Tuesday, June 16, 2015

NAZA Italia launches the New Ferrari 488 GTB in Malaysia

L to R - Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NAZA World Group of Companies, Mr. Dieter Knechtel, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East,   Mr. Simon Inglefield, Head of Sales ASEAN, Ferrari Far East,  Mr. David Hector Ratnaike, Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies


The Ferrari 488 GTB was launched to the media earlier today. The Malaysian launch actually comes just a few months after the international launch at the recent Geneva Motor Show. It actually goes to show that Malaysia is actually an important market for the Prancing Horse.



The 488, the replacement for the 458 Italia is the first of the new breed of turbocharged Ferrari (not the first - we had the 288 GTO and the F40 prior to this) that is in line with the latest emission controls and legislations that require downsizing when it comes to engine capacity. Anyway, downsizing here means a smaller 3.9liter V8 compared to the outgoing 458 Italia which had a 4.5liter normally aspirated V8 engine (562hp and 540Nm torque). It however makes the use of force induction which enables it to have 661hp and 730Nm of torque. These figures actually eclipse the magnificent limited run Enzo Ferrari from 2003 - 651hp and 661Nm torque. 

That was what a Ferrari hypercar achieved back then. Look what slightly over a decade of development has achieved. The car in the flesh, well metal is a beauty. An evolution in terms of styling compared to the 458, but underneath, Ferrari have had a whole lot of work done on it. The engine and chassis tech are truly impressive as always. 

Anyway, let's show some figures. It will cost over RM2.1 million by rough estimates (after taking into account the introductory base price of RM1,068,800.00 before options, duties and other taxes). Naza Italia, who are official importers of Ferrari here in Malaysia have mentioned that they have already twenty (20) bookings of the 488 GTB in hand which is about the Malaysian allocation for at least two years. They are also expecting a few more when potential customers view the car. There are those who will want to see what they are buying. This isn't that surprising with the number of Ferrari I see on the roads in and around Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur these days.




PRESS RELEASE AND SPECIFICATIONS 

NAZA Italia debuts the New Ferrari 488 GTB


Kuala Lumpur, 16 June 2015 – NAZA Italia, official importer of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, presented the Ferrari 488 GTB to the Malaysian market today, in a launch ceremony held at its newly-renovated NAZA Italia showroom. The Ferrari 488 GTB’s Malaysian debut comes just a few months after the model’s International Premiere in Geneva.

Present at the official launch ceremony were Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin (Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NAZA World Group of Companies), Mr. Dieter Knechtel (Managing Director of Ferrari Far East), Mr. David Hector Ratnaike (Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies) and Mr Wan Ahmad (Vice President 1 of NAZA Italia Sdn Bhd).

“The Ferrari 488 GTB provides a breathtaking 661bhp – the highest specific power output of any road-going Ferrari. Exceptionally powerful with greater fuel economy, this model is bound to be a new Malaysian favourite,” said Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO, NAZA World Group of Companies.

The twin-turbocharged V8 Ferrari 488 GTB sets a new benchmark for the sports car sector. Forty years from the launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308, the Ferrari 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture.

“Available at the introductory base price excluding duty and options of RM 1,068,800.00 and with the interest it has sparked worldwide, we are confident that the Ferrari 488 GTB will turbocharge its way into the hearts of Malaysian Ferraristi,” stated Mr. David Hector Ratnaike, Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies.

Credit for this achievement must go to the Ferrari 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car 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, however, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver. 

Ferrari drew extensively too on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers. 

The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.

Designed by the Ferrari Style Centre, the Ferrari 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired styling of the flanks.

The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902 cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 760 Nm in seventh gear). The Ferrari 488 GTB 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 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.  The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.  

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an astonishingly engaging driving experience. 

The Ferrari 488 GTB makes its debut in a new Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim.

Technical specifications

ENGINE
Type                                                    V8 - 90° turbo – dry sump
Total displacement                            3902 cc (238,1 cu in)
Bore and stroke          86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power *                             492 kW (670 CV) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque *                             760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output                                                172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu in)
Compression ratio                              9.4:1

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length                                                4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width                                                  1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height                                                 1213 mm (47.8 in)
Wheelbase                                          2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track                                          1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track                                           1647 mm (64.8 in)
Kerb weight**                                     1475 kg (3252 lb)
Dry weight**                                      1370 kg (3020 lb)
Weight distribution                             41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity                                      230 l (8.12 cu ft)
Fuel tank capacity                               78 l (22.7 US Gallon)

TYRES
Front    245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear    305/30 ZR 20 J11.0

BRAKES
Front    15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in
Rear                                                    14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in

TRAMISSION AND GEARBOX
7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission

ELECTRONICS CONTROL
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed                                > 330 km/h (205 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph)                 3.0 s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph)               8.3 s
0 – 400 m (0 – 437 yd)                                    10.45 s
0 – 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd)                    18.7 s
Dry weight/power ratio                                  2.04 kg/cv (6.13 lb/kW)
Fiorano lap time                                 1’23”00


CONSUMPTION ***                            11.4 l/100 km

C02 EMISSIONS***                              260 g/km

* with 98 octane fuel
**With optional equipment
*** Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)




Bespoke luggage for the 488 GTB

More exciting information about Ferrari and NAZA Italia may be obtained at http://kualalumpur.ferraridealers.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/nazaitalia . Follow @nazaitalia for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and NAZA Italia.

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