Glittering new array shows Ferrari's commitment to China

Leading luxury icon Ferrari unveiled a stellar lineup of cars at the Beijing auto show on Monday, the latest sign of its commitment to the Chinese market.

The GTC4Lusso, the first Ferrari car that integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive, is making its Asian premiere at the exhibition.

"Today, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso has totally redefined what is possible in the four-seat segment and we are confident that our loyal community of discerning Chinese customers will join us behind the wheel," said Senior Vice-President for Commercial and Marketing Enrico Galliera, who flew in for the event from Italy.

The model sports a new naturally aspirated Ferrari GT V12 power unit with a soundtrack that is thrilling in performance driving, yet discreet and harmonious in touring conditions.

The 6,262 cubic centimeter engine ofers a maximum torque of 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80 percent available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revolutions.

It has a maximum speed of 335 km/h and finishes the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

Like the illustrious 330 GTC and the legendary 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, the GTC4Lusso boasts luxurious comfort for both the driver and passengers.

The interior is a triumph of sporty luxury, with a new Dual Cockpit architecture offering both driver and passengers a cockpit-style experience.

Separated by a central divider, the passenger cockpit was specifically designed with softer armrests, easy-access storage compartments and a fully independent full-color 10.25-inch LCD touch screen. The automaker said the GTC4Lusso is the latest interpretation of the Ferrari four-seater and will hold a special place in its traditions in the years to come.

Another highlight at Ferrari's Beijing booth is the all-new "Handling Speciale" package on display with the California T.

The V8 model has set a standard with a retractable hard top and 2+ seating configuration, but the package takes this one step further for those who appreciate the combination of everyday versatility and GT prowess in the California T, but also enjoy the extra edge delivered by a faster, sportier gear selection.

The package also includes a new exhaust, delivering a fuller, richer sound very much in tune with the car's character. The exterior offers matte black tailpipes and a new front grille and rear diffuser in matte Grigio Ferro Met, all in perfect contrast with the new Bianco Italia exterior color.

Ferrari also showcases a bespoke rendition of the California T in Rosso exterior color, by the "Tailor-made" team.

Inspired by the livery of the Scuderia Ferrari's 2016 F1 single-seater, the unique model adopts the same color scheme as the SF16-H, which was used at the recent Chinese Grand Prix on April 17.

The car's Rosso F1 2016 body features a contrasting Bianco white stripe along its entire lower section, with the roof also finished in white.

Taking further inspiration from the Formula 1 car are the California T's alloy wheels that are painted white with a yellow line surrounding the outer rim.

The carbon fiber used in the F1 single-seater's chassis features heavily in the California T's cockpit where it is paired with a mix of black leather and Alcantara.

The carmaker will also display two sports cars that made their own mark on 2015, the 488 GTB and the 488 Spider, two models that have achieved incredible success and widespread praise around the world.

The Italian carmaker also wowed the audience with the F12berlinetta. As the most powerful and high-performance road model Ferrari has ever launched, it has ushered in a new generation of 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance, combined with innovative design, representing the very cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars.

In another development, Ferrari has recently announced a new partnership with Tsinghua University to help foster personnel in China's automotive industry by ofering financial support and work opportunities in Ferrari offices.

Galliera said, "Ferrari has never lost sight of the need to give back to the nation that has supported our ongoing success, and in return, our groundbreaking partnership with Tsinghua University will enable us do a small part to support the dreams of a select group of youths in China today. Making dreams come true has always been the Ferrari commitment and we are sure that this will continue."

(China Daily 04/26/2016 page11)