The Asia Premiere of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso arrived at Auto China, with the all-new four-seat model that integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the very first time, hailed as another major advance for Ferrari and the versatile sporty Grand Tourer concept.
Auto China, the largest motor show in the Asia Pacific region, was the ideal location for the debut of the finest new creations, with Senior Vice President for Commercial and Marketing, Mr. Enrico Galliera, arriving from Maranello for the special occasion. China remains a key focus for the world famous Italian super car manufacturer and the Asia Premiere of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso was another statement of commitment to the future of the Chinese market.
The latest model to proudly wear the badge with the prancing horse combines extraordinary performance in all driving conditions with sporty elegance that can be experienced by four. The GTC4Lusso wields new naturally-aspirated Ferrari GT V12 power unit with a resulting soundtrack that is thrilling in performance driving, yet discreet and harmonious in normal touring conditions. The 6,262cc V12 offers maximum torque of 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs, making the GTC4Lusso in sports car mode equally in city centres or on long journeys. Underlining the strong links between Ferrari GT engine division and the Formula 1™ racing world, are a maximum speed of 335 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds flat.
Following in the footsteps of the illustrious 330 GTC and the legendary 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, the ground-breaking new Ferrari GTC4Lusso boasts luxurious comfort for both driver and passengers alike. With a stylish new exterior created by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely aerodynamic, streamlined, tapered shape. In the interior is a flawless triumph of sporty luxury, with a new “Dual Cockpit” architecture offering both driver and passenger 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-colour 10’25-inch LCD touchscreen. Improved acoustics allow a drive that is more comfortable than previous models, while still not limiting the signature sound of the naturally-aspirated V12. The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is unequivocally the latest interpretation of the Ferrari four-seater and a creation that will hold a very special place in Maranello traditions in the years to come.
A further highlight in Beijing, was the Asia Premiere of the all-new “Handling Speciale” (HS) package on display with the acclaimed Ferrari California T. The V8 model with a retractable hard top and 2+ seating configuration has already set a new standard for its segment, however the Handling Speciale Package takes this one step further, for owners that appreciate the combination of everyday versatility and GT prowess in the California T, but also relish the extra edge delivered by a faster, sportier gear selection. The HS 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 colour.
Adding to the HS Package, was a further bespoke rendition of the California T in Rosso exterior colour, by the “Tailor-made” team. Inspired by the livery of the Scuderia Ferrari’s 2016 F1 single-seater, the unique California T adopts the same colour scheme as the SF16-H which was used at the recent Chinese Grand Prix on April 17. The car’s Rosso F1 2016 bodyshell 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 which are painted white with a yellow line surrounding the outer rim. The carbon-fibre 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. With great attention paid to the details, the steering wheel and other dashboard areas are finished in a polished carbon-fibre. The new creation from the exclusive Tailor-made personalisation programme– provides a second demonstration of the unlimited capabilities of the performance designers and engineers at Maranello.
Alongside the latest designs in Beijing, were two sports cars that made their own mark on 2015 – the Ferrari 488 GTB and the 488 Spider – providing a clear demonstration that the Italian marque remains the preeminent super car manufacturer in the world today. The two models have achieved incredible success and widespread media praise around the world. Discerning drivers worldwide have acclaimed the 3,902cc V8 Turbo engine, offering 670 HP of incredible power with zero turbo lag, and the two units on display in Beijing, in Rosso Corsa and Blue Corsa, have been an immediate highlight for Ferrari fans.
Completing the stunning array of Ferrari products, was the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road model ever launched – the Ferrari F12berlinetta which ushered in a new generation of Ferrari 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 a further demonstration of its commitment to China, Ferrari recently announced a new partnership with Tsinghua University. As the latest phase in an ongoing series of corporate social responsibility programmes, entitled “The Love of Red”, the new partnership will assist the education of the next generation of leaders in the Chinese automotive industry, through financial support and exclusive work placement opportunities in Ferrari office. The Ferrari scholarship embodies a deep commitment to the China market, a fact that was reinforced by Mr. Galliera.
As Mr. Galliera explained, “From the very beginning at Ferrari, we arrived in China with a belief that the Chinese people would appreciate the beauty of our masterpiece, our seamless blend of performance, style, design, and most importantly comfort. 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. 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 youth in China today. Making dreams come true has always been the Ferrari commitment and we are sure that this will continue.”