Ferrari has unveiled the Portofino M to the world, its first new product since the company suspended production temporarily because the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is an evolution of the GT Spyder and the online launch, the first in the manufacturer's history, included members of the world's media, as well as potential customers and diehard fans of the Prancing Horse brand.
The new model is, Ferrari says, "a completely unprecedented combination of authentic GT performance, driving pleasure, agility and exceptional versatility in everyday driving contexts".
Under the bonnet, the M has a 3,855cc, twin-turbo, V8 engine, which is capable of producing about 610 horsepower. That should be sufficient to get you up to 320 kilometres per hour. In terms of acceleration, you'll reach 100kph in 3.45 seconds.
The M also has a completely redesigned gearbox that replaces the seven-speed version. This is the first eight-speed to be installed on an open-top Ferrari.
Design-wise, air vents at each front wheel arch to reduce drag are a new feature. The redesigned front bumper also accentuates the car's slightly fiercer new look. This bumper also incorporates air vents.
A grille with aluminium slats is also new.
In case you are wondering what the M stands for, it is "modificata", which in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone a redesign to boost their performance. You might think that is just about every Ferrari redesign that has ever happened, but you would be quibbling to make a fuss about that.
The price remains under wraps at the moment, as does its time of arrival in the Middle East.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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What is the Supreme Petroleum Council?
The Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council was established in 1988 and is the highest governing body in Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry. The council formulates, oversees and executes the emirate’s petroleum-related policies. It also approves the allocation of capital spending across state-owned Adnoc’s upstream, downstream and midstream operations and functions as the company’s board of directors. The SPC’s mandate is also required for auctioning oil and gas concessions in Abu Dhabi and for awarding blocks to international oil companies. The council is chaired by Sheikh Khalifa, the President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi while Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is the vice chairman.
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Directed by: Shaka King
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons
Four stars
The specs: 2018 Maserati Ghibli
Price, base / as tested: Dh269,000 / Dh369,000
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 355hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.9L / 100km
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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