Richard Some might not like your post at all, as it gets really critical of small issues. I disagree. But I think you are trying to find the PERFECT car and I'm not sure it exists. I think you find the car that has the fewest "issues" that you can live with. It's the old pros vs cons ideology. The closest that I had to PERFECT was a 2004 GT3 (except for the seats, which sucked). As to the questions (I'm rarely offended by anything); no, I'm not worried about leaving $10K on the table for an indefinite period. To me, when you get into high dollar cars, that type of financial commitment just comes with the territory. No, the SE fiasco doesn't reduce my opinion of Lambo one bit, at least not as much as the 456 reduced my opinion of Ferrari. Finally, there are no more details on the Gallardo GT. This morning the dealer said he will call Jonh Lucca (?) in Italy to find out if anything else has been released. I'll wait 3-9 months and pull my deposit if no GT materializes and they don't come up with a new Lambo that I want. Now the car "stuff" I've had a 2006 Gallardo on our local track (Barber Motorsport Park) and the car really surprised me! What I didn't like is that the car feels heavy (I guess because it is) and turn in is nowhere near as crisp as my F430 or the Gt3. Visibility does suck. For me it was particularly bad because of the front A pillars. The car felt a little sterile to me; kind of like a Porsche TT. If I had it to do over again, I would buy the 6-speed F430. I don't think that the electronic suspension settings on the F430 are a gimmick; I think they are fantastic (for 90% of the people). I think that the bang for the buck factor (when you include a ton of criteria like: build quality, durability, etc) easily goes to the GT3. I'll have the F430 on the track in March, and the GT3 RS on the track a few months later. That's when I'll be able to make a better assessment of the two. Good luck with your search.
You will either see more annual production of a single model or more platform sharing going forward. The economics of making a few hundred a year just do not work for trying to run a car company.
This writing sounds like high-school newspaper style. Not very professional at all, or maybe the guy's just not a good writer. This is probably just someone starting the rumour mill spinning. Doesn't even peak my interest...yet.
Good suggestion. Although Porsche does not have an SMG .... at this time (kinda/sorta ironic considering the were the *first* to develop an SMG) I was originally shopping for a new Porsche 997 and ended up w/an 05 F430 instead. The key factor which caused me to look elsewhere: Porsche dealer attitude. Very off putting. And I contacted practically every Porsche dealer in Wash, OR and N. Cal. Same ole, same ole. <whatevuh!> Now, if Porsche do offer an SMG in 08 .... I still *might* consider the marque. But I fear the same kind of piss poor attitudes that finally made me give up on BMW. I find it funny .... here we have Ferrari .... a marque w/every reason to show "attitude" but Ferrari dealers have all treated me w/kindness, patience and respect. And please don't think that price is truly an issue. The Porsches I was thinking of cost around $150K and I made it clear who I was (not in an arrogant manner either, just financials, refs and such) and etc. BTW, Lambo dealers were not impressive either. No call backs, etc. Disclaimer: I didn't chat w/Roy Cats or I might have ended up w/a Lambo. Still might. <shrug> Richard.
Yes, I hope I haven't offended anyone. But some of us value "small" items more than others. E.g I drive long distances to track my cars and a good sound system helps kill time. Thx for being so understanding Phil <chuckle> Perfection is the Lord's purview. As I wrote .... the qualities i'd like in a new Ferrari are not exact (ie; negotiable) but since I am "wishing in one hand" <mo chuckles> I might as well wish large. ;-) Gosh, I love Porsches also. Please see my preceding post for more info. Wholly subjective of course but an easy fix on a GT-type Porsche, right? Thx for the replies and your continued patience. I think if I decide on a Lambo for the 08 year i'll contact CatsExotics and be prepared to wait. Ted H. (a very dear friend of mine) is a Senior Instructor for CLASS. I've seen lotsa vids of Barber. You are SOOOO lucky! Understood. It's a trade off i'd gladly make in return for the AWD. But that's just me. There's no doubt the F430 is slightly faster (ie; lap times under normal conditions) and sharper. Unfortunately i'm handicapped (limited use of my left leg/foot) and an SMG allows me to play on a level field. <chuckle> Yes, I was speaking strictly for myself. I will add that even for most folks a simple on/off switch would do. Or at most a three position switch. The Manettino (IMHO) is marketing Hype which adds cost and complexity. But it sure as heck impresses the lustful hordes (which is pretty cool). Again, I must point out that i'm very limited in my car knowledge. Ah jist drives 'em boss. <lol> But from what i've seen .... I agree 100%! Ah, one of each. My fave choice in all things. ;-) I hope you'll post your thoughts then. Thx. A year to go. And a new HPDE season awaits w/a wondeful weapon at my disposal. But until late 07 .... I'll enjoy all the speculation and anticipation. Richad.
Interesting. I have absolutely no complaints with the F430 throttle, don't have any feeling of abruptness with it at all, very linear, and zero lag. Three-pedal car, though. Gary
You're certainly the kind of owner who'd notice. WTS: I'm not discounting the fact that the programming may be off on mine. Or? I'm pretty sure "lag" from a stop is related to the F1 tranny and/or traction control. As for troubleshooting: Waste of time. RTGT have made so many serious mistakes already that I dread taking the car there. Richard.
