Ferrari and Naza have been associated for the past 15 years but the association will come to an end after this month. The Italian sportscar maker will end its business relationship with Naza Italia Sdn Bhd – aka Ferrari Malaysia – on April 8, 2023 and a new company will take over as official distributor for Malaysia.
Confirming the termination, a statement from the Naza Automotive Group today explained that the company has been reviewing the brand mix of its automotive business to find the right fit for its business strategy. “We have agreed to conclude our relationship with Ferrari S.p.A due to the non-alignment of their expectations to our strategy,” the statement said, giving assurance of support to Ferrari for a smooth transition of business.
While much attention is on the new Grecale launched recently, Maserati’s first SUV – the Levante – has received updates for the 2022 model year. With the cosmetic updates, the Levante gains a more unified identity with the rest of the Italian carmaker’s range by adopting the common language for its key models.
The changes can be seen in the grille and new rear light clusters which have a boomerang shape inspired by the units on the 3200 GT styled by Giugiaro. To emphasise the boomerang shape, the light clusters are produced with a state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology, giving the unit a 3-colour lens. They are black around the edges, red in the middle and clear in the bottom section.
Coupe profile for SUV
Though it is a SUV, the design concept of the Levante has a couple profile which enhances aerodynamics. The imposing grille, which was inspired by the 2014 Alfieri concept, pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. The new front grille with the tuning fork design now comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Black Piano for the GranSport.
The GranLusso trim is identified on the exterior by a series of elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body colour rear spoiler, black-painted brake callipers, 21-inch Anteo wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.
The wider, more muscular rear end has a sharper horizontal element and a body-colour lower extractor embracing the four exhaust tips. Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Black Piano inserts, the GranSport badges on the front fenders, red brake callipers and either 21-inch Helios or 21-inch Anteo wheels.
The Levante is available with V6 and V8 twin-turbo engines with 3.0-litre and 3.8-litre displacements.
The existing differences between the various trims remain unchanged. On the GranSport trim, the side air intakes in the lower fascia have a more aggressive design, defined by two aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually ‘pushing’ the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels. The side bezel blades and the splitter are styled to improve the airflow distribution.
Updates for instrument panel
Inside, the main changes of the 2022 Levante are largely seen in the 8.4-inch central display and instrument cluster. The central screen is now frameless for a more contemporary look, with almost all the surrounding bezel removed. The improved resolution, graphics and visual effect make it look like a single curved screen with the air vents cut into it, enabling vertical reading of the whole display.
The name Maserati is screen-printed on the back of the screen at the bottom of the display for a 3-dimensional effect. There is also a subtle but very sophisticated change to the instrument cluster, which now includes a large tachometer and speedometer (still analogue but with updated graphics) on either side of a 7-inch TFT display.
Much of the plastic from the previous version is eliminated and replaced with real anti-dazzle flat glass covers over the instruments. All these changes give the instrument cluster a more high-tech look and generate a richer impression. Effects are achieved by alternating glossy and matte blacks. The perimeter ring which contains the numbers is reflective glossy black, while the central ring containing the indicator lights is matte black.
Active Driving Assist
Newly added is Active Driving Assist (ADS), an evolution of Highway Assist introduced in 2018. The system works with Adaptive Cruise Control and keeps the vehicle centered in its lane. It uses a radar and forward-looking camera to scan the road ahead for other vehicles and hazards.
The latest Levante is available in Malaysia through Naza Italia and priced from RM808,800 (inclusive of taxes and duties) with full specifications and options.
Demands to address climate change by becoming carbon-neutral are strong and carmakers, whose products are identified as contributors to climate change because of their exhaust emissions, need to do their part. Electrification is the quickest solution that allows vehicles as we know them to still be used without causing more pollution.
Ferrari, like other sportscar makers, can’t avoid the electrification trend of the auto industry. In fact, over 10 years ago, it was already examining hybrid technology and developing such powertrains. And with Formula 1 moving into the hybrid era, development accelerated as the company has long been a participant in the sport.
Thus far, the company has already put a few hybrid models into the market – like the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale – and with the 296 GTB, which was launched in the middle of last year, represents an evolution of their mid-rear-engined two-seater Berlinetta with a hybrid engine.
