While show visitor's attention at the Ferrari stand in Detroit this week has been primarily focused on the United States debuts of the awesome limited-edition, high-technology FXX, the new F430 Challenge racer, and the announcement of the V12-engind 599 GTB berlinetta, two Ferrari 612 Scaglietti models, which blend performance, elegance, and the driving pleasure characteristics of the Prancing Horse, offer interesting new details.

The two Ferrari 2+2 'Gran Tourer' models on show at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) amply demonstrate the unique aspects that have resulted from the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme, that all of Ferrari customers are able to benefit from. One of the Ferrari 612 Scagliettis on display in Detroit is a special two-tone version - in Nero Daytona and Rubino Micalizzato. The other 612 on display is equipped with the optional "Handling GTC" pack, which, among other things, includes a braking system featuring carbon-ceramic discs (CCM), ball-polished modular wheels and highly-advanced F1 gear change software and is targeted at customers who desire a more dynamic handling.

The striking two-tone 612 Scaglietti has drawn much attention. The 'Rubino Micalizzato' colour sweeps up the car's vast, curving bonnet, having first picked out the recessed inner edge surfaces of the wide, gaping front grille. It then chases up the A-pillars, sweeping across the roof and down the boot, while the door mirrors have also finished in this very eye-catching red paint.

The 612 Scaglietti - which made its public debut in Detroit two years ago - is the very first ever Ferrari 12-cylinder model to boast both an all-aluminium space frame chassis and body. The result of cutting-edge production and assembly techniques, the new car’s all-aluminium construction reduces its weight by 40% and gives it excellent torsional rigidity. 
 

In addition to this, the 612 Scaglietti’s near-perfect weight distribution (46% front and 54% rear) means that it offers both the high performance driving of a rear-engined car and the roomy versatility of a front-engined layout. The CST electronic stability and traction control system enhances the 612 Scaglietti’s dynamic handling even further. This is the first time the system has been used in a Ferrari and it guarantees optimal performance in tandem with complete safety. Its imposing 65° V12 engine was developed using Ferrari’s most advanced racing technologies and punches out a maximum of 540 hp at 7,250 rpm. The Pininfarina-designed 612 Scaglietti was named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary Modenese coachbuilder who created some of the most beautiful cars to come out of Maranello in the early years of Enzo Ferrari’s extraordinary reign.

Two tone paint was first seen applied to the 612 Scaglietti model during the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last year, when Ferrari presented a one-off special edition of the 612 Scaglietti, featuring two-tone paintwork. The 'Gran Tourer' - which was finished in black and grey with a very thin dividing stripe - was called the Ferrari 612 Pebble Beach, in deference to the occasion of its showing. The 612 'Pebble Beach' was displayed alongside the Ferrari FXX in a marquee that was strictly limited to the Prancing Horse's chosen guests and customers. These latest models build on a strong Ferrari tradition, the predecessor of the 612 Scaglietti, the 456GT, was also offered with several two-tone finish options.