Motorsport: Ferrari-powered cars set to dazzle Taupo

Kiwi motor racing fans get to see the new Ferrari powered A1GP car in the flesh this weekend at the fourth round of the 2008/09 World Cup of Motorsport race meeting in Taupo.

The new car is based on Michael Schumacher's 2004 Ferrari F1 car but uses a different engine. It is based on Ferrari's road-going F430 V8 block and develops 600bhp/400kW. The heart of the car fits neatly into a newly designed chassis that is up to the rigours of the increased horsepower.

The new package is a significant improvement over the previous model but still allows for close racing and that, coupled with that distinctive Ferrari sound, should have fans on the edge of their seats.

These cars are the fastest to race in New Zealand and ex-Formula One and Ferrari test driver Marc Gene, who completed 7000km in the car, is sure the car is a winner. "It will produce exciting racing. It allows overtaking and is an extreme drive," he said.

The car is definitely quicker than its predecessor. It broke the lap record during testing at Donington Park in Britain and also at Zandvoort.

The car has much more down force and the Michelin tyres have better grip and unlike an F1 car isn't at the ragged end of performance.

The cars have been designed with close racing in mind rather than outright speed and are very stable under heavy braking, especially with the newly fitted carbon brakes, which last a lot longer than the old steel brakes used last season.

In the cockpit, things have changed. The clutch is now on the steering wheel along with the gearshift paddles. The idea is to use the right paddle when turning left and the left paddle when turning right, because either one will be near the top of the steering wheel when turning.

As a result of moving the clutch to the steering wheel, there are only two pedals on the floor. Some drivers will have to master the art of left-foot braking.

There's also an extra 60bhp on tap when the PowerBoost button is pushed. Each driver is allowed to push the boost button on the steering wheel for one lap during qualifying and a pre-determined number of times during the sprint and feature race.

* Under the hood

Engine configuration: 90 degree V8

Displacement: 4500cc

Max Torque: 406 lbs ft/550 Nm

Max Power: 600 bhp/448 kW

Clutch: AP three-plate carbon/carbon with steel hub

Gearbox: Six-speed longitudinal sequential. Gear selection via a Magneti Marelli paddle shift system

Weight: Approx 720kg including driver, race ready (excluding fuel)

Front and rear suspension: Double wishbone with pushrod operated coil over damper units.

Chassis: Carbon fibre skins, aluminium honeycomb core.

Brakes: Brembo carbon discs, six-pot aluminium callipers

Wheels: Front 13" dia. x 12". Rear 13" dia. x 14"

Tyres: Michelin control slick and treaded wet tyres