| Author | Message | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 231 Registered: 3-2002 |
For those of you who have already seen the Stradale info on the owners' website or seen the brochure info, there's nothing new on the UK site... same exact info. Just FYI. | ||
| No13 (No13)
New member Username: No13 Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2003 |
Nice details pics on: http://www.ferrari.co.uk/events/index.asp | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 20 Registered: 3-2003 |
The new (April) issue of Evo magazine has a nice 6 page spread on the CS. On the window issue: " our guess is that the full-on hardcore plexiglass version will be the biggest seller; after all, why go to the trouble of buying a mad Ferrari and then not buying the maddest of the lot?" On the issue of the CS vs. GT3: " now that Ferrari has released the full details, though, it looks as if the seriously worked-over 360 might just make the lean 911 look a tad cuddly." Superb issue with great coverage of the CS, Gallardo, GT3, XJR, DB7 GT, David Piper (Ferrari racer) and more. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 220 Registered: 3-2002 |
And US regulations almost ensure that the Stradale will also not be available with plexi windows here. On the warranty: > The other comment about warantee, I thought all racing instantly invalidated any warantee. > I definitely cannot see Ferrari paying for engine damage caused on a race track ... > no body else does, so if they do it will be a first! Not exactly true. Some disallow head-to-head *racing*, but fewer disallow *high*performance* driving at a track. In fact, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, and Chrysler have all supported the latter. I've never hidden that I take my BMW M3 to the track and have never had warranty issues. However, I have heard of some BMW *dealers* giving customers who track their cars a hard time. Now, that does NOT mean you can take it to the track, mis-shift and over-rev it, and expect that to be covered under warranty. Most modern cars' computers will record that event, and that will definitely kill your warranty hopes. If FNA ever stops honoring warranties simply because the car is taken to the track, then I'll be buying gray-market Ferraris. Building a car like a Stradale for performance driving and then disallowing performance driving would be ludicrous. | ||
| Ernesto (T88power)
Intermediate Member Username: T88power Post Number: 1369 Registered: 2-2001 |
It is my understanding that Euro spec F40 has the sliding windows, and the US version has the roll-down windows. Ernesto | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 3322 Registered: 2-2001 |
The first few F40s came with sliding windows but then Ferrari canned the idea and went to glass because of the reasons listed by everyone here. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 296 Registered: 11-2002 |
Gian, A standard F40 does not have a sliding race style pexiglass side window ... only the LM models do or it was an option maybe (?). Anyway I love what Ferrari have done and totally agree with the weight reduction instead of adding power. You don't need all the comfort additions for this sort of car. I think my point has been lost on some, and confused by others so I will drop it ... but one last try ... all I am simply saying is that a road car cannot have or does not need sliding race style windows due to: 1. No significant weight saving. 2. Security risk ... as you will be driving the car on the road and parking it in car parks like a NORMAL road car, etc. 3. Leaking possibilities ... again on a race car this is acceptable, but not on my road cars. 4. Scratching ... again it is a road car so you need to be able to see out the side window at an intersection ... on the track who cares, etc. 5. I did not think Ferrari were into making cars look like a race car ... when they are NOT. This model is for weekend warriers not race drivers. No disrespect meant, and I would buy the Stradale model over a F360. The other comment about warantee, I thought all racing instantly invalidated any warantee. I definitely cannot see Ferrari paying for engine damage caused on a race track ... no body else does, so if they do it will be a first! After all if you buy a 360C and blow it up they will simply supply you another engine, or whatever, but they will not fix under warantee as you were racing and engine failures happen in racing, etc. If I am wrong I will be sooooo impressed with Ferrari that I will be completely speechless  Pete ps: I do see Huberts point and can see that having a car with all the race goodies that will handle weekend racing would be great and actually save them money ... and I guess if you only use it to drive ocassionally (ie. not normal road car use, but fun trips, etc.) and to and from the track then this car is perfect for those buyers. Lucky them. | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 30 Registered: 10-2002 |
