High levels of personalisation and bespoke tailoring of trim materials and colours are not uncommon in the domain of ultra-premium cars. However, Ferrari has elevated itself from the horde by reviving the rich tradition of one-off coachbuilding that existed before and just after the Second World War.
Custom coachbuilding was the norm in the early days of Ferrari. Clients would open discussions with the factory about their preferred chassis and engine, then choose an Italian styling house to create the bodywork.
It was to revive the spirit of these one-off cars that Ferrari created the Special Projects division, enabling a small number of the brand’s VVIP customers to create their fantasy Ferrari.
The customer becomes the general manager of the company for the development of that specific car
Emanuele Carando,
head of product marketing, Ferrari
“Special Projects is the top of the pyramid, when it comes to personalisation,” Emanuele Carando, Ferrari’s head of product marketing, tells The National. “Everything starts with a very rough idea that the customer has, and this is then interpreted into a concept by the design team.
“However, everything starts with the customer. It could be an idea that’s inspired by the past or something very futuristic. The premise is to create something that has never existed.”
Six one-off cars created by Ferrari
Ferrari SP38: Designed around the chassis and running gear of the 488 GTB, the SP38 reflects “the specific vision of a client with a deep passion for racing”.
The 488 GTB’s twin-turbo format prompted the design team to look to the legendary F40 for stylistic inspiration. As a result, the all-new bodywork, resplendent in a specially conceived three-layer metallic red, has a striking wedge profile. The sinister-looking SP38 is especially distinctive from the rear, thanks to musculature haunches and “Fontana Cut” louvres in lieu of a rear windscreen.
Ferrari Omologata: The Omologata was inspired by everything from Ferrari’s racing heritage to sci-fi and references to modern architecture. The vision was to create a futuristic design, yet without losing a sense of restrained elegance.
To achieve this, the designers unlocked every possible area of freedom from the underlying package of the 812 Superfast, retaining only the windscreen and headlights as bodywork elements. The Omologata’s all-aluminium bodywork features a flattened oval grille, which tapers up to a rounded section over the front wheel arches. The bodywork sweeps back to a rear end featuring a louvred screen and subtle ducktail spoiler.
Ferrari P80/C: The radical P80/C pushed the Special Projects programme into new territory by using a competition car — the 488 GT3 — as its basis. This means it’s liberated from any road car homologation requirements, so headlights are one element that could be discarded.
Its GT3 chassis means the P80/C’s wheelbase is 50 millimetres longer than the standard 488mm, and every gram of excess fat has been trimmed from the car. The P80/C has several design inspirations, including the P4 that broke cover in 1967 at Monza, the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours-winning 250 LM and the Dino 206 S.
Ferrari SP48 Unica: A pivotal element of the SP48 Unica is the extensive use of 3D prototyping, which enabled Ferrari’s designers and engineers to create a front grille and engine air intakes that seem carved from a solid volume, creating a sense of seamless continuity and dynamic fluidity.
No less eye-catching is the transition from black — which includes the windows, roof and engine cover — to the body colour. The striking visor effect of the glasshouse is enhanced by smaller side windows and the elimination of the rear screen, highlighting the powerful muscularity of the SP48 Unica.
Ferrari BR20: Derived from the wagon-esque GTC4 Lusso, the BR20 sports an altogether sleeker roofline, made possible by ditching the donor car’s rear seats. Stretching 75mm longer than the Lusso, the BR20’s elegant roofline is reminiscent of the 1964 500 Superfast.
An aerodynamic channel in the rear pillar creates a flying buttress, while the roof is painted black. The roofline culminates in a rear fascia with a diffuser that optimises aero by working with active flaps on the underbody. The BR20’s face is distinguished by angry-looking headlights and a gaping grille topped by a thin carbon fibre “moustache”.
Ferrari SP12 EC: The SP12 EC is one of the best-known Special Projects, partly because its owner is none other than celebrated musician Eric Clapton (hence the EC suffix). Although based on a 458 Italia donor car, the inspiration for the SP12 came from the 512 Berlinetta Boxer. It might have a V8, rather than a flat-12 motor, but the design cues linking the EC to the Boxer are obvious.
