I'll put it this way - haven't heard too much negatives on how the F430, 599 or Scuderia were developed. And those didn't have any cash from mass California sales
I did so prior to the Scuds. Post 207 I think. Here is a high angle 3/4 rear view: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Indeed...Dino Scuderia kindly linked me to the picture. Thank you. I really like the way challenge rims look on the California. They make it that much more...aggressive.
Hey, Fred, or anyone, what wheels are on this 8C? wow they're gorgeous: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Sure thing. Yes, I think if you experiment with the different wheel packages, especially those in the Ferrari family, the California will be all that much nicer. I love those wheels that Fred posted on that 8C. Those would be sweet on the Cali. I wonder how this car handles in the twisties? It would be a fantastic car to take on cruises up the Pacific Coast Highway; living up to it's true name "California." I'd like to test drive this car to see if it has that magic. I felt that magic when I drove the 550M. My only qualm is lack of 3 pedal manual shift.
7speed box probably means shorter gears, while at the same time a dual clutch allows for practically seamless power delivery. So the time that would be lost on extra shifts, due to the shorter gears is greatly minimised.
Yes what you lose in full head to toe involvement you gain in speed and power delivery to the ground. I have yet to drive a paddle shift car so I'm keeping an open mind.
Menoy- I certainly see where you are coming from- I understand Ferrari is a far cry from say Lotus or TVR - but they are also a far cry from say Porsche or VAG. I also feel you on the fact that an F430 is a far cry from 348 in terms of build quality and overall development- but its also a far cry from a 911 in terms of reliability and overall development. Ferrari knows they are ok today- but with companies like Nissan and even chevy coming out with monsters, they know that if they want to stay king of the hill they will need to be pre-emptive in substantially increasing the quality of their products. So my feeling is that the california is creates the vehicle, no pun intended, to accomplish this. Versus an alternative of co branding products with Alfa, Fiat, or Maseratti or having to sell a. nother 5 million Puma shirts or Acer/Ferrari laptops. My opinion is that those were there options and the California seemed the best way to deepen the money well with the least damage to the brand. To state the obvious, neither of us really know what their intention with this product is or what their financial situation is. I guess we will both see
Some food for thought.... this is sort of the new Barchetta/SuperAmerica in a smaller package, akin to a roadster. A different thing. This car, too, says "fun" to me. It doesn't look like the typical mid-engine male-enhancement "F430" look that puts some people off (and doesn't win approval universally even within the ranks of F-car fans). This new car appeals both to women and men with it's roadster appeal, is unintimidating, relatable, can be a hardtop if need be, and is overall unoffensive. Ferrari is exactly reigning in a broader potential customer base with this car, similar to how Nissan rebounded from fiscal disaster with the reissue of the famous Z car roadster. They created a fun car that almost anyone can relate to. In my opinion, this is a similar kind of choice.
Damn.... Is there anyone else here SICK of all this Negtive ************ I think alot of you should go back to your Lambo boards and take a really look at what crap is. I my not be a 100% happy with every Ferrair released but I dont rip it to bit I love the ones I love and love the others for what they are and there good points. So stop comparing the Ferrari to other cars by saying ferrari have this from this. Open your eyes look at the Original 250 Cal and you can see most of that in an updated form right here. This is a great car and will look much better once you see more photo. The Big hit will come when alot of people see this in the flesh.... as She will be amazing
Had somebody noticed the lower rear light in the bumper?? You can see that there are extra breaklights in the under section of the rear bumper of the mule on the Ferrari factory entrance and when you look carefully on the release pics, you see a reflection of something on both sides of the numberplateholder. In my opinion, Ferrari has to think about the release pics of their next cars because everytime you see a new Ferrari its red and mostly not beautyful. But when you see the car for real it's a very nice car (Mostly in other colours). Sorry for my bad english. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Can somebody photoshop some shields on it? Would it be too bling to chrome out the side vents or something similar to the 250 Cali?
Indeed - my wife loves it and I don't. You have no idea how good of a car the 612HGTS is. The California clearly shows that the 612 is firmly planted in its niche and will continue to evolve. The 2 cars appeal to very different customers. Yes I do have a 4 month old 612 HGTS and have had my order in for the California for over 6 months. Pre-launch I was wondering whether the California would supplant my 612 as my daily drive. I had also told my wife (in order to avoid hearing "do you really need 2 Ferraris??"...) that the California would be for her to drive. Ferrari must have heard me because they designed the California to her exact specs! lol
Good points As to the financial situation, here's a little insight: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/ferrari-annual-report-2006-impressive-growth-in-revenues-and-profits http://www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk/happenings/2006/march/results/results.asp PS I have to say the CS or LM wheels do improve the looks* [size=-3]*a little bit[/size]
While I like the 149 CA and it looks like it will have JUST enough room for my wheelchair behind the front seats, I have to AGREE w/ the statement above! The 8C is quite an AWESOME looking car, in both coupe and conv forms. This car will be very nice when it comes out and if you think it will make your 430 worth more...YOU ARE DREAMING! This car is not designed or built to compete with ANYTHING in the F-car line up and is designed to EXPAND the brand... It will work GREAT for that too btw! YMMV, and clearly everyone's tastes vary too... James Austin, TX
It could be just a fog light. This is a better treatment than the 599 GTB. If you look up a picture of a 599 back, you see two fog lights hiding in the rear diffuser: very ugly.
Could someone explain what the "dual clutch" function will be? Does that mean it will have f1 paddles and an auto mode? Is this system similar to the gransport and other brands like the mercedes etc which is basically an auto trans with optional paddles. I just leased a new clk with tiny paddles behind the steering wheel that seem pretty much useless thus far. Is that considered duel clutch as well?
Yes, F1 paddles and probably auto mode. It is not an autobox with paddles. A dual clutch box allows for very quick shifts, read up more here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-clutch-transmission.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin-clutch_gearbox
Thanks, I meant to say similar to the granturismo not the gransport. Im glad that they are not doing the auto trans with paddles as that is a very boring system that seems to make auto journalists joy themselves.
Couldn't agree more... happier than ever that I bought an 8C! Now if it would just get built and sent over I could enjoy the summer even more... To the California... Blah... Huge disappointment... Toyota front, 550 Maranello side, and a completely messed up rear... A few nice design details but these are overpowered by many awful ones... a shame... I had a slot at local dealer and just pulled out. No doubt the car will sell well but depreciate hard over time.