I do not understand why everybody is making such a big deal about the sliding pexiglass windows and the unreasonable weight saving. Peolple that questions these matters are exactly the people taht ferrari is not aiming to sell them a Stradale. These guys have the normal 360 with cd changer and everything for this guys... Ferrari then has a 360 Challege for guys who are seriously into raicing with money and sponsor accesibility that wants to make a champinship all around the country, with their mrchanics and all the technical, and logistic support. And finally Ferrari with this stradale has an option for people like me or Brian that are "amateurs wanna be racing pilots" that do not have the time and sometimes the money and expecially the logistic to take raicing seriously, but that are very enthusiasts and pure sport car lovers, that have an enough level of knowledge to appreciate the implementation of racing materials and setting to a stock car, and that are not super exited to drive a racing miata or a triple turbo RX7 About the pexiglass windows.. Why nobody ever argued about the F 40 having pexiglass?? Go tell an F40 owner why he has pexiglass window on his car ...(he will probabbly smile and give you money to go buy him cigaretts...) | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 942 Registered: 1-2002 |
I can vouch for Brian K. here: he drives his car VERY hard on the track!  | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 219 Registered: 3-2002 |
P.S. On the goofy racing stripe... note that the stripe is not standard... though you can get it by special request. On that red car, its a marketing move, adding a splash of racecar to its look... you've seen the working 360C's, right? As for me, no racing stripe, thank you. Especially not that one... very ugly... the white was a bad choice, IMO. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 218 Registered: 3-2002 |
Will I get the sliding windows? Not sure yet... I'm waiting to get more details on how they really work. If they are as you describe, no way. But actually, I suspect they won't even be allowed in the US... so for me, its probably moot. But lightweight, manual-twist-down windows is what I'd ask for if it were my design. Rumor has it that the car will be at Homestead in a couple weeks and its offical intro will be in New York in late April... at which point pricing and availability details will be announced. The option list is not yet available... let alone details on the options and their pricing. | ||
| Robert (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member Username: Rjklein4470 Post Number: 247 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ok, I love the blue car. I have a 360, and it is too nice inside for me. I do not fit in a F-40, but love the feal of the car on the inside, and out. All about performance. So I think what they are doing with this car is just perfect, like the GT-2 Porsche. I would trade my 360 for one of these in a heart beat, but I would want black. | ||
| Jason Fraser (Jfraser)
Member Username: Jfraser Post Number: 281 Registered: 3-2001 |
Pete, Totally agree with your comments...next thing I'll be hearing is that people are only drinking Slimfast as they are trying to drop the extra body weight....I just think if one is that serious about track performance, buy the challenge car....And I still haven't had a satisfactory answer regarding the Italian "go faster stripe" down the centre of the car....If this car really is all 'go' and no 'show', then it shouldn't be there | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 652 Registered: 1-2002 |
Pete- that's been my point all along. While long in tooth, my rationale is simple: for someone who WANTS a car to take to the track, and RIP ON to no end, all those unneccessary deletions are a welcome addition, especially the plexiglass; done right thats expensive ••••. So, if possible, why not have the factory fuss with it, get it right, and retain a warranty on said car? This way you get everything you'd want, from the factory, wrapped in the comfort of dealer recourse; should the car fail mechanicallly or otherwise. Otherwise, should you modify on your own, you're left to arrbitrate w/ the dealer to cover the damages/car/whatever. This is why Porsche has always had such a strong grassroots motorsport following, what they race I can buy. Whip cream with that mocha? Single or double? And in all seriousness Ill be at Laguna Sunday March 30th sans R sticker, sorry. Note: My spelling and grammer is terrible. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 294 Registered: 11-2002 |
Good on ya Hubert, I just hope your car is still there after you run into Starbucks for that coffee ... but then guess you cannot guarantee security nowadays anyway. But I do not think you would be the typical buyer, as you are a racer like myself ... so I can see you thinking, hmmm if I did these mods here and those there I would gain a little through that section of the track ... and before you know it the car is no longer street legal! Been there done that. I don't even bother trying to race road cars anymore ... I just frustrate myself. Pete | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 651 Registered: 1-2002 |
I'd get the sliding windows, Pete. And I'd do it just so everyone could say "Look at that Poseur w/ the sliding windows, the squeaky brakes, and the FILTHY (caked in brake dust) wheels he's got, what's he thinking, that he's a race car driver? What a newbi posuer, and God almighty, could that thing get any louder. It's got to have a hole in the muffler. " Of course I'd also hold my morning coffee (Starbucks of course, can Neophyte poseurs drink anything but?) in my knees on the way to the track. BTW- I'll be at Laguna Seca this Sunday, anyone in the area care to meet up? My car will be the one w/ the six foot "R" sticker across the hood, roof, and trunk, no, really. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 292 Registered: 11-2002 |
