Tried a 612 OTO for the first time today

Hmm... I have 2007 612 HGTC (non OTO) and a 2009 430 Scud, and the 612 does not feel slow - 612 wins hands down in sound comparison. It is however a big car with a long wheel base and that affects how it drives, not as direct and sports-car/go-cart like, like the Scud - for pure driving experience it is hard to beat the Scud or 360, for that matter. If I were you I would try drive a different 612 before ruling it out. I just drove mine this morning and love it

 

Ironically, I also took out my 2007 612 HGTS F1 out this morning. Have no experience with OTO. However, my Ferrari's acceleration is impressive. Upon entering Charlotte Beltway (70 mph speed limit), cars that were just coming up on me on the beltway at speed were well behind me by the time I was near the end of the merge lane at nearly 100 mph! I cannot remember ever having this kind of assured confidence in a sports car before.

Keep in mind that HGTS / HGTC models are somewhat more aggressive than base models and also feature an awesome sounding sport exhaust.

The dynamics of a front mid-engine rear-wheel drive (FMR) vs a traditional rear mid-engine rear-wheel drive (RMR) car can be quite different. My previous two Ferraris were RMR. For the track, I like RMR; but, on the open road, I really prefer the dynamics of an FMR for several reasons, including visibility, etc.

 

i wonder if the car you tested has the HGT2 pack fitted ?
it does make quite a difference to the handling.

 

No
mine did not but i have had it retrofitted-definitely made a difference to the body roll.
that picture you posted is gorgeous...would not have thought grigio medio would suit a 612 but it looks fantastic!

 

Yes I was thinking the same thing- HGT2 on the OTO is Great to have and it would reflect on some of what you've encountered. Also- If the car you drove has been neglected, then any number of things could be going on with it.

Also- I've driven various Ferraris models of my own and those of friends, including the latest and greatest, and I find my OTO impressive! Yes as mentioned, the sound is Awesome, but I find it fast & smooth- befitting the car's image.

When I first got driving it, I remember putting my foot down on the freeway and telling myself- Geez, this car doesn't feel fast at all- but then I looked down at the speado reflecting 125mph- It didn't feel like triple digits whatsoever.

Bottom line for me- The car drives just as elegant as it looks

I agree with the gentleman above who recommended you try another before ruling it out.

There happen to be two very nice examples in Chicago and at Marshal Goldman being advertised right now

That said- You've convinced me to go take mine out for spin...

 

The 612 is definitely not go-kart like. However, I had mine out on the track this summer, and it's very capable-- you just have to drive it like the big, heavy GT car that it is.

 

That Grigio Medio looks Gorgeous- It really lends itself to the 612 well

Impressive

 

If you can find a copy of the FCA mag covering the 2014 meet, came out a couple months after the meet so maybe August, my 612 had a two page centerfold on the track at summit point. I love they chose to show a 612 side loading some on the track as the centerfold for that part of the meet, and ironic as there's not a single shot of her in all the archived concourse photos.

Maybe because of the fake badges? I think I've finally learned my lesson with that one. No more steenking fakes.

 

I would say, you will never get closer...

Fahrzeug Details - Eberlein Automobile GmbH

 

I've never seen a 612 in that color gray...looks fantastic!

 

That color is Stunning

Good Luck

 

some very interesting OTO's coming out of the woodwork,alot of these cars will be pretty unique in terms of specs.

 

One thing I know is that if you stop and look at all the variations out there, there are so many interesting and Gorgeous ways to outfit a car. But when you get your own, you can only choose one-- The fun of it is that there's always something else to look at or discover

Most people would probably never think to consider a color like this one, but look how Pretty she is. I personally am surprised and impressed...

 

comparing a 612 with other ferraris is pointless, 612 owners have several fcars.
but compare it to bentleys or astons, u can see the advantage in spades.
in fact no other manufacturer offer anything close.

 

I like my gated 612, although it doesn't have any HGTS or HGTC packages and cannot be compared to my 599 in handling and acceleration it still has got its charm and benefits. I like the V12 torque, gated gearbox ( although thats a very rare find) and a solid feeling of a long GT car. By the way I also own a 456M GT - disregarding that one replaced another they feel like totally different cars - nothing in common.

 

456/612/599 nice stable!