How much of a threat to Ferrari is the new Z06?

I think all the exotic Marques need to watch out. The landscape in the entire automotive world is quickly changing. Some/many here may be excited about the 296 but I know more than a few who have no desire to add a v6 hybrid to their stables. McLaren is going to v6 hybrids too with their Arturo and the upcoming super series replacement. This more “anemic”, less analog “electrified” shift is likely driven by the regulatory landscape more than the free market. So the v8’s are disappearing and you add a four door Tesla knocking down low 9 second quarters for $130k and it’s hard to say that the v6 hybrid is better.

“Gear heads” love sounds and mechanical mastery. It’s why so many of us have Rolex’s, AP’s, Patek’s, Panerais instead of apple watches. The Z06 brings it a level of mechanical mastery that NO ONE has ever achieved out of a flat plane NA V8 - and does it for $120k?-130k? I’ve been hunting dealers to put me on their “list” for the last week. I’ll still keep my exotics but blind brand loyalty will only take the exotic brands so far.

 

I’ve had a bunch of Ferraris and one Corvette. Great fun cars no question. The C8 gives us the mid engine wedge shape many of us lust for. Now the sound of NA with plenty of power. So the C8 is a valid proposition.
I usually have a couple Ferraris and currently just one but two on order. However I haven’t placed a deposit on a Z06.
Three main reasons:
First and foremost you do get what you pay for.
Performance wise the cars may be getting close but..
No way ever will a $120k car be as premium as a $400k car. It only take a moment to look around the interior to see the shortcomings.
I want the best so I’m keeping my F orders.
Second I appreciate exclusivity. I like having something different than every Tom.
Lastly it’s a Ferrari. It’s been my lifelong dream.
Nothing can substitute the feeling of owning and driving. I’m passionate about F1 and the history of the marque. It’s always an event to drive and to be able to have that connection with Ferrari and everything it is and has been.

Of course I’m also a car guy. So I’m interested in the Z06. Financially if I wasn’t blessed to be in a position to own an F8 etc then sure of course I would consider Z06


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Smokin v10- nails it.

Manual z06 please!

 

But if you were seriously cross-shopping one company's newest production top sports car against the other's same car you likely couldn't afford the Ferrari.

 

I’m sure gm will sell a more bespoke model for that niche … I wonder what the tally of every option would be …. We’ve only focused on base msrp.

But you make a good point. If you want to flash you must spend more.

for my money and interest it better do more than cost more… and that is the Achilles heel for a model like this… it is a disruptor. I like it.

 

To me, my past corvettes were fiberglass muscle cars......raw power. I still think of them that way.......even a mid-engine one. That is not a slam. It is just what I think about when I see them. I do not think we should be thinking in absolute terms....NA good....turbo bad.....Ferrari lost its way....Ferrari not a track car...Ferrari sound bad.....C8 best car out there....C8 sounds great.....etc. If you want a corvette get it and be happy...If you want a Ferrari get it and be happy. I do think that if you have a C8 and get passed by a F8 or Pista you might have that slight wish that you had one. Conversely, I do not think many F8 or Pista owners will look over at the C8 and wish they had bought the Chevy instead.

 

I used to say Corvettes arent comparable, and to some extent i still believe that but they certainly are getting mighty close. Ferrari lost the sound with the 488 and to me (and i think to a lot of us), the sound is probably top 3 when buying a Ferrari.

The other 2 are the driving experience and the look. Havent driven the new C8 or C8 Z06 so cant comment.

 

I'll just be honest here. Shoot me if you want.

I have a C8 now and its almost as much fun as having a 458. It lacks the 458's wonderful motor but its easier to drive around with a lot less hassle. I drive it places and at times I never would with a 458 (like taking laundry to the cleaners). The interior functions better as a GT with easy to understand controls. It has more cargo area. It has actual working GPS and Apple car play that was free instead of paying $4000 for a bit of software. In city driving its just as fast, gets better gas mileage, is easier to park thanks to 5 cameras, has blind spot warnings so you don't sweat changing lanes, and even has a camera that records everything for the past 12 hours. The top goes up and down faster and up to 30 MPH where the 458 had to be at a complete stop. The leather isn't as soft and doesn't smell as great but it doesn't wear out when sitting in it. This Thanksgiving I'm going on a 1000 mile journey with it -- I don't worry about "mileage" depreciation.

