458 "Scud version" rumours - can they really be believed?

You're right traditionally "hardcore" versions of Ferrari's come towards the end of a model run, meaning we're probably looking at 2013 at the earliest for the equivilent 458 Scuderia. On the otherhand I dont think the 599 HGTC comes under this category, rather it's an update like the 550M/575MM (albeit it's an option this time around). I also remember going to the 612 launch, which I think was 2002/3 meaning a 2012 replacement would be a 10 year turnaround, which is pretty standard for Ferrari V12's.

FYI my conversation with Felisa last Saturday also confirmed the 458 Spider in "spring 2011" & he made no mention of a scud or otherwise version. He did mention an Enzo replacement but not for another 3 years.

 

I don't think you will see the usual pattern being repeated for the 458. The market is completely different now. The primary goal for Ferrari is to preserve resale values because there is such a price gap now between the 458 and the 430.

In order to do that they need to keep interest high and the wait lists loaded. That means constantly introducing variants and changes every year. The hype from constantly being on the front cover of magazines with a new variant is going to keep the wait lists long and many variants will split the consumer population amongst the various trims offered to keep wait lists full.

Personally, I think we will see a berlinetta, spider, and a GTS trim in addition to the Challenge car. Then we might see a retrofitable HGTE package at a later date. The options list will probably continue to expand as time goes on as well. They shouldn't undermine existing owners with a new version that is "better", but continue to upsell with retrofitable features to make existing cars more valuable. There will probably be a special edition at the very end. Perhaps that will be a hardcore lightweight version, but more likely it might be a heavily optioned spider with some special finishing built in limited numbers.

That's my guess.

 

My guess is Ferrari is forced to release a scuderia/challenge or whatever they will call it lightweight version in early 2011 because the McLaren will be released then and this car is 40bhp stronger and 80kg lighter than the regular 458. I don't think the 458 will have a chance. I'm sure Ferrari will do anything to beat the McLaren with the Scuderia.

 

Where? Link?

The Gallardo was released in 2003. The F430 was released in 2005.

Why not? The CS and Scuderia were on sale at the same time as the Berlinetta and Spider derivatives.

 

Only if you measure cars in tenths of a second...

 

I hope you're kidding when you say that. The 911 has over a dozen variants, whereas the F430 has four.

 

With regards to point #2 - I think the poster is referring to the LP560-4 version of the Gallardo. It completely rocked the F430 in terms of performance.

 

The LP560-4 was released in late 2008, towards the end of the F430's life. The 458 Italia would make for a more suitable comparison IMO.

 

Ferrari has been releasing special models ever since Montezomolo took over beginning with the 348 SS and 512M. In the case of the Stradale, I don't think they really needed to pump up sales but in the other cases I'm sure it was. They made a lot of Scuderias. I would bet we will see at least one special model in a few years.

Now, with the economy different and competition stiffer, I think a mid run "refresh" is not out of the question. It will probably depend on how sales go.

Dave

 

Thats what we measure nowadays, right?

458 0-60 3.6 sec.
McLaren 0-60 3.0 sec.


(Facts from latest EVO magazine)

 

Facts? Sorry mate, they're manufacturers claims. Plus, the McLaren is at least two years away from production whereas the first 458 deilveries will be within the next couple of months so I guess you'll have to wait a little longer to see the real 'facts'.

 

Not true, first deliveries of McLaren will be November next year.

 

I thought the 458 what "under 3.4 sec."

And anyways we all know that Ferrari is humble with their 0-60 claims. Their estimate on the F430 was 4 sec. but when Road and Track and C&D (and other magazines) tested it they got way below that. One of them got 3.5 sec. thats half a second faster than the claimed 0-60.

So i am guessing that the 458 will be right around the 3.0 second range.

 

I don't.

And if that's all you think these cars come down to then there are plenty of ways to go faster at a third of the price.

 

I'll believe it when I see it.

 

my mistake. you're right it's 3.4

 

Actually, Ferrari claims 0-100km/h in under 3,4s. That means 0-60mph in under 3,2s.

 

That's still .2 seconds slower than the McLaren! The 458 has no chance, right Timster?

 

Interesting as McLaren has stated it is a 2011 Car.

 

I predict a very close race

 

+1

And if you get rid of those bridgestones and put some P Zeros on it'll get even quicker.

It will be a really close race between the Mclaren and 458.

 

I was told by our local agent that there will be a 599 GTO model late next year. Not sure what GTO is....even they dont know! but that was what factory told them when I was enquiring on 599 spyder for my boss... Fyi...they said no 599 spyder in the works..but a special project can be arranged...a one off model... for 1.3 million....euros...that's for the
singapore market...which has really high taxes

 

599 GTO, based on the 599XX, is "official" among certain dealers. Scud/CS version of the 458 will not come out before the 458 challenge car has been out fr a while.

 

Will that be a limited edition?