Were we all wrong about the FF?

I agree that Ferrari is courageous to always develop totally new designs and thus keeps looking forward. Most of their cars tend to surprise and are simply beautiful. That being said it's quite logical that certain models don't appeal to everyone. I really love the California and the FF but I can understand that that not everyone holds this opinion.

And about the FF vs Panamera Turbo S...as someone previously mentioned Porsche is going to sell a couple K per year...maybe something like 20k units...and how many FFs are going to be sold per year? Maybe 800 units worldwide? Ferrari doesn't sell more than 5000-6000 units pa. So the least popular model won't get a much higher percentage than 20% of total sold units. And selling 800 units of a very expensive and rare DD won't be that hard I guess...

 

Truth.

I won't re-state my opinion of the FF, because I have already. But I personally can't see springing for one when a 458 Italia can be had for less money.

I can see the merits to the argument that, to some extent at least, it fills a niche created first by the Superamerica.

I have no objection to anyone buying an FF, and I'm not about to walk up to an owner and say anything like, "Your car's ugly." It just isn't for me.

 

I suppose there are two ways to look at it but I remember well a conversation I had with a car guy in the early 80's when I had a 308 and was complaining about the interior leg room.
I said; "you know Rich, Ferrari made some compromises with this car ( referring to leg room)".He said;" my friend they made no compromises, the car fits a 5 foot 9 inch Italian just like they wanted it "
Can the same be said for the FF, or is it a compromise to fit many needs?

 

Completely different segments, so completely different audiences. If anything, people will have both.

 

Exactly.

 

Maybe so.

Then the market segment that buys the FF might also buy a 458, but the market segment that primarily wants the 458 doesn't necessarily want an FF. On the surface, it sounds contradictory, but I can see that.

I want a 458, but not an FF. But I can easily imagine an acquaintance of mine who is older and much richer - and who has purchased such cars as the 599 in the past - buying an FF and a 458.

Still, I have my doubts as to whether the FF will ever become one of Ferrari's most iconic and sought-after models. Powerful, certainly; technologically, a marvel; even historically significant. But lusted for? . . . I guess time will tell.

 

Funny. I want a 458, a FF, and a 599, but a small part of me hopes that the FF is poorly received so that I can pick one up at 50 cents on the dollar in a few years. It's the same satisfaction I feel when a great stock goes on 'sale' due to negative market sentiment.

 

As they are completely different carsw, I completely agree that a person who is looking to buy a midengined sportscar is not in the market for a frontengined GT or not even remotely interested in such a car.

I dare to say it will not become one of Ferrari's most iconic and soughtafter models. None of the 2+2 GT cars that Ferrari has produced since the early fifties have gained such a status. So that is not the standard to judge them by.

As said, I think it is good that the FF sparks controverse in a mostly pretty predictable marketsegment.

 

Bundy...

What part of the Bluegrass you from? I just ordered my first Ferrari (California) 2 weeks ago. Nice to see other Ferrari owners from our state here...

J

 

Hi Jason,

We live in Lexington. Congratulations on the California. We would have purchased one if the rear seats were a little more practical. Our teenagers don't fit back there.

 

the fact that they wont make many FF's wont stop them from dropping like rocks in the aftermarket. i bet -$100k in the first 12months. i just dont think there are many buyers at all for the car. anyone know how orders are shaping up?

 

First year is sold out, has been for months.

 

You're not buying one so .... stop the FF bashing already and let the serious people discuss this car.

 

Bundy

We live in Paintsville, but my in laws are in Lexington. We are there all the time. Should meet up sometime. Glad to see another Ferrari guy close by.

 

Look forward to meeting, Jason.

On topic, the more folks 'bash' the FF, the more I want one.

 

Having seen them in the flesh, and on the road in Maranello in July, I am becoming more of a fan. I know that Rick has considered trading in the S550 for one. Will be anxious to sit in and hear one in person.

J

 

I like the FF but it will be a while before it fits the budget. The Mondial fit the budget about 30 years after I first said someday I will have a Ferrari

That said in the late 70s my favorite car was my mom's Plymouth 9 passenger sport Fury wagon with 440 4.10 rears and heveist suspension could order-- would take contemporary 289 mustangs and 350 Vettes in 0-60 and in the twistys--but Fiat spyder X1/9 could out handle X1/9 was gateway car to Ferrari for me.

 

Do they fit in your 430?

 

+1.

Ferrari could put their badge on any ugly piece of cr@p and people would buy it. The 60's 2+2's were elegant ... the FF is not.
Pete

 

+999!!!

Right now there are many beautiful but boooring cars. Even Lamborghini, wich was the "enfant terrible" in oppostition to the "conservative" Ferrari, sells "remakes" of a car of the early seventies.

But it seems that we´re in the minority, people keeps buying 911s and Countachs.

 

You once said that Italian car makers were too much conservative, yadda, yadda, yadda...

And now that finally someone tries something different, you talk about cars of the sixties!!!

 

I don't think so. I think it will surprise the market like California did, and keep its value very well for the first few years. It's a new thing from Ferrari, vs. the old "Do I buy a Challenge Stradale or a F430? Is the F355 Spider top safe or should I just get the 360 Spider? Is the F430 worth the extra cash over a 360 Modena? Is the 575 a better car than the 550?" and other natural topics on this and other Ferrari forums. The new models are filling market segments that previous Ferrari can not fill, thus the firm value.

 

Yes I have! It's cool but not cool enough, sort of. I think it lacks aesthetic excitement. As I said I don't connect emotionally with them, but I don't mind that Ferrari is making FF or California anymore.

What's funny is that it took 2-3 years before I fell in love with the 599 (which is a long term goal), and just recently I am loving the 612 Scaglietti more and more! Still looks a little fat from the rear, but the front is very cool. Maybe people will warm up to the FF and the California in the same way... Let's hope so, they are all in the Ferrari family tree!

 

So true! Scary thing is I'm even starting to like the Panamera Turbo S! Never thought that would happen.

OTOH, Chris Bangle BMW designs still don't do it for me.