Iain, Do you really like the 458 for what IT is or do you just want the latest and greatest?
meaning will you keep it for 15 years because it stands on its own merits or will it be replaced in 1 year. just curious
rubino looks classy
I love the 458 for what it is Tom and yes it will stand on it's own merits. However I'm not really into "keeping" cars. I view it as life's too short not to try the latest version if you can and it makes sense to keep turning thecars over to minimise depreciation. I'm thinking about keeping my Scuderia though as I think that really will become a future classic - last non DFI engined car, last development of the F1 transmission etc.
Look how far Ferrari have come in the time period you mention. 15 years ago the 355 was THE mid engined sports car. Nowadays it's performance is eclipsed by some pretty inexpensive cars. Yes it's still a great car but it's not cutting edge and that's what Ferrari is about to me.
Other guys look to them for the classic models and heritage but Enzo had a saying that the greatest Ferrari is the one we have yet to make and Luca deMontezemelo has carried on that tradition. I'm with both of them.
I was watching a "HUNTER" episode last night on HULU. Classic american cop show which used current top cars more than any other TV show I can think of, really cool. Well last night it had a 328 (i think) and it still looked great. Better imo than 360/430.
Definately not the performer of today's cars but looking as good. I will wait till I see a 458 in person before I judge the looks, but the 458 looks better with the curvier body than its immediate predecessors.
even the door shape is cool
Tom,
I used to love watching Hunter. Fred Dryer was good value as a sort of budget Harry Callahan
I think you'll be impressed by what Pininfarina have done with the 458 when you see it. It mixes a good blend of the curviness of the 246 Dino with the strong styling elements of the tail design from the Enzo and matches it all with a 21st century front end.
Ferrari's often tend to look dated for around 10 years or so from around their 15th birthday. Once they get past the 25 year mark they start to be appreciated again as design classics. It happened with the 246, is now happening with the 308/328 and will doubtless happen with the 348 in around 5 years time when the early 90's suddenly become cool again.
ISUK:
Ferrari's often tend to look dated for around 10 years or so from around their 15th birthday. Once they get past the 25 year mark they start to be appreciated again as design classics. It happened with the 246, is now happening with the 308/328 and will doubtless happen with the 348 in around 5 years time when the early 90's suddenly become cool again.
That is so true. Somehow they always manage to find this timeless, classical look only Italian designers can create
MKSGR:
That is so true. Somehow they always manage to find this timeless, classical look only Italian designers can create
Yes, 40 years from now a whole new generation of "old" men will stand around in places like Pebble Beach and lovingly admire the "classic" beauty of the F430, reminisce about the good old days of changing gear by paddle and heavily criticise the latest model of Ferrari with it's fuel cell powertrain
MKSGR:
ISUK:
Ferrari's often tend to look dated for around 10 years or so from around their 15th birthday. Once they get past the 25 year mark they start to be appreciated again as design classics. It happened with the 246, is now happening with the 308/328 and will doubtless happen with the 348 in around 5 years time when the early 90's suddenly become cool again.
That is so true. Somehow they always manage to find this timeless, classical look only Italian designers can create
I am already on record here as saying the 348 is my favorites looking 8 and the 512 TR by far my favorite looking 12. Never liked the dino.
The Hunters I've watched recently had 911's, a jalpa, and a couple countach's along with all the SL's. A 928 in the opening sequence.
Ultimate fcar 8- 458 interior + mechanicals with stradale sound in a 348 body.
Dimitri,
The only info I have is that the front lift MODIS code is ELEV. The reversing camera option is also now available. I believe it is option code PAC1 but you'd have to check this.
There are also some other new trim option codes: -
DATR Dashboard inserts in carbon fibre (replaces the last bits of aluminium trim across the dash but not sure if the air vents are included. The UK price is £4,048 for this option so i should think they are).
ARMC Alcantara upholstery for door armrest.
ISUK:
Here is a rosso corsa car without the PEXS painted sill option. I think it looks good in body colour. What do others think?
Err, it looks as if this car doesn't have sills at all.
The secret of life is to admire without desiring.
It does have sills Stefan. It's just the angle of the first two pics. You can see the area that would be painted greay with the PEXS option in the 3rd pic. It's the traiangular area beneath the sheet of protective film.