Impressions of the 458 Italia

I figure the moderator may move this to the 458 board, but I own a 360 and so put it here. I have not seen on in person, but from looking at pictures in all my car magazines (all the major ones are featuring it this month), I don't like the exterior looks all that much, from any angle. The interior I do like and performance, well what is not to like (until I drive one I suppose).

I felt the same about the California, then I saw one in person and liked it much more (saw one this morning again), but still don't love it, particularly from the rear. But I do like its looks over the 458.

I think the 360 and 430 are much better looking cars, and the 355 even better looking.

I suspect I am in the minority, am I right? I am just wondering because lately I have not been enamored with car designs. For example, after owning 7 BMW's (including 4 M cars) I hate the Bangle Era designs. And now they took the only thing I liked about the Z4 (the rear) and messed that up too. And I hate their interior desings. Only Mercedes, Aston, and Audi are headed in the right direction IMHO with excellent designs. Ferrari (well Pininfarina) is the master of design, but this embodiment does not hit the mark with me. I like Lambo designs, but I still prefer Ferrari.

 

From reading your post, it seems we have similar views in some ways and divergent in others. For instance, I love the exterior of the 458, it's the interior I hate with the WAY over burdened steering wheel controls and honda/japaneese like dash design, including the canted plastic looking switches/vents on the right and left of the steering wheel. From my experience of sitting in and driving several recent ferrari's I believe the interior will be much more impressive in person to feel/touch/smell/experience, but in pictures I hate the design. An example of what I mean is I had only been in a 360 once quickly before buying mine and taking delivery, and once I got it and had a chance to poke around I couldn't believe the level of detail and quality in the interior- from the butter soft leather covering everything to the stitching (in contrasting color in my car) everywhere, even the corners behind the driver/passenger head by the rear window and in the leather above the door...I can tell that the 458 uses quality materials/craftsmanship from the pictures after experiencing my 360 which is from several generations ago!

Another example of design philosophy is the simple leather 3 spoke small airbag steering wheel of the 360 which I much prefer over the 430/458 type of steering wheel- it's not that hard for me to hit the sport switch when I want to from the dash, don't need it by my thumb taking up "steering wheel real estate". I'm surprised you hate the bangle era interiors but like the 458 over the 430 or 360 interiors...

Regarding the exterior, I find it amazing that Ferrari can continue to pen beautiful designs like the 458 (although I don't like the general dimensions of the California which seem more fitting for a Jag or Maserati- I like the more striking lower/wider stance like the 458/430/360). You and I are in agreement on the Bangle era BMW's and current benzes...I'm keeping my 540 for a long time and may buy another clean low mileage pre-2004 5-series if needed as the past 8 years I've had the 540 have been great.

One more point- I mean for my gripes on things like the 458 interior or california to be taken on a basis relative to other ferraris....a california for example is quite a wonderful car that I'd love to have (just would rather have a 360 especially factoring in the cost). And I realize I have a more classic design preference then cutting edge (458 interior) or trendy (jaguar XF interior) preferenece...I guess a benefit I get from buying used cars is I get the ones with the more classic type styling, along with the cost savings of buying used (or put another way, I have to wait 5-10 years to get the cars I really want because I can't afford them new )

 

I don't care much for the new design. Its a lot uglier than the 360 or F430. Hopefully it will allow me to score a good deal on a 360 CS or F430 Scuderia in couple of years.

 

I like the 458.

It's weird, but I like it.

 

I would need to see one in the metal before passing final judgement but on paper I like the car.

 

I have no idea what you gents are seeing. This car is a design/artistic achievement not seen since the Daytona and E-Type.

Hopefully more potential buyers think like you so there will be more for me to snatch up. haha'


Forza,


Cavallini

 

I see your points. I actually think I like the 430 interior slightly more than the 360 and the 360 and 458 interiors about the same (according to pictures anyway as to the 458). I think I like the California interior better than both. I like my 360 interior just fine. Some of the buttons look cheap though, but the leather and Daytona seats I love.

I will have to see one in person to really know. I don't think the R8 photographs well, but in person, it is a beautiful car. Some cars are better in person.

I realize this is all a matter of taste and don't mean to offend future 458 owners. I am sure demand will outstrip supply at any rate. Interestingly, in terms of Bangle desings, my favorite pre Bangle car is the Z3 looks-wise. I have owned 3 (now own an '01 S54 M Roadster I will keep forever). In its worst sales year, the Z3 design still outsold the Z4 in its best sales year and prices for used Z3's are often more than many used (and newer) Z4's. Right now, in the beautiy department, my hat tips to those I mentioned before.

 

I agree- the 458 is still an awesome car- that's why I said my comments on design were relative to other Ferraris, the greatest car manufacturer in the world period

Regarding your Z3 comments- when Z3 came out I thought it was pretty cool, but when the Z4 came out suddenly I really liked the Z3 much more for all its curves, good looks and classical cues. If someone gave me a Z4 I'd list that thing for sale ASAP as there is nothing I like about it, interior or exterior wise.

 

I just don't see it. Maybe it will grow on me.

 

Well I am weird also! I think the exterior is the most beautiful car in many years short of the Super F cars.

I had a 360 and now a F430. I first had a manual and the a F1 with the 430. I like the manual better. My dealer is finding a 6 speed 430 for me. Damn I wish the 458 was available in manual

Lee

 

I dont want to sound like an a** but why make a thread about your impression of a car you havent seen in real life. What is the point. Why dont you just tell us your impressions in all the other 458 thread?

I would understand if you're making a new thread because you have seen it, drove it or whatever.

Again, im sorry if I offended you or anyone else, but I really dont see the point of this thread. Wait until you see it IRL to have an impression.. and im pretty sure you will like it when you see it in the metal

 

As of this writing, the Italia hasn't yet come to US shores. Until it does, less will have experienced it. Those posts in other threads from those in Europe who have driven and seen it up close have recounted only good things about it. Despite it's strange traits, the hardest issue for me is what color do I choose for the exterior and interior.

 

Difficult to have any meaningful opinion based on pics.
Wait until you see it for real.... I really didn't like the front on pictures, and found the overall shape a little bit to complex. I saw it at a Swiss dealer today, it looks just amazing - even the front is very elegant. The 430 was next to it, in comparison it looked very old-fashioned! Now I am waiting for the test drive next week....

 

for me 355>458>360>430 looks wise.

 

My order is close. 355 > 360 > 430 > 458

550 > 575 > 599

456 > 612 > etc

You see where I'm going with this. Aston has the market cornered on beauty.

Bangle BMWs are still hideous. E38 and E39 were the last ones I liked. E46 M3 is okay.

 

Every "beauty" gets boring after it gets cloned so many times.....

 

Aston doesn't really do all that much for me...so no, to me, they don't have the market 'cornered' on beauty...

 

In all seriousness, I think and hope it will. It's an absolutely stunning achievement. But very, very advanced. It may be necessary to see it in person. I actually had a similar reaction to the 599. I didn't get it at first then one day I saw it on Youtube and it all clicked.

I'm sure you'll see it.

Forza,


Cavallini

 

The 355 is a very simple design, clean and beautiful but very two-dimensional and easy.

I think you guys eyes and brains haven't really adjusted to what Ferrari has been doing the last few models.

Eventually you'll see it though. It may take a few decades.

Forza,


Cavallini

 

Spot on !

 

Very good summing up of the 355.