Naza Italia Archives

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider – A Special Series From Ferrari Premieres At Pebble Beach

The Prancing Horse’s new Special Series model, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, has been unveiled during the world-famous Concours d’Elegance® at Pebble Beach in California. The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is the 50^th drop-top model from the Prancing Horse and a premiere in the US was a natural choice given that, ever since the 1950s, North American clients have always been keen connoisseurs of high-performance convertibles.

The new car sets a new benchmark for Ferrari for spider performance with an unprecedented weight-power ratio of 1.92 kg/cv. A result made possible by the adoption of the most powerful Ferrari V8 engine ever, which was recently named Best Engine in the world for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards. The 3902cc twin-turbo V8 unleashes 720cv and combines that power with increasing torque at all engine speeds for continuous and unending acceleration all the way to the red line. The unique engine sound is now even more riveting thanks to the open-top configuration.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider represents the natural development of the defining design of the coupé version. The Ferrari designers’ primary objective was to maintain unaltered the perfect marriage of aerodynamic efficiency, purity of form and racing spirit. This concept is underlined by the characteristic central livery which runs the whole length of the car, expanding towards the rear where it finishes at the end of the rear wing next to the spoiler. This continual expansion of the stripe recalls the movement of the airflow and exalts the lines of the car.

The philosophy that imposed an uncompromising choice of materials for the bodywork is also revisited in the interior solutions, with weight being saved by the use of lightweight, pared-back components. As well as the generous use of carbon-fibre and Alcantara® throughout, the carpets have been replaced by patterned aluminium foot plates and the driver’s-side door handle is now a simple strap.

In terms of engineering, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is directly derived from the 488 Pista which encapsulates all the racing experience gathered on world’s circuits with the 488 Challenge and the 488 GTE. As a result, the new Spider offers the highest level yet of technological transfer from the track to a road-legal drop-top car. The vehicle dynamics honed for this Special Series 8-cylinder convertible deliver a seamless combination of razor-sharp acceleration, braking efficiency, lightning-fast gear shifting, precision steering, grip, stability and superb handling. The result? A completely captivating and unprecedented driving experience. This was achieved thanks partly to the new lateral dynamics control system, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE), which makes on-the-limit driving more intuitive, controllable and predictable.

The car features new diamond-finish 20” alloy wheels with a novel 10-spoke star-effect interpretation of Ferrari’s traditional mid-rear engine berlinetta-style rims. Also available are the optional one-piece carbon-fibre wheels which offer a 20% weight reduction over the standard forged alloys.

What The FXX K? Ferrari Wins 3 Red-Dot Design Awards Simultaneously! [+Videos]

Ferrari has received the Red Dot: Best of the Best Award for the ground-breaking design of the Portofino, Ferrari’s most recent V8-engined GT car. This is the consecutive fourth year that the Prancing Horse receives this prestigious honour for one of its new models. The Ferrari Portofino (below) is an elegant and versatile convertible which features a retractable hardtop together with class-leading performance and luggage space.

Its styling impressed the international judging panel which stated: “Embodying an impressive evolutionary advancement, the Ferrari Portofino fascinates with an exciting design language. It comes across as a fascinating sculptural statement. The integration of the retractable hardtop presents an optimal solution. The haunting elegance is further underscored by the uncompromising quality in material and workmanship. The Ferrari Portofino is the perfect embodiment of novel approaches that point to the future.”

During the Gala ceremony on the 9th of July at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany, the jury of international designers also assigned two Red Dot awards for outstanding design quality to Ferrari for the 812 Superfast (above) and the FXX K EVO (below). The awards are testimony to the unmistakable design and ground-breaking technology that are at the basis of Ferrari’s production.

The 812 Superfast redefined the formal language of front-engined V12 Ferraris without altering either the exterior dimensions or interior space. With a distinct fastback sleekness to its silhouette, sharply slanted crease lines and impressively muscular wheel-arches imbue the 812 Superfast with the power and aggression warranted by its imposing 6.5-litre V12. Here’s our friend GC Mah from Autobuzz.my and his take on the 812 Superfast at Maranello!

