As part of Ferrari’s celebrations for 30 years of the manufacturer’s presence in Hong Kong, the biggest gathering of models in Greater China’s history were assembled at the Asia World Expo on the island of Lantau.
The vehicles were laid out in order to create the characteristic symbol of Hong Kong – the five-petal flower known as Bauhinia Blakeana. This special presentation of the vehicles was intended to pay tribute to the relationship between Ferrari and the area as a whole.
Present at the event were over 600 vehicles from every era of production, presenting a real treat for the two thousand guests at the event.
Among other quality vehicles from the collection of Prancing Horse cars, visitors were able to gaze upon the 195 Inter, the 365 GTC and the Dino. Modern sports cars also found their way into the special exhibition, with the 458 Challenge, the 599 XX and the FXX Evoluzione all making an appearance.
Furthermore, Ferrari’s latest development was also on proud display, as Scuderia Ferrari’s test driver Marc Gene unveiled the 458 Speciale.
Specifications from the Italian manufacturers suggest the car will be the most high performance V8 sports car ever. It is able to achieve acceleration of 100km/h from standing in just three seconds, and has a maximum speed of 325km/h.
Ferrari has also ensured that the car sounds good, using the position of the tailpipe and a silencer configuration, alongside a redesigned inlet pipe to deliver higher pitched revs, rather than deep guttural roars.
The commemorative event also saw a special appearance from Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s president, alongside representatives from Auto Italia Ltd and the manufacturer’s Hong Kong importer.
President Montezemolo said: “I am pleased to be here to celebrate Ferrari’s thirty years in Hong Kong, along with so many owners who share our passion and the search for excellence, exclusivity and innovation.
“Their contribution to our growth in Greater China has always been a vital element and it will continue to be so in the future.”
A birds-eye view of the show floor shows the Ferrari’s presented in yellows, whites and the signature red in areas to complement ground-based graphics and additional patterns.
The famous Hong Kong floral pattern was created by large petals, made up by two individual cars parked on the white outline. In the centre, a single white Ferrari makes up the stamen. The flower was surrounded by more red Ferrari’s, parked in a perfect circle around the flower motif.
While Ferrari has seen some success in the Eastern market, president Montezemolo recognised that there are still opportunities for growth in the area in which its presence is still quite new. There are currently just 30 Ferrari dealerships in China.
According to Ferrari, the average age of ownership for their vehicles in China is just 35-years-old, which is relatively low. The success of the cars in the area has been attributed to the potential to personalise them.
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