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Pulses were racing at the Bahrain International Circuit at the unveiling of the new Ferrari FF, the Italian brand’s first ever four-wheel drive model.
The launch took place last week in the presence of company officials from Ferrari Middle East and Africa, the Euro Motors dealership, as well as Ferrari owners and media representatives.
Ferrari Middle East and Africa general manager Pietro Innocenti believes that the FF – an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) – ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. He said: “It is the first Ferrari with four seats because until now we have had two, plus two smaller ones in the back. This model has four full-sized seats to offer more space for the family.
“This is also the first Ferrai with four-wheel-drive and we decided to develop something unique so it’s not the conventional style of four-wheel-drive vehicle you may have seen from other manufacturers.”
Mr Innocenti stressed that although the FF marks a bold new direction it does not compromise on sportiness, performance or driving joy.
The aluminium space-frame car has a front/mid-mounted 6.3-litre, 65-degree V12 engine, with direct fuel injection into the cylinders delivering 650bhp and 504lb ft of torque. It is capable of rocketing from 0-10kmh in just 3.7 seconds.
The FF is equipped with a 7-speed double-clutch semi-automatic paddle shift system similar to the California and 458 Italia.
Ferrari is no stranger to motor sport in the region and Mr Innocenti says that F1 is a proud tradition for the brand. However, with road car competition from the likes of McLaren, which is partly-owned by Bahraini Mumtalakat Holding Company, how will the new Ferrari fare in the kingdom?
“We welcome the competition. Ferrari is always competing with McLaren in F1so why not compete in this market too?” said Mr Innocenti.
The Ferrari FF starts from BD130,000.
For more details visit the Euro Motors showroom in Sitra, call 17750750 or visit www.euromotors.com.bh