Brian, Would you get the Stradale with the perspex sliding windows then? I wouldn't, and nobody wants a more serious track car than I do ... but unless you spend 100% of time on the track you do not need or WANT those sliding windows, and if you do spend 100% of time on the track then you would trailer the car ... and buy a 360 C. Thus my question still is still there, who is going to get the perspec window option? Remember they will leak, they provide no security, they would be draughty and noicy, and really consign the car to being a 100% track car ... and yet it isn't, but very close. Thus why not just thinner glass and a manual window like Porsche do? Please also do not mention the weight difference between a manual wind-up window and the perspex sliding difference, and how you would feel the difference and it makes the car a more true racer, because that is bullsh!t as we are talking about 2 kg or something per side. And I think you would have to be Michael Shumacher and doing back to back tests to notice even 0.01 of a second difference ... thus again for a street/race car 50/50 why do the perspex window treatment. It has to be for looks only ... and I thought that was the rice camp territory not serious cars like Ferraris ... bit like adding the R badge on the back. Pete | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Junior Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 216 Registered: 3-2002 |
> "BIG difference, it is like having a 360 modena withh 500 hp".... > My point entirely! Why not make a 360 with 500hp, that way you get the additional power, > and I get to keep my luxuries such as windows and a floor covering. I would *much* prefer a lighter car than a fatter car with more horsepower. The statement above is just go-forward G's... but lateral G's and stopping G's are the other 3/4 of the fun... that's why pathetically wimpy Miatas remain one of the fastest cars out there... they are feather-weight! > Who are you going to race with the extreme one? > No one, so what are the benefits, the drawbacks are obvious. > Fast street cars are not fast at all compared to fast track cars. > People kid themselves when they make a race car for the street. Bret, speak for yourself. Me and my 360 go to the track regularly. We also autocross. Now this isn't Schumacher-style racing, but it *is* serious driving... and its more fun the more light and nimble the car is! At least for those of us who find all those extra G's fun! > Even the most dedicated are going to spend 95% of their Ferrari time on the street, > so you suffer 95% of the time for a slight benefit 5% of the time. Wrong again, Bret! My 360 is about 1/4 track time, and that only because I've been too damned busy lately. I have a friend who is about 50-50 in his 360; and I have BMW friends who are even higher percentage track time. > This is all ignoring the fact that you're not going to drive your > street car like a race car and risk wrecking it. Strike three, Bret! Yes, I do take my precious 360 out to the track and drive it on the edge... yes, it is risky, but its also challenging and fun... I've gotten my 360 sideways... I've looped it completely... I've slid off track into the dirt... not a game everyone wants to play, but some of us do! (Now we don't go bumping each other on the track... metal-to-metal contact is strictly forbidden... but otherwise we treat our cars like racecars.) > In the end, if you spend that much time on the track with your Ferrari > and that little time on the street, you might as well just buy a normal 360 Challenge. Strike four? If you do that, then you can't spend *any* time on the street. Yes, I could buy an open wheel race car or a 360C... but then I'd have to trailer the thing to events. Further, as a non-pro-driver, I have a job... thus, I have limited seat time... thus, I love taking the less-traveled more-winding roads in my race car whenever I can... not at the limit, but I can still make it fun and it helps me be at one with the car... it helps me when I get to the track. Further, I like to take friends for a ride... its a lot more fun than my "rain car" or my "family sedan". I have a 360 Modena and will replace it with a Stradale the first chance I get. I love the mods they've made to the car. Now, with all that said, I will also say that I don't expect the Stradale to become more popular than the Modena. And it appears Ferrari is not expecting anything different. Most people will prefer to spend a few pounds here and there on luxury items... I would, too, if I wasn't tracking the car regularly... The standard seats are both way more comfortable and way better looking than the existing Modena racing seats (which I have). The Stradale fabric interior is yet another step down for anyone but a track-junkie. Since I regularly track the car, I have racing brake pads on my Modena. They stop the car much better and they don't evaporate half way through a session... but they also squeal embarassingly on the road. As I pull up to a stop light, I know everyone is thinking "Look at the idiot in the Ferrari... spends that much on a car, but doesn't bother to replace his squeaky brakes!" The Stradale brakes, a big improvement in my mind, will be a big step down for most people. For those of you who have never spent much time in a prepared race car with much insulation and carpet removed to save weight, you have no idea just how loud the car can be! It will be intolerably loud to most of the Ferrari community. As some others have said... radio is irrelevant except when the car is parked. I fully expect that 90% of the people who buy the Stradale because of looks or because its the latest thing will be selling it inside of a month. I am looking forward to that because I suspect that will allow me to get one quicker and cheaper!! But for some of us, the Stradale is indeed a perfect-fit... a street-legal Ferrari optimized for on-track performance (while remaining street-legal). It is NOT for poseurs... they won't tolerate it long... it is for true enthusiasts. In my world of track-junkies, many of them have modified their M3's and 911's and such very similar ways... removing any excess weight, optimizing the tranny and engine performance, installing racing seats and roll cages and five-point harnesses... they are not poseurs... they couldn't care less what others think... they just want to go faster when they take it to the track! The Stradale is for them. A small market, yes... but a real market... and one that is philosophically appropriate for Ferrari to be targeting. | ||
