| Author |
Message |
Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
New member
Username: Mlambert890
Post Number: 3
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 11:57 pm: | |
Sometimes there may be other reasons for the person not looking over at you.
A few weeks ago my wife and I were returning from a weekend trip in the NSX and we happened across a Testarossa.
We were both thrilled. The Testa is one of our all time favorite cars. To me, the Testa will always be one of the coolest cars ever made (hey, what can I say, I'm a child of the 80s!)
I followed and then paralleled that red beauty for as long as I could (until we went separate ways). I enjoyed the hell out of seeing that baby on the road, but I tried very hard not to look at the driver.
To me, it's kind of rude to be looking at someone. I didn't want to make the guy nervous that some idiot was gawking at him, so I tried to not make it obvious.
Maybe that's what happened with the 911TT guy. He may have said "DAMN! F40!!!!!!!!", but then not wanted to look like an idiot and embarass himself by rudely staring.
Some folks are being polite, I think... |
Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
New member
Username: Eilig
Post Number: 24
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 08, 2002 - 9:22 pm: | |
I have to add my $.02 worth here.
Most of you probably remember reading my prior post(s) regarding renting the 360 Modena 6-speed from the guys at Scuderia von Ruschenberg when I was in Germany back in September.
While there, I had the opportunity to get a tour of the entire collection. And they had a F40. So while I was standing there drooling, I asked (in my broken German), half-jokingly: �Darfe ich diese Auto kurz fahren?� (May I take this car for a short drive?) Without flinching, they handed over the keys, and gave me ONE instruction: Make sure I am straight before I give it more than quarter throttle.
So, as everyone describes, the moment you start it, you�re overcome with the incredible sound. Words can�t do it justice. I think it sounds much better from inside the car than from outside, for some reason. I let it warm up for a minute or two, while I buckled up (the car I drove had racing harnass in it � don�t know if they all have that, or this was an add-on).
I took it easy for the first mile or so. The shifts felt pretty notchy, probably because the gears are straighter cut than in a normal street car. Anyway, once my confidence started to build, and the shifts smoothed out, I gave it maybe half-throttle in third gear. It broke the tires loose the moment the turbos spooled. The rear kicked out maybe a few inches really quick, then it straighten right back out, just as quick. Wow. I knew right away why they told me to keep it straight.
I never did take it over 5000 rpm or so. Lord knows I wanted to, but I just didn�t have enough confidence in my shallow knowledge of the car. A couple of times I punched it a little in first and second, and that car seems like it would easily scorch those huge tires on the back.
I only drove it maybe 3-4 miles. But it was unforgettable. Oh yeah, I drove through a construction zone, and the German workers saw/heard me coming. They all stopped, waved, saluted, etc. and yelled �Schui, Schui� (i.e. Schumacher). I of course got on it a little as I exited the construction zone, looking in my rear view to watch them savor it with huge smiles. What an experience.
Anyway, just thought I�d share.
|
Robert Jude Klein (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member
Username: Rjklein4470
Post Number: 54
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 9:38 pm: | |
the fit is perfect, Mine is the F-1 so I think there is a bit more room since I don't have to fight the gear shift |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 667
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 7:47 pm: | |
Robert, hows the fit in the 360? is it tight? |
Robert Jude Klein (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member
Username: Rjklein4470
Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 11:39 pm: | |
I would love to have a F-40, but at 6-7 there is no chance, unless I took the seat out and put just a seat cusion on the CF tub. On this issue of driving a Farrari, it is interesting what people will do. I had this one lady mid 30's in a ford tarus start reving her engine at the light, and when it turned green she went for it wheel spin and all, I was laughing so hard I could not get into the gas.
