California GT

Wonder if the options list includes the door panels lining up with the fenders? The hi-res pic I received shows a very noticeable mis-alignment in the creases...

 

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I saw a brand new 599 in Germany and the window seals looked they'd been cut with side cutters. Thats fine when you're talking about our cars and before when they were hand made. That sort of bad quality on cars of today isn't right IMO.

 

Especially when you are paying $600K+ for a new one!

 

Does this sound like a similar driving experience PP had with the 599??

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138723640&postcount=1

 

Yep.

Luca de disease has struck.

 

sounds a lot like it, doesn't it?

It's sad, but obviously it's what the majority wants or they wouldn't build it like that. I'm a minority, and happy to admit it

 

Don't be too harsh on LdM. He was the driving force behind cars such as the F355 and the 550 Maranello. If the 599, California and the 450 drive like Mercs, it's not his fault; he's just giving the buyers what they want.

 

Interesting observation, I have a Mercedes from the 1970's and a Ferrari from the 1970's, I can assure you, there is nothing to compare them except for a similar price tag when new. Steering feel, involvement, size, looks, performance....the disadvantages of one, make you appreciate the values of the other, and nice versa.

 

So does Ronald McDonald and the Bandidos Inc but I wouldn't feel much like applauding them for spotting the lowest common denominator and pursuing it either.

Surely Ferrari could still make something that'd put the same sh*t-eating grin on its drivers face that a clubbie does? Where's today's Vignale barchetta, is my question?

 

New Ferraris *do* give their owners that grin.... as they gather in packs out the front of cafes in a trendy suburb near you.

 

Nah, thats a different grin from different feelings.

 

Maybe. Or perhaps it's the same grin but from different feelings. Either way, it's the only grin that's important to Ferrari and the people who buy their cars.

As an aside, I'm sure the Scuderia is an absolute thrill to drive. It's just that you'd just have to be on a racetrack or a closed road to experience it. Performance was a lot more accessible in the old days. Plus, are the old cars really that great to drive? The Vignale Barchetta might be a good looking car, but it could drive like a truck for all I know. I've heard the original California described as such, FWIW.

 

Probably is a truck.
My desire is a modern version.
Theres a distinction between sportscars and supercars and I'm not in synch with Ferrari and where they sit in relation to that divide, I guess.

 

What you want is Ferrari to build a Lotus Elise or Exige!

 

Nah...I think I'd rather they build something that handles BETTER than a GT4...remember tassie last year?

 

Ummm, what you want is Ferrari to build a ummmmm........ oh yeah, a Ferrari.

 

but with soul!!


ahhhhhhhhhhh soul.

 

I love you toooo.

 

Why would Ferrari even bother attempting to build a car that handles better than the GT4? You can't improve on perfection!

 

I don't know the reviewer jeff or what he drives so I'll take his opinion of the California with a large pinch of salt.

I'd be surprised if the car is less than excellent on the basis of the impartial reviews I've read.

 

Yes. I'm living proof.

 

Soooo tempting... but i won't!

 

Mark. He didn't say it wasn't excellent. Quite the opposite really.

 

Hmmm,
Five different 2 liter '68-'71 BMW 2002 were faster at Mt Cootha than the '77 and '78 GT4's.

Must've been the drivers then. Yeah, that's it.

Wonder what Enzo would've said about room for golf clubs in a Ferrari?

If I ever get one it'll be an earlier car. Would obviously like to try the latest models but wouldn't want to own one. There's some kind of diminishing return formula in play the more costly and most modern featured this decade's Ferraris become.