Cars: pedal to the Metal
Ferrari Jakarta organised the first driving event of its kind in Indonesia: the Esperienza Ferrari. Indonesia Tatler was present to provide a first-hand report. Kevin Sjahrial writes
Join Indonesia Tatler on an exhilarating drive across Bali in a Ferrari
aking place for the first time in Indonesia, the Esperienza Ferrari was a driving experience unlike any other. This exclusive event offered owners, pre-owners, and members of the media a first-hand experience behind wheels of the legendary Italian car-maker’s supercars. Bali’s winding, scenic roads and long open highways became the circuit upon which Maranello’s finest would be tested. Our editor reported from behind the wheels of the Ferrari 488 Spider on a route that provided breathtaking views, historical elegance, and some of the most scrumptious cuisine Bali has to offer.
The Esperienza Ferrari Bali journey started out with cocktails and dinner at Kaum Bali. The view of the sun painting the sky a vivid orange as it dipped into the horizon signalled the start of a one-of-a-kind experience.
The sun hung low in the sky as we set out the next day—perfect weather to experience open-air driving on the roads of Bali. The first stop of the day was Pura Besakih, the largest and holiest of Bali’s Hindu temples. Even on the winding roads leading up to the holy temple complex, the 488 Spider handled amazingly and cleared corners with ease. The supercar’s advanced side-slip angle control and E-diff would make any driver feel like a professional racer. Descending from Pura Besakih, we made our way to Danau Batur, the biggest lake in Bali. The view of the vast lake was made even more breathtaking by the majestic Mount Batur, an active volcanoes.
Being the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari Spider to date, going at high speeds with the top lowered is an experience not to be missed. The aerodynamic design ensures maximum comfort when the top is lowered. At the push of a button, the hard top descends to its resting position flush on the engine—an elegant solution that does not compromise the aesthetics of the car. The drive down to Mandapa, a Ritz- Carlton Reserve, for lunch was made even more thrilling with the winds in our faces and the hum of the engine in our ears.
The historical GWK Cultural Park was the next testing ground for the Ferrari 488 Spider. The 488 Spider performs beautifully even on steep, uneven terrains. The sleek dashboard and Manettino dial on the steering wheel are intensely driver-focused, meaning your hands rarely have to leave the steering wheel. Switching between different modes to adapt to different surfaces was a breeze.
At the push of the strarter button, the Prancing Horse comes to life with an unmistakable growl. While the sound may be familiar, nothing comes close
to the sensation of being in the driver’s seat and stepping on the accelerator yourself. Each supercar comes with its own distinct soundtrack. For the 488 Spider, the sound is seductive but never invasive—even when the top is dropped. Volume and clarity increase as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal showcasing its inimitably strong performance.
The final stop of the day was the St. Regis Bali Resort. The drive to the luxurious hotel would require a drive through Bali’s highways, meaning it was finally time to push the limits. The Ferrari 488 Spider is Ferrari’s most powerful mid-rear-engined supercar to date. The Ferrari 488 Spider runs on a 3902cc turbo-charged V8 engine, producing 660bhp at 8,000rpm. The output of this award-winning engine will have the Spider going from 0 to 100km/h in 3 seconds flat, and 200km/h in 8.7 seconds.
Anticipation built as our test-driver’s foot pressed on the accelerator ever so gingerly at the tollbooth. Then the moment the cars ahead cleared up, it was time to put the pedal to the metal. With a glorious roar that could be heard throughout the lanes, the 488 Spider took off. The Spider remained stable and the driver was always in full control of the vehicle even as the rev counter continued to tick up. The elimination of turbo lag, optimal usage of downforce while reducing drag, and the instantly responsive brakes make for a truly exhilarating yet safe driving experience.