Ferrari 488 Spider launched in London to Ferrari clients and VIP's and hosted by BBC TV F1 host Tom Clarkson.

Ferrari 488 Spider launched in London to Ferrari clients and VIP's including Jamie Campbell Bower, Lucy Watson, Becky Tong and Oliver Proudlock

The other evening, Ferrari unveiled the 488 Spider during an exclusive event in an incredible central London venue. The car was unveiled by Marc Gené, Scuderia Ferrari F1 test driver and the event was hosted by BBC F1’s Correspondent Tom Clarkson, who were also in the company of Jamie Campbell Bower and Lucy Watson.

The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Ferrari’s on-going love affair with open-top V8 sports cars, a story that started with the targa-top version of the 308 GTB - the immortal 308 GTS - and which ultimately resulted in the full convertible Spider architecture.

Starting with the RHT (Retractable Hard Top), around which the entire car was developed, every area of the 488 Spider has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector. The result is the most powerful and innovative Ferrari Spider ever built, a car that marries the extraordinary prowess of the 488 GTB coupé’s mid-rear V8 with the joy of tackling even the most challenging roads surrounded by nature’s heady aromas and colours and accompanied by an inimitable Ferrari engine soundtrack.

The spectacular launch brought together the most elite in London society. In attendance were guests from the fashion, arts and creative communities as well as those with a passion for the remarkable Italian brand. Upon entering the venue guests were able to experience the beauty and workmanship of the Ferrari 488 Spider up close, positioned centre stage on the ground floor.

As they made their way up the dramatic glass staircase to the first floor guests were able to experience the Ferrari ‘Tailor-Made’ service. Guests were able to experience first-hand the unique service offered to Ferrari customers, ‘Tailor-Made’ is an atelier offering Ferrari customers the highest standard of craftsmanship and personalisation, allowing them the opportunity to select luxurious fabrics and colour combination with which to personalise their vehicles.

Guests sipped on champagne as they also experienced a unique array of traditional Italian delicacies with a modern twist. Burrata served with paper bread, bresaola accompanied with Parmesan and rocket as well as bite size arancini balls. For those with a sweet-tooth Tiramisu was the order of the night, followed by a shot of espresso. Guests drank cocktails celebrating the 488 Spider including the 488, a sumptuous mix gin, peach liquor, peach puree, lemon juice, lavender and Kaffir leaf.

Ferrari 488 Spider Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Type	90° V8, turbo-charged, dry sump
Total displacement	3902 cc (238.1 cu. in)
Bore and stroke	86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power *	492 kW (670 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque *	760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output	172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu. in)
Compression ratio	9.4:1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length	4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width	1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height	1211 mm (47.7 in)
Wheelbase	2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track	1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track	1647 mm (64.8 in)
Kerb weight**	1525 kg (3362 lb)
Dry weight**	1420 kg (3131 lb)
Weight distribution	41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity	230 l (8.12 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity	78 l (22.7 US gallons)
TYRES
Front	245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear	305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
BRAKES
Front	398x223x36 mm (15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in)
Rear	360x233x32 mm (14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in)

TRAMISSION AND GEARBOX

7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission

ELECTRONICS CONTROL

E-Diff3, F1-Trac,High-Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed	> 325 km/h (203 mph)

0	– 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph)	3.0 s
0	– 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph)	8.7 s
0	– 400 m (0 – 437 yd)	10.55 s
0	– 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd)	18.9 s
Dry weight/power ratio		2.12 kg/cv (6.35 lb/kW)

CONSUMPTION ***

11.4 l/100 km

C0₂ EMISSIONS***

260 g/km

*with 98 octane fuel

**With optional equipment

***Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)

Bentley Motors opens it's first Mountain Lodge, Luxury to get there, and luxury living in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

Bentley Motors today announces the opening of its first ever mountain lodge in Kitzbühel, Austria. This new concept of living the Bentley essence in Europe opens its doors for the first time to welcome the European dealers and a selected group of VIPs and local residents.

Surrounded by breathtaking peaks and valleys while being nestled in one of the most exclusive Alpine hot spots, the full-serviced and luxuriously furnished chalet offers an unrivalled hideaway amid Kitzbühel and is now available for private bookings for customers and friends of the brand. Robert Engstler, Regional Director Europe at Bentley Motors, comments: ‘The Bentley Lodge Kitzbühel has everything to become a class-of-its-own destination. 

One of the latest Bentley models will be available at all times for the guests and we are glad to offer various bespoke experiences such as fishing, hunting, horseback riding, skiing, tennis, golf and spa treatments.’

The Bentley lodge Kitzbühel is inspired by the techniques, the materials and the finishes that characterise Bentley’s renowned car interiors. The designers and architects combined regional, traditional and modernist designs and materials, injecting a little of the spirit of the British gentleman driver. 

The wood throughout the lodge is traditional Tyrolean stone pine wood while the natural stone comes from the Upper Tauern region.

‘Every Bentley motor car is created, not merely assembled,’ Robert Engstler continues. 

‘The interior of each car is trimmed with the finest supple leather, hand-finished wood veneers, gleaming metals and deep-pile carpets and at the Bentley Lodge Kitzbühel we give our customers the opportunity to experience these materials first hand and commission their very own Bentley.’

The historic building was originally the forester’s lodge and dates back to 1919, the same year that Bentley Motors was founded, and is now managed by Bentley Motors in partnership with hotelier Richard Hauser. 

It is available to book for customers and friends of the brand, being an ideal spot for private celebrations and especially during international events such as the Hahnenkammrace, the Alpenrallye, the ATP Tennis Tournament and many more. 

The Bentley Lodge is located right at the foot of the famous Ski-Downhill Race, the Hahnenkammrennen at the ‘Streif’ and only 500 meters away from the Kitzbühel City Centre. 

The Bentley Lodge Kitzbuehl can now be booked on www.bentleymotorslodge.com.