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Re: What would Nick say?
Over the past year I have been feeling someone uncomfortable with Ferrari. It started after reading an interview with a top Ferrari executive who indicated that the one car company that had its act together was Porsche. He was envious.My red flag went up.
I was expected the 430 replacement in September of this year and learn it will not happen. Instead, we will get a front engine model similar to the Maserati to be sold to an expanded customer base so more people can be in a Ferrari. The 430 replacement now slated to be introduced in 2009 or so will be priced higher and probably more restricted in production. Very few will be able to get this car because dealers will want to sell the 149/California GT or require a step up process for buying the 430 replacement.
It reminds me of the Porsche marketing scheme.Sell a ton load of 911's and restrict the true performance 911's (gt2, RS, GT3) to a very few. So it would not surprise me that they would consider an SUV.
I have been driving high performance cars for years and at no time have I felt as I do know that they are utterly useless on public streets and highways. Speed limits are monitored by cameras, radar, laser, airplanes and satellites. There are more slower dumber drivers and an equal amount of ricers who think they are MS or Alfonso all of which cause a skilled driver to drive defensively. Taking a high priced performance car and exercising it on public roads is almost impossible.
If you want your kicks, mod a relatively cheap car and track it.
I was expected the 430 replacement in September of this year and learn it will not happen. Instead, we will get a front engine model similar to the Maserati to be sold to an expanded customer base so more people can be in a Ferrari. The 430 replacement now slated to be introduced in 2009 or so will be priced higher and probably more restricted in production. Very few will be able to get this car because dealers will want to sell the 149/California GT or require a step up process for buying the 430 replacement.
It reminds me of the Porsche marketing scheme.Sell a ton load of 911's and restrict the true performance 911's (gt2, RS, GT3) to a very few. So it would not surprise me that they would consider an SUV.
I have been driving high performance cars for years and at no time have I felt as I do know that they are utterly useless on public streets and highways. Speed limits are monitored by cameras, radar, laser, airplanes and satellites. There are more slower dumber drivers and an equal amount of ricers who think they are MS or Alfonso all of which cause a skilled driver to drive defensively. Taking a high priced performance car and exercising it on public roads is almost impossible.
If you want your kicks, mod a relatively cheap car and track it.
Re: What would Nick say?
Quote:
AUM said:Quote:
nberry said:
If you want your kicks, mod a relatively cheap car and track it.
Something like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL7T9BD_Q3k
Exactly!
Now how do I get his driving skills? 
Re: What would Nick say?
Quote:
SciFrog said:
Nick, still loving the Mini?
I have to say sometimes I have so much fun with it that it feels a waste to spend 5 times more on other cars...
It is my favorite car. I love my 430 but the Mini for everday use just cannot be beat. It is a blast to drive even when NOT exceeding the speed limit.
Re: What would Nick say?
Quote:
nberry said:
Taking a high priced performance car and exercising it on public roads is almost impossible.
Indeed.
The F430 is a very capable track car. You would gain tremendous (self) respect by living a little more dangerously and driving your car near its/your limits. Why not unleash the beast at the track?
Re: What would Nick say?
The Ferrari F430 is an incredibly beautiful car with out-of-this world capability. Many including me consider it overall the best sports car in the world. However the lamenting--frankly I am stunned--makes it sound like this particular sample is being turned into somewhat of, sorry I have to use this word, a garage queen. How such a smart and rich person falls into this trap is beyond my understanding. 
Maybe something with better ground clearance, better all around visibility, less high strung engine, less trophy like character, better low end torque, no 10k limit (!!), and jet like acceleration, would bring back the fun? Something like a 997TT?
Say what you like but many of us in Southern Cal., some in areas with traffic at least as bad as San Diego, do manage to "drive the [beep] out of our 997's." AND have fun doing it. Since you are a seasoned veteran, it's most likely not the driving, and if it's not the driver, it's got to be the F-car sucking the fun out of his life.
Porsche is far from being the perfect company, its cars far from being flawless, but PAG didn't buy VW because of lousy products. There is still no substitute, all things considered, and that's why I think despite of all the biting remarks (about 1% of which correct btw), deep down inside, you really are a P-phile. Come back, you'll be happier IMHO.
Maybe something with better ground clearance, better all around visibility, less high strung engine, less trophy like character, better low end torque, no 10k limit (!!), and jet like acceleration, would bring back the fun? Something like a 997TT?
Say what you like but many of us in Southern Cal., some in areas with traffic at least as bad as San Diego, do manage to "drive the [beep] out of our 997's." AND have fun doing it. Since you are a seasoned veteran, it's most likely not the driving, and if it's not the driver, it's got to be the F-car sucking the fun out of his life.
Porsche is far from being the perfect company, its cars far from being flawless, but PAG didn't buy VW because of lousy products. There is still no substitute, all things considered, and that's why I think despite of all the biting remarks (about 1% of which correct btw), deep down inside, you really are a P-phile. Come back, you'll be happier IMHO.
Re: What would Nick say?
Quote:
cannga said:
The Ferrari F430 is an incredibly beautiful car with out-of-this world capability. Many including me consider it overall the best sports car in the world. However the lamenting--frankly I am stunned--makes it sound like this particular sample is being turned into somewhat of, sorry I have to use this word, a garage queen. How such a smart and rich person falls into this trap is beyond my understanding.
Maybe something with better ground clearance, better all around visibility, less high strung engine, less trophy like character, better low end torque, no 10k limit (!!), and jet like acceleration, would bring back the fun? Something like a 997TT?
Porsche is far from being the perfect company, its cars far from being flawless, but PAG didn't buy VW because of lousy products. There is still no substitute, all things considered, and that's why I think despite of all the biting remarks (about 1% of which correct btw), deep down inside, you really are a P-phile. Come back, you'll be happier IMHO.
My concerns regarding exercising high perf. cars in CA also apply to Porsche's. If anything, Ferrari is better suited for CA roads because it is more fun to drive a Ferrari at or above the speed limit than a Porsche which must be driven near its limit to be enjoyed. Otherwise, it is nothing more than everyday transportation.
The track is the appropriate option but why spend over $200,000 to track a car? I could probably have as much fun with a well modded car for a lot less than $100,000 and nothing to worry about.
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