This year marks the 20th anniversary since the first Ferrari, a 348 TS, was ordered in Beijing, and to mark the occasion Ferrari will introduce a special-edition 458 Italia, produced exclusively for the Chinese market.
Just 20 cars will be made, to a uniquely Chinese design, featuring the longma theme – 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 recognised symbols in the world representing Italian cultural identity and its achievements in design and engineering.
The car’s livery is characterised by these unique Chinese elements and is finished in a brand new colour called Marco Polo Red, specially developed for this exclusive model.
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 symbolising a racing track. The image of the soaring dragon and the prancing horse on the front bonnet complement each other perfectly, and reflect both Chinese culture as well as Ferrari’s pursuit of innovation.
The 458 Italia “Dragon Horse Edition” is further enhanced by a gold finish to the rims and the aeroelastic winglets, whilst the interior also reflects the unique longma spirit and the celebration of Chinese culture with gold embroidery on the car’s head rests.
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.
The car will be on show in a few weeks time at Ferrari’s first ever permanent brand exhibition outside of Maranello, at the Italia Center of Shanghai World Expo Park.
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