The Ferrari FXX-K Evo (arf arf, snigger, snigger.. still find this name quite epic! – Ed.) marks a significant evolution of the XX programme launched in 2005 with cars developed specifically to play an active role in this exclusive research and development programme. The FXX-K Evo features an evolved aero package developed by Ferrari’s engineers in synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers, to push to the very limit the performance of a model that already represents the state-of-the-art in terms of track-only supercars. Watch F1 ace Seb Vettel punish one around a track below!

Record Number Of Dinos Flock To Maranello In Celebration Of Its 50th Anniversary [+Video]

More than 150 Ferrari Dinos and over 300 customers from all over the world flocked to Maranello and Ferrari on Saturday 30^th June for an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the road debut of the first production car.

The Dino, one of the world’s best-loved and biggest selling Ferraris, had a rather long gestation. Fitted with a six-cylinder engine designed by Enzo Ferrari’s son, from whom it has taken its name, the saloon was first presented as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965.

A year later it went on display at the Turin Motor Show but was only officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show the following November.

Thus, the car’s 50th anniversary should really have been marked in 2017, but any commemorative event would have been overshadowed by the Ferrari 70th anniversary celebrations. Hence the decision to celebrate the half-century of another special event, the road debut of the first model in March 1968.

On Saturday, the cars arrived in the forecourt of the Maranello Museum and then headed to the Fiorano track, where they cars paraded all together. At midday, the Dinos drove into the factory where the customers were given a special tour.

Then at the end of the afternoon a memorable day closed with the traditional drive, one car at a time, under the arch of the historical entrance on Via Abetone Inferiore. This spectacular parade attracted many fans of this much-loved Ferrari.

Ferrari Dino 50th Anniversary gathering photo gallery…

REVIEWED: Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T – This Time Your Friends Can Come With You [+Video]

I’ve not slept very well since this drive. I’m still rather perplexed as to how it was possible to create something with so much power and yet dial in so much user-friendliness as well. I’m referring of course to the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, which Piston.my reviewed recently. Here’s the day we’d not soon forget…

https://www.facebook.com/piston.my/videos/1105343836305123/

The Facts & Figures…

Boasting 448kW (610bhp) and 760Nm from a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 mated to a 7-Speed F1-DCT gearbox, the GTC4 Lusso T also benefits from 4-wheel steering and an E-Diff. All this culminates to enable the GTC4 Lusso T to accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in less time than it took you to read this sentence; 3.5sec to be exact. Drive modes are of course selectable via the manettino on the super-mega-multi-function-steering-wheel, which also houses the turn-signal buttons, starter button, suspension settings and even the friggin’ wipers.

Pedal to the floor, and with enough road, in 11-seconds from zero it’ll hit 200kmh, and it will see the bright side of 320kmh flat-out before giving up the ghost, while a slew of active safety systems constantly monitor every rotation of the wheel to ensure the intended path of travel remains exactly that. You can find more of the GTC4 Lusso T’s specifications here.

The Indescribables….

So now you need to forget all that techno babble above, because I really do believe that that’s not what the GTC4 Lusso T is all about. Sure it may look, feel and even sound like a super-sports car, and from most of the reviews I’ve read emanating from the USA and Europe, many of my counterparts there seem to think it is, but I don’t. Dare I say it? The GTC4 Lusso T is not really a supercar, it’s a gentleman’s super-cruiser.

Before the pitchforks and lit torches arrive en masse, accompanied by the Tifosi braying for blood though, let me explain. First-off, it’s a Ferrari, so it’s a given that it has – absolutely has – to be fireballs-out-the-flanks type powerful, and don’t get me wrong, it is. It’s just that in the GTC4 Lusso T – and this despite all the aforementioned figures I regurgitated on you three paragraphs up – is exceptionally, and I mean exceptionally, easy to drive.

It came to a point (when I was alone in the car) where I intentionally tried to get it to kill me and it outright refused. Perhaps it was able to cotton-on to my juvenile nefariousness, and decided to show me just who was smarter of the two. It won. As weird as it sounds, I was actually a bit disappointed that the car didn’t try to kill me; my own cars try to ‘suicide’ my ass all the time…

No, the GTC4 LT is actually docile; fast as hell, but docile. One giveaway could very well be the fact that it has two rear seats. Yes, it’s now possible to ferry 3 of your friends around in a Ferrari, and not just 1. However, now that that’s possible, one must take into consideration that those ‘friends’ may very well be – and will likely be – replaced by ‘family’ at some point or other.