| Jason Fraser (Jfraser)
Member Username: Jfraser Post Number: 280 Registered: 3-2001 |
Gian "BIG difference, it is like having a 360 modena withh 500 hp"....My point entirely! Why not make a 360 with 500hp, that way you get the additional power, and I get to keep my luxuries such as windows and a floor covering. Gian, I didn't realise you were getting one, and the last thing I want to do is make you defend your purchase.....One thing we can both agree on is that it's a lot more unique than a regular 360. Enjoy the car, and let me know how it compares to a standard 360 Jason | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jason, well I is still think you are missing the point. like you said a better performance is the main focus on this model, and if you look at the power to weight ratio (which is the most important data to look in order of performance)the 360 modena is 3.4 and the stradale is 2.8. BIG difference, it is like having a 360 modena withh 500 hp. (same weight to power ratio). Also if anybody would want to make a modena into a stradale I garantee you would spend more than the difference between the tag price. .Sport seet .19" wheels .tires .ceramic brake 15 inch .carbon fiber interior .exost system .new cylinder heads .new ecu .new gear box ( the stradale's has a faster up and down shift and revferse is operated throgh the paddle .carbon fiber floor ( not just taking the mats out , the whole floor is made of double reinforced sheets of carbonfiber carbon fiber .pexiglass ( which is way more expensive than glass) .louch control .race mode,(which steefs the suspension and the direction) .new ignition system .roll bar .challenger grills .some modification on aereodaynamics .carbon fiber rear side windows .lower and harder suspension rings .Magnesiun and titanium bolts If you summ all of this items it will probabbly sum around 30 grands which is more than the difference between the two car.(beside I am paying less for the Europian Challenge stradale than a US 360 modena, amaizing....) But again all this items are for extreme and real sport car lover kind of guy,I understand that if you just like to drive your beautiful car around, all the items that you are paying for a Stradale will only unconfort you when you go for dinner... What I am saying is that this is like like anything else. If you don not like something and do not need it, any price on it will look expensive and redicolus, but if you appreciate those kind of things then it is a different story. | ||
| Jason Fraser (Jfraser)
Member Username: Jfraser Post Number: 279 Registered: 3-2001 |
Gian, With the exception of the brakes, which I fully agree are cutting edge utilizing upgraded materials, the remainder of the 'upgrades' you describe are at best tweaks that don't warrant an uplift in price. How much weight do you think is saved by ripping out the carpet, and inner door coverings. Launch control will not be available on US models, and the F1 transmission 'upgrade' is merely a software rewrite....Frankly, the 360's F1 ECU should be flash upgradeable. The use of titanium is limited to the wheel bolts & springs, and the carbon fibre parts appear to be accents (wing mirrors/certain interior trim)....If they really wanted to drop some weight how about changing the material of the 360's steel doors (the other body panels on the car are aluminum, but the doors are steel). The point I'm trying to make is the Stradale doesn't make me want to trade in my 360 for one. The performance increase over the 360 will be lost on all but the best drivers (because it isn't very great), but stepping into the car and strapping on a four point harness, whilst sliding my plexiglass panel for some air definately wouldn't be lost on me. If a window that opens, and a regular seatbelt are considered luxuries, then they are luxuries I can't do without for such a marginal performance improvement. Finally, since this car is all about performance, I presume that's a go faster stripe running down the the center of the 'rosso scuderia' !! | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2003 |
Gian, Did you inspect the exhaust system on the car? I hope they did not fit the Challenge exhaust to it. I have seen and heard the 360 Challenge cars at the track and thay are way too quiet, not as loud as a standard Tubi and nowhere near as loud as a 355 Challenge. As for the choice in windows, you pay your money and you get what you like... How about video screens on the front visors? In Miami I saw a convertible fitted with those pointing out to the sides of the street so everybody could see how "cool" they were! And there was another screen propped up in the back seat with a guy laying back and watching it! I almost fell on the floor laughing. | ||
| Racer 001 (Mr_0011)
