| Author | Message | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 977 Registered: 9-2002 |
Shelbee: you're assuming that I'm going to sell you my car. Fat chance, Frankie!  --Dan | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 169 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dr. Shelbee: You are killing me!! THAT is my all time dream Ferrari. I have a CD of an interview done with Nick Mason(of Pink Floyd fame). He was talking about many of his cars, including the GTO which he regularly campaigns at vintage events. The CD also includes the sounds of all of his cars both inside and out at speed. Other cars in the interview included the 512M, BRM F1 car, D-type Jag, Maserati Birdcage.The sound of the BRM was amazing. But, when asked what was his favorite car in the entire collection he unequivocally stated the GTO...what a car! | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1393 Registered: 8-2001 |
Dr Shelbee, Where have you been?! The local Ferrari guys were starting to think you've gone missing. That's actually a blue 250GTO. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 422 Registered: 12-2002 |
Mark, When we both sold our practice and retired, we can own our 250 GTO and have a reunion every year You can have the red and I can have the black one on 250 GTO  | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 421 Registered: 12-2002 |
Sports seats on the 550 is much more superior and cushy than the one they have on 360 with thin leather. I love it. Very comfortable and looks very sporty. When I get my next V12 (maybe 575 or the next generation, I want to have the sports seats options again) | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 168 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dr. Shelbee: Sounds good to me!! I have the carbon fiber interior option including the shifter but not the sport seats. Are the sport seats comfortable for long drives in your opinion? | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 420 Registered: 12-2002 |
Enzomoon, Yes, they are factory-optioned sport seats. The front face of the seats is full leather in tan, and the back of the seat is carbon fiber. I ended up getting 550 barchetta's gear shift knob to match the seats. It looks nice and everytime I shift, I don't feel the cold metal anymore now. How about these photos. Your (future) yellow Enzo, next to my (future) red Enzo side by side?? Someday, hah???   They are simply beautiful and astonishing | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 142 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dr. Shelbee: I tell you what...you can have red and I will take yellow. For that matter I would be happy with either of them in any color! Your 550 looks very nice on your profile photo. Are those sport seats? The headrests look as if they the carbon fiber seats. | ||
| James Lee (Aventino)
New member Username: Aventino Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2003 |
The North American market is why there is a Fiorano package to start with. Too many said they didn't buy a Ferrari for handling, but in preference for cruising instead. Same reason why the US spec 996 sits another 1/2 inch higher than the 996 sold on the rest of the world markets. Same reason why BMW are unsure whether to sell the M3 CSL in North America, because too many complain the standard M3 handles and rides like a sports car. The rest of the world would be happier if the 575 came out with suspension more suited to a sports car and you paid extra to turn it into a marshmallow, not vise versa. And don't get me started on those stupid roll hoops on the spyders. Or the horrific beeping when selecting reverse on the new 360 stradale.... It is unfortunate but true that the entire direction of Ferrari automobiles lie in the hands of the North American market. What do you folks actually want? If it's really a 500SL, then buy it instead. | ||
| Trevor Ely (Bmwm3n528)
New member Username: Bmwm3n528 Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2003 |
well, in response to some of your comments on Porsches interior(or lack of..) Porsches have that 'all business' look when you jump into them, each model's interior looks like porsche designed 10 years prior, especially with the 993...but at the same time, you dont buy a porsche for super luxurious interior, same reason you wouldnt buy a maybach 62 to run laps around your local track... | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 389 Registered: 12-2002 |
Enzomoon, Is it a coincidental or what?? We both want 250 GTO and an ENZO. We both have to have them in different colors For me both in red | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 139 Registered: 4-2002 |
Manu: I agree with you. While I haven't driven a 575, my recently purchased 550 has been an absolute blast to drive. But, I find myself leaving the suspension on the Sport setting all of the time as otherwise it is too floaty. My F512M is still my absolute favorite Ferrari with a visceral appeal that modern Ferraris don't seem to have. But the 550 is one hell of a car! I just hope Ferraris don't become too "user friendly". | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 384 Registered: 12-2002 |
Manu, Go where your heart wants to go | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 774 Registered: 2-2002 |
Looks like there's quite a lot of variation in what Ferrari dealers are and are not recommending. Even the 550 had very squeaky brakes so that's no problem - it's the tolerance buyers have to the suspension. Clearly it's all down to market preferences (and demographics). Think about this - it's not good for Ferrari that some of their dealers/salesmen may be recommending an optional extra because this naturally implies a fault with the "standard" car. Also bear this in mind - an *effective* salesman will look at your age, try to ascertain your usage of the vehicle (i.e how hard you drive it etc), and will then proceed to tell you what you want to hear (FHP is great/FHP is too much). Either way he/she will not be mis-selling you something so they are doing their job well. In my case I have been told that *despite suspension upgrades*, the 575M could really do with the Fiorano handling pack.... otherwise it is lacking the sharpness of the 550. With or without this recommendation I would/will specify an Fiorano-equipped 575M *ANYWAY* because that's the way I like it! | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 620 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks. Didn't know that. At least they're offering it. I wonder if Brembo has an aftermarket solution to the 550/575 brakes, which seem to be a point of contention. --Dan | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 997 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dan, Yes they are offering the Fiorano pkge but many dealerships are discouraging ordering it for reasons stated. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 613 Registered: 9-2002 |
