Driving impressions

Great review and thanks for sharing. This is a Great "family" car. Do you feel the car been too long in size ?

When you drive in the F1 - do you drive it like a manual car without a clutch? (hope my question makes sense)

 

I think it looks longer than it drives. Likely due to the front mid engine. Doesn't drive like a Porsche but way better than my CL 55 which is same about the same length.

 

Some people say when shifting you slightly let off the gas pedal like in a 3 pedal manual car. Not sure if this is needed on F1 cars

 

On F1 tranny cars you don't need to let off gas pedal when shifting, not even slightly.

 

In Normal mode the F1 system does not match revs on upshifts or downshifts. So in the lower gears, lifting the throttle slightly will result in smoother upshifts. In Sport mode, the system does match revs on both upshifts and downshifts, but even then, unless accelerating really rapidly, a slight lift or feather smooths shifts in the lower gears. If accelerating rapidly to revs around 5000 or higher, just hold the throttle where it is.

Personally, I never use Sport until I have 160 F oil temperature, but that is just my own technique. Do not want quick shifts until everything is warmed up and the oil temp gauge is the best indicator of that.

 

Good info, Taz.

One of the best features to look for on 612 is the front park sensors, which really help since gauging front bumper to something close to front of the car can be tricky.

 

A trick is that if you ever have it in Auto mode, lifting slightly will generally trigger a smooth upshift. So you actually have a fair amount of control, at least when driving fairly slowly.

Also, if you ever do use Auto, be very careful about flooring the gas, especially when puttering along about 20-25 mph. The kickdown can really get you by surprise.

Otherwise, I think the OP's comments are right on.

 

The 612OTO is a really great Ferrari -absolutely no downsides.

 

This seems to be something that one should watch out for. A member (Scraggy) here recently posted about how he floored his 599 HGTE in Auto mode and the car kicked down two gears which ultimately led to a loss of control and totaling of the car.

 

You are right there - by the way, in 14,000 miles I have never driven in auto - you just can't beat this long low profile
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I usually drive right side up

 

One of the reasons I don't post pictures.

 

greybeast, if you're not too far into the Island, I'm in Westchester. Let me know if you want to meet up and compare notes. I love driving my car, coming from a new Cali T

 

Thanks for the nice post greybeast.

I have a 2006 HGTS and here's a driving impression of my own: earlier this year I was returning to the UK on the unrestricted, lightly-trafficked German autobahn, four-up, at a steady 150mph. The car felt planted, stable, even relaxed. My brother was reading a newspaper.

These cars are phenomenal.

 

I have the same car -- love my 06 612 HGTS! Looking forward to driving her to Daytona FL for the Ferrari Finali event. Missing her now as she is at FoA getting her major service done before the trip.

 

Have noticed that my car feels more compose at 150 than at 80....!

 

Nice review and I'm also enjoying mine more and more. I think that's because the 4 seats mean I use it to actually go places and do stuff. Going for an hour drive in the Scud is huge fun but without a destination it's ultimately not as satisfying.
I also agree that the faster you go the more planted and straight line stable the car feels. Steering seems to lose some of the low speed sensitivity.

 

Nice review Greybeast

I have had my 612 since May and I must say the original impression was that it was a touch boring. Having got out of a road registered 355 Challenge, I guess that was always going to be the case! It actually got branded "Grandpa's Limo"

However, we have recently completed the Ferrari Club Australia National Rally comprising Concorso, Track Day, Drive Day, Motorkhana & Drags. Followed by a winery tour of the Margaret River region in WA.

My impressions have changed dramatically - this is a highly competent car, with lots of grunt, great turn in for its size & weight and brakes much better than expected. I strapped on some Trofeo tyres and managed to knock off the 599's on Track Day.

As a long distance tourer, I can't think of much that would surpass it.

The added bonus? SWMBO loves it!

 

Hi GreyBeast. I was wondering what boosters you have in the back of the 612 and if you have any pictures. When my kids are in the back it is so low down they cannot see out of the windows which ruins the experience for them a bit.
I am thinking about having some trimmed to match the interior of my car but would need something as a base to start with.
Thanks

 

You got that right - especially with the jammer on!