Member Username: Mr_0011 Post Number: 530 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dennis- I agree, even on the point about the racer on slicks and the street car on radials... However, I was just saying what I heard. | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2002 |
I also agree,I took my 360 coupe to the track about 6 times before selling it. And thoese 6 times cost me around 4000 dollars: 2 sets of brake pads 1 set of front brake disk 1 set of tire 1 set of little wheel caps( since they melted once the brake went very hot. I live 15 minutes to a track and there is where I have more fun with car. The roads down here(costa rica)are not so great, therefore I am not into cruising around for an icecream vey often. Also in disagreement with the gentleman saying he is not into "pay more to have less". I think he missed the point. You are not paying in relation to the weight of the car.. ( an hammer H2 should then cost 1000 000 dollars ,,, or a big 84 caddilac with all the amenities shoul also cost a million. What you are paying in car like this or like in the Porsche GT3 or GT2, is the upgrating of materials, upgrating in technology ( the ceramic brakes, the lounch control, the carmon fiber , the redisign suspensions, the redisign aerodinamic, the upgrated shift F1 gear box, and a redesign weight and balance, ect...) Plus I am very happy that they are not touching the engine that much, because that would resolt as a stressed engine with durability issues and overheating problems. Any way I am an appasionate and pure sport care lover, and I will never agree with some one that thinks that upgrading a car is putting a subwoofer in.... or a a DVD on the neck rest... | ||
| will h (Willh)
New member Username: Willh Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2003 |
I love the Stradale, I will buy this car if I can, probably the blue version, because I don't like the plexiglass windows. Call me a poseur if you like, but I have done a fair amount of road racing, and I like a car that at least gives me a hint of the stiffness, responsiveness, noise, feel of a purpose built race car. Make it as stiff and loud as you wish, cut the weight, I don't care about the radio. I agree, having once tried with a 911, that it's impossible to compromise street and track, but I don't view the Stradale that way - I view it as a street car (Stradale, after all) that gives me a whiff of the track when I drive around town. Might track it a little, but if I wanted to race a Ferrari, I'd buy a Challenge car. I think this is a car for a small group of enthusiasts, really. Cheers! | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 334 Registered: 2-2001 |
Marketing wise, would suspect Ferrari took note of those (increasing in number/frequency in recent years?) who track their street cars. The Stradale is a fairly decent solution for this customer, IMO. | ||
| Jason Fraser (Jfraser)
Member Username: Jfraser Post Number: 278 Registered: 3-2001 |
Are plexiglass windows legal in the US?....Given the extraordinary requirements of the DOT I'm surprised. I seem to be in a minority of one about this car, because I just doen't see the point....I like the additional styling cues....nose, side vents, rear lip and the wheels are great (not crazy about the side mirrors)....But the interior leaves me cold....The yellow speedo looks like they ordered too many for the Enzo and thought 'waste not want not', and yes the radio does look like a taximeter....If weight is such a concern, dump the passenger seat....One portly person sitting next to you, and there goes the 240lbs. weight saving over a standard 360. I think the car is a poor communication from the marketing dept., it's neither a track nor street car, but a compromise that fails to satisfy either one particularly well. Of course this is entirely a personal opinion, I have never been a fan of the pay more get less car, like the old Porsche RS's, or was it club sport model? etc...... I wish they had enhanced the car's performance by mechanical/electronic improvements rather than by ripping stuff out (An increase of 25hp is hardly ground breaking stuff for a vehicle that previously had 400bhp).... | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 27 Registered: 10-2002 |
well, the option with glass windows is electric not manual. And I also agree with Dennis about a challenge car alway be faster than the stradale. Even if waight to power ratio is better for the stradale 2.88 against 2.9 for the challenge. And also I belive that the stradale with more rigid suspension , no copilot seat and some sleeks, will probabbly be challenge to the challenger vesrion... | ||
| Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member Username: Bighead Post Number: 61 Registered: 2-2003 |
A few points (esp. to Paul and Racer001): According to the official Ferrari Challenge Stradale Geneva booklet, "There�s a choice of two Challenge Stradale versions: a more extreme one with racing seats and sliding windows, and another, fitted with lighter, wrap-around, leather seats and wind-down windows." So for all of the discussion regarding plexi-glass sliding windows, prospective owners can choose which version to take. And I think the glass windows are indeed manual. As for weight, Ferrari claims a massive reduction from the 360 Modena. It supposedly weighs 1180 kgs., or 2600 lbs., which is extraordinarily light for a modern street-legal car. Does that mean that the Stradale will actually weigh 2600 lbs. fully gassed up and ready to go? Maybe, maybe not, but it's certainly over 240 lbs. lighter than the 360 Modena, which is significant, no? Lastly, there is no way that the Stradale is faster than the 360 Challenge. A street car will always, always, always be heavier, run with a higher ride height and more compromised suspension. To be street legal, you need bumper and side reinforcements as well as things like airbags. The stradale also comes with passenger accomodations. So it will be much heavier, and hence, slower -- no real horsepower difference. Sure, if the Challenge doesn't have ceramic brakes, it'll suffer slightly over repeated laps, but it more than makes up for it by running on slicks v. DOT rubber. If you want to change the rules and put the Stradale on slicks, well, you should then put ceramic brakes on the Stradale, as well as any aero improvements. Bottom line, no street legal 360 will be faster than the 360 Challenge. vty, --Dennis | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2002 |