This model is the latest offering from Naza Italia in Malaysia which has priced it from RM1,228,000 (excluding all duties and insurance). As with other new Ferraris officially sold by the importer, there’s a 7-year maintenance programme included. Service intervals are at 20,000 kms or once a year, with no mileage limits.
All-new hybrid V6 powertrain
The hybrid powertrain of the 296 GTB incorporates a 120° V6 (553 ps output) coupled with one electric motor that adds 122 kW (166 ps), giving a total system output of 830 ps. Having a displacement of 2992 cc, it’s the first 6-cylinder engine installed on a Ferrari roadcar although the brand has had V6 engines going as far back as 1957 but only for its racing cars (its Formula 1 racers have had V6 hybrid architecture since 2014). Needless to say, technologies developed for the hybrid racing cars has been used for the 296 GTB powertrain.
The hybrid powertrain is a plug-in (PHEV) type which allows for external recharging and a high-capacity 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Running on just electric power, Ferrari claims that a range of up to 25 kms is possible.
The new V6, which has an 8-speed DCT, is of an entirely new development and engineered specifically for the car. It’s the first Ferrari to feature the IHI turbos installed inside the vee of the engine. Aside from bringing significant advantages in terms of packaging, lowering the centre of gravity and reducing engine mass. It sets a new specific power output record for a production car and the maximum power output puts it at the top of the rear-wheel drive sportscar segment.
Aerodynamic innovations
Besides the powertrain, the 296 GTB also has aerodynamic innovations that include, for the first time, an active device is being used not to manage drag but to generate extra downforce. The LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTB to generate a high level of rear downforce when required – up to 360 kgs at 250 km/h in high- downforce configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package.
The Aero calipers for the brake system have ventilation ducts integrated into their castings. This brake cooling concept requires a dedicated duct to correctly channel cool air coming in through the air intakes on the front bumper through the wheelarches. In the case of the 296 GTB, the intake has been integrated into the headlight design.
From a chassis perspective, the car’s wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than previous Ferrari berlinettas, giving positive implications to the dynamics. Because of the added weight of the hybrid system, much attention was paid to lowering weight for an optimum balance and various solutions were used. It helped that the V6 is 30 kgs lighter than the V8s used in other berlinettas and along with use of lightweight materials, the resultant dry weight is 1,470 kgs.
Evolved from SF90 Stradale
As with the newer Ferraris, the cabin shows greater ‘digitisation’ and uses the new concept of an entirely digital interface which was first adopted by the SF90 Stradale. It shows a clear break with the past and presents new technology in a sophisticated way. However, the cleaner layout also allowed the designers to create a pure, minimalistic environment for the occupants.
Exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the noble technical materials used on the functional components. The sculptural door panels are seamless continuations of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour. Incidentally, when the engine shuts down, the instruments also go black, enhancing the minimalist look of the cabin.
For customers who want to experience the full performance of the car, the Assetto Fiorano package is available and provides significant weight reduction and aero content. It includes special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers, high downforce carbonfibre appendages on the front bumper, a Lexan rear screen, and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbonfibre for both cabin and exterior.
Assetto Fiorano package
The Assetto Fiorano package (shown on the car below) involves much more than simply replacing elements. Some components require the standard basic structure to be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall weight-saving of 12+ kgs. This is therefore something that is specified when ordering the car so the necessary items are added at the factory during assembly.
For Ferrari-lovers and those who are thinking of buying one, Naza Italia recently organized an event to take them on a unique ‘journey’ through the Ferrari universe. The 3-day private viewing event was an immersive experience, offering specially invited guests a glimpse of the brand’s full range and connecting them to the heart of Ferrari in Maranello via the latest technological innovation.
Using tablets and augmented reality (AR) gear, the guests went on a virtual tour as they moved through 6 different exploration zones where they saw the entire line-up of Ferrari models currently available worldwide. A ‘journey presenter’ accompanied them through each zone as well.
The tour included a close-up view of the 488 Challenge Evo and as an introduction to Ferrari’s DNA – its racing spirit, innovation and technology, commitment to craftsmanship, passion for performance and distinct design elements.
