For the First Time, Universo Ferrari Comes to Southeast Asia
Ferrari enthusiasts, VIP customers and select members of the regional media in Southeast Asia were given a rare treat as Universo Ferrari, the immersive exhibition celebrating the legacy, innovation, and passion of the iconic Prancing Horse, opened its doors in Bangkok for the first time. This event marks only the fourth iteration of the event globally—following Italy, Australia, and Korea—and a historic debut for Southeast Asia for the first time.
Held at UOB Live, Emsphere, Universo Ferrari showcases over 20 very rare and historic Ferrari models, ranging from legendary classics to cutting-edge supercars. The event kicked off exclusively for Ferrari clients and guests on November 21st and 22nd and was opened to the public in the succeeding days.
The centerpiece of the event is the regional premiere of the Ferrari F80 , the most powerful road car ever produced by Italian carmaker. Rated at 1,200 horsepower from its V6-hybrid powertrain, the F80 represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s technological advancements, combining extreme performance with cutting-edge engineering. The F80 continues a lineage that includes icons such as the 1984 GTO and the 2016 LaFerrari Aperta.
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“Universo Ferrari is an exclusive event that showcases the timeless beauty, innovative technology, and dynamic performance that Ferrari has led the automotive industry with for over 77 years,” said Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer. “I am delighted to introduce the journey of innovation that the brand has embarked on to our clients and fans in Thailand, a very important market for Ferrari.”
Esquire Philippines was invited to view the exhibit, which was sectioned into several zones. Here’s what we saw:
Racing Zone
Highlights include the legendary F1-2000, which propelled Michael Schumacher to his third World Championship, and the Ferrari 499P Le Mans Hypercar, a back-to-back champion at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and 2024. This writer had the chance to see the legendary 7-time F1 champion in Bangkok back in 2012 at the Race of Champions event just a year before his crippling ski accident in 2013.
Sports Cars Zone
This zone showcases Ferrari’s latest marvels, such as the Daytona SP3, SF90 XX Stradale, Purosangue SUV , 296 GTB, and the newly introduced Ferrari 12Cilindri with its powerful V12 engine. Even if it was inside an air-conditioned enclosed area, you can hear the exhaust notes of the Ferrari 12Cilindri by tapping on the switch, which gives off an electronically amplified sound of how the V12 engine would roar. We enjoyed it so much we had to tap it a few times.
Ferrari Classiche Zone
A nostalgic journey featuring classics like the Ferrari 308 GTB and the F50, celebrating Ferrari’s 50th anniversary. The F50 was a real treat for enthusiasts since it holds a unique place in automotive history as a bridge between Ferrari’s Formula 1 technology and its road cars. Produced from 1995 to 1997 with only 349 units made, it was created to celebrate Ferrari's 50th anniversary and is revered by enthusiasts because it was essentially a Formula 1 car adapted for the road. Its naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 engine was derived from the 3.5-liter V12 used in Ferrari’s 1990 Formula 1 car.
The F50 was Ferrari’s first road car to use a carbon-fiber tub, making it incredibly light and stiff. The F50's body was designed to generate significant downforce without the need for an oversized rear wing, resulting in a clean and purposeful aesthetic.
Ferrari Lifestyle Zone
A luxurious immersion into Ferrari’s brand ethos, including a showcase of the Maranello Clutch and a unique fashion display reflecting Ferrari’s sophistication and style.
More than an exhibition, Universo Ferrari is a celebration of Ferrari’s essence—performance, innovation, and artistry. Its debut in Thailand solidifies Ferrari’s commitment to the region, offering fans and first-timers alike a chance to connect with the brand’s unparalleled legacy.
See more photos from Universo Ferrari in Bangkok here:
