Good Story on Tourings's F12 based Lusso in "Classic Driver" #78...
Good Story on Tourings's F12 based Lusso in "Classic Driver" #78 https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/return-golden-era-elegance-tourings-berlinetta-lusso?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Touring%20Berlinetta%20Lusso%20E&utm_content=Touring%20Berlinetta%20Lusso%20E%20CID_eea2ee82979a25de6f850d220f9df762&utm_source=newsletter I think this car is a substantial improvement over the looks of an F12. I say that with no disrespect to the F12, a car which I admire a lot. I expect to be pretty much alone in this view on this thread, but if you disagree or agree with me I would love to know why. I expect it will come down to those who like visual aggresion in the design of fast GT cars, and those who don't ?
Fantastic car and a car given Touring's history and given it's great design, should be embraced by Ferrari (F12 Lusso ?). Just as the F12 itself a masterpiece. Meaning; should allow Touring to put it's logo's on (ofcourse after some due diligence regarding the production proces). Totally agree by the way with the last paragraph, VAG's "Xerox" design is a prime example IMO.
Although I like the design of the F12-- almost all of it -- I think that the Touring Lusso does what it sets out to do. One has the impression that when hwn you see this car 50 yeas from now it will still look elegant and will draw you eye to it. This is what you mean by "timeless." Not sure about the F12.
Not bad, makes a 488 look cheap. Only things missing are SF shields, the prancing horses on the front and back and Daytona style leather. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I saw this car out at Pebble. My reaction is its its a nice car. I'm happy for its owner. Very pleasing design. It harkens back to smoother Ferrari designs. But I don't think its better than the F12. To my mind its just a very nice limited special take on the F12. As a volume production V12 car, the F12 is a spectacular modern design and just what a modern Ferrari should be. Just my opinion of course.
100% agree with a single rear tail light conversion. It would be a nice addition to an already established Ferrari collection. It certainly wouldn't be a priority over a stock f12. I would interested to see it in different colours.
I think the fundamental appeal of the car is that it harks back at a perceived golden period which usually brings up emotions and memories for guys that were young in those days and all that perceived experiences which they project on the car. Guys in their teens and 20s during the 250 range may be in their 70s now and can afford their dream cars and buying this car is almost like buying a modern day 250/275. The 250 range had hand made bodies so things like an aero bridge or the complex f12 rear were just out of the question. So simplifying the f12 design to accomodate/replicate the technological process of yesteryear will only appeal to a certain few. A hood scope was the extent of aerodynamics back in the day and even that was more temperature control as opposed to down force. "Aero is for people that can't build engines." The f12 is sexy, aggressive and designed using a wind tunnel.
Totalle agree with your last sentence. But not so much with the rest; you may or may not like the design, but this Lusso is unquestionably a modern day Ferrari. But one which happens to be a more elegant and understated approach (without going over the top retro) to modern day Ferrari's but still has that masculinity and part aero that current day Ferrari's have. And the unique F12's design/aero feature (is it really functional?) does make it stand out, but it doesn't make it the difference between being a wind tunnel design or not. The Lusso does have a diffuser for instance; as long it's not build for F1 or LeMans their's always going to be a trade off between design, aero and downforce. And you could arque if Ferrari's like the FF, 612 or in this case the F12 Lusso need or should be aero/downforce driven. I feel Ferrari should embrace the designers of old like Touring, more instead of choosing Ferrari's current route by making silly, customer fantasy, inhouse one off's by their Special Projects division like the F12 TRS or the 458 SP12 EPC for example.
Stylistically you have a point but Ferrari is a business and as a business they do best when they do this stuff in house.
I am interested to see how this car compares to a regular F12 in a head to head for acceleration, top speed, braking and most importantly stability and driving dynamics. We are always told that modern cars are more edgy and less cohesive due to them being shaped in a wind tunnel. It would be cool to see what the real world difference is between old school and new school design.
Ferrari's business is style - mostly timeless style - which was done best out of house for a very long time. The verdicts yet to be rendered about recent moves.
Oh I agree- just pointing out the likely mindset behind the recent moves. And the really questionable ones are more one off cars. Not likely to damage any reputations. And we are hearing the F12 VS looks great. I'm sure they have one very talented designers. Things change. I'd prefer if they stuck with PF, but thats life.
It's a bit odd to me, looks dated and lacking integrity. Wheels don't quite go, etc. I bet it's unable to handle the power of the F12 at full go without the down force. I would not want to drive it over 200 mph. Form follows function is lost. Seems really for a sentimentalist, not a modern car lover and car driver. And that's ok. Enjoy
Design is, to a point, always subjective. Your FF must generate tons of downforce. Naive or just provocative. Strong words; type black or white. Fortunately live is far from just black or white ;-) Enjoy your white FF.
+1. Mine too. The 288GTO was very much "of the moment" and partook of Ferrari's contemporary design language of the time -- and, lo and behold, a couple of decades later, who doubts that it is a full-on all-time classic? Just think if someone had re-skinned it back then to look like some 50s racer. These judgments require time and reflection -- they can't conclusively be made in the moment. Having said that, I find very little to criticize about the design of the stock F12 as Ferrari's 12-cylinder flagship.
The OP asked if you agree with his opinion and why. I disagree. In fact, I see nothing really to admire in this car. Looks like an F12 desperately trying to get out of a milquetoast form. Just an odd looking car IMHO.
Exactly right. There is always something sweet to fall back on. Sentimental is not a design aesthetic for a bold car company. It will always lack a certain integrity of effort, because it's aesthetic is past, and there are so many choices in the classics to pull from. A forward thinking design has a singularity of vision.
