BIZ BAHRAIN MARCH-APRIL 2018

Highlights | Automotive
The Ferrari 488 Pista
The Ferrari 488 Pista is powered by
the most powerful V8 engine in the
Maranello marque’s history and is the
company’s special series sports car with
the highest level yet of technological
transfer from racing.
Technically, the Ferrari 488 Pista
encompasses all of the experience built
up on the world’s circuits by the 488
Challenge and the 488 GTE. The new car’s
engine adopts numerous solutions from
that of the 488 Challenge and its power
output has been increased to 720 cv. It
is also lighter, thanks to new titanium
con-rods and carbon-fibre intake plenums.
The inverted radiator cooling system is
also derived from the Challenge with the
radiators raked rearwards, improving
cooling and maintaining optimal
performance levels even in high thermal
stress situations.
The car’s aerodynamics are derived
from both the 488 GTE and from Formula
1, specifically the S-Duct at its front, the
rear spoiler and diffuser profiles which
boost efficiency by 20% compared to
the 488 GTB. Other solutions have been
carried over from the track to shave off
further weight, including the lithium
battery (from the 488 Challenge) and also
the new carbon-fibre wheel rims - a first
for Ferrari. The overall result is that the
488 Pista is an impressive 90 kg lighter
Lexus RX350L 7-seater
arrives at E.K. Kanoo
Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor
of Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain,
has revealed the 2018 Lexus RX350L, the
all new expanded 7-seater version of the
highly successful RX350.
The stylish and dynamically designed
luxury crossover has now been expanded
by 110mm, granting the interior a more
spacious feel and a full third row for extra
passengers, added comfort and a more
spacious luggage compartment.
The RX350L introduces a “Walk-in
than the 488 GTB.
The vehicle dynamics were designed
for unique driving feedback and to make
the car’s full potential available to all
drivers, professional or otherwise. Specific
vehicle controls were developed with this
in mind, first and foremost being a new
oversteer management system usable
in the manettino’s CT-OFF position and
designed to make the car’s performance
on the limit easier to reach and control.
A new gear-shift strategy in the
RACE position delivers a far more
sporty experience, very similar to that
of a track car.
The Ferrari 488 Pista’s extreme
design is underlined by the optional
livery that highlights the aerodynamic
innovation of the S-Duct. The car’s
lines were developed to underscore its
sporty soul and cleverly combine the
purity of the 488 GTB with some of the
hugely successful racing and functional
elements of the 488 GTE and 488
Challenge while staying true to Ferrari’s
traditional styling.
Mode”, an easily accessible lever on the
side of the second row seats to slide them
forward or, alternativley, folded forward
for easy access to the third row. It also
provides a flat, gap-free luggage space
regardless of the third row being used or
stowed to provide ample room for different
confirgurations. The new row also has
its own air conditioner control panel and
vents to allow occupants the comfort and
ease of access from their own seats.
Lexus is all about providing customers
and occupants with greater experience
and this expanded version of the ever
popular RX350 solidifies this with its new
features. The new third row puts this
model in a new class, catering to bigger
families and customers who want the
outstanding design, confident drive and
state of the art technology that Lexus is
renowned for, coupled with more space
and comfort for everyone on board.
Infiniti QX80
Further advancing INFINITI’s marketleading
presence in the full-size luxury
SUV segment, the QX80 takes INFINITI’s
‘Powerful Elegance’ design language in a
bold new direction, creating a powerful,
contemporary and commanding aesthetic.
The new model has been created
to meet the needs of today’s luxury car
buyers, and introduces a more modern
interpretation of upscale luxury to the fullsize
SUV segment. It will appeal to a buyer
that wants for nothing: affluent, highachieving
entrepreneurs and business
leaders, often with families, who demand
space and utility, hand-crafted quality and
modern design, and effortless on-road
performance.
The QX80 has a refined and spacious
cabin that features high-quality
materials, a hand-crafted finish and
advanced drive-assist technologies.
With a taut yet comfort-oriented
suspension, and ample performance
from its 5.6-liter V8 engine, the new
QX80 gives drivers an assured feeling of
control and confidence at the wheel.
The QX80’s rear entertainment
system has also been upgraded. Higherresolution
screens provide the interface
for connectivity and entertainment
devices. The system also now supports
31 languages, up from three in the
outgoing QX80.
The QX80 is newly-available with a
range of technologies to inform the driver
of their surroundings, help them avoid
potential hazards and ease the monotony
of driving in certain conditions. These
technologies include: Lane Departure
Warning and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise
Control, Distance Control Assist, Predictive
Forward Collision Warning, Forward
Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning
and Intervention and Backup Collision
Intervention.
76 March-April 2018