The Z06 solves the sexy motor issue but keeps the C8's usability issues.

I don't think Ferrari is worried as I think the Z06 just opens up the market more to 2 seat sports cars. Suddenly they are affordable to more people.

What it might effect is 458 and newer used cars prices. This is true for Mac, Lambo and Porsche as well. Right now I would own a Z06 over a 458 -- and I thought I would never say that especially when saying the 458 is a much prettier car by a mile. I'm disappointed Ferrari has moved to turbo's and batteries and electric motors. The Z06 might be the last great new N/A V8 sports car engine we ever see made again.

What a pity.

Oh and BTW: I am seriously looking at the new Nissan Z as a second car next year. 400 HP, manual box standard, going back to its roots -- about 40 grand to start. Not a bad start at all.

 

Z06 launches as Ferrari puts out a major 458/488 recall on dodgy brakes lol.Must admit a Z06 with a horse on the hood would blow the 296 out of the water, is 296/SF90 really flying off the shelves ?

 

I think the 296 is really pretty -- but I would not pay $350,000 for a hybrid.

 

Maybe another way to look at it is I AM a multiple Ferrari owner (from 1972 to 2020) including a PISTA passed on the F8... and will be glad to keep them and add the Z06
I am very interested to see how I like it (I have also owned over 40 corvettes including 4 currently).. I think the Z06 will be an awesome car... at any level

 

A big aspect is whether one sees the flashiness of a Ferrari as an asset or a liability. There is something good about being able to go about one's business in a car that attracts less attention.

I have never been a Corvette fan but, wow, the C8 with a flat plane crankshaft V8 is the first Corvette that I think is awesome. To me, it is the true successor to the 458.

It truly is ironic that GM has moved into the space that Ferrari once dominated: the flat plane crank V8. We all talk about Ferrari's V12 sound, but their V8s were equally awesome, perhaps more so than the V12s in the modern era.

I can't help but wonder if Ferrari will respond with a normally aspirated rear-mid V12 model. That would be fantastic.

 

Yes.

 

i just can’t see the 296GTB v6 hybrid flying off the shelves - especially with mediocre power and weight specs. If I’m going to succumb the mechanical mastery of a pure ICE engine FOR A HYBRID, it better put down some serious power (SF90, 918, P1, LaF) and have a V8 or v12 symphony to accompany it. The wedge a eenie-weenie v6 and use a sound pipe to simulate sound with likely F8-ish performance, no thanks. Then I’ll be buying used exotics or go full electric for more performance.

MANY here who like the z06 have exotics - purchased new in our garages. It’s definitely not a financial constraint. I’m just an “objective car guy” rather than a blind brand loyalist. I’m adding a C8 Z06- objectively speaking, I’m FAR more excited about that car than a 296GTB, or Arturo. As things get more digital I’m also eyeing a 3 pedal 992 GT3 but that’s the same vane as the z06.

 

The trouble w purchasing a hybrid drive automobile today— the tech curve is so steep and dramatic in amplitude…. Today’s new tech just will not age well in 3-5 yrs….. no longer timeless. More of a consumable. This is not just an f car problem,

the zo6 hits a nostalgic mechanical sweet spot for the traditional car nuts in a time of transitional drive trains w unrecognizable engine character and perhaps un-memorable character….,

 

I'm shocked at how the reception of the car and how much people like the look of the car...

Also... Have you driven a sf90? The car is absolutely insane. Incredibly incredibly good. Incredibly good value.

The 296 is beautiful and people seem to like it...

Also... The 488 was not received well yet sold very well...

Plus if you want the next cool thing from Ferrari... You will be buying a 296.

 

These companies and the market have virtually no choice but to make them.


Thems the breaks folks.

 

I should have posted this I one cohesive thought but I think the Ferrari (or Porsche. Lamborghini) brand loyalty is a short term play. Those of us here who had those cars in our bedroom walls are an aging demographic. Gen X grew up with v12’s in Testarossas or Lamborghini Coutachs on our walls. Gen Y caught the trailing end of gearheads (when dads stopped working on cars and plastic models fell out of vogue). Millenials/Gen Z just have a MUCH lower interest in vehicles. The Gen Z in my office just uber into the office and talk about crypto - zero interest in cars. That’s just for us “old guys”.

