Ferrari to fete cashed-up Queenslanders

Ferrari's new 488 GTB will make its Queensland debut tonight at the gala opening of Ferrari Brisbane, the new multi-million dollar Prancing Horse showroom designed to cash in on unprecedented demand for the world's most famous supercar brand in the state.

Queensland has overtaken NSW to become Australia's second largest and second fastest growing super luxury car market behind Victoria, and is now the country's biggest Ferrari market per capita.

Ferrari sales are up 23 per cent so far this year in the sunshine state, where half of all customers are new to the Prancing Horse brand. The 488 GTB will further boost sales, having set a pre-launch sales record for Ferrari in Australia.

Ferrari famously doesn't talk specific sales numbers, but with a record 107 cars sold nationally to August this year (up more than 72 per cent on the same period last year), there are dozens of new Ferrari owners in Queensland in 2015 alone.

To meet demand, the Queensland capital's only Ferrari dealership has moved from its temporary site in Fortitude Valley, where it has operated since LMM Holdings took over from the Ferrari franchise from the Willims Motor Group last October, to an all-new new showroom in Newstead.

Positioned on the high-profile corner of Breakfast Creek Road and Waterloo Street, Australia's newest Ferrari outlets spans 550 square-metres and bears the Italian supercar brand's new corporate identity.

In line with a nationwide rebranding, the Brisbane showroom's lounge area incorporates the Ferrari Atelier, where customers can peruse the wide range of optional extras available to them.

Naturally, when Brisbane Ferrari opens its new doors today (September 2), the full line-up Ferrari models will also be on display, including the California T, FF, F12 Berlinetta and 488 GTB.

Queensland's first 488 GTB will be delivered by the end of this year, by which time the waiting list will extend beyond two years.

Officially opening the dealership tonight will be Ferrari Australasia CEO Herbert Appleroth, alongside Ferrari Brisbane managing director Martin Roller, with emcee Richard Champion, a number of VIP guests and a host of classic Ferraris also in attendance.

"It is with great pleasure that we launch this stunning new showroom and premiere the incredible 488 GTB for the first time in Queensland," said Appleroth.

"In the heart of Brisbane, this new showroom will not only be the landmark of the area, but also an important pillar in the Ferrari dealer network globally.

"The significant investment made by Ferrari Brisbane proves the strength and confidence of our partner in the Ferrari brand and the future.

"We have already noted that 50 per cent of our Queensland clients are new to the Ferrari brand and we are excited to see that level of growth in one of the most dynamic cities in Australia."

Roller said the new facility would enhance Ferrari's presence in Brisbane and continue the record sales growth experienced since LMM Holdings was named exclusive Queensland retailer after an exhaustive review of Ferrari Australasia's sales network.

“We are proud to be the sole official representative of Ferrari in Queensland and excited to unveil both the all new Ferrari Brisbane showroom and the incredible 488 GTB to our clients,” he said.

“This is a world-class automotive facility with additions such as the Ferrari Atelier which will allow us to provide our customers with an exceptional level of service and the ability to welcome prospective buyers with the most up to date technology and equipment available.

"Given the overwhelming public response to the 488 GTB before the first car is delivered late in 2015, the timing of our official showroom opening to coincide with the Queensland premiere of this incredible car could not be more fitting.”

The opening of Ferrari Brisbane follows the appointment of McCarroll’s Automotive Group as Sydney's new Ferrari retailer in August.