Sublime steering, insane amounts of power, the Ferrari 488 GTB is in almost all senses a terrific car. Select journalists in Muscat got a rare chance to test the limits of three acclaimed Ferrari models on Muscat roads recently.
Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in the Sultanate, hosted a VIP media lunch and test drive event at Grand Hyatt Muscat for guests to experience the exuberant performance and handling of several of its acclaimed models from the Prancing Horse stable. Ahead of the test drive guests gathered for a classical Italian lunch at the hotel’s award-winning Tuscany restaurant, to enjoy seasonal dishes created by I talian Chef Mauro Ferrari and his talented team. Following lunch, guests were invited to get behind the wheel of the award-winning Ferrari 488GTB, California T and F12berlinetta to navigate one of Muscat’s exhilarating inland mountain routes. The afternoon provided an exciting opportunity to test the limits of the three acclaimed Ferrari models, which delivered an electrifying drive experience and surpassed expectations with their inconceivable power, exceptional handling, inimitable engine soundtrack and classic Ferrari style.
Recently crowned with the Middle East Car of the Year award for ‘Best Supercar’, the Ferrari 488GTB boasts new 3902 cm3 turbo engine coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750 Nm in seventh gear). The Ferrari 488GTB armed with 670 horsepower, speed-blurs from zero to 60 miles per hour in just under three seconds. It guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.
The Ferrari 488GTB excels in its interior craftsmanship, taking the engineering pedigree of the marque to a new level. The 488 GTB is at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Significantly, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable by drivers of all abilities even on the limit, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.
Forty years from the original launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the 488 GTB has opened a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture and set a new benchmark for the sports car sector globally. The legendary manufacturer enjoys a fantastic reception in Oman as it continues to go from strength to strength: Ferrari’s approach to bespoke automotive design is key for the region: with each new model, the Marque pushes the limits of technological innovation in every engineering area, and it is this uncompromising approach to sports car development which is at the heart of Ferrari’s appeal.
California T
The Ferrari California T epitomises the sublime elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity that have distinguished every California model since the 1950s. It is a car brimming with innovation that will more than meet the expectations of discerning clients for whom fun behind the wheel is a priority, but who also demand a sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer they can use every day. The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari’s sporty DNA, while its retractable hardtop (RHT) and 2+ configuration, amongst other features, make it supremely versatile. Like all Ferraris, the California T boasts cutting-edge technological solutions that make it absolutely unique, most notably the new turbocharged V8 engine.
F12berlinetta
Upon its unveil, the F12berlinetta introduced in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics. The F12berlinetta represents the cutting-edge of mid-front-engined sports cars; when launched it was the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the efficient engine – in terms of mechanical, combustion and fluid-dynamics efficiency – which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track.
Phenomenal would be an apt description to sum up driving the Ferrari range.
