I think this had a lot more to do with the implementation of turbos than anything, including Luca's true desire for the future of Ferrari engine technology: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/29/business/energy-environment/obama-unveils-tighter-fuel-efficiency-standards.html?_r=0 It has unfortunately become a necessary evil.
The new F1 cars sound crap. I've not heard anyone debate that. The Indycars right now sound better. I think they did as good a job as they could here. Remember, they have to appeal to a wide range of buyers. They should offer a sport exhaust with more noise IMHO....or people can easily go aftermarket also.
True. But is the experience "better"? Something is lost as you make that progress in terms of connection, skill, and engrossment. IMHO, the answer is to have one of each type because just as those older cars have something the newers lack, so do the latest cars have abilities and experiences which cannot be replicated in a car from the 70s or 80s. There is no one car to rule all buyers or desired experiences IMO, which is why you see people with the means owning a few cars at least. I think we're living in a amazing time. The cars have become so fast with so much technology, that we have no choice but to start refining rather than continue the arms race. Lightweight and mass production seems to be the next challenge from where I'm sitting. We also obviously need to revisit the way we think about emissions testing and actual carbon footprint. The current tests don't really achieve their desired goal.
A man after my own heart ; ) I've never driven one, but you might be surprised how well it is disguised. But still, I agree, jump from that to something lighter and it will still be apparent to an experienced driver. At least it isn't as heavy as the Aventador ; )
Funny, I was just thinking the same thing... There's a reason why I'm looking forward to "trying out" the 488... put differently: variety is the spice of life
I've driven one a few times. The power curve is amazing. So much that you don't feel the weight at acceleration. And the chassis is so good that it does actually handle the weight amazingly well. Same with the brakes - so good, that it hauls it in quite well. All the components are good enough to handle the weight, and "almost" make you forget the lbs are there... That being said, the lbs ARE there. And every once in a while you're reminded. Comparing a Speciale to a F12 is very similar, in a lot of ways, to a GT3 vs a 911 Turbo. The F12 and 911 Turbo are super great GT cars, if that's what you want. I just don't have a strong inclination toward GT's...
Same - I was thinking M5 vs M4; since that is my experience. The M5 is amazing for all the same reasons you mention...you can't believe it weighs so much. Can't believe the lap time you can put down in it. Then you get in an M4 and you say ahhhh - ok that is quite a bit different because of the weight. Not that the M4 is ultra-lightweight either. I'm still amazed at the M5 though - it's a freak. Sounds like the F12 to Speciale is a similar experience.
I agree. I had the opportunity to take two laps at Indy this year in a car driven by Zach Veach. There were three cars - two 6 cylinder Honda's (I assume they were turbo but not sure) and one Chevy 8 cylinder (800HP). Mario Andretti was driving one of the Hondas. As I stood in line with 45 or so people, I watched and listened to the cars. The 6 cylinders sounded awful compared to the 8-cyl. Most people wanted to drive with Mario - not me! I asked to be in the 8-cyl which just SCREAMED amazing sounds. It was the most incredible ride of my life. 180MPH! Two laps with that engine screaming behind me. Naturally aspirated all the way! Yes the 488 is real progress and it's impressive. But I see it as a 458 evolution and I also don't like the look (especially the side vents which break up the lines).
All fair points. I'm glad the 488 is a turbo because it leaves some incremental demand left over for my car from those who prefer naturally aspirated. All good. I think the 488 is great, but I prefer the 458 for various reasons. Everyone has their own preferences and biases.
Sorry but couldn't disagree more. Not progress just cheap HP and basically reuse of the Cali engine. Also, the 488 is not THE fastest around Fiorano besides LaF. There's another Fcar that also been doing that since 2013 and it is neither hybrid nor boosted. And its new version does Fiorano in 1.5s less and is also NA. Lots of ways to peel the onion and the 488 makes too many compromises IMHO.
Therefore I'm not interested in your feedback, sorry. What do you think does mean the name "GTB" in the world of Ferrari?
Indeed. Saying the 488 GTB is not like/as good as the 458 Speciale is like saying the F12 is not like/as good as the 599 GTO. They are cars with a different intent. The time for Speciale comparisons will be when they release the 'rodded version of the 488.
+1 I could not get over how ridiculous evo's review of the 488 was when that tool of a journalist insisted on the only correct comparison being to the Speciale. His reasoning; "well how many Italia's did they sell once the Speciale arrived?".
The review came across overly pessimistic and more like some sort of personal rant against the way modern supercars extract their performance. It's obvious a stripped out NA car is going to be a completely different experience than a turbocharged regular performance Ferrari. We don't need him telling us that. Yet another example of a journo who's grown overly pretentious.
But when Italia was launched, it was better in almost every aspect compared to Scuderia. Better looking, faster transmission, sharper feeling, and......LOUDER AND HIGHER SCREAMING SOUND.
And still loads of people bemoaned the fact that it was too civilised compared to the Scuderia and many still hold to that to this day.
