Ferrari's historic Maranello, Italy, complex has long held a certain mystique for fans of the Prancing Horse. But mindful of the realities of modern manufacturing, the automaker has been focusing on upgrading its facilities and on Wednesday unveiled two new buildings designed to improve production.
At a ceremony, Ferrari executives showed off new assembly lines with workstations that reduce worker movement. The building is lined with large windows that offer a view of the 1960s factory built by Enzo Ferrari.
The company has spent 198 million euros since the late 1990s to improve its facilities, including completely revamping the car-production area, where work began late last year. The assembly facility was designed by Jean Nouvel, a noted French architect who won one of the industry's top awards, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, this year.
Ferrari also unveiled a new restaurant for workers in the "Ferrari Village." The impressive structure features a soaring glass overhang and is surrounded by a square for staffers to relax.
Meanwhile, in product news, the company revealed more details about its much-anticipated new GT-style convertible, the California. Most interesting is that the car will have a "launch control" button that will shoot it from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds. The technology is borrowed from Ferrari's racing division and allows maximum torque while preventing the wheels from slipping.
Meanwhile, in product news, the company revealed more details about its much-anticipated new GT-style convertible, the California. Most interesting is that the car will have a "launch control" button that will shoot it from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds. The technology is borrowed from Ferrari's racing division and allows maximum torque while preventing the wheels from slipping.