Another zone displayed the latest models available for purchase, such as the SF90 Spider, the Portofino M, and Roma. The personalisation zone was in the Atelier, where guests were encouraged to get creative and have a taste of what it feels like to customize their own Ferrari. They could look through a broad selection of materials and putting their designer skills to the test with the car configurator.
In the community area and lounge, guests could also have the ‘360 Factory Experience’. This allowed them to ‘visit’ the Maranello factory using the dedicated MyFerrari app. Here, with Ferrari’s world of superlative sporting experiences and activities, owners got to experience being part of the Ferrari family. They viewed the Corse Clienti, Passione Ferrari, Esperienza Ferrari and Calvacade events, among others.
For those considering a pre-owned Ferrari, there is Ferrari Approved, a certification programme that puts pre-owned Ferraris through a comprehensive 190-point check by the brand’s trained technicians. Ferrari Approved cars were on display for guests to view, and they could also learn about the Ferrari Genuine (Out-Of-Range) accessories and kits that are exclusively designed and developed to give Ferrari owners the ability to make their car unique.
The tour concluded with an in-depth look at the brand’s aftersales services and maintenance programmes such as Genuine Maintenance, MainPower and Ferrari Premium. Also showcased in this zone was a collection of Ferrari Genuine (In-Range) accessories.
The heart is a weird thing. It is what keeps you alive, and yet it is also the same spot where you feel such powerful emotions as joy and sadness.
The factually inclined amongst us would argue that you feel those emotions because the brain sends signals to your body to release dopamine or serotonin chemicals. These are chemicals that make you feel feel happy.
My body was packing about four cups of coffee by 10am that morning, and was filled with those two chemicals linked to happiness.
And that was because I had my sights on the Ferrari F8 Spider. I had a full 8 hours with it. That was the joy part.
Over the buildings in PJ though, I could see dark clouds blowing in. And I was about to spend my day with over 700 horsepower under my right foot. That was fear.
I would like to say that the F8 Spider is quite possibly one of the most beautiful Ferraris of modern times.
But that would not be 100% accurate because there are others like the F12, the LaFerrari Aperta and perhaps even the 360. In this writer’s eyes at least.
But as I write this, I would like to put it out there that the new Ferrari Daytone SP3 is among the most beautiful, Ever!
Back to the F8 Spider.
This is a Ferrari that evokes emotion. One that looks fast while its standing still. And there is not a curve that looks out of place.
Every curve and inch of the F8 serves a purpose. Whether it is to channel air to cool the brakes, lead air in and out of the engine bay, or to simply to push the car down to the road as you drive faster. There is nothing about the F8 that is not doing something.
But the best thing happens when all of those things combine to create something beautiful – and that would be the F8 Spider.
The engine is probably the star of the show – a 3.9-litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine that puts out a mind numbing 720hp and 770Nm of torque.
And to think that this is an entry level Ferrari sports car.
What I really like about modern Ferraris is how driver centric the interior feels.
Everything is about the driver.
There aren’t too many levers hanging around behind the steering wheel either. Just two of the most important – the shifter pedals.
Everything else like the indicators, wipers and light controls are located on the steering wheel in the form of buttons that are perfectly formed to fit your fingers.
The audio, GPS and car data are displayed on the meter panel up ahead which is a joyous mixture of new and old.
The entire meter panel is dominated by a huge rpm meter flanked by digital screens that give you the audio, gps and data about the car and such.
The passenger can be left to be mesmerised by the experience of being propelled by one of the best engine’s ever made by mankind.
Or F8 buyers can opt to have something called the Ferrari Passenger Display, which is a small rectangular sized display that looks like it has been neatly inserted into the dashboard right in front of the passenger.
This display feeds the passenger data about the car such as the speed and rpm, as well as the gear selected and even the manettino settings.
But as brilliant as the interior may be and as ingenious the engine is, the real star of the show is the driving experience, because let’s not forget that this is a Spider – and nothing gets more dramatic than a drop top Ferrari.
The engine of the F8 is an engineering masterpiece. It is so good that it won the 21st edition of the International Engine & Powertrain of the Year in 2019.
And for the record, Ferrari is the only car maker to have won that award four years in a row. This is a company that doesn’t only build great cars, but they engineer the best engines.
