Ferrari unveils new 488 Spider at Auto Guangzhou 2015
Posted: 26.11.2015
Source: Ferrari
November 26th, 2015, Guangzhou — Auto Guangzhou 2015 has again proven that the 68 years of success of Ferrari have been built on a commitment to the finest in product design and the ultimate in exclusivity of ownership – confirmed with the official China debut of the new Ferrari 488 Spider. Surrounded by the finest automotive creations available, Ferrari demonstrated that the Italian marquee remains the preeminent super car manufacturer in the world – an enviable record of sustainable success built on a global-acclaimed model range only available to a select community of owners.
Front and centre of the highlights at Auto Guangzhou 2015 was the new 488 Spider. Following the astounding worldwide success of the 488 GTB, the global community of Ferrari owners had been asking Maranello to offer the thrills of the new 3,902cc V8 Turbo engine to the open-roof segment. The 488 Spider now makes this possible, and with 80% new components, does so with absolutely no compromise in performance. Not only does the 488 Spider retain the trademark 670 HP of incredible power and zero turbo lag, but also the performance soundtrack that is seductively full across a broad range of throttle inputs, and music to the ears of every automotive enthusiast.
A further highlight at Guangzhou in 2015, came in the form of a bespoke version of the classic front-engine Ferrari California T, featuring Bianco Italia exterior livery with the Italian Tri-Colour for further detail and designed especially for Auto Guangzhou 2015. Boasting 450 different homologated materials used for the very first time, the California T on display was rich in materials and custom detail, stating unequivocally why Ferrari has no rival for the exclusivity of each and every design. Via the ‘Tailor-made’ program, owners have every opportunity to not only demonstrate refinement of taste, but also individuality and personality with every exquisite touch.
Aside the new 488 Spider, and the bespoke California T were the other thoroughbreds currently available from the Maranello production yards, most notably the new 488 GTB. Completing the range was the naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder Ferrari F12 berlinetta, the most powerful and the highest performing road car ever released by Maranello, and the four-door and four-seat Ferrari FF, which makes the thrills of Ferrari driving accessible to four.
Ferrari 488 GTB wins ‘China Performance Car of the Year’
Posted: 23.11.2015
Source: Ferrari
Guangzhou, November 23rd — The outstanding success of Ferrari 488 GTB was rewarded by the media of China, with the presentation of the award for ‘China Performance Car of the Year’ on November 19th in Guangzhou. Receiving a final score of 116 points – more than double the points of the next highest competitor – the Ferrari 488 GTB again demonstrated that the Italian marquee remains the preeminent super car manufacturer in the world today.
The “China Car of the Year” is to the auto industry what the Oscars is of the film industry, and was inaugurated to recognise and reward automotive excellence in China. This year, the programme is initiated by twenty-two editors-in-chief who write for the most favoured car magazines in China. On the basis of more than 140 brand new car models released from Oct.1st 2014 to Sep.30th 2015 in mainland China, three rounds of voting and scoring are set to decide the top three of the five different award. A real test drive involving the shortlisted models was conducted on Nov 10th in Beijing and eventually given a closed scoring on the Internet.
Surrounded by the finest automotive creations available, “China Car of the Year” were looking for a product that offered the finest in product design, the highest levels of performance, while also considering market performance and sales status – and the Ferrari 488 GTB was a clear winner. Forty years on from Ferrari’s first ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse has written a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history.
At the fore front of the success of the all-new Ferrari 488 GTB has been the new 3,902cc V8 Turbo engine, offering not only a spine-tingling 670 HP of incredible power with zero turbo lag, but also a new performance soundtrack that is full, clear, progressive and totally distinctive, as expected from any Prancing Horse engine. With 670 cv at 8,000 rpm and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds (at 2,000 rpm in third gear), the 488 GTB has undeniably set a new benchmark for this kind of engine architecture.
On the exterior, architecture was also instrumental in the constant Ferrari commitment to minimise drag and maximise downforce. Cutting-edge aerodynamics from the engineers at Maranello, have allowed the Ferrari 488 GTB increase downforce by 50%, while also decreasing drag, resulting in an efficiency figure of 1.67. An F1-inspired double spoiler, an underbody that incorporates revolutionary vortex generators, and a rear diffuser that features computer-operated variable flap geometry, were just a few of the reasons why Chinese media were able to acknowledge the clear technological supremacy of the Ferrari 488 GTB.
As Mr. Matteo Torre, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari Greater China exclaimed, “We are delighted that the new Ferrari 488 GTB has been recognised by the most esteemed media in China. The success of the 488 GTB has been built upon unparalleled performance, with extreme power exploitable and controllable to an unprecedented level by drivers of all skill levels. An exceptional engine and sophisticated aerodynamics combined with refined vehicle dynamic controls radically improve the already razor-sharp responsiveness of Ferrari’s road cars to near-track level. The 488 GTB is integral to offering our exclusive community of owners a chance to experience the spiritual driving sensations built upon 68 historic years of Ferrari performance on the road and on the racetrack.”
About Ferrari Greater China
Ferrari is among the world’s leading luxury brands focused on the design, engineering, production and sale of the world’s most recognizable luxury performance sports cars. Ferrari brand symbolizes exclusivity, innovation, state-of-the-art sporting performance and Italian design. Its history and the image enjoyed by its cars are closely associated with its Formula 1 racing team, Scuderia Ferrari, the most successful team in Formula 1 history. From the inaugural year of Formula 1 in 1950 through the present, Scuderia Ferrari has won 224 Grand Prix races, 16 Constructor World titles and 15 Drivers’ World titles, including most recently the Constructor World title in 2008. Ferrari designs, engineers and produces its cars in Maranello, Italy, and sells them in over 60 markets worldwide.
In 1992, Ferrari received its very first order for Ferrari 348TS from a customer in Mainland China. The supercar was delivered in 1993 and a new generation of Ferrari enthusiasts was born. To meet the needs of these passionate new supporters, the first Ferrari showroom in Mainland China opened in Beijing in February 1994, setting a new standard for luxury sales and after-sales services in China. With the establishment of Ferrari Greater China in August 2004, Ferrari had now comprehensively entered the China market. Today, Ferrari Greater China plays a central role in the Ferrari Asia Pacific market and maintains a pivotal position in Ferrari’s global strategy. Since arriving in China, Ferrari’s dealer presence has expanded rapidly with the development of a highly-qualified national network. Up to date, Ferrari has established a sales and service network in 26 major markets to offer exciting new models and to provide excellent services to Ferrari customers through a convenient and comprehensive after-sales service Network.