It's lunchtime at Forte dei Marmi, a posh resort on Italy's Tuscan riviera, and the place is almost deserted. The autumnal Mediterranean weather is sunny and warm, yet of the crowds who'd thronged here just weeks ago, sunning and playing on the long beach edging the shimmering Ligurian Sea,
filling the bars and restaurants, and splashing their cash in the luxury boutiques that stand cheek-by-jowl in the town centre, there's no sign. Occasionally a lone jogger, cyclist or motor car makes its way along the wide road that runs parallel to the shore; otherwise, silence reigns as this emptying seaside town begins boarding up for the winter.
There is, however, one hive of activity in these somnolent environs, and that surrounds a clutch of identical blue cars parked by the side of the road. These aren't just any automobiles: they're a line-up of Ferrari's newest PHEV supercars, the 296 GTS, which was announced only weeks ago.
Along with five other writers from Asia, I have the good fortune to be driving one of them back towards the factory in Maranello on a 280km route that starts out along busy stretches of autostrada before taking us on to the tortuous roads that snake up and down the Apennine mountains. Being in sole charge of a brand-new machine such as this is an enticing and thrilling prospect, though as the combination of petrol and electric power places almost 820bhp beneath my right foot, that anticipation is inevitably tinged with apprehension, too.
Let's backtrack for a moment. Regular readers of Prestige may remember we wrote about the 296 GTB only a couple of months ago, when we proclaimed it the best supercar in the world. Although there's great similarity between it and the car I'm driving today, this new GTS has one significant difference. The "S" in the name signifies it's a "spider" - in other words, the roof comes off- and for many ferraristi, a drop-top is the brand's ultimate road-going expression.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 2022-Ausgabe von Prestige Malaysia.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 2022-Ausgabe von Prestige Malaysia.
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SOIREES OF SEPTEMBER
From sipping cocktails by the coastline to eating your way through the city, this is the month to enjoy.
ROYAL DECREE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 37mm is a sporty yet dazzling timepiece that fits in just about anywhere.
ALCHEMY OF ART
Known for blending natural elements with ancient cultures, Brazilian jewellery designer Silvia Furmanovich offers an exclusive glimpse into her artistic world.
DISHING IT OUT
This month serves up some top-tier hotel dining, a collaboration with enough Michelin stars to kickstart a new galaxy, and a special celebration marking Malaysia Airlines' new route to Chiang Mai.
JETSETTER DIARIES
Regardless of whether you're travelling with littles or are on a solo journey, we have travel picks for you from LA to HK that'll leave you rested, rejuvenated, and maybe even learning something new.
MAKING WAVES
The extraordinary 122-metre Kismet megayacht by Lürssen, making her grand debut at this month's Monaco Yacht Show, epitomises uncompromising luxury and sets a new benchmark for excellence in the yachting industry.
MIAMI NIGHTS
Not all 21st birthdays are celebrated in style, but with the Polo Collection welcoming the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition into the family, it had to be one for the books.
LIVING LARGE
As luxury travel evolves and trends shift, one truth endures: the essence of travelling opulently is defined by a blend of exquisite accommodations, unparalleled exclusivity, and bespoke experiences tailored to your every whim. To better understand the level of luxury being sought out by the world's most affluent, we've curated a selection of the most extravagant getaways from over-the-top villas to exclusive vacation itineraries and beyond, all guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust.
ROMANCING THE STONES
Journey with Minerals, the current exhibition at L'École, School of Jewelry Arts, showcases the world of mineralogy as you've never seen it before. PRESTIGE takes a private tour.
THIS JUST IN
Rolex has set the stage for an unforgettable 2024 with releases that reimagine its classic models. Seamlessly blending contrasting elements, this year's offerings highlight an exceptional attention to detail.