Back when the award was presented, the 3.9-litre V8 engine was powering the 488 GTB and Pista. Now though, the already brilliant engine has been further refined to power the F8.
And what do you get when you continuously refine an engine that is already brilliant – fantastic performance!
The F8 Spider’s engine puts down power quicker than your brain and hands can digest. And this is partially due to the fact that there is almost zero turbo lag.
If you follow Ferrari history, you might remember that Enzo Ferrari had said that the company only produced road cars so that they could build race cars to go racing in.
Well, that is not lost. Because the zero turbo lag in the F8 Spider is derived from the Ferrari Challenge cars – the 488 Challenge to be specific.
Ferrari has placed turbo rev sensors to detect when power is needed, and this maximises the efficiency of the turbochargers. Simply put, the turbochargers almost feel like they have been hard wired to your right foot, that iconic whistle of a turbocharger comes alive with every flex of your foot.
It really does feel like you have been hardwired into the cars central system, and that the car knows what you are about to do before you even know what you are about to do.
And of course this is also down to the fact that the gearbox is equally as brilliant as the engine.
The seven-speed dual clutch transmission is one of the fastest shifting I have ever experienced in my career.
I never doubted Ferraris brilliance when it comes to powertrains and power delivery. After all, these are the same guys who introduced pedal shifters in Formula 1.
And they have continuously developed the technology.
So it is this combination of engine and gearbox that has combined to offer one of the best driving experiences money can buy.
Put that in a car that looks like a piece of art with a roof that is able to fold away at speeds of up to 50km/h in just 14 seconds.
You can see how it folds and unfolds in the video embedded above of this article.
So the F8 Spider may be the facelift successor to the already very capable 488, but mid-life facelifts are not supposed to be this good.
As to why I was afraid of those rain clouds. I guess that is what we are hardwired to feel when we feel threatened.
My brain thought that I could easily hurt myself with 720hp at my disposal to the rear wheels. I was afraid I might get it wrong and bin it.
Well, it was as simple as turning the manettino switch to Rain mode.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is ferocious yet docile. And considering that this is just a facelift model, it really is not supposed to be this good because facelifts are usually reserved for cosmetic upgrades.
But then again, you don’t expect Ferrari to create something as unexciting as ‘just another facelift’.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is now in Malaysia with prices starting from RM1.18 million before duties and taxes and customisation.
It was in September 2017 that Ferrari launched the Portofino and by May 2018, the first units arrived in the showrooms of Naza Italia in Malaysia. 39 months later comes the evolution version – the Portofino M. The car was unveiled in September last year and like many new models during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ferrari unveiled it to the world online. It was the first Ferrari to be launched following the carmaker’s temporary closure due to the pandemic.
“The ongoing challenges and restrictions our nation has been experiencing made delays of launch plans inevitable, so we are thrilled to now have the opportunity to introduce the Ferrari Portofino M to the local market and have it join Ferrari Malaysia’s stable of Prancing Horses. Our clients have already shown keen interest in this versatile model and have been waiting in anticipation for the perfect evolution of the Portofino, which holds the promise of 2+ GT spider excellence with distinct progressions in character, design, performance and everyday adaptability,” said Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.
Evolution of the Portofino
Priced from RM998,000 (excluding taxes and insurance), it is around RM50,000 more than the asking price with the original model in 2018. For that extra money, the Portofino M offers that increased levels of performance expected of an evolution version. The ‘M’ refers to ‘Modificata’, which at Ferrari refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance.
Design-wise, the original styling is maintained with the grille having new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips. The new features are aimed at improved aerodynamic performance. At the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making the Portofino M’s tail more compact. The result is that the rear bumpers are now more streamlined and sculptural. Visually, their forms are lighter too and their styling more in harmony with the front bumpers, creating a much more coherent overall aesthetic. The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and is now separate to the bumpers. This allows customers to be able to specify it in carbonfibre, if they wish.
