Ferrari has introduced the 488 Spider, the topless version of the 488 GTB and successor to the 458 Spider. Like its predecessor, the 488 Spider also features a retractable hard-top that deploys and closes in 14 seconds.
Ferrari has introduced the 488 Spider, the topless version of the 488 GTB and successor to the 458 Spider. Like its predecessor, the 488 Spider also features a retractable hard-top that deploys and closes in 14 seconds.
Ferrari has introduced the 488 Spider, the topless version of the 488 GTB and successor to the 458 Spider. Like its predecessor, the 488 Spider also features a retractable hard-top that deploys and closes in 14 seconds. For enhanced rigidity, this automobile is constructed using 11 diff erent aluminium alloys and metals such as magnesium. According to Ferrari, the 488 Spider matches its coupe sibling’s torsional rigidity, and is 23 percent stiff er than its predecessor. This vehicle’s athletic prowess comes from its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8. Producing 670bhp and 760Nm, it demolishes the century sprint in three seconds.
That’s a searing 0.4 of a second quicker than the 458 Spider’s time. To complement, the performance, engineers heightened the car’s “soundtrack” by utilising components that include exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping. Enabling the driver to enjoy these “tunes” is the rear windscreen, which can be lowered even when the roof is closed. This roadster has been made more nimble, too. Handling is improved by its longer and wider body, along with tweaks to the SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control system. The latter supposedly makes the car accelerate 12 percent faster out of corners compared to the 458 Spider. The 488 Spider will prance into Singapore in the first half of 2016.
PULSEPOWERED PAINT
Lexus has showcased a way for a car to reflect how excited a driver feels. The project features an RC F coupe covered in electro-luminescent paint, which glows in response to electric charges that are applied to it. The intensity of the electric charges is determined by equipment that measures the driver’s pulse rate. However, even if this concept becomes an actual option, it’s unlikely to be approved here by the Land Transport Authority, which will probably view it as a distraction to other motorists.
SCORCHING LIMO
Towkays in a perpetual hurry could consider the Audi S8 . Plus, the brand’s most powerful saloon to date. The “Plus” comes from this limo’s sizeable power increase of 85bhp and 50Nm over the S8 model. Engine enhancements to the S8 Plus included optimising the turbocharger’s inner geometry and modifying the exhaust valves. The turbocharged 4-litre V8 now kicks out a mighty 605bhp and 700Nm, enabling it to blast from standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, or 0.3 of a second quicker than the S8.
SHORTER Q
Infiniti has launched the Q30, its first compact crossover. According to Infiniti, this automobile has an expressive interior and delivers a dynamic drive. The car’s final stages of testing and development were performed in Europe. When the Q30 comes to Singapore next year, we expect it to be powered by the same 2-litre turbo engine found in the brand’s Q50 saloon. The Q30 is likely to be priced close to rivals such as the Lexus NX200t and the other “Q” crossover – the Audi Q3.
DUAL CELEBRATION
Porsche Asia Pacific celebrated the nation’s 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of Stuttgart Auto as the brand’s offi cial agent in Singapore by organising The Porsche Circuit, which took place in July. Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event not only showcased the German carmaker’s models but off ered activities for the whole family, too. Said activities included the local launch of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, the extreme 911 GT3 RS and the Cayenne SG50 Exclusive Edition sports utility vehicle, of which there are only 10 units. The one-of-a-kind 911 Turbo S SG50, which was also on display, was eventually sold.
Motorsport fans were given the chance to meet Earl Bamber, one of the three Porsche drivers who won this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Several lucky enthusiasts even tried to out-drive the racecar driver, albeit on a slot car circuit. Little racers also got their chance to “drive” a sports car at the Porsche Kids’ Driving School. This dual celebration also included giving back to the community. Porsche Asia Pacific, together with Stuttgart Auto’s chairman, Karsono Kwee, donated $740,000 to various charities.