From what I understand (courtesy of Manu), the magazines in europe are all confused. Ferrari initially produced 575s that were all 'too soft' and floaty. So the second time they got their hands on them, they understood the new refreshed settings to be part of the fiorano package, whereas that isn't the truth. Of course, knowing Manu, he'll say even the updated car needs the F-package. ;) --Dan PS: Are they even offering the fiorano package state-side? | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Intermediate Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 1026 Registered: 10-2001 |
Most magazines in Europe have praised the Fiorano equipped 575 Maranello's and bashed the non equipped 575's. They say the non equipeed 575 should be called "Florida package " .. | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 986 Registered: 5-2001 |
Avoid the fiorano handling package,so I have been told. 1)the ride is rock hard.2)the brakes squeeeeeeek like crazy 3) constant air loss from tires. Anyone have the Fiorano on their 575 to confirm or refute? | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 318 Registered: 12-2002 |
Andrew, Sean told me that Fiorano handling package is not good for the brake of the car in the long run it will ruin it and it will be very expensive to fix. The other way to make it more feeling to the ground and less Cadillac feeling is to tune the ECU board that he will do it in his next 575M inventory coming in. I would like to try that. But so far I love my 550. I did not feel much tighter in cornering in sport mode, but noticed the difference. I prefer it in normal mode for 550, but sport mode for 360 | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Intermediate Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 1016 Registered: 10-2001 |
Dr Shelbee , did the 575 you test were equipped with the Fiorano Package ? I read that non equipeed 575 do feel too soft but that with the Fiorano handling packagethe car is great and of course 6 speed is the way to go , esp with the V12 GT ! Great pics ! | ||
| Wyatt Hanson (Wyatth)
Junior Member Username: Wyatth Post Number: 57 Registered: 5-2003 |
I've seen regular Carrera Coupes sell (or at least been on the floor) for over $100,000. All options. That's ridiculous. Some carbon fiber kits can cost up to $6,000. Do you want the emblems on the rim to be in color? Do you want the Porsche crest in the headrest? Ok, this is not a joke... On the GT2 ($185,000), they will sell you cruise control for $550. They are so audacious... Dr. Shelbee: You know where I'll be waiting... Right here. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 315 Registered: 12-2002 |
Wyatt, nothing likes Ferraris. No turning back for me. Have owned 6 Porsches so far, not quite like Ferraris. I will show you some photos when my spider arrives | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 603 Registered: 9-2002 |
Wyatt: My biggest gripe with porsche is their interiors. Absolutely AWFUL. That and they nickel-and-dime you to death. When I was looking at the M5, a C4 was the alternative. Well, to pay more for far less car seems stupid. (Hmm, you want floormats? $500! Porsche badges? $300. Oh, you don't want Porsche badges? $250! You want trim? Well, we won't sell it to you w/o trim, but we won't give it to you w/o charge either!) The interiors on those cars are soooo bad, it makes a japanese $10k car's interior look brilliant. --Dan | ||
| Wyatt Hanson (Wyatth)
Junior Member Username: Wyatth Post Number: 55 Registered: 5-2003 |
I went with my friend (03 M3 coupe) to the Porsche stealership today. He is taking Euro Delivery on his GT3 this September. While he was doing paperwork, I fiddled around a 2003 Turbo. Nice ride, that's for sure. Their interiors are lacking for a sticker price of $122,000, though. Dr. Shelbee - Where did you get it from? What color did you settle for? Challenge grill in back? I'll have to come up and see it!!!:D | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 310 Registered: 12-2002 |
Wyatt, this Thursday. Dan, to be safe the dealer route is preferrable. | ||
| Wyatt Hanson (Wyatth)
Junior Member Username: Wyatth Post Number: 53 Registered: 5-2003 |
I like the foglights on the 550M... Never driven either, obviously, so I can't judge on the performance or road feel. I don't think red belongs on the Maranello. Hmm, maybe my own opinion. When do you plan on taking delivery of your Spyder? | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 597 Registered: 9-2002 |
I had a deal on one that was good to go. Black / black 99 with ~7k, price was right, but it turns out that the guy ... failed to disclose certain things. I think I'm going to stick with the dealer route... --Dan | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 309 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dan, did you finally get your Maranello?? | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 596 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dr. Glad to hear that a) someone else agrees about 6sp and b) you find that the differences are moot if not worse. --Dan | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 306 Registered: 12-2002 |
Being a repeated customer, I receive a previllage to drive both 575Ms in 6 speed and F1 transmission. I feel 575M like Cadillac, "very floaty" (like waterbed) compared to my 550. It is said because of skyhook suspension that Ferrari wants to make the car more "drivable" I personally like 6 speed compared to F1 on 575M. Somehow I can feel that the rev needle go up quicker and more responsive, and less Cadillac suspension feeling. Or may be it is just me?? I think I will keep my 550 until the next V12 comes out. Just not worth to trade it in with 575M, very insignificant different I feel. Thanks for the company today Sean, always has been accomodating      |