3 minute read
Ferrari
As avid car enthusiasts and seasoned test drivers, we at Ohlala have the privilege of spending quality time behind some of the finest wheels on offer. Every once and a while however, we get to experience something truly magnificent, something a cut above the rest. Although our intentions are not to instil jealousy into the hearts’ of our readers, the following statement may achieve just that. This month, we experienced the Ferrari 488 Spider and it was even better than we could have imagined.
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The Ferrari 488 Spider marks a return to the classic Ferrari model and she looks fantastic! It would be a daunting challenge for any sports car manufacturer to produce such a flawless work of automobile art. It is obvious the exterior design is completely performance orientated, with highly efficient aerodynamics that still manage to retain the pure lines synonymous with the Ferrari brand. The sculptural flanks are key to its character with the large signature air intake scallop divided into two sections by a splitter, paying homage to the original 308 GTS.
A dual grille opening characterises the front of the vehicle which directs air into the two radiators. A double front spoiler is also present for aerodynamic reasons. The bonnet itself has a pronounced, raised central section and two side channels. These channels have two functions. The first is to make the car’s appearance sportier in nature and the second is to direct air from the two hidden vents in the bumper. A blown spoiler dominates the rear of the vehicle, along with the large air vents present to further improve aerodynamics. The new exhaust tailpipes add to the sense of power and performance exuded from this masterful creation. All in all, it would be extremely difficult to build a better looking vehicle.
Carefully sliding into the cockpit styled interior, one immediately feels as if they are on the starting grid at a Formula One event. This motor vehicle offers nothing less than the perfect balance of style, quality, functionality and sportiness. The entire layout is driver oriented, ensuring every function of the vehicle is easily at hand and ready to be implemented. A new Sport infotainment system ensures the simple navigation of available features. Only the very finest of materials and craftsmanship can be seen in this sports car. After careful inspection we could not find one feature we would have altered or added. In truth, several articles could be written on the interior of this vehicle alone, but there is no substitute for the real experience.
The performance of this car was however the most impressive aspect of all. Our first drive entailed a trip around Qatar. This long and wide highway stretches for miles and we took advantage of the space to put her through her paces. The all-new 3902 cc V8 turbo engine is a scary beast. There is far too much power available to test on any road and we were hesitant to push her to even half of her capabilities. This speed machine goes from 0 – 100km/h in just three seconds and has a top speed of 330km/h! Fortunately, the carbon ceramic brakes are more than up to the task and the impeccable grip on offer ensures one is in control of the experience.
Our next excursion was around The Pearl. Considered one of the finest locations in Doha, it was the perfect location to test the Spider’s handling abilities. If we were to provide one word to describe the experience, it would have to be, smooth. Every curve and feature of this car has been designed to ensure a perfect ride. This Ferrari is incredibly responsive and carves through the roads like a slalom skier carves through the snow. She feels light, powerful and capable.
It was only once we exited the vehicle that we realised our cheeks ached from the permanent ear-to-ear smile this experience had provided. This car screams success and wealth. If you are someone looking for the ultimate sports car experience, you need not look any further than the Ferrari 488 Spider.