I will way that when I see another rare car I will give them a wink with a light flick. |
BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bretm
Post Number: 2169
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 10:09 pm: | |
LOL Ken. |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 286
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 8:35 pm: | |
My fave passtime is bashing Volvo driers. I happen to have been stuck behind/cut off by enough of them to make a nasty sterotype. Deep down I know everyone is different regardless of their car. Let's play: Porsche drivers lack soul, Lambo drivers are the gold chain group, Ferrari drivers put passion above all else, and Lotus drivers are just plain insane (speaking from experience!*S*) |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
Junior Member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 59
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 6:28 pm: | |
True Tenney. one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. I made a generalization and did not mean to say that EVERYONE in those cars are that way. just seems that most of them are I guess. I drive a pickup truck most of the time, most people would never guess all the different things I have in my garage. thanks Tenney! |
Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member
Username: Tenney
Post Number: 104
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 3:34 pm: | |
Tim, you seem to have profiled the drivers of "cheap Mercedes" and "cheap x-type Jags" as you claim they have profiled you. I've friends who drive varying makes and models of car and would be unable to adequately profile any of them based on their chosen mode of transportation. That said, if a knucklehead or two at the helm of pretty much any brand of vehicle were to hold sway in my choice of purchase, I'd be wearing out moccasins on a regular basis (and perhaps looked on with disdain by the Nike-clad?). Enjoy your new wheels. |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
Junior Member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 58
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 10:30 am: | |
well put Manu. that is exactlly what they act like. I guess we buy our cars because we appreciate the engineering, driving, sound, etc. and your right they buy them to be "seen"
I guess I better get used to it. still love my car for what it is, an incredible piece of engeneering and art. glad someone else experiences the same thing as me, makes me feel better. |
Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member
Username: Manu
Post Number: 140
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 10:16 am: | |
Tim,
How right are you mate...?
I TOTALLY AGREE.
When driving around in a Ferrari I have found that Merc SLK owners and 911 owners just BURN with jealousy/envy or something - i dont know. You've got to feel sorry for them in a way...
Imagine: you're a young urban professional, you've just bought your 911 Cabrio (Tiptronic in Purple) and you feel you epitomise success. The ladies love your car, its the talk of the trading floor where you work and there is effectively no competition when you pull up at the lights......
AND then all of a sudden - YOU turn up in a Ferrari F40!
There is no room for debate regarding an F40 - Many people consider it the Greatest car of all time.... And Mr Prick in his Z3/SLK/Boxster/911 feels like an idiot.
It sounds harsh but it is sooo true. I BET that 99% of the people that couldn't look at your car were poseurs - not car enthusiasts - they buy cars to make a statement - whilst we buy one for the visceral pleasure we derive from it.
They bought their cars because they thought they could somehow (financially etc) belittle other road users....Wear their success on the road. When you roll up in an F40 their whole reason for purchasing such a car and the statement of "SMUGNESS" goes straight out of the window....
You'll often find that people like these drive Automatic and basic engined versions of prestige marques...
My point?
Well a Porsche 911 GT2 or GT3 driver probably wouldn't act like that whilst a 911 TT driver probably would. |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
Junior Member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 56
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 9:58 am: | |
spent Friday in the F40. met a friend for coffee, left and picked up another friend and went for lunch, back to the office, then to pick up one of my kids from school. had a little more time to see the reactions of people as they saw the car... very very interesting. in the parking lots no less than 10 people at a time around the car, at all times. driving, either their eyeballs fall out of their head or they look the other way, wont look at the car at all, snicker, shake their head, etc. its interesting that the people that can't get themselves to look, snicker, etc. are the ones in the brand new $29K cheap mercedes, 3x BMW, lexus, cheap X type jag, etc. they probably could not afford to buy the car they did but feel they are high status now and refuse to look at a cooler car. my son even made the same comment on the drive home. I was shocked that he was observant enough to pickup on something like that.
same experience with a guy in a new porsche twin turbo, I was checking out his car telling my son "thats kind of a cool car" as I rounded the corner he saw the F40, his eyes popped out of his head then he immediatly looked forward away from the F40, as we putted past each other in the parking lot he kept his eyes fixed straight ahead as if he never saw us. another guy, high school kid, actually swerved into my lane as I was passing him and then was laughing as I got next to him and then came at me again. its no wonder my wife wont let me carry a gun.
it amazes me how shallow people can be. I love all cars and appreciate anything cool from american muscle, porsche, lotus, lambo, and even some of the cool new cars. I just love cars.
just thought I would share these observations with you, very intersting and fascinating how many turds there are out there. any of you guys have similar experiences? |
Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member
Username: Maranelloman
Post Number: 86
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 1:37 pm: | |
I know (and remember), but just trying to get a rise out of you! ;-) I have the beginnings of the same "challenge"..... |
Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 154
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 10:42 am: | |
Dave, as you may recall a "mullet" would be the only way I could have long hair as the rest of it left me long ago! |
Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member
Username: Maranelloman
Post Number: 85
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 9:15 am: | |
Chris, I hope you have abstained from Van Halen-induced mullets at this age, however... |
Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member
Username: 4re308
Post Number: 472
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 6:57 am: | |
I have driven 2 F40s, and have ridden in 4 of them, including a F40LM and a 565HP street F40. I have video of me in the 565HP car, and I uttered many expletives, especially when we were going 175 and the wipers were floating over the windshield! I will have a F40 of my very own in 5 years. Mark my words people!