That’s a whole new ball-game isn’t it? Rhetorical question. Of course it is. If you’re ferrying your wife in front and your 2 kids at the back, it’s 100% guaranteed that you will not be driving the same way as you would be with friends. Think about it; where’s the fun in a family-drive if half the time you’re going to have to stop to clean puke off the floorboards, seats and the back of your neck? Sorry, I needlessly over-emphasized that. My articles should come with a warning sometimes, graphic imagery ahead…

So, has Ferrari created the world’s first family station-wagon supercar? Okay, okay, shooting-brake. Happy? Tomatoes, tomatoes. Sure everyone knows they made a one-off Ferrari 456GT Wagon for the Sultan of Brunei a while back, so have they made one for the masses now? I use that ‘masses’ term lightly of course, seeing as how the GTC4 Lusso T costs more than most bungalows in really nice neighbourhoods. Well, I think they have.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still every bit a Ferrari from fore to aft, top to toe, inside and out. It still imparts an extremely rewarding and spirited drive when (WARNING: Graphic Imagery Ahead!) you’re alone and unconcerned about copious amounts of semi-digested sustenance unexpectedly adorning the interior of your car courtesy of passengers. Attack any road, and it’s guaranteed that the GTC4 Lusso T will be able to handle anything you throw its way, with the kind of ease and panache that almost seems to taunt you to push harder. If cars could talk, this one would be saying “Is that all ya got?”…. a lot.

If you really feel the need to know more about the 20-inch alloys, 46:54 F&R weight distribution and CS brake discs that are bigger than most cars’ wheels and tyres combined, feel free to click here. But, come on, does it really matter? I didn’t think so. – Chris Wee.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T Photo Gallery…

Ferrari’s Turbocharged V8 Voted “Best Engine Of The Last 20 Years”

The 3.9-litre V8 takes the International Engine of the Year Award for the third year running. A record number of six awards! The latest iteration of Ferrari’s turbo-charged V8 that equips, in various forms, all Ferrari’s V8-engined cars, has been nominated the best engine in the world for the third year running in the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards.

In this, the award’s 20^th anniversary edition, Ferrari took no fewer than six awards, the highest number for any manufacturer in any one year, bringing the total of Ferrari’s trophies up to 27, a record number of wins for any sports car company.

Along with the overall Engine of the Year honour, the 720-cv 3.9-litre V8 that powers the new 488 Pista (below) also took the 3-litre to 4-litre class, the Performance Engine category and the special nomination for the ‘Best of the Best’, with the 68 international judges asked to vote for the top engine from among all the winners over the last 20 years.

“In the 488 GTB, the 3.9-litre eight-cylinder was a near-perfect example of a high-performance turbocharged engine, setting the bar so high that it swept aside rival powertrains,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the IEOTY Awards. “But redeveloped and tweaked for the 488 Pista, the best engine in the world just got better. Without doubt, we’re looking at an engineering masterclass from Ferrari. No turbo lag, beautiful delivery, raw emotion, a furious growl and so much power – this Ferrari V8 is a work of art.”

Crowning Ferrari’s record-breaking year, the naturally-aspirated 800-cv 6.5-litre V12 powering the 812 Superfast also won two awards: the Above 4-litre class and, due to it being comprehensively re-engineered from the 6.3-litre unit that equipped the F12berlinetta (below) with 75% new components, the Best New Engine category.

Maserati Joins Cash & Rocket Tour 2018

The Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 started earlier this month in San Francisco and Maserati is a proud official partner of this charity road trip along with other luxury brands. Five Levante SUVs in GranLusso and GranSport trims, all in red – the official colours of this unique event – were enlisted in the glamorous convoy of 40 cars. The four-day adventure unites the efforts of eighty influential women from all over the world for a single cause: raising funds and global awareness for three charitable projects in Africa.

