F149 ALL THE FACTS - Convertible!!!

This is better than AutoCar's sketch IMHO. Ferrari need more aggression in design and a branch away from simple spaghetti lines. Not to say that the Scuderia or 599 have "sissy" attitudes, but more so that 360 Modena curves need to be updated with Enzo-like edges and a nice 599 vent-look. They won't be able to win over clients who want an SL65 AMG with soft curves (not that they really compete in the same market); this thing needs to say "Girr" in every sense of its design. Where Maser fell short with the Gransport, Ferrari have to succeed. Make her look mean gents!


Best,
Jon

 

I agree that I prefer the Quattroroute sketch. Most of the comments on this thread seem to considering this car as a rival to the Merc SL. I would image that Ferrari probably are looking at the Aston DB9 (in both coupe and Volante forms) and to some extent the V8 Vantage as the principal conquest sales targets.

 

With price aproximatly to current F430 Berlinetta this car will not be a rival to Mercedes Benz SL, even to SL 65 AMG. ""F149" will continue 599 GTB way to unite great dynamics and handling with DD possibility in one great car. Speaking about DB9, it will be so much slower than "F149" that it will be almost NO competition between then in dynamics. My dealer told me tht due to lighweight materials and all new tech, now being top secret, the target for Ferrari while developing this project is to reach F430 Spider dynamics and F430 Spider time at Fiorano track and even better max speed level. So this will be very unique car. Let us wait and see if his car is really worth F430 price level. Best.

 

I agree also that the styling will be key to success. Ferrari cannot afford a mistake with this car like what happened with the 612. It has to be accessable and visually compelling at first look, with equal parts agression and beauty. It must grab you immediately and strongly.

 

Disagree. IMO 612 is really beautiful. My only complaint with the 612 is that it is too big for where I live

 

I have to agree with you here. Not just styling makes all success. 599 GTB is not the most beautifull Ferrari, but it enjoys great market success. 599 GTB was first really successfull front-engine V12 Ferrari. Key to the success for the Ferrari is offering something new and not seen before. 599 GTB was first car to unite supercar's performance with DD ability and success as he result. If we will see "F149" with hard top retractable roof construction, option to choose 2+2 or two-seater with rear shelf and performance numbers similar to the F430 this car will enjoy great market success, it is even no doubts about it. I mentioned F430 just because my dealer told me that Ferrari target while developing "F149" is to reach F430 performance and dynamics, acceleration numbers, max.speed numbers and even Fiorano track lap time numbers. Best.

 

In which respect? I think there has been quite a few successful front engined V12 Ferraris

 

Over time ,yes.
Rarely at the time when on sale when new.
The gorgeus Daytona ,so desirable and sought after now,was criticized ,described as "dated",not modern enough and sat in dealer showrooms waiting for buyers...

 

The Daytona was the biggest selling berlinetta Ferrari to that point (around 1300 made). Not a bad total for 4 years production and only available in America its biggest potential market for two of those.

As the more expensive model, V12's have a greater reliance on the world economy. The Testarossa sold in big (by Ferrari standards) numbers in the eighties boom and the 599 has been launched into a another economic boom which looks like it's coming to an end.

 

Quite so. Didn't the 365 GTC/4 sell even better than the Daytona?

 

I have owned an SL for the last 4 years, and still dont have the accessories like gold chains, bracelets and little blue pills in my wallet.....are these
suppose to be standard with the car?!!

That said, I am sure most of you didnt graduate to your F car straightaway. U likely drove most of the major makes of cars thru the years, and as for
myself, I enjoyed all of them in their own right, Merc SL included. Just glad that I also have a 430 to appreciate as well now. The SL is still my
daily driver, and for days when it wouldnt be appropriate to take the Ferrari out. Or for that perfect cool nite to open up the top.

I am looking forward to the new 149. Already had a deposit down for it 5 months ago. Or for any new F car. Dealer tells me I will get the first allocation
if I choose to.

And what's so bad about the little blue pill? Lets u enjoy life just that little bit (or a lot) more!

Cheers..

 

Ouch! Are comments like these helpful?

 

The 599 is the first really successful V-12 front engine Ferrari? What about the 550/575M Maranellos? By what measure were they not successful?

 

Joking

 

About 500 made, but the car was only listed for just over a year.

Total production of the 550/575 was around 5700 for all versions I think.

 

Agree

 

That’s not even the point, Ferrari have had the V12 since inception. V12s have formed the concrete on which Ferrari run over the competition. Simply put.

Oh, and I guess the 550/575s were okay too.

Best,
Jon

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but won't the F149 be the first front engined road Ferrari NOT to have a V12 engine?

 

Unless you want to count the ASA Ferrarina or Fiat Dino you may be right.

 

Or the "Auto Avio 815" which had a front mounted V8

 

Indeed. But I think that it was a straight eight (type 815).

 

Plus that was a race car, there were a number of four cylinder front engined racers in the fifties like the Monza and original Mondial but I still can't think of any pure road front engined V12s

 

any updates on this new model F car ?

 

First spy pics: http://www.autoweek.nl/forum/read.php?12,3072463,page=3

 

Front grille and lines look like a Maser more than a Ferrari. Not sure I like the round edges, but I do like the vents on the hood.

Oh . . . and the little blue pill comment . . . you have not lived until you have tried the "stack." Take a cialis in the afternoon and a viagra before sex. (Like taking creatine and NO2 at the same time.) Can anyone say lead pipe lock?