In my opinion the choice between the extreme option and the other one is just a matter of look. Somebody may like the sliding wondows look, and others like the the leather and the normal window. In my opinion the sliding windows does not look bad or poseurs. like some of you said,it goes with the car, the car is a purist sport car, with superlight matirials(aluminium, carbon fiber, and why not pexiglass )What I want to say is that it does not have the "look at me I am a race driver" kind of look. This thing is a Ferrari, it is not a modified Honda Civic. Nevertheless I understand some people may find the sliding windows a bit unconfortable , and they might be right. By the way they both come with air conditioning. About the radio the guys who have tryed it say with the huge noise of the car plus the bad insonorisation (since no floor mats and door covers) you can hardly hear it ( beside the becker radio of the car is very micky mouse, I had to go full volume to hear it in my 360 coupe) and also in this Stradale the radio looks like a add on , kind of a taximeter. Any way, sorry for all this bullshit, my point is that a ferrari has never and will never make a "wanna be racing" look. Either you like it or not but forget about the logistic and the bla bla bla , because if you are that king of guy , you buy a Corvette, with air conditioning up your ass, cup holders all over,radios with sub,full leather , lot of ping pong allarms , and runs almost as fast as a Ferrari for a fraction of the price. | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2002 |
both versions are great. problem is they only come with f1 trans. i would rather have a 360 6 speed and do some track related mods on my own. i also dont believe anywhere near 2500lbs. will be interesting to see how compares with new porsche gt3. that will be some road/track test in coming months | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2003 |
A few more pics of the TDF Blue car.    The TDF Blue car (bottom of the thread) that Gian posted is an awesome side profile shot that really shows off the more pronounced tail. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2003 |
I believe we need to clarify a couple of things. 1. The car DOES NOT weigh 2500 lbs. That was an error in Autoweek magazine that was never corrected. I do not care what Ferrari claims the "dry weight" is. A car cannot run without full oil, full radiator fluid, etc. With a light fuel load expect 2850 lbs. MINIMUM, with a full tank, 3000 lbs. 2. The "extreme" vs. "luxury" argument is nonsense. They are BOTH extreme. The only differences are: A. The seats, both are carbon-shelled buckets that weigh exactly the same, only difference is cloth vs. leather. B. The windows, plexi vs. electric glass. I was hoping to see manual wind-down glass windows, but even so the weight difference is not that significant. Maybe a few gallons of fuel. How would you pay a toll or parking cashier through those plexi sliders? You would DEFINITELY need air con with the plexis or you would roast in the summer. At least with glass you would have decent circulation. If air is deletable, that would more than make up the difference. C. The radio, with speakers, probably weighs 10 lbs. max. That's it. Same performance. One looks like a race car and one doesn't. They both perform like race cars- that is what counts! BTW, I would take a manual 6 speed if given the choice. Feel free to chime in boys!!! | ||
| Racer 001 (Mr_0011)
Member Username: Mr_0011 Post Number: 529 Registered: 3-2002 |
I hear the red one is faster on the track than the Challenge 360 (race version), F40, and F50... only the Enzo is faster... Again, that's what I heard... Either way, I'd get the blue one. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 997 Registered: 4-2002 |
Street car .vs. track car .vs. 'true' sports car .vs. race car Hmm... I do hate to see Ferrari go soft. (Maybe an all leather SUV, full entertainment center,..... Naw!) While some may criticize the Stradale as being a boy racer poseur for the street, I *do* like the minimalist thing. My next car will probably be a Lotus 7 clone (Caterham, Westfield, whatever) The '7' is a true minimalist sports car. As are the various 'Club' versions of Porsche, and the GT3 for that matter. So Ferrari should make a crude, rude, mean street car. Remember the 250GTO? Bad ass street car that kicked butt on the world racing scene. And, no, I don't think Ferrari should quit making 'soft' cars. They've always made GT 'cruisers' - the various SuperAmericas, the SuperFasts, all those 2+2s up to and including the 456. To me, it's good marketing. Hard core, hairy chested, mean street/race car, and also grand GT cruisers. I'll take one of each!! | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 643 Registered: 1-2002 |
