Ferrari-fueled

I was in the theater the other day and I caught a glimpse of the new Fast and the Furious movie. This is the fourth movie of the franchise to come out in less than a decade, which is shocking. The plots of each of the past three movies were nothing special. The first one was decent. The second one was a bit over-the-top. The third one was just insultingly clichéd. Also, none of the actors are particularly great. The duo of Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, the original frontmen who reunite for this fourth installment, aren’t exactly Pacino and DeNiro. So why on earth do these kinds of movies make money? Why do people pay to watch despite the bad acting and run-of-the-mill plot?

Because the cars are awesome.

Cars are the most universally recognized form of badass entertainment. You can make the most uninterested, uninitiated geek of a guy who knows absolutely nothing about engine blocks and make him watch a YouTube video of a Ferrari speeding around an empty track and he will watch a good part of it. Cars are engrained in the male gene. This is the same reason why video games like “Twisted Metal,” “Gran Turismo,” “Grand Theft Auto” and “Destruction Derby” are regarded as classics. This is why the Batmobile is so iconic. This is why shows like Pimp My Ride are so interesting. This is why Formula 1 racing only trails football in terms of global appeal.

This month, Shell unveils its new line of kick-ass Ferrari model cars. At 1:38 scale and with authentic engine sounds, this is probably as close to one of those classic Ferraris as one can get. You can get these model cars for as low as P80 when you gas up with Shell V-Power:

Ferrari FXX

The most advanced GT car ever created at Maranello, the FXX is the flagship in the new Ferrari model car collection. The FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D program agreed with a select group of clients. Only 29 of this special prototype were produced, plus one more for Michael Schumacher.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Ferrari’s stunning new all-aluminum “Gran Turismo” flagship model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. The sporty 12-cylinder two-seater was voted “Car of the Year” by several leading car magazines. It can reach a top speed of over 205mph (330kph).

Ferrari F430 Challenge

An intensive series of tests at Ferrari’s private track, Fiorano honed the many talents of the F430 Challenge. As ever, the transfer from Formula One is significant — particularly in the braking system and Formula One gearbox.

Ferrari 250 GTO

This superb early 1960s Berlinetta proved to be an excellent racing car. The 3.0-litre, V12 came first in its class at 24 Heures du Mans in 1962, securing its legendary status amongst racing enthusiasts. The 250 GTO has a maximum output of 290bhp at 7400rpm.

errari F40

One of the fastest, most powerful street legal cars in the world, the F40 was produced from 1987 to 1992. The 3.0-litre, V8 engine has 478bhp at 7000rpm. It can reach a top speed of 201mph (324 kph). It raced at 24 Heures du Mans and in the American IMSA championship.

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

Ferrari used its experiences in the International Ferrari Challenge series to develop what is often described as a “racing car for road use.” Powered by a centrally mounted V8 engine reaching 425 bhp at 8500rpm, it can reach a top speed of 186mph (300kph).

Ferrari 575 GTC

One of Ferrari’s most exciting competition cars, the 575 GTC is designed exclusively for Ferrari’s gentleman drivers and is raced across several different series. The all-new 12-cylinder engine can still push out 810bhp.

The Ferrari cars will be available at Shell stations starting April 6.

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For questions, comments or corrections, please e-mail me at carlfrancisramirez@gmail.com.