What’s particularly impressive is how cleanly and cohesively the bodywork has been reimagined. Clapton’s affinity for the 512 BB stemmed from owning no fewer than three of them over the years.
Pinnacle of exclusivity
Ferrari develops a maximum of two Special Projects cars per year. “In essence, the customer becomes the general manager of the company for the development of that specific car,” says Carando.
“The beauty for the customer is they not only get to own a unique car, but also to participate in the process.”
Fewer than 20 cars have been built to date via this programme. Cost alone rules out all but a fraction of would-be customers, as the bill for creating a one-off Ferrari starts from €5 million ($4.87m) and counting.
It’s not just about having deep pockets, either, as customers need to meet certain criteria to have access to the Special Projects programme.
“You need to be one of our very best customers — with a garage containing several of our GTs and sports cars — to commission a Special Projects car. We only give this opportunity to those who are best able to represent the Ferrari brand worldwide,” says Carando.
The first task is to identify a suitable donor car, which Carando says is always a vehicle part of Ferrari’s current range. This is to ensure “maximum efficiency and satisfy homologation requirements”, in other words, to meet the latest safety and emissions regulations.
Even though one of Ferrari’s mainstream models is used as the basis for each one-off, Carando says: “It’s very likely that when you see a one-off, you’ll find it difficult [identify] the donor car.”
Each Special Projects vehicle is created under the watchful eye of Ferrari design director Flavio Manzoni, who says creating a one-off requires a mix of 3D modelling technology, as well as a high degree of hands-on craftsmanship. “The craftsmanship element is what enables some solutions to be developed on one-off cars that wouldn’t be possible on mainstream models,” says Manzoni.
“So, we try to understand what are the technologies that are applicable to our projects and then incorporate them in a specific one-off model.”
As for when we might see the next Special Projects creation, Carando answers with a smile: “Who knows, but by the end of the year you might have some news …”
The%20Beekeeper
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Barings Bank
Barings, one of Britain’s oldest investment banks, was
founded in 1762 and operated for 233 years before it went bust after a trading
scandal.
Barings Bank collapsed in February 1995 following colossal
losses caused by rogue trader Nick Lesson.
Leeson gambled more than $1 billion in speculative trades,
wiping out the venerable merchant bank’s cash reserves.
On Instagram: @WithHopeUAE
Although social media can be harmful to our mental health, paradoxically, one of the antidotes comes with the many social-media accounts devoted to normalising mental-health struggles. With Hope UAE is one of them.
The group, which has about 3,600 followers, was started three years ago by five Emirati women to address the stigma surrounding the subject. Via Instagram, the group recently began featuring personal accounts by Emiratis. The posts are written under the hashtag #mymindmatters, along with a black-and-white photo of the subject holding the group’s signature red balloon.
“Depression is ugly,” says one of the users, Amani. “It paints everything around me and everything in me.”
Saaed, meanwhile, faces the daunting task of caring for four family members with psychological disorders. “I’ve had no support and no resources here to help me,” he says. “It has been, and still is, a one-man battle against the demons of fractured minds.”
In addition to With Hope UAE’s frank social-media presence, the group holds talks and workshops in Dubai. “Change takes time,” Reem Al Ali, vice chairman and a founding member of With Hope UAE, told The National earlier this year. “It won’t happen overnight, and it will take persistent and passionate people to bring about this change.”
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Dubai World Cup Carnival card:
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 | 2,410 metres
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
What is a robo-adviser?
Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.
These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.
Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.
Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Ain 2 Al Duhail 4
Second leg:
Tuesday, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha. Kick off 7.30pm
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
57%20Seconds
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More on Quran memorisation:
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
RESULT
Manchester City 5 Swansea City 0
Man City: D Silva (12'), Sterling (16'), De Bruyne (54' ), B Silva (64' minutes), Jesus (88')
