[champagne612]

Here it is

[355dreamer]

So, they will likely build at least 80.

[Mike430]

Originally Posted by 355dreamer

So, they will likely build at least 80.

They will be building 20 of them.

Shanghai, 10 April - This year marks the 20th anniversary for Ferrari in China since the first Ferrari, a 348 TS, was ordered in Beijing. To celebrate this historical milestone, in a few weeks time Ferrari will inaugurate its first ever permanent brand exhibition outside of Maranello at the Italia Center of Shanghai World Expo Park. Covering 900 square metres the Ferrari Exhibition will last for three years and will feature some of the best collections from the Maranello Museum divided into five topics, including Ferrari in China, Green Technology, Product, Design and Racing.

Along with current and past Ferrari models, visitors will gain first-hand experience with a rich selection of images and videos made especially for this exhibition.

Another important element for the 20th anniversary celebration is the introduction of the 458 Italia special edition of only 20 cars dedicated exclusively to the China market. The car’s livery is characterized by unique Chinese elements and is finished in a brand new colour called Marco Polo Red specially developed for this exclusive car which will be presented at the inauguration of the Ferrari Exhibition at the Shanghai Expo Park’s Italian Center.

The inspiration behind the livery came from the longma theme which is an old Chinese idiom which means “the vigor and spirit of the legendary dragon-horse”. Dragon is a symbol of Chinese culture, standing for courage, passion and success, whilst Ferrari’s prancing horse logo is one of the most recognized symbols in the world representing Italian cultural identity and its unrivalled achievements in the design and engineering fields.

The 458 Italia is a very high performing and exclusive 8 cylinder mid-rear engined car which has won over 35 awards all around the world. The 458 Italia mixes very innovative technology with exclusivity and design and it perfectly encapsulates the passion and vitality of the longma spirit.

The most eye-catching element of the car’s exterior is the golden dragon on the front bonnet, which is offset by gold and black livery stripes symbolizing a racing track. The image of the soaring dragon and the prancing horse on the front bonnet complement each other perfectly, and are the finishing touch to the car’s overall design. The symbols reflect both Chinese culture as well as Ferrari’s constant innovation.

This unique design is enhanced by gold finish to the rims and the aeroelastic winglets. The interior also reflects the unique longma spirit and the celebration of Chinese culture with gold embroidery on the car’s head rests, while the engine start button on each of the 20 cars is inscribed with the simplified Chinese characters for ‘start’, and a ‘20th Anniversary Special Edition’ plaque is set into the dash.

[wetpet]

love it

[Granucci]

hate it

[champagne612]

LOL - the two posts above is why I love Ferrari Life

That's some funny stuff!

[markjayw]

A little presumptuous to think that every Chinese buyer wants a dragon painted on the hood of their car. No, no, and no.

[amanderu]

I don't like these personalised limited edition styling....but I guess there will be 20 happy owners in China. A Zagato-esque edition is much better to own if I can afford it.

[Vitalone]

Looks great with the gold wheels!

[Scottish16M]

Not really a fan of the 458, but dragon aside that's quite a nice looker.....albeit quite Gallardo Balboni-ish with the gold edging to the stripe!

As it's a limited edition of 20 I guess Ferrari will overrun the production run as usual and make 80+ if there's sufficient demand!

[JayG]

Originally Posted by markjayw

A little presumptuous to think that every Chinese buyer wants a dragon painted on the hood of their car. No, no, and no.

There will be 1776 USA only cars with a gun rack in the back and a McDonald's Red and yellow theme in the works.


Seriously though, I think that car looks terrible.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by JayG

There will be 1776 USA only cars with a gun rack in the back and a McDonald's Red and yellow theme in the works.


Seriously though, I think that car looks terrible.

If they start painting Gen'rl Lee confederate flag on the roof, I'm out of the venue.

[mjb11800]

Have to say, car is beautiful - the airbrushed (?) dragon on the front might be naff, but at least its tacky. I like the giant pair of pants on the skyscraper in the background though.

[wetpet]

i still like it. maybe because i was born in the year of the dragon? the gold wheels are really what got me though. I'm getting tired of black.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by mjb11800

i like the giant pair of pants on the skyscraper in the background though.

lol

[Barry]

Not a fan of that dragon, but I do like those wheels.