Do not judge this car from a photograph... | FerrariChat
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Do not judge this car from a photograph...

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Lesia44, Jul 13, 2010.

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  1. Lesia44

    Lesia44 F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 5, 2009
    17,925
    #1 Lesia44, Jul 13, 2010
    Wow! Like the title says: Do not judge this car from any photograph you've seen.

    Just saw the 458 Italia in the flesh for the first time at my dealer and I'm simply blown away. I have no doubt this car will be seen as one of the classic Ferrari designs by future generations. Simply one of the most beautiful cars Ferrari have ever produced.

    I'm sure that many of you will know that I've done my fair share of whining about that 'difficult' front end - though, in my defense, I always qualified my criticism by saying that, like most modern Ferraris, this probably needs to be seen in the flesh before final judgement. Boy, I couldn't have been more right!

    Every panel, every detail is the work of an artist at the top of his game. Pininfarina have managed to find some sort of magical sweet spot between function and form with the 458 Italia. The car manages to be both modern and classic; it moves the game on while offering strong echoes of the past - I see much of the 288 GTO (itself one of Ferrari's best) in the overall proportions and lines (there was one close by in the showroom so this comparison is not a flight of fancy). And, yes, even the 'difficult' front end is a work of genius in the flesh! Even more amazing when you consider they've managed to combine such beauty with such functionality.

    Inside it's the same story. First impression is how right it feels as soon as you sit in it. Maybe it's because I'm of average height and average build but I can't imagine a better fit had the cabin been bespoke tailored specifically for me. And, as with the front end, I'm struck by the combination of beauty and functionality. Plus, from memory at least, it's as well made as any Porsche I've ever driven. This particular example was spec'd with the sports seats and isuk was absolutely right in answer to my questions when he said they're comfortable. Yes, they're comfortable... and then some!

    Have Ferrari ever made a better car? Awesome... and I haven't even driven it yet!

    Discuss.
     
  2. of2worlds

    of2worlds F1 World Champ
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    Apr 6, 2004
    18,142
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    CH
    #2 of2worlds, Jul 13, 2010
    If you are happy with 8 cylinders instead of 12 cylinders and the motor behind you then it would seem Ferrari has indeed hit the sweet spot with it's 458 Italia. The visuals seem to match the high standard of the driving experience; at least with owners who have 'history' with earlier Ferrari models.
    Perhaps Ferrari should concentrate more of their 40 hour a week production capacity on the 458 instead of building so many more of the California models...
    CH
     
  3. champtc

    champtc Formula Junior

    Apr 18, 2004
    732
    #3 champtc, Jul 13, 2010
    I went into the Ferrari showroom yesterday on Park Ave in NYC and saw the 458 next to a 599 gto next to a California. The 458 was white and looked diminutive next to the other cars. I liked it with the exception of the isosceles triangle rear quarter windows. In fact the car reminded me a lot of the Dino with a little of the 360 front end thrown in. It was a good looking car overall though. It had that cab forward design that just looks great. The 599 GTO was just a massive car- reminded me of the Viper coupe in stature but much better looking. It was like a huge bull just daring you to drive it at speed. Cool though (for the brave). The California is such a great looking car from the front end view. However I think it is just awful from the rear. I couldn't quite put my finger on what the rear end reminded me of until i saw the back end of a NYC bus driving by on Park Ave.!!
     
  4. johns930

    johns930 Formula 3

    May 9, 2005
    1,465
    #4 johns930, Jul 13, 2010
    i dont know man......
    i pulled a lazy boy up and stare at it for an hour. It looks exactly like the pictures. its not good nor ugly, it just look like the hundreds of pictures i already seen.

    It pulls no surprises or shock value, like other f-cars of the past which u are sometimes surprised at how nice it looks in person. I remember when i first saw a scud in person, i almost came, and thats after having two 430s!! or the 599, which look so much meaner in person, and of course the 612.......

    looks certainly divide opinion, but im getting one simply because its the latest and greatest.


     
  5. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #5 DM18, Jul 13, 2010
    I am glad I was sitting when I read that :):):)
     

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