A F40 will scare the hell out of someone who does not know anything about them, and they are potentially deadly in the wrong hands. Kinda like a Porsche 930, but 10 times faster at all revs and situations. The sound is amazing, the acceleration is literally breath taking. I thought I felt my eyeballs thump the back of my head when the turbos spooled. I also had the feeling that the top of the seats were going to snap under me and that I would be thrown out the back Lexan window. The seats are all carbon fiber, and they "give" a little when you floor it. Awesome car absolutely not for a beginner.
"Here ya go Timmy, lets teach you how to drive on this little red car!" |
Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 148
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 10:05 pm: | |
Ross, I am not sure about this statement, it may just be a drug induced flash back to an event that never happened, but Tenny's statements made me recall that part of Ferrari's agreement to get F40's in the US was that DOT declared that non-US cars could not be brought in for road use ever, hence no euro F40's. I know that it cost Ferrari 11 million dollars in 1989 dollars to get the F40 US legal, a lot of money for Ferrari, in fact the developments required to make the car US legal actually made the US cars more powerful than earlier euro cars. Power for both US and euro cars are basically identical from 90 on. If I am wrong on this it is due to me growing up in the 70's and listening to too much VanHalen, Foreigner and Styx, therefore I accept no responacability for the above statements, Art Chambers is my attorney if you have any futher questions........ |
Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member
Username: Tenney
Post Number: 101
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 9:46 pm: | |
Ross, I'm neither Martin nor an expert, but my take is that there is an item or two on a euro F40 that would require addressing were the car to be made US legal (if these cars can, in fact, be federalized).
Due to DOT impact regs, the nose and rear of the euro car would have to either be replaced or modified. Ride height may need to be adjusted (and adjustable suspension was not offered in the US, btw). The US car has additional side-impact protection within the tall carbon side sills. There is an impact absorbing cover beneath the dash (visible as it protrudes a bit and surrounds the ac vents) that is US-exclusive. Seats and belts may have to be changed (darn). Oh, and the EPA may wish to alter a piece or two re: engine management.
Again, I'm no pro on this stuff. Just some info I've been able to glean while nosing around a bit. Would imagine a true expert could certainly shine more specific light on this.
BTW - The mods required to comply are no doubt extensive and, if legally viable, may make little sense financially. As such, though I've far from seen them all, I've yet to see a federalzied, street-legal euro F40 in the US. |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
Junior Member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 53
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 5:47 pm: | |
Manu:
I have Brembo brakes on my car. they are big. so I dont know if they are the same as you saw or not. no idea regarding the 600HP gig. I have driven a ton of cars and pound for pound I have plenty of power.......at least for now. the car is Viciously quick now, its absolutely startling how quick it is. its "turbo quick" which I think is much different than a constant pull of a "torque" quick like the F50, Viper, TR, etc. just my opinion. dont think I will ever sell this car. its hard to drive, hard to get in and out, hot, uncomfortable, and on and on...I love it!! |
Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 144
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 11:44 am: | |
Ross, I do not know the answer, Martin probably does......... Chris |
ross koller (Ross)
New member
Username: Ross
Post Number: 5
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 9:50 am: | |
all this f40 talk has really piqued my interest. stayed up late reading all the reports in back issues of road and track. i live in europe but will eventually move back to the states, and it seems to me that the f40's available here are much cheaper than in the usa. so what are the differences and how difficult and expensive would it be to convert a euro spec car for the usa? anybody know? |
Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member
Username: Manu
Post Number: 135
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 03, 2002 - 11:22 am: | |
Just went down to a Ferrari dealer (for a very very speculative look around unfortunately).....
Saw an F40 and I just have to say it is simply STAGGERING.....Low, brutal, with unmatchable road presence....