“We welcome prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, cinema, music, art and business to this stunning event. Through female solidarity, our aim is to raise money for charities around the world, which will make a huge difference to the lives of many”, says Julie Brangstrup, Founder and CEO of Cash & Rocket Tour and proud mother of seven.

Now in its fifth edition, Cash & Rocket Tour makes its debut in the United States aiming to break the record of 1.4 million euros fund-raised in the previous event that was organised in 2015. Since the inaugural tour in 2012, Cash & Rocket raised over four million dollars with every single cent donated going directly to the chosen charities (below).

This year, the C&R Tour raised funds for three charity projects that support the welfare of women and children in the African continent: The Art of Elysium, Shine on Sierra Leone and Sumbandila.

Among the celebrities who drove the five Maserati SUVs from San Francisco to Las Vegas are the Russian supermodel and Instagram sensation Lena Perminova; the Californian of Iranian origins; Stylebop.com fashion director Leila Yavari; the founder of Majorelle, creative director of Alliance Apparel and influencer from Los Angeles, Rachel Zeilic; the model, fashion designer, blogger and DJ from Spain, Gala Gonzalez; the Spanish top model and television presenter Nieves Alvarez; the American model and body activist Ashley Graham; and the American fashion model Arizona Muse.

Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 programme

Following the ”Gold and Glamorous” cocktail party on the night before the drive at San Francisco’s famed Fairmont Hotel, the convoy of red cars hit the road heading to Monterrey. After a lunch break, the next stop was Santa Barbara, where the ladies enjoyed a yoga beach evening and a dinner party, all dressed in white.

Saturday, June 9th, all cars were on display at the iconic Malibu pier. A Press Call will followed in the afternoon at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and the day’s activities concluded with an Auction Gala Dinner at the Peterson Museum of Los Angeles.

June 10th, the Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 arrived in its final destination, Las Vegas. The five Maserati Levante SUVs and all the other wrapped in red cars were on display at the Encore Beach Club in the afternoon. The culminating event was the closing party of Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 in the Encore Wynn Hotel, which featured famous DJ Kygo, with all ladies in red outfits.

You can find out more about the Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 on the official website www.cashandrocket.com. For donations, please visit http://www.cashandrocket.com/donate/

Cash & Rocket Chosen Charities

The Art of Elysium is using art as a catalyst for social change. Emerging artists in the fields of fine arts, fashion design, music, theatre and more, are engaged in its programs and share their creativity with distressed people, in special needs education centres, homeless shelters, elder care homes and hospice care facilities.

Shine on Sierra Leone currently supports nearly 500 students in Sierra Leone through programmes that integrate sustainable healthcare, education, microfinance and development to ultimately create the future of an inner-dependent country.

Sumbandila is currently focused on Limpopo, the poorest province in South Africa, aiming to transform the lives of exceptional children from backgrounds of extreme poverty and help them become leaders who will one day make significant contributions to their own communities and to Africa in general.

Maserati Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 Photo Gallery…

/;Lilly Beker;Ashley Graham;Noor Tagouri

Tiffany Persons;/;Julie Brangstrup Watts

Julie Brangstrup Watts;Ashley Graham;Arizona Muse;Cody Horn

Naza Italia Introduces New Maserati GranTurismo In Malaysia

Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has announced the arrival of the Maserati GranTurismo. The iconic grand tourer, which was first launched in 2007, has received a substantial refresh for 2018, with highlights including enhancements of the classic Pininfarina design, more aerodynamic exterior styling and an intuitive new driver interface and infotainment system.

Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza World Group Executive Chairman, said, “The lightly face-lifted 2018 GranTurismo MC exudes modern sophistication and stays true to the car’s most quintessential traits and timeless elegance. As one of the last naturally-aspirated V8 engines in the segment today, the GranTurismo is a celebration of Maserati’s heritage and red-blooded racing pedigree.”

The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically significant, brand-defining model for Maserati. The luxurious four-seater sports coupe was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of the very first grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947. And over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character.

This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination – bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Maranello built V8 engine; hand-crafted comfort offered by four individual, Poltrona Frau seats.

