California Steering | FerrariChat

California Steering

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by rainforest, Oct 5, 2010.

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  1. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    418
    #1 rainforest, Oct 5, 2010
    I'm surprised nobody else has really brought this up in the forum, but does anybody else feel that the steering is too light in the California? Aren't sports cars supposed to have more road feel, and hence taughter steering? This is one criticism that several people who have driven my car have mentioned, and to be honest, I didn't have a very good answer for them.
     
  2. ignacio

    ignacio Karting

    Feb 25, 2004
    235
    annapolis md
    #2 ignacio, Oct 6, 2010
    i respectfully disagree. the steering is fine--similiar to the modena or the porsche turbo.

    i thought that the steering in old ferraris like the testarossa made them too difficult to use, especially as gt cars.
     
  3. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #3 jