Something Speciale

Does the Handling Speciale pack transform the California T? Or is it just the equivalent of a Sport button?

- Sriram Narayanan

The US hospitality industry appreciates tips. In fact, the US hospitality industry does not appreciate no tips. For instance, Orlando International Airport had a long queue for a check-in. And a purser was urging passengers to opt for the kerb-side check-in – outside the airport on the kerb – a proposal all those people, rather nonchalantly, weren’t paying any attention to. I thought myself to be the only smart guy and went outside to get myself checked in quicker. Turns out, the staff will do it. But for tips.

So, imagine my plight as I get into an airboat inside the alligator-infested waters of the Florida Everglades with at least four stickers in the boat reading, “Captain works for tips and tips are greatly appreciated. Suggested tip 15 per cent.” I just hoped it wasn’t a ‘tip over if no tip’ policy. The ‘captain’ was a dimensionally gifted chap. But it isn’t because he was lazy or goes overboard at KFC or Burger King. He says he’s bulked up because alligators prefer smaller-sized meals.

Bulked up or not, the man knew how to handle his passenger-filled airboat – powersliding, 360 degree doughnuting and he’d consistently clip the apex with the nose of his boat – the apex here being shrubs or mangroves. He was doing a much better job than I was in the California THS. What Ferrari calls the Handling Speciale. Considering we are talking Ferrari here and considering they aren’t exactly bad handlers, is the Handling Speciale black that is blacker? Or water that is wetter?