458 vs McLaren MP4-12C--- Your thoughts?

I was trying to point out to the guy i quoted that while "technically" mclaren may have a road car to their name (an incredible road car, that is) but really this is their first car since most of the team that worked on the F1 is no longer there

 

Forgive my rudeness, but you miss my point. I neither crave nor need attention BUT getting such attention is an indication of the after-sales support one will get.

 

We didn't stay for the unveiling because we've already had a good look and I have driven one and was very impressed. The purpose of attending this particular dealer's launch was to see if it's worthwhile changing to them (they are only 20 minutes from where we live, whereas Dick Lovett is 90 minutes away).

 

Point well taken... HOWEVER, a salesman is a salesman. Once you buy the car, he disappears. Don't you think it could all be an illusion to get you to buy? Isn't that what salesman do?

Just what makes you think they will be any different when you bring it back the 5th time for the airbag light or CEL being on? A salesman's handshake and smile?

 

Ferrari is the only Luxury brand on the Planet were customers chase the sales staff and management to get attention.
That's my observation from the numerous FChat member posts that have displayed these feelings.
I still remember the mid nineties - staff chasing me to take demo rides
Now 15 years and 8 new Ferrari's later you don't even get calls returned by management

 

Fair enough. Although, as bdelp suggests, the approval ratings between the sales and service departments can sometimes differ considerably. Perhaps word of mouth is the best way to find a good service department, rather than launch parties.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

+1

I am also pleasantly surprised by McLaren. They definitely seem to be very customer focussed as an organization. Everyone is. And it's not just the sales guys. They seem to do everything on a personal level. They call you and give you their direct line in the UK. They call you to give you updates. There is no question in my mind that the after sales service and support on this car is going to be fanatical.

 

Didn't the F40s run with then at LeMans and really give them somebody to compete with? That's what I thought.

_J

 

Perhaps, but comparing the road car versions isn't even close.

 

CLK-GTR and Porsche 993 GT1 would be the only ones.

 

We will have to wait and see on this one to see if they so customer oriented long term! Obviously they must be great now to establish the brand and help get dissatisfied customers from other brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
I think it's a lot of more difficult when you sell 6000 cars a year and you have so many customers to follow. Ferrari has definitely fallen behind in the customer orientation......but were they ever good really?

PS I still prefer Ferrari ;-)

 

Here are some pix I snapped from the NYC preview this past Friday. The car definitely looks better in person compared to the photos and vids on youtube. The car is a total ***** to get into as you sit very low in the tub frame. I know my wife would complain about climbing in and out as she already squawks about my scuderia. They also have a track telemetry package as an option: front/rear bumper cams, cabin cam with an 8g (don't quote me) hard drive.
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There's a lot of CF in the rear cabin. Did they say this car was fully optioned out or is that standard? I wonder how well it holds up to the heat. Ferrari dealers have been talking people out of CF in the engine compartments because of yellowing from heat issues over time. It's also a bit disappointing you can't see much more of the engine and suspension when you pop the rear deck. That's something I loved on the F-1, the Enzo, and the F430 going all the way back to the Pantera. What a pity everyone wants to cover up the good bits now.

I just have a really tough time with all those black fins everywhere and that dangling bugs bunny "front tooth"....

 

No doubt brilliant but, boy, does it look ordinary! Even 'trick' doors can't lift it.

 

Never noticed the front tooth until you mentioned it. I still like the McLaren's fins better than the 458's Dick Dastardly (Wacky Racers) moustache.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I'd really like to see one photoshopped without the black fins on the front and rear. I bet it looks a whole lot better and less "fussy". The rear flanks look like a Lotus Elise to me -- not a very powerful stance.

Well, there you have it... Bugs Bunny vs Dick Dastardly.

 

Here's your super car choices --- battle of the cartoon stars!
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Forgot to mention: that was a tricked out model. These things seem to be like Porsche's in the fact that everything is xtra. Forget to order the engine and your **** outta luck when it arrives!

 

lol

 

Trouble with that comparison is that Bugs always wins and Dick always loses...

 

Yes, but Dick has a better laugh...

 

I like this "car" because the 458 is awesome.

 

Yes, but difficult to get an F40 LM or GTE road legal and even more to get it "driveable" on normal road!

 

Excellent article comparing Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12c. Includes coverage of key McLaren design features and rebuttal comments from Ferrari.

Mike
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But, still no running specs or driving impressions-- Looks like a fascinating article though.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/McLaren-video/