Redesigned award-winning engine
In the technical department, the most notable upgrade is the redesigned powertrain. The new 3855 cc engine can be considered an award-winner as it belongs to the same V8 engine family that was voted ‘International Engine of the Year’ in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The powerplant produces up to about 620 ps at 7,500 rpm, 20 ps more than the Portofino. To achieve this higher output, the cam profiles were revised, increasing valve lift to optimise combustion chamber filling.
At the same time, a speed sensor was added to the turbocharger assembly. This measures the turbine speed accurately which allows the maximum rpm of the turbine to be increased by 5,000 rpm without risk of damage. Variable Boost Management, a control software developed by Ferrari, adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected. The result is increasingly powerful pick-up as revs rise, whilst optimising fuel consumption. The amount of torque delivered progressively increases all the way up to 760 Nm in 7th and 8th gears.
New 8-speed gearbox
The 8-speed gearbox is completely new and differs from the 7-speed unit used before, with a dual-clutch oil bath architecture. It also differs from the SF90 Stradale’s 8-speed transmission in gear ratios and uses a mechanical reverse gear. The new layout and integration of its components have revised the gearbox’s size, installation in the car. This has allowed the use of longer gear ratios in the higher gears, which helps keep fuel consumption and emissions down. On the other, adopting a steeper torque curve through the rev range in the lower gears makes for a feeling of smooth and powerful pick-up.
By tradition, every single Ferrari engine has its own particular soundtrack that makes it unique, and the Portofino M is no exception. The two rear silencers have been eliminated (which, in addition to boosting sound, also significantly reduces back-pressure in the tailpipes) and the by-pass valves are now oval in shape to enhance the exhaust sound.
The vehicle dynamics control system that allows the driver to push the car safely to the edge of its performance envelope is known as Side Slip Control (SSC). Now in its sixth generation, the SSC integrates the E-Diff, F1-TCS, SCM-E Frs and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) control systems. The FDE is a lateral dynamics control system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the hydraulic brake pressure at the callipers on all four wheels. On the Portofino M, it is available only when the Manettino is in Race mode. The FDE is designed to make the car’s lateral dynamics more predictable both through and exiting corners by ensuring the steering wheel and throttle are more intuitive for the driver to use. The aim of the five-position Manettino, a first on a Ferrari GT spider, is to make the handling and grip even more accessible by extending the setting ranges still further with the introduction of the Race position.
Inside the Portofino M
With the top down, the Portofino M reveals a multi-level dashboard structure comprising an upper half and then an intermediate gap designed to lighten the perceived mass of the lower half. This approach allowed the designers to organise the technical elements and in-car devices to very rational effect while simultaneously defining a signature full-width architecture. A central horizontal aluminium blade divides the instrument panel, air conditioning vents and passenger display into separate areas in the upper section. The other control functions are located in the scooped section below, with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen at the centre.
Seen from above, the cockpit’s symmetrical arrangement and the generous rear seat space are clear. From a construction perspective, the interior – and the dashboard architecture, in particular – feature two shells incorporating all of the technical components and a bridge that visually connects the instrument panel area with the central tunnel. The ventilated seats are the product of a special research project and have an innovative magnesium structure. Different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile have freed up space for rear occupants too.
The Portofino M’s HMI (Human-Machine Interface) centres on a digital cluster with dual TFT displays arranged around the analogue tachometer in a circular, anti-glare binnacle. Located on exactly the same axis as the multifunctional steering wheel, this cluster allows the driver to interact more easily and intuitively, both visually and physically, with the car by delivering optimal driving feedback.
The passenger has an optional dedicated capacitive display on the dashboard too. It is directly linked to the main screen providing all information relating to car speed, rpm and gear engaged. This 7-inch colour full HD and Full Touch display also allows the passenger to interact with the car’s on-board systems. It is thus possible for the passenger to becomes a participative co-driver.
7-year factory-formulated maintenance programme
As the official representative of Ferrari in Malaysia, Naza Italia offers an extended 7-year maintenance programme with the Portofino M. This is an exclusive factory-formulated programme (also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris) with scheduled intervals of either 20,000 kms or once a year with no mileage restrictions.
Ferrari had prototypes of hybrid powertrains over 10 years ago and last year finally put a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) into production as the SF90 Stradale – the Italian carmaker’s first hybrid supercar. Together with the Stradale came the SF90 Spider, its first hybrid supercar with a retractable hard top (RHT) and this new model is now available in Malaysia from RM2,088,000 (excluding duties, taxes and insurance).