In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati. The GranTurismo is assembled at the historic Maserati plant in Modena. The GranTurismo MC enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM 717,800.00 (without local taxes and duties) and comes with 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a free maintenance program of 5 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000KM).

The public is invited to visit Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the GranTurismo, speak with the dedicated sales team in greater detail and test drive Maserati’s newest offering.

More details on the new Maserati GranTurismo can be found after the gallery. Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.

Maserati GranTurismo Photo Gallery…

MY18 range, restyling and driver interface

Of the streamlined 2018 range, the Malaysian market will be seeing the GranTurismo MC (Maserati Corse). The MC takes on an important ambassadorial role for the entire Maserati range, representing the company’s long and illustrious racing heritage. Replacing the previous MC Stradale, it offers a wide array of features already proven in other Maserati models. They include the five selectable operating modes.

The naturally aspirated V8 unit is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and guarantees the highest standards of reliability and durability. The 4.7 litre engine produces 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of peak torque at 4,750rpm. A lightweight at just 175kg, the power unit features a wet sump and exclusive to Maserati – a cross-plane crankshaft. This provides unrivalled throttle response, free-revving characteristics and a thrilling Maserati signature sound.

When it came to the MY18 restyle, the timeless Pininfarina design was treated with the utmost respect by the Maserati Design Centre. The results, among others, are even better aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.

The new front and rear bumpers of the MY18 GranTurismo elegantly refine the visual impact of the striking original styling. The headlights have been slightly restyled, while at the rear, a new parking camera has been integrated. The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a ‘shark nose’ profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car and adds a three-dimensional effect to the front view. The design also helps optimize airflow distribution and reduce aerodynamic drag.

The bumper’s lateral air ducts, introduced in the MC Stradale and adopted across the GranTurismo range in 2012, are redesigned for the 2018. By visually pushing the car’s weight towards the front wheels, they convey a heightened sense of dynamic stability, while also contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.

The track-focused GranTurismo MC is equipped with a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour as standard. The bonnet also features downforce-optimizing air-vents. Additionally, there are iconic vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers and 20” MC Design – Grafite Opaco forged wheels. A pronounced rear lip spoiler is another dynamic highlight.

The headlights for the 2018 maintain the same profile and LED/Bi-Xenon functionality, but feature discreet, internal restyling. This includes reshaped LED Daytime Running Lights, grooved housing in the Xenon lamp areas and the Maserati inscription in low relief.

While the sleek body of the GranTurismo remains untouched, the rear bumper has been redesigned with the sole aim of emphasizing the natural elegance of this iconic GT. With its neater, more cohesive design, the new bumper further accentuates the impression of stability, while adding graceful finishing touch to the car’s unmistakable silhouette. The central diffuser emphasis is on elegance, with the oval exhaust outlets appearing at the bumper’s edges.

The central diffuser for the GranTurismo MC is decisively sportier, with round outlets coming through the central, transparent diffuser. The exhaust system of the MC version is lighter and has a totally different shape and function. When is Sport mode, a valve channels exhaust gases so they completely bypass the silencer. This reduces back pressure and creates a breathtakingly sporty sound.

The exterior of the MY18 GranTurismo is available in 16 colours. A brand new three-layer colour is introduced (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are available on the entire range. There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered.

The MY18 GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileages by at least 30%.

The elegant interior of the GranTurismo offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its four individual Poltrona Frau leather seats with integrated headrests. For 2018, the dashboard features a more sculptured design in the passenger area, complemented in high-fashion style by stitched leather finishes.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is now a high-resolution, 8.4” capacitive touchscreen from the state-of-the-art infotainment system. The GranTurismo system is in line with those featured in the other Maserati models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. New interior refinements in the GranTurismo include the high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system and a new Maserati clock with double dial in a slightly more prominent position at the centre of the dashboard.

The climate and seat heating control are not integrated into the touchscreen function, although the central console area is still significantly neater, with fewer buttons than before. The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial – a standard feature on all Maserati models. Positioned next to the gear lever, it is a high-end component in forged aluminium. The driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.

For 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood.

