What Does Ramon Ang Really Think About Luxury Sports Cars?

It’s barely been a year since billionaire and arguably the country’s foremost car collector Ramon S. Ang became the country’s exclusive importer of Ferrari cars in the country. On Saturday (April 20), the Ferrari showroom finally opened in San Juan, with Ang himself present to welcome clients, media, and guests. 

Ramon Ang speaks during the opening of the Ferrari showroom in San Juan

Photo by PJ Cana.

Weeks before the opening, Velocita Motors, which is the company behind Ferrari in the Philippines, quietly introduced the all-new Ferrari Roma Spider. Ang, who was Esquire Philippines’ Businessman of the Year for 2023 once talked about fast cars.

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“Business is good for luxury and super cars during the pandemic,” he once told this writer.

According to Ang, despite the effects of the pandemic, sales of luxury and exotic cars globally have been brisk. Buying luxury and exotic cars have become a form of “revenge” shopping and retail therapy. He also said that the really wealthy people will always have money, and luxury cars are a form of conspicuous spending. 

Don’t drive over the speed limit

Ang also talked about driving fast but said he does not recommend going over the speed limit, especially on the Skyway, which was built by the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp, the company that he chairs. What was seemingly a no-brainer is actually a stern reminder and a personal challenge from Ang, who explained that the 60kph speed limit on the Skyway actually has basis despite the complaints of many motorists. The speed limit applies to everyone, regardless of what car you are driving, and especially if it’s a Ferrari you bought from him. 

The Ferrari Roma Spider at the Ferrari showroom

Photo by PJ Cana.

“The Skyway 3 is an elevated highway and has a zipper lane system that diverts traffic by switching the north and southbound lanes on both sides depending on the time of the day to accommodate smooth traffic flow,” Ang said. “We do not use concrete barriers on these sections of the highway so driving over this limit can be dangerous.”

Driving the Ferrari Roma Spider

That said, Esquire was handed the keys to a brand-new Ferrari Roma Spider for half a day to drive around a secured compound in a posh neighborhood down south. In the realm of high-performance luxury sportscars, the Ferrari emblem is a symbol of passion, speed, and style.

The Ferrari Roma Spider is a convertible iteration of the acclaimed Ferrari Roma coupe. It embodies the essence of the iconic Italian marque, combining timeless design with cutting-edge technology.

The Ferrari Roma Spider

Photo by Velocita Motors.

Inspired by the iconic grand touring cars of the 1950s and 1960s, the Ferrari Roma Spider combines classic Ferrari heritage and modern sophistication. Its retractable hardtop, which can open up in about 13 seconds even at speeds of 60kph, seamlessly integrates into the bodywork, preserving the car's profile.

The Ferrari Roma Spider’s front fascia is dominated by a prominent grille flanked by sleek LED headlights, while muscular haunches and quad exhaust outlets characterize the rear. Underneath the hood, the car is powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, unleashing 620 horsepower 760 Nm of torque. It can go from zero to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of over 320 kph.

Driving on the backroads of Sta. Elena

Photo by Alvin Uy.

Every square inch of the Ferrari Roma Spider is fitted with high quality finishes

Photo by Velocita Motors.

Inside, the car features high-quality materials, with sculpted seats for ultimate comfort even during extended drives. The Italian marque says the Ferrari Roma Spider seems more like a true grand tourer rather than a hardcore sportscar. All in all, it’s the kind of car that should appeal to old and new Ferrari enthusiasts here in the Philippines.

As for the price? Word is that, depending on the final specs, it’s a few hundred thousand pesos shy of hitting P30 million.