Psk- No nerve. It's just that a matter of perspective; if I buy a 360c, I can't drive it on the street (and would, but not legally) yet the "extreme" car comes close, and retains road going legality; essentially a 360c; therefore, for someone that prizes the notion of a "street legal race car" as being the pinnacle end of street cars as a whole, the stradale offers 100% of such an experience. Sure, you have to make sacrifices; however, to me nothing about driving that car could be considered a sacrifice. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 290 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hubert, Hmmm didn't mean to touch a nerve, and it sounds like your car does not have unnecessary things on it and is a true track Ferrari. It was not intended as a personal attack ... just questioning Ferraris marketing. My point is that unless you are going to enter Le Mans or some really serious race series, you do not need sliding perspex windows, a simple manual wind up will do nicely. Not too heavy and better than an electric one. After all it is a STREET car so the last 3kgs per door does NOT matter that much ... does it? The sliding perspex window is like having the track safety net hanging there when you are driving down the road to get a loaf of bread. Thus most of what you said I agree with, and yes I would like to have the full on one too, but Ferrari named it the STREET version NOT me ... so why have the FULL RACE window treatment. Even the normal F40 has wind up windows ... and I would hardly call that car excessive on extras Thus the sliding window treatment must be for posuers ... because if they wanted to go racing they would have bought the Challenge car ... or is this car now faster? ... and if it is can somebody please send an Italian dictionary to Ferraris marketing department Pete | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 237 Registered: 6-2002 |
You guys are missing the best part, IT WEIGHS 2500lbs!!! HAS 425hp!!! I'd take regular windows, AC, and maybe the radio in a road-going car though. I like the idea of a car that can carve it up on the track, turn around several 'race' cars, with all (or at least, some) creature comforts we have grown to expect. Like a Concorde and F-16 going mach2 under afterburner. Both are awesome, but somehow it's a bit more remarkable being served Champange in the Concorde I dig the duality, and overall incredible acomplishment of the car. I would drive it heavily at the track, and agressivly on the street (like I do my car now.) This car is probally the closest to the Spirit I think enzo had since the F40. It's a bloody street legal Challenge car, rejoyce! And did I mention, 2500LBS!!!!!!!~ Yeah, me want blue one too. Best! Ben. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 642 Registered: 1-2002 |
Psk- Call me a posuer. Frankly, I like a simple, no frills, no GPS, iMatic, iDrive, make coffee, and tell me a bed side story car. I don't want leather, don't give a •••• about power windows, nor a radio, and if the seats don't recline, oh pish posh. 99% of the "features" on modern cars are bullshit, and, for the record, I couldn't care less about what so and so standing on the street corner says; cars like the stradale are for purists who know what they want; for those that even have to ask why such and such a car doesn't have power windows, A/C, or why on Gods green earth anyone would, gasp, have plexiglass on a car don't need, and, especially, do not deserve such a piece of work. I track my car monthly, and more so when allowed by time, and I also drive it, daily. Yes, it's loud, yes it's harsh, and, no, it doesn't have cupholders, but it's the rewarding everytime I flog it at the track. I don't romp on it on my way to work, nor does it even presume to look like a "boy-racer"; cars, to me, are meant to be instruments, and are meant to be used as such; driving is a craft and the car is the instrument to perfect that craft. You can't understand that if the extent of your use is standing around talking about how "race-inspired" your car looks. | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 332 Registered: 2-2001 |
If we're talking pure street and common usage that coincides, a "regular" 360'd likely more than suffice. That said, I'd go extreme spec on the Stradale. That doesn't mean I'd go full boy-racer and lay the wood to it on public roads breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The appeal for me would be the purity and simplicity of a de-contented car and the associated visceral effects delivered at any and every speed. Would suspect the car will feel more mechanical at any pace and of this I'd be a fan. Not sure I'd check the stripe option, though. And would forgo the plexi side windows, although would doubt they'll fly w/U.S. DOT, anyway. Also, if a gated six-speed were available, I'd opt that way. Perhaps a 575 Stradale might make a nice addition to the 12cyl range. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 288 Registered: 11-2002 |
Amen The plastic window one is for poseurs. I would be embarrassed to be seen driving around Sydney in such a setup ... everybody would be thinking 'what a waste of a track car', or 'I bet he never has taken it on the track'. Why did Ferrari make this option ... is it to tempt some of those Lambo poseurs over to the F brand. After all if you are going to race your F360 you DON'T want the Stradale version ... I just don't get it??? Pete | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 3308 Registered: 2-2001 |
