CAR interviews Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo

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12-03-2010 | 12:04 PM

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CAR interviews Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo

By Phil McNamara
CAR recently interviewed Luca di Montezemolo, chairman of Ferrari. He's one of the most established names in the supercar arena, having started with Ferrari in 1973 as founder Enzo’s assistant and grand prix team manager. After winning two world championships with Nikki Lauda in 1975 and 1977, he left to head the organisation responsible for staging the 1990 football World Cup in Italy. Three years after the death of Enzo, di Montezemolo was invited to return to Ferrari as chairman and CEO in 1991 and he's presided over one of the most successful periods in the company's commercial history. Di Montezemolo gives CAR the lowdown on Ferrari’s future strategy, environmental pressures, that Ferrari World theme park, Formula One and Michael Schumacher.

CAR: Talk us through the way you structure the current Ferrari road car range

Luca di Montezemolo: 'We have created three very different sports cars. Each is very, very good. Prices, positioning, marketing - each is aimed precisely for what kind of ‘Ferrarista’ we want to attract. Performance, emotion of driving, technology – they are very different.'

In what way are they different?

'I wanted to do a Ferrari with the engine at the front [550/575] because I don’t want all Ferraris to have the same architecture [348/Testarossa]. With the California, 458 and GTO, our clients are now driving three times the annual mileage that they used to. All of those cars are less than two years old, and they have completely different characters. My wife doesn’t like me going out in the 599, so I found a solution with the California: a GT with four seats. I have two young daughters, you see. But in 30 seconds it becomes a convertible. Then there’s the 458: with two seats, it's like a go-kart. The GTO has the engine in front: around Mugello, it’s quicker than an Enzo. It’s very driveable and has very innovative technology. Don't forget, the 599 GTO sold out before we even presented it. I’m very pleased with the product range.’

If you had your way, which Ferrari would you drive every day?

'If I was a bachelor I’d buy a 458.'

The Califorinia is the first Ferrari to feature a stop/start system. Do added environmental pressures mean Ferrari has to alter the way it operates?

'With the California our target was a 40% fuel consumption improvement over the old eight-cylinder car. We have to work on CO2 and consumption because this is the future, although the car is the best example of freedom. We are fully aware of this, as demonstrated by our hybrid 599. This is a working project, a laboratory car. But in three, or a maximum four years, we want to be ready on the market with a 12-cylinder hybrid. It’s different with the V8: we’re confident we can achieve very aggressive targets through innovation, electronics and technical solutions.'

Does Ferrari plan to release any new models soon?

'We will continue with one new model a year, and variations on our existing range. What we have done with names is significant too. Scaglietti can in future be a brand like Dino. Scaglietti is not for only one model. It’s been an important name in the past, it’s an appropriate name for a 12-cylinder. Added to numbers, Italia, Monza, Maranello, Fiorano give a more human element to cars.'

The Scuderia version of the 430 was very successful. Any plans for a Scuderia version of the 458?

'I have no intention of doing a Scuderia version of the 458 because I can’t create an aeroplane! It would be hard to do it better...'

Fair enough. What does Ferrari take into consideration when looking into the design of new cars?

'I want to look ahead but maintain links with the past. The 456’s rear wasn’t so far from the Daytona’s, while elements of the 599 are reminiscent of the GTO. I want to look ahead with gearboxes and electronics, but I don’t want to lose Ferrari’s specific characteristics. We have called back Manzoni from VW to run the design centre and to collaborate with Pininfarina.'

Are you satisfied with the success of the 612 Scaglietti?

'Our 2+2 has always represented exactly 10% of volume: the 612 is exactly in line with this. It has a very precise client base which wants a roomy, front-engined car. The only country in which the 612 has underperformed is Japan: maybe they want Ferraris with two seats!'

And you must be replacing the 612 soon...

'Of course we are thinking of a new one, but this is not a current project. The Scaglietti is the least young car in our range: so we are thinking of something in the future. When will be the right time to do something different in terms of design and characteristics? It’s not today or tomorrow. When we have a V12 hybrid, we will maximise its use: in a two-seater, as a 2+2.'

What do you make of the McLaren 12C?

'I have a lot of respect for McLaren, because apart from some problems in the past, McLaren has been an important player in F1 for many years. I like competition. McLaren can do as it pleases and I’ll say welcome: I like the competition and I like to win! Competition is good, I want to win. This is good for our people because in road cars they need to be under pressure on technical ideas, on creativity. In the last 10 years, our competitor map has really changed. It’s impossible to single one out: it could be Mercedes for some cars. The AMG SLS, I respect Mercedes and I like Dieter [Zetsche], although I didn’t like so much seeing Michael [Schumacher] advertising with a red Mercedes... Mercedes has never been red! Aston Martin is theoretically a competitor, and of course Porsche for the eight-cylinder Ferrari. And the Honda NSX, but it disappeared. In the last 20 years I have seen many competitors: I saw the McLaren with three seats up front. I like competition but it's important Ferrari continues to win!'

Will there be a new Enzo supercar?

'Yes, but not in the next three years.'

For the full article jump over to CAR:
CAR interviews Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo | Automotive & Motoring News | Car Magazine Online