F8 or STO?

These track times are not meant as the gospel since different days and different drivers can make a significant difference. However, it is still my belief that while track times might be competitive they will not be singularly stellar. Lamborghini, if history is the measure, does not have the ability, Ferrari Mclaren and Porsche has in creating RWD cars that are masterful in putting down power.

 

I specifically ditched RWD this time for the following. I would assume most here have only experienced so much liveliness in driving these types of cars in a none track environment. It's not often you get the chance to go to roads where you can do this responsibly. A drive I've taken dozens of times going up to Zion National Park is an example I'll mention. Going up and down this particular twisty road you can let her rip. My RWD Huracan felt really skittish when you'd push it and I got spooked on a few occasions. My .2 RS was much better however with that said I still didn't feel overly confident pushing beyond what I was comfortable with. My EVO awd felt super glued to the road. This feeling and confidence actually heightened the driving experience and fun factor for me as I no longer had to worry about driving home with tree bark stuck to the side of my car.

 

The STO's suspension is derived straight from the Super Trofeo. This car is as close to a street legal race car as there is. It will do well on a track but I dont believe it will be setting any records. All of these cars are so close that the slightest thing can set them apart on any given day. Even the mighty 765 and GT2RS will not have their best days under certain conditions, tracks and drivers. Personally I am not going to go balls out in my street cars on a track, its just not worth it to me so the 2 seconds is meaningless. Now my race cars are another story. I push as hard as I can and I have a couple incidents to prove it. :/ It is inevitable if you are on the edge.

 

It’s surprising that an AWD would provide a higher level of confidence on very tight twisty roads. Specifically, for this type of driving only, I *might* also prefer AWD over RWD.

We have many, many fine examples in the east as well (Tail of the Dragon, Head of the Dragon, The Snake, The Rattler, Hellbender, Moonshiner) that represent the very end of this spectrum. They can be fabulous if this is your preferred driving type.

The 458 is a blast on these roads, because despite RWD only, if doesn’t overwhelm with an unmanageable power curve.

The RWD STO, I’m not so sure about….

To @Gh21631, I also get it about operating at the edge. Last week there was a 600LT at the Tail who discovered the other side - there’s almost no room for error there. My guess…..too much power, too soon.
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No need to guess. This is just the net result of a big ego and inadequate driver skill to match. Blaming the car or the power is absurd. Even with awd it comes back down to the driver being able to keep it all in check. A big ego, and all the nannies in the world will never substitute for a lack of driving skill. Everyone should know this by now surely? Although going by this example evidently not.

 

Actually, I re-read my post and intended to say “not surprising”……. of course an AWD would be expected to perform better here.

And to @Shadowfox’s reply, this is 100% pilot error, no doubt. Not the car.

But a more powerful car will exacerbate inadequate driver skill under these conditions (nannies or not, agreed). A massive rush of torque and hp will bring you there - fast.

Luckily he survived……I wonder what he told his insurance company….deer?

 

A blisteringly fast super car will never be the cause for a crash. The blame will always reside with the driver and his lacking skills. This will apply to RWD and AWD cars. A competent driver will know the capabilities and limitations of their car and will be sufficiently adept to compensate for the car 's weaknesses and maximize its excellences.

 

It was no real surprise to see STO not break the record many here held high hopes for. Some are forgetting how strong the competition actually is.

STO will be an immersive driving experience in comparison to the perf and evo though and for most thats all that matters - not as if buyers of these STO’s will be racing fender to fender. Its just a track day car where the best time of the day will be produced by the better driver on the day. This is how it always is. You could see a guy in an MR GT2 being beaten by a guy in a stock 3rs - not unusual. Same goes for even faster cars like Pistas and 765 where a well driven 3rs will hold top spot. I think too many are getting caught up in the thought that this car is going to do it all for them as evidenced in that pic wthensler put up.

In terms of the Hockenheim test there are always variables which can alter outcomes between days however, I cant see the current pecking order changing given the 3 seconds difference as the same would apply to the other cars where they too may see an even better time produced. It is what it is give or take….

 

This is exactly right, the car can do only so much. The driver is the biggest wild card and then the other variables compound. Don't get caught up in these tests as they won't change the driver experience/enjoyment. This car will be a lot of fun but won't set any meaningful records.

 

It's not so simple. In order to appreciate the limits of a car you have to push it which may lead to an unfortunate incident. This doesn't necessarily mean it was a poor or inexperienced driver. Ideally you are on a track with plenty of room for forgiveness while you figure it out otherwise you hit ****.

 

Exactly. It all comes down to the driver. And re STO when you consider where Mclaren is up to with their chassis, and then the unrelenting effort and feats that come out from Porsche's GT division the competition sure has some work cut out for them. I actually think it's a huge credit to both driver and car that STO actually managed to produce the time which it did considering the competition which its up against now.

 

That remains to be seen IMO

 

In these professional race times, not only is the driver's talent critical, his familiarity with the driving dynamics of the car is vital. Knowing how to maximize the car's strengths while simultaneously minimizing its idiosyncacries and vulnerabilities will determine a successful run. Furthermore, as is the case with athletes, some days will see see stellar performances and on others not so much. Even Michael Jordan had days he was not at his best.

 

Professional drivers like Christian adapt to cars VERY quickly - particularly street cars that have much more approachable limits than something like a high downforce formula car or prototype race car. Keep in mind he knows the track like the back of his hand and has driven numerous other Huracan variants before. His lack of familiarity with the STO isn’t the root cause of the slower than expected lap time.

 

I was being general in my comments not specific to the STO. I do not believe that the STO will set any track records for ressons I stated in a pevious post.

 

3 sec difference on the same track isn’t all weather and tires. Hock track time difference due to weather for example same car is cool weather vs hot weather should only be around .5 maybe 1sec better with perfect track weather. On a longer track like Sebring in hot humid Florida vs winter cool dry weather for us same cars same drivers is around 1 to 1.5 sec.
The STO seems very SLOW.

 

Gentlemen these cars are not for the track even though they say they are....if you want to track
balls to the wall go by a proper track car and track gear that go with the car.
good luck.

 

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Seen today at an Italian car gathering in Boston. Probably 200 cars. The Lambos were in one area, the Ferraris in another. Those who will buy a STO are probably not those who will buy a F8 and vice versa. IMO.


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The only meaningful record to me is in the one in my head. And it’s not numbers based.

 

The only meaningful record to me is in the one in my head. And it’s not numbers based.

 

Sometimes I can’t wait to sit back with a beautiful red wine, a cheese board, and Yo Yo Ma playing Bach Cello Suites; other times I’m hankering for some good tequila and Van Halen (the real Van Halen with DLR).
Ain’t life sweet?

 

Until you’re breathing exhaust fumes and furiously trying to keep up on the BRP, lol!

Being a Speciale rockstar isn’t easy, I imagine.

Peace.

 

You’re right, it was hairy with us hitting a top speed of maybe 55.

 

These cars are highly immersive and fast street cars that are useable and highyly competent on a track. They clearly are not all out race cars.

 

Lol!

Just don’t publish our average speed which was, let’s see…hmmmmm 120 miles in 5-6 hours?

But that included the crossing black bear, the cyclists (except the angry one), the numerous stops to take in the views, the photo ops, fighting off the flocking crowds, having to play the role of emissary, ombudsman, spokesperson, mouthpiece, and otherwise goodwill ambassador for Ferrari, and of course the guy standing in the Parkway on the blind corner we almost clobbered……..

And our biggest fear - getting caught behind the lazy RVs - was never a problem!

Clear skies and open roads await us soon enough!