Who are you going to race with the extreme one? No one, so what are the benefits, the drawbacks are obvious. Fast street cars are not fast at all compared to fast track cars. People kid themselves when they make a race car for the street. They're not racing, not even close, so why deal with all the problems of a race car if you're never going to use it. Kind of like having a high maintenance supermodel for your wife and only looking at her. If they intend on using the car on the track all the time yet still want something street legal then that is a different story. To be honest though, based on the number of track events here in the NYC area it still isn't justified. Maybe if you live next door to Watkins Glen it would be a different story. Even the most dedicated are going to spend 95% of their Ferrari time on the street, so you suffer 95% of the time for a slight benefit 5% of the time. This is all ignoring the fact that you're not going to drive your street car like a race car and risk wrecking it. In the end, if you spend that much time on the track with your Ferrari and that little time on the street, you might as well just buy a normal 360 Challenge. Just my $.02 This all said, I do agree with you Hubert in the idea that Ferrari shouldn't go too soft, which was starting to bother me a bit. My 308 is a royal pain in the ass to drive in mid day heat of the summer for obvious reasons, the clutch is heavy, the steering heavy at slow speed, etc. It's kind of nice though when you look back at it. I just think more edgey than the 308 in those regards would be a bit much for street use on a regular basis. To each his own though. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 641 Registered: 1-2002 |
Bret- The "extreme" one is the way every purist street car should be. The "poseurs", in any marque, eventually end up lossing their "passion" and move on to something else. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 3307 Registered: 2-2001 |
I'm starting to really like this Stradale version. The "extreme" one to me is a waste for a street car, perfect so more rich people can pretend they are race car drivers, at least in their minds they always will be. The "luxury" version though is perfect IMO. The real gripe with the 360 was that I felt the 355 was as luxurious as a 3xx Ferrari should be and stayed true to the boy racer style. It seems the luxury Stradale will bring the level of refinement back to the 355's yet obviously pack a lot more punch in the right and middle pedals. I like the aggressive looks too, I'm starting to really like the 360, if money was no object I think I would take this over a 355. | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2003 |
Gian, I am going to order the more luxurious(!) model here in the states. I do not care about the radio, never use the one in my current 360, but I do not like the plexi side windows. Too confining compared to roll down, and will probably look like hell after a year. If it does not come with air con (I will try to delete if it does) you will need the air circulation. | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 746 Registered: 10-2001 |
Get the more extreme one . Who needs a radio when you have 425 horses screaming @ 8500 RPM behind ur back ? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2036 Registered: 9-2001 |
Pirkle Body Shop already has the rosso scuderia paint ready to spray so you can paint any car you want that color. | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2002 |
the rosso scuderia looks very nice, a bit mpre sporty than rosso corsa.and the stradale is the only ferrari that can get this color, no other production ferrari can get it. I do not like the stipes though, besides they are worth 4500 euros>>>!! There are two options on the stradale: one ( like the blue one) with electric windows, radio, leather seats. And the other one more extreme with sliding pexiglass windows, no radio, and alcantara seats with 4 point seat belts. I have a contract on this car due in Sept. Which option stradale would you guys get??? The more extrime one or the other one???   | ||
| Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member Username: Bumboola Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2003 |
Gian, What did you think about Rosso Scuderia? How does it look in the flesh? Better or worse than Rosso Corsa? | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 921 Registered: 1-2002 |
Me like blue one! Me want blue one!    | ||
| Ernesto (T88power)
Intermediate Member Username: T88power Post Number: 1361 Registered: 2-2001 |
Stradale means "streetable"... as in streetable challenge car... strada is street Ernesto | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 277 Registered: 2-2003 |
You know, it looks like that little splitter on the nose adds a touch of aggression, anyone agree? | ||
| L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Intermediate Member Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 1289 Registered: 8-2002 |
"Stradale" means "street." Therefore, this is a 360 Challenge for the street. | ||
| noel smith (Noel)
Junior Member Username: Noel Post Number: 134 Registered: 2-2003 |
it was the name of an Alfa from the late 50's. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 4126 Registered: 12-2000 |
where does the name Stradale come from and what does it mean? | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 274 Registered: 2-2003 |
Looks like that bottom one is in Blu Nart!! Beautiful!! | ||
| gian maria traversone (Giamma)
New member Username: Giamma Post Number: 24 Registered: 10-2002 |
here some pictures from the geneva show. amaizing car!!!    |