Simple and light RHT
The RHT is simple in design and can open or close within 14 seconds, with operation possible even when the car is on the move. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kgs lighter than a conventional retractable hardtop while taking up less storage space. Its compactness requires just 100 litres of space, rather than the 150 – 200 litres required by a traditional system.
Ferrari guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when the RHT is raised, and it will not deform at high speeds. An adjustable electric rear window also enhances occupant comfort, even when the RHT is lowered at higher speeds.
Hybrid architecture
In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture in which the internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front and one at the rear derived from and named after the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) used in Ferrari’s F1 cars. The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm, more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari.
The hybrid architecture proved a challenge in terms of weight management. While the extra 270 kgs of the hybrid system was amply compensated for by the extra power delivered, extensive optimisation and weight reduction work was also required on the rest of the car to keep overall weight down to 1,670 kgs.
Just as the SF90 Stradale redefined the aerodynamic performance levels of the Ferrari range, the SF90 Spider is pushing the limits of the results delivered still further. The goals that drove the aerodynamic development of the car from the very earliest stages were maintaining the SF90 Stradale’s performance levels with the RHT deployed, minimising aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, and optimising power flows. Up to 390 kgs of downforce can generated in cornering at 250 km/h (with the special Assetto Fiorano specification).
1,000 ps/900 Nm V8
The synergy between the turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the electric motors generates a maximum of 1,000 ps/900 Nm – 60 ps more than any other V8 turbo engine ever built by Ferrari. To deliver this output, Ferrari’s engineers completely redesigned the intake and exhaust systems. To improve internal fluid dynamics, the ducts are now all horizontally lined up at engine head height, the turbo charger assembly has been lowered, and the exhaust line is higher.
This rationalisation also produced both a lower centre of gravity and a reduction in overall weight thanks to the use of Inconel instead of steel for the exhaust manifold.
The 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox used in the SF90 Stradale has been redesigned for the spider version. Despite the addition of an eighth gear and the need to transmit a maximum torque of 900 Nm (an increase of more than 20% on the current 7-speed), the gearbox’s overall weight is actually 10 kgs lower than its predecessor. The clutch’s performance is 35% higher than the 7-speed, transmitting up to 1,200 Nm in dynamic torque during gear shifts.
Much attention was given to sound quality when redesigning the exhaust system as the soundtrack is one of the pivotal factors in the exhilarating pleasure of driving a Ferrari. The introduction of a ‘hot tube system’, which transfers sound more directly to the cockpit, has produced fuller, richer harmonics across the entire frequency range, improving both in-car sound quality and intensity as revs rise compared to previous Ferrari V8s.
To make full use of the powertrain’s output, the engineers improved the vehicle dynamics systems to allow the driver to enjoy the maximum potential, and not just in terms of pure performance and lap times.
Digital instrumentation with HUD
The look and feel of the cabin was driven in large part by the complete redesign of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running. The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16-inch HD screen, complemented by a head-up display (HUD).
The steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and also ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking the hands off the wheel.
The F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the central tunnel and been replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes. In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission.
Assetto Fiorano upgrades
As with the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with an additional specification option for owners that want to push its track car capability to the extreme. The Assetto Fiorano pack includes a list of exclusive upgrades that include Multimatic shock absorbers derived from the Ferrari’s GT racing experience and optimised for track use.
Five units of a special edition of the Maserati Levante are now available in Malaysia, priced from RM838,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). They are the Levante S GranSport featuring Ermenegildo Zegna interior with PELLETSSUTA, a woven leather textile made exclusively for selected Maserati vehicles.
This collaboration between the two iconic Italian brands is not new, given their shared passion for traditional craftsmanship as well as innovative design ideas. Born of old-world Italian traditions and today’s innovative technology, PELLETESSUTA is a result of years of research. It is a development that ingeniously uses thin Nappa leather strips, replacing conventional fabric yarn. The traditional method of weaving is still adhered to, creating create an ultra-luxurious ‘fabric’ that is lightweight, soft and enduring.