That’s means those of us who are hanging the hat on brand prestige and childhood dreams now can’t get the v12, or V8 and sounds/sensation that we grew up with. Gen Z is into electrification, the environment and ride sharing. Sure some are still banking on prestige but you’re splitting that demographic into the side that cares about brand more than experience. The Z06 is unique because it looks to be the ONLY car that is going to scratch that itch (Maybe the Porsche 992 GT3 and upcoming GT3 RS can play here too) Where the z06 it may lack in caché and brand provenance it makes up where the exotics have acquiesced to regulatory pressures. I think the next twin turbo C8 ZR1 is likely going to destroy numbers from the Pista, F8, 720S, 765LT. The Zora will romp the SF90. Yes all exotic manufacturers better watch out. In the next 2-10 years they don’t look to be winning where they used to win. They also don’t look to be winning where they need to win next (pure electric).

 

Even though performance numbers of zo6 and f8 are staggering, I have no desire for either. Manufacturers are chasing metrics no longer relevant to people who don’t track. Sure z06 will be a screamer, but IMO still won’t be as involving on the street as a less potent car with a stick shift. There are not many new car options that I banter around in my head, just 992gt3, gt4 and emira

So for 130k, if choice for me is zo6 or sorted gated 360, I’d go gated 360 without a second thought. The crazy levels of modern performance are lost on me (and I’m still in my 40s)

 

Gated 360 owner here… hanging onto the past!

agree none of the new offerings appeal to me.

Z 06 is a glimmer of hope for us ice dinosaurs!

I would love to see f put out a gated na v8 lightweight w out all the cf posh bits…something for the track rat and street legal. How about the modern recreation of the Dino.

I digress .., just an aging gen x hanging onto the past.

 

I'm all for having lots of options as an enthusiasts but I don't think the Corvette and Ferrari comparison makes any sense. Perhaps if you are just someone who buys cars solely off stats or bang for the buck. IMO anyone who is looking for an exotic won't even consider a Corvette. It doesn't matter if it's faster, a better deal, etc. They are in two completely different segments of the market.

As much as it pains me to say it, most Ferrari buyers that I see now are in the game solely for the "statement". You aren't going to make any type of statement in south Florida in a Corvette. Lol, they even stick them waaaaaay back at the end of the line for the Toy Rally. Guess it's hard to measure up in a see of Paganis, Sennas, Bugattis, Ferraris, Lambos, etc. Even Porsche has little to no pull here.

Love it or hate it, I'd say 90% of exotic buyers think this way. Yes, they love the performance aspect but first and foremost to them is the brand clout.

The other thing I am gobsmacked by is the people who think they can't drive their Ferrari to places they would take a Corvette. IMO that is nonsense. I've taken a 458 up to Daytona twice and back and forth to Orlando at least 3 times. I've put thousands of miles going everywhere from Publix to Walmart and back. Doesn't matter the destination. Not one single time did I think "boy I wish a had a Vette" on those drives. It's a car, drive it!!!!!

 

So I'm not saying your wrong because I might be too but here is a counter point.

My generation grew up with 90s cars being absolutely awesome.

Motor trend tv... Top gear...

And the biggest movie franchise of all time... Fast and furious.

If you think that the enthusiasm for internal combustion engine stuff is going away in the next 30 years... I'd disagree.

Also... The largest transfer of wealth in human history is about to happen...


The enthusiasm for the automobile is here to stay for several more decades unless it is legislated out.


The freebies and subscription rider of the current generation are doing so out of nessecity.

Also car guys have always been a smaller percentage of the world population. So yes you will always see more people into other things than cars.


It's been that way for decades.

 

My view is from the late 90s until the advent of Youtube, working on cars declined significantly in popularity. Cars had gotten reliable enough that it wasn't really necessary, and they had gotten complicated enough that it was harder to do. Youtube however changed all that, all of a sudden there is a huge amount of easily understandable information out there on how to fix basically anything. People are once again realizing that they can fix things themselves, with the help of a nice video walking them through the process. In addition there are all these folks, fixing, modding, driving and just talking about cars on Youtube (and other social media) now. I think its causing a real resurgence in a love for cars.

 

Yup... Car channels on YouTube are as big as mainstream news as far as views. And these people are mostly idiots not celebrities not talented in filming or driving. Just a person with a camera vlogging... Millions of views

 

The hardcore car fab channels are great…. I find the exotic focused u toobers to be all flash and little value. More lifestyle vs substance.