Ferrari has recalled its new hybrid supercar and ordered customers to stop driving due to the risk of fire.
The new Ferrari 296, which is priced at more than $600,000 (before on-road costs), represents one of the fastest and most exhilarating cars on sale.
We went so far as to say it is the best supercar you can buy today.
But owners need to press pause on their time with the thrilling machine due to a manufacturing defect.
A recall notice published this week states that a hose connected to the fuel tank may become damaged due to contact with the car’s high voltage battery cover.
“If this occurs, fuel may leak in the presence of an external ignition source resulting in a vehicle fire,” the recall notice says.
“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.
“Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Ferrari in writing, requesting to immediately stop using the vehicles involved in this recall campaign and to make an appointment with their preferred authorised Ferrari dealership or Ferrari Australia to arrange for a replacement of the fuel tank connecting pipe, free of charge.”
Ferrari says there has been no reported incidents globally.
The recall of a new and critically acclaimed mid-engine Ferrari has echoes of a service campaign for fire risks surrounding the Ferrari 458 Italia in 2010.
Determined not to use the F-word in its recall announcement, then-importer Ateco Automotive published a notice stating that “there is a possible non-conformity in the assembly of the wheelhouse and its respective heat shield”.
“The adhesive used in the assembly may overheat and produce smoke; or it may ignite in particularly high ambient and operating temperature conditions.”
Recalls for high-end cars are not uncommon.
McLaren recalled almost 200 cars in 2020 over a defective foam pad that could corrosion of the fuel tank, leading to the potential for fuel leaks and fires.
Lamborghini recalled the V12-powered Aventador in 2017 to address concerns the car could catch fire if its fuel tank was overfilled, causing petrol to ignite on its hot exhaust.
Ferrari recalled more than 2600 cars last year for a flaw in the braking system that could cause a reduction in stopping power – an important factor given the performance potential of the cars in question.