For the first time in the history of Maserati-Zegna partnership, the customisation has been extended to also include the GranSport trims of the Maserati range, expanding the possibilities for personalisation.
Besides the black PELLETESSUTA interior, there is also exclusive Radica wood trim with the words ‘Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA’, black brake calipers; and 21-inch polished Helios rims. The special edition Levante S GranSport also has an exclusive bronzo tri-coat exterior colour, or as an alternative, a Blue Nobile tri-coat paint as well.
“Like Maserati, the PELLETESSUTA by Ermenegildo Zegna combines new avant-garde technologies with century-old craftmanship to create innovation. It comes to life in the Maserati Levante S GranSport to heighten the experience for both driver and passenger, while exquisitely complementing its luxurious, race-inspired performance,” said Datuk Nik Hamdan Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
Maserati Malaysia (Naza Italia) offers each of the 5 units with 3 years of Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction. There is also a Free maintenance programme of 3 years or 60,000 kms (whichever comes first), inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus.
The Ferrari showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has undergone renovation which brings its appearance in accordance with the Italian brand’s latest Corporate Identity (CI) design. A total of RM3.5 million was spent for the renovation and refurbishment of the showroom which has been at the location since 2009. It is among the first few in Southeast Asia to incorporate the new CI.
‘Exclusive club’ for customers and owners
The showroom has two floors, covering a total of 11,900 sq ft, and can accommodate up to 7 cars. On the ground floor is the main display area which showcases the latest Ferrari models available for the Malaysian market. A customer lounge, finely furnished and equipped with a coffee bar, provides customers with a luxurious space that has a community feel and a sense of being at an exclusive club.
The Configuration Room
In the Configuration Room is a broad selection of materials and options as well as the exclusive ‘atelier’ panels which rotate and allow for the room to be closed off when discerning customers would prefer to design their Ferrari with peace and privacy. The experience provided is said to be comparable to that offered to Ferrari customers at the factory in Italy.
Also located on the ground floor is a brand experience video wall and a private consultation room. For those taking delivery of their car, a delivery area has been thoughtfully designed for owners to celebrate the occasion.
Ferrari Approved
The first floor is partially dedicated to Ferrari Approved, the brand’s pre-owned certification programme. The pre-owned models go through a meticulous 190-step check and are prepared to ensure that their new owners receive a Ferrari in world-class condition.
A Heritage Wall and library offer a glimpse into Ferrari’s history, legacy and the brand’s evolution into the automotive powerhouse that it is today. Last year, Ferrari claimed the title of the world’s strongest brand, according to the Brand Finance Global 500 report. Its strength was determined through a review of marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance.
As Ferrari’s first series production PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the SF90 Stradale marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in the company’s history.
‘SF90’ is a reference to the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Scuderia Ferrari and ‘Stradale’, which translates to ‘road’, underscores the distinct link that has always existed between Ferrari’s track and road cars.
From a stylistic perspective, it completely rewrites the mid-rear-engined sports berlinetta proportions introduced on the 360 Modena 20 years ago.
Ferrari has successfully taken on the challenge of combining conventional and electrical power sources with its first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, once again drawing upon its advanced technology from the track and making it applicable for the road.
The new model delivers unprecedented performance for a production car, with figures such as 1,000 ps, and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57 kg/ps, with 390 kgs of downforce at 250 km/h.
The 90° V8 turbo 3990 cc engine delivers 780 ps (the highest power output of any 8-cylinder in Ferrari history), with the remaining 220 ps from 3 electric motors.
The SF90 Stradale is the first Ferrari sportscar to be equipped with 4WD, a step necessary to allow the incredible power unleashed by the hybrid powertrain to be fully exploited. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, its claimed 0-100 km/h time is 2.5 sec and 0-200 km/h is 6.7 seconds.
As well as exclusively providing propulsion in electric drive, the two front motors independently control the torque delivered to the two wheels, extending the concept of Torque Vectoring.
A major innovation within is the steering wheel which now has a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just their thumbs. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16-inch curved HD screen which can be fully configured and controlled using the controls on the steering wheel.
To own this Ferrari will require more than RM1,908,000 as the figure does not include duties, insurance and other taxes.