This one had a Tubi Sports exhaust and was sitting on what looked like RACE-Spec OZ magnesium one-piece wheels.. It also had suspiciously large non-standard Brembos - absolutely huge - they looked like they were there for some VERY VERY serious track work....hmmmm
.....Chris/Tim, didn't the factory have an upgrade pack boosting power to 600bhp with KKK turbos and larger intercoolers?? |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
Junior Member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 52
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 03, 2002 - 10:28 am: | |
after thinking about this, I think the rides should be $100. if we are giving the money to charity it should be a good amount. maybe we can also make a contribution to ferrari-chat to help keep this board alive, maint, etc. especially $100 if we can get it done on the track. |
Dino Micalizio (Ingenere)
New member
Username: Ingenere
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 02, 2002 - 12:51 pm: | |
I had an F40 for 3 years, and it is THE only car that regret selling. It was, hands down, THE best driver's car I've ever driven. The sounds, the feel....absolutely, totally controllable. You can putter around like a Honda Accord...or blow away sport bikes. I could go on and on....waaaa!! I do miss it!! |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 615
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 01, 2002 - 4:04 pm: | |
Come to some events in the northeast!! |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
New member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 50
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 01, 2002 - 11:22 am: | |
where would we take them for rides and not get in trouble? if they let us get on the track, I cant fit in my car with a helmet. think they would let us do it without helmets? |
Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 112
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 31, 2002 - 6:07 pm: | |
Tim, I like that idea! How about $25.00 per ride, I'll match every contribution for riders in my car. Chris |
Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member
Username: Manu
Post Number: 125
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 31, 2002 - 5:49 pm: | |
you'll end up donating thousands of dollars....
great idea. |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
New member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 47
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 31, 2002 - 9:15 am: | |
I'll add more as I get more seat time in it.
wow Chris your right, I was so taken by the power and thrill of driving and trying to capture all the emotions and feels of the car I completely neglected the second biggest thrill of the car...the sound! but you summed that up very nicely in your post.
I like your ride idea at FCA/LA. maybe we could do it with a charity? each ride $10, $20, ??? and then give the money to charity. what does everyone think? |
Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member
Username: Manu
Post Number: 117
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2002 - 6:35 am: | |
Tim,
I was waiting for that post for ages... fantastic! (Pease) keep adding more impressions at will, and frequently - everything from peoples eactions to when you pull up, to wheelspin at 100mph!
I love it.
Manu |
Lou B (Toby91)
New member
Username: Toby91
Post Number: 25
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2002 - 6:24 am: | |
A few years ago at a FCA Watkins Glen weekend, they were offering charity rides in a F40LM. I signed up for 5 laps and it was the best $100 I ever spent. I fully expected the brutal acceleration, half expected the tremendous cornering loads but did not expect the unbelievable braking performance. I never felt true racing brakes before and had to keep pushing my eyeballs back in my head. I thought we were finished as the brake zone numbers kept counting down far past where I usually braked and at the last instant, bamm, turn, and around we went. Unbelievable!
|
Andrew (Mrrou)
New member
Username: Mrrou
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2002 - 12:20 am: | |
Tim,
Your article was'nt to long, it was'nt long enough! hehe Tell us about the sound, how long did it take to get to 140 on it? You thinking of somehow getting a V1 in there? |
Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 107
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 9:17 pm: | |
Tim your are right on the description, except you left out the most important item, SOUND! I understand why, I think it is impossable to describe all of the different sounds emitted from this car! The Tubi at start up is pure sex (sorry no other word comes to mind) an absolute race car. Under acceleration the sound of the twin turbo's spooling up will send chills down your spine. The wastgate pops off with a sound of a tire exploding! I find the controls firm but light, in other words they need to be firm so that whatever you are holding onto will brace you under acceleration. The steering is wonderful! You are dead on regarding the lack of power at low rpm, but as power comes on you better have it pointed the direction you want! Cornering requires concentration, smooth is the word, jump on or off the throttle in the middle of a corner and you will find yourself in SERIOUS trouble. This is a car you must respect at all times. I never forget who's boss when I am driving! Great article Tim, I am looking forward to FCA/LA, maybe we can give some rides to some of our Ferrarichat friends, My transporter will be parked next to Tim's motorcoach, Chris |
Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member
Username: Eric308gtsiqv
Post Number: 236
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 8:05 pm: | |
What an incredible read that was, Tim...I enjoyed every line -- you are one lucky guy! I've dreamed of riding in an F40 since they first came on the scene, and love to read about driving experiences in them. Thanks for a first-hand owner's account. |
Harlan Mott (Hmott3)
Junior Member
Username: Hmott3
Post Number: 83
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 7:52 pm: | |
sorry its so long? You must be kidding. I could read an entire book describing 60 seconds of joy in an f40. |
Tim Gendreau (Tim)
New member
Username: Tim
Post Number: 44
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 29, 2002 - 5:38 pm: | |
I posted my first driving impressions of the F40 under the original thread "New F40 and New Memeber" sorry its so long, but gotta love this car! |