Pre-Owned Ferrari

Electric models are being born one after another

By connecting to a diagnostic device, the vehicle's condition can be checked on the screen. For example, the wear rate of the carbon brakes can be displayed numerically. — By connecting to a diagnostic device, the vehicle’s condition can be checked on the screen. For example, the wear rate of the carbon brakes can be displayed numerically.

In 203X, I retired and used my retirement money to buy the Ferrari of my dreams. It was a 296GTB, a car full of memories. Just as I was about to enjoy the sweet life with my Ferrari until I had to give up my driver’s license, the high-voltage battery, a key component of the plug-in hybrid (PHV), died! After seeing the estimated repair costs, I was heartbroken and had to give it up… This fictional story is an impossible dream for a humble employee of a small publishing company, but for those who can actually afford to buy a Prancing Horse, it must be a sobering tale.

Ferrari has been releasing plug-in hybrid (PHV) models in rapid succession. Starting with the SF90 Stradale in 2019, the company has released a string of electric models, including the 296 GTB, which will debut in 2021. This year, Ferrari announced that it will be enhancing its new extended warranty services for these PHVs, “Warranty Extension Hybrid” and “Power 16,” through 2025. These two programs, which can be renewed for two to four years, aim to maintain the performance of Ferrari’s electric sports cars at the same level as new.

In fact, Ferrari PHVs already come with a five-year warranty on hybrid components, but if you extend that warranty to an eighth year with the Warranty Extension Hybrid Program, you not only get a comprehensive warranty extension, but also get the battery replaced at no extra cost. That’s a pretty impressive deal.

Applying the latest technology to batteries

Ferrari model certification types and warranty details (orange parts will be introduced from 2025) — [1]

A demonstration of the checking process was given at the workshop. The list we covered was only a portion of the 201 items on the list, and it apparently takes six to seven hours to go through them all. — [1]

In addition, the Power 16 will be available, extending the manufacturer’s warranty for major powertrain components, including those related to the hybrid system, from eight years to 16 years. This extends the current 15-year extended warranty for engine vehicles, “Power 15,” by one year and extends the warranty coverage to include PHVs.

If these are fully utilized, the batteries can be replaced in the 8th and 16th years. Moreover, in both programs, if battery performance improves in the future, the latest technology will be applied to the batteries. This means that the performance of the 2020 SF90 can be extended to 2028, or even 2036 if desired, and with better performance.

This program, like other Ferrari extended warranties, also applies to cars that change ownership. Ferraris that have changed ownership are called pre-owned vehicles, and only those that have been thoroughly inspected and certified by Ferrari for authenticity are sold as approved cars, or certified pre-owned cars.

A rite of passage for new members of the family

The interview took place at the Ineco dealership in Bologna. The 296GTB on display was priced at 290,000 euros (48 million yen), while the SF90 Stradale was priced at 620,000 euros (100 million yen).

But this is a Ferrari. It is not treated like a regular used car. Each Ferrari is a special vehicle, packed with the individual preferences of its owner. Not only the body color, but also the interior, down to the color of the seat stitching, and even the ADAS and engine bay can be customized to your specifications as much as you wish. Purchasing such a special car is like inheriting the will of the previous owner. You could even say that purchasing an approved car is a rite of passage for someone joining the family.

In fact, ordering a new car takes time. If you’re going to buy one, you want to carefully consider the interior, including the seats and steering wheel, as well as the forged wheels. So, if you’re lucky enough to find an approved car that matches your tastes, it might help fill the waiting time while you wait for your new car to arrive.

This time, we interviewed them to find out what the program to certify an Approved Car is and how the vehicle is checked. The checklist has 201 items, and not only the exterior but even the smallest details are checked, and if any damage is found, it is repaired later. Next, the condition of the interior and electrical system is checked. Naturally, the engine is started and the tire pressure and the condition of the wheels are checked. If necessary, the vehicle is test driven to ensure that the instruments are functioning properly, and wind noise, air conditioning, and radio operation are checked. Once preparations are complete, the checklist and photos are compiled and the vehicle is ready for delivery to the customer. These checks vary depending on the condition of the vehicle, but it takes about 6 to 7 hours per vehicle. Naturally, it takes longer if there is paint work or any defects.

Approved to keep the shine of a new car

After the interview, I tried out the electric Ferrari, which had some mileage, on public roads and on the circuit. As always, its high quality was the result of meticulous maintenance.

At the end of our visit, we were able to test drive the 296GTB, which had actually covered 8,000 km, on public roads and the circuit. It had undergone 201 checks by specialists. Needless to say, the ride still retained its new car luster. It is said that 90% of all Ferraris produced still exist. Purchasing an approved car could mean keeping the flame burning as a family, and becoming a page in history yourself.

REPORT/Takuro Yoshioka

PHOTO/Ferrari SpA, GENROQ