The New Ferrari Portofino – More Details! [+Video, Full Photo Gallery & Tech Specs]

Naza Italia, official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, has unveiled the brand’s new V8 GT, the Ferrari Portofino, in an exclusive event held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort in Kuala Lumpur today. The Portofino, which debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last year, is a perfect combination of luxury, versatility and on-board comfort. This new GT is set to dominate its segment.

The Ferrari Portofino takes its name from one of the most attractive villages on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region. Like its namesake, the Ferrari Portofino is a stylish symbol of scenic beauty and elegant daily living. It effortlessly converts from an authentic ‘berlinetta’ coupé to a drop-top that delivers the characteristic Ferrari V8 soundtrack for superb driving pleasure. The specially redesigned retractable hard top can now be opened or closed in a quick 14 seconds whilst on the move at lower speeds, making it even more practical for use in day-to-day situations.

Powered by the Ferrari V8 turbo, a member of the engine family that won the International Engine of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017 consecutively, the new car boasts an ability to unleash a tremendous 600cv and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Due to the adoption of new components and the calibration of the engine management software, the power output is 40cv greater than that of the car’s predecessor, the California T. The Portofino’s lighter weight means overall the result is a significant hike in performance and a corresponding drop in emissions.

“The Portofino is the most powerful convertible car in the GT segment that Ferrari has ever produced and Naza Italia is thrilled to present this dynamic model in Malaysia. Combined with versatility, it offers a level of driving pleasure and on-board comfort unparalleled on the market. This incredibly versatile V8 GT delivers sporty elegance, extreme performance, high-tech innovation and lavish comfort in a combination that is ideally suited to our customers’ automotive desires,” said Dato Samson Anand George, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd (above, right).

The Ferrari Portofino is also an aggressively-styled car with a two-box fastback configuration – unprecedented in a coupe-convertible with a retractable hard top. This successfully adds extra sleekness to its silhouette, highlighting a sportier character.

Its vehicle dynamic characteristics have been completely revised and optimised. For the first time on this type of Ferrari model, third-generation electronic rear differential (E-Diffs) has been integrated with the F1-Trac, improving both mechanical grip and the control of the car to the limit. The Ferrari Portofino is also the first GT in this range to be fitted with EPS (Electric Power Steering). The integration of the EPS and the E-Diff3 reduced the steering ratio by 7% for even more responsive steering without a trade-off in stability at high-speed driving.

Thanks to the adoption of dual-coil technology, the magnetorheological damping system (SCM-E) has been upgraded, helping to reduce roll while contributing to improving absorption of road surface unevenness, thus making it an even more dynamic, responsive car.

The new car also focuses on on-board comfort and this is achieved by a slew of new features – an infotainment system with a 10.2” touchscreen display, a new air-conditioning system that improves passenger comfort either with the top up or down, a new steering wheel, 18-way adjustable electric-powered seats with a new backrest design that boosts legroom for rear seat passengers, and the passenger display. All passengers will highly appreciate the new wind deflector which can cut air flow inside the cabin by 30% and reduces aerodynamic noise in open-top driving.

Presenting a brilliant marriage of design, performance, and technology, as well as various advantageous features – retractable hard top, spacious trunk, ample passenger space, and two rear seats suitable for a short trip – the new model is perfect for any occasion.

Damien Woo, National Brand Head – Ferrari of Naza Italia Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd and Marco Sambaldi, Head of Sales, Ferrari Far and Middle East Hub

Ferrari’s much-awaited Portofino is being introduced at the base price of RM948,000.00 (excluding duty and customization options). Technical specifications appended after the gallery. Here’s a walk-around video from our friend Bobby Ang @ EVO/Aurizn:

Ferrari Portofino Malaysia Launch Photo Gallery…

Ferrari Portofino – Technical Specifications

Engine

Type V8 – 90° turbo

Total displacement 3855 cc

Bore and stroke 86.5 mm x 82 mm

Max. power output * 441 kW (600 cv) at 7500 rpm

Maximum torque * 760 Nm between 3000 and 5250 rpm

Max. engine speed 7500 rpm

Compression ratio 9.45:1

Weight and dimensions

Length 4586 mm

Width 1938 mm

Height 1318 mm

Wheelbase 2670 mm

Front track 1633 mm

Rear track 1635 mm

Kerb weight** 1664 kg

Dry weight** 1545 kg

Weight distribution 46-54% front/rear

Boot capacity 292 l

Fuel tank capacity 80 l

Tyres

Front 245/35 ZR20; 8J x 20”

