If there ever was a phone capable racing into the favour with the market, the Motorola RAZR2 V9 Ferrari Special Edition would be a definite competitor. Both Motorola and Ferrari are synonymous with sleek designs and powerful abilities within their respective industries. So why would anything change when the two combine to bring you the latest is fashion mobile devices?

Now the form factor is in the same vein as the previous V-Series handsets, still a sleek 13.3mm thick with clean metal finish. However, it's the design changes which really push it up a gear. The fiery red makes it distinctly Ferrari, and the checkered pattern around the external display give it the authentic racing look. As an added bonus the handset comes with a Ferrari Branded leather carry case and rapid rate car charger for those on the go. Some great gifts with purchase to compliment a pretty gifted handset.

Underneath the proverbial bonnet, the V9 is a supercharged unit. It's the upgrade of the RAZR2 V8, with such improvements as being 3G enable (HSDPA) and expandable memory, as opposed to the limited hard drive of the V8. The subsequent draw backs are reduced battery life and a slightly thicker profile. The V9 is also equipped with a 2 Megapixel Camera for your happy snaps, Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) for wireless tunes on the run, and external touch sensitive controls for ease of use. The handset also boasts the new Motorola CrystalTalk Technology. Basically, with the addition of noise reduction and speaker enhancements, the results are improved voice clarity and communication. Some rather fat features for a slimmed down phone.

Whilst the new design is quite sleek and the additional goodies really help with the sell, it is only a re-branding of the original V9. Motorola is not a stranger to this concept with The V8, re-released the David Beckham Special Edition, as well as both a Dolce Gabbana variant of the V3i. Although the device is relatively feature rich with a stunning design, I think that in today's multimedia market, only having a 2mpx camera on a fairly expensive handset will be a slight stumbling point for this handset. That being said, it is still a great all-round handset, and owning it is just that extra step to realizing that dream of speeding round the circuit at Monaco.

Availability: July 2008
RRP: AUS $619 (exclusive to Optus)