Words: Gentleman's Journal
The constant battle of the supercar is one of the most exciting topics within the automotive world. We are of course interested in the latest hatchback, 4×4 and powerful saloon as much as the next person, but none of these really compare when you mention the words Lamborghini, Aston Martin or McLaren.
Take a step back for a moment and decide what gentleman you are or want to be. Is it important to make the loudest entrance with powerful exhausts and vertically opening doors? We all know throughout history and usually in the boardroom, the loudest and most obnoxious men are generally the weakest, creating a false sense of security. Perhaps you’re more of an understated gent and it’s the technology behind the wheel that turns you on?
I have to be honest, the modern streets of central London have rebranded people’s perspective of certain manufacturers. You see less of the more classic and stylish Aston Martins, but perhaps there’s reason for that? Perhaps the more modern and stylish gentleman has vacated from the likes of Knightsbridge? Let me make sense of this now and it’s a simple decision if ever there was one. What car has the engineering and technology married perfectly with style and panache? Ferrari.
Since 2009, Ferrari has taken the stand with their new generation of models namely the 458 Spider. Make no mistake, it’s an extraordinarily original concept, a completely new solution that once again confirms Ferrari’s unique talent for innovating and astounding without ever losing the identity and core values that have defined its story since 1947.
Taking to the road in this magnificent beauty – what an experience. Cornering immediately becomes a thing of the past with the amazing traction control reading the road before you’ve even approached the apex. The open sky above you as you grip the wheel has a unique and truly unforgettable emotional impact, allowing you to hear the engine’s soundtrack and feel the car’s speed to full effect. Once you unleash that V8 engine and accept the thrill you get by hammering the 570bhp, you become enamoured by the distinctive harmonic roar.
The Spider’s cabin is a seamless combination of comfort and elegance. The 458 is lavished with meticulous attention to detail on the finish and trim, and thanks to its double curvature roof and spacious seating, even very tall occupants of over 6′ 4” can be easily and comfortably accommodated.
In more recent times Ferrari unveiled the pumped up Speciale as well as the Speciale A, which itself was revealed only recently. This brings me to my point; why is Ferrari the sports car of choice? Someone once told me the definition of cool is defining your own style and not taking your lead from what other people tell you. Ferrari doesn’t need to do any talking – the car says it all.
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