is taking this decision because Volkswagen is now not only an important development partner for Porsche, but also a significant supplier for approximately 30 per cent of Porsche’s sales volume. In the words of Porsche’s President and CEO: "Making this investment, we seek to secure our business relations with Volkswagen and make a significant contribution to our own future plans on a lasting, long-term basis." Porsche is in a position to finance the acquisition of the planned share in Volkswagen through its own, existing liquidity. After careful examination of this business case, Porsche is confident that the investment will prove profitable for both parties.

The Supervisory Board has authorised Porsche’s Board of Management to implement the plan envisaged. Porsche is in contact with the Board of Management of Volkswagen in order to scrutinise and verify the options available in accordance with appropriate resolutions already taken at Volkswagen’s General Meeting. The share assumed will not under any circumstances reach the threshold at which Porsche would be required to submit a public bid for the takeover of Volkswagen.

The planned acquisition is to ensure that, following the anticipated abrogation of the VW Act under an appropriate judgment handed down by the European Court of Justice, there will not be a hostile takeover of Volkswagen by investors not committed to Volkswagen’s long-term interests. The European Court of Justice is expected to hand down such a judgment latest in spring 2007.

In the words of Porsche’s President and CEO: "Our planned investment is the strategic answer to this risk. We wish in this way to ensure the independence of the Volkswagen Group in our own interest. This "German solution" we are seeking is an essential prerequisite for stable development of the Volkswagen Group and, accordingly, for continuing our cooperation in the interest of both Companies."