Burning Rubber : Fires Spark Ferrari Recall
<!-- SHARE --> <script src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end SHARE --> 10:06am UK, Thursday September 02, 2010
Katie Cassidy
Ferrari's newest supercar has been recalled after several vehicles were reported to have spontaneously burst into flames.
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At least five Ferrari 458 Italias have been destroyed after catching fire
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The Italian carmaker has been investigating at least five "thermal incidents" from around the world - including in California, Paris, Switzerland and China.
Ferrari said it had discovered a glue used in the production of its 458 Italia model was prone to melting and issued a recall of 1,240 cars.
A company spokesman said the problem was related to an adhesive used in the wheel-arch assemblies. In certain circumstances, due to overheating, the glue can melt and eventually ignite. Those who bought the £170,000 supercar before July 2010 have been asked to bring their vehicles in to be corrected.
"This modification has been decided after the analysis carried out by Ferrari technicians investigating the thermal incidents since July involving five 458 vehicles of over 1,000 delivered," the spokesman said. Owners who had their cars damaged after they caught alight will receive a new model.
The fire incidents, along with a series of accidents involving the Ferrari 458 Italia, sparked fears the cars were jinxed. In the UK, one Ferrari 458 Italia - which has a top speed of 202mph - hit a barrier on a wet road in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