Rear 285/35 ZR20; 10J x 20”

Carbon-ceramic brakes

Front 390 mm x 34 mm

Rear 360 mm x 32 mm

Transmission and gearbox F1 dual-clutch transmission, 7-speed

Electronic controls ESP, ESC, with F1-Trac, E-Diff 3, SCM-E with twin solenoid

Performance

Maximum speed >320 km/h

0-100 km/h 3.5 sec

0-200 km/h 10.8 sec

100-0 km/h 34 m

Fuel consumption CO₂emissions***

Fuel consumption 10.7 l/100 km

Emissions 245g CO₂/km

* In 7^th gear

** With specific optional extras

*** Combined cycle. In homologation phase. ECE+EUDC with standard HELE configuration

Naza Italia Launches New Ferrari Portofino [+Video]

It’s here! Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of the iconic Ferrari brand in Malaysia has just launched the all-new Ferrari Portofino (link) at Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort! And yes, it’s a stunner!

With a price tag just shy of a million ringgit (before taxes), the Portofino boasts 600bhp and a whopping 760Nm of torque from its turbocharged 3,855cc V8 engine, the Portofino is able to #dropthetop in a mere 14 seconds, and sprint from 0 to 100kmh in just 3.5sec.

As mentioned, in “just shy of a million”, we mean the new Ferrari Portofino retails for RM948,000 (base price), before taxes. Pictures don’t do it justice, so check out the official video below!

Ferrari Portofino Photo Gallery (photos by Beng Lim, EVO/Aurizn.com)

Maserati Introduces 2018 Range @ Beijing Autoshow

Maserati introduces its 2018 range with three significantly restyled models at the Auto China 2018 Show in Beijing and proudly showcases its GranLusso and GranSport trim strategy. The two distinctive trims represent the proposition of every Maserati which resonates with the philosophy of GranTurismo, the ultimate combination of sportiness and luxury.

A celebration of GranLusso and GranSport

Maserati has always pursued luxury and sportiness to the fullest and continues to put the customer at the centre accommodating individual needs with exclusive models, designed to meet each one’s unique personality and taste.

Maserati has unveiled a brand-new Personalization Area at Auto China 2018 to showcase its rich array of configurations for exterior and interior design. This area also displays a fleet of MY18 Maserati models in the highly customized GranLusso and GranSport trims.

The Levante GranSport (below) showcased at the lounge fully embodies the racing heritage of every Maserati. It is immediately recognizable for its front grille, skid plates and roof rails in Piano Black, for the red brake callipers and the 20” Nereo wheels. 12-way power sport leather seats, power-adjustable Sport steering wheel, elongated gearshift paddles, carbon trims and Soft Close Doors are blended to create an exciting, sport-oriented interior.

The Quattroporte GranLusso redefines the concept of luxury. The elegantly restyled exterior has adopted a more imposing, Alfieri-shaped front grille, 20” Mercurio rims and black-painted brake callipers. Exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interiors with open-pore Radica wood trim and wood-finished leather steering wheel are combined with additional comfort equipment such as power foot pedals, power rear and rear side sunblinds, four-zone automatic climate control and heated rear passenger seats.

The Ghibli (above) is another Maserati highlight in Beijing. The premium sports sedan that perfectly combines class topping performance and elegance. On show there is a 350hp Ghibli GranLusso and a 430hp Ghibli S Q4 GranSport, both equipped with the mighty 3.0 litre Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine.

“Luxury brands have always been pioneers in automobile personalization and Maserati continues to focus on personalization for enhancing our customer experience”, said Alberto Cavaggioni, Managing Director of Maserati China.

“China has a growing number of ‘connoisseurs’ seeking to express their personalities and tastes through exclusive cars. Faced with increasing demands for more personalized options, Maserati stands out for its unique luxury and sports heritage, thanks to which it is capable to offer premium and exclusive options that genuinely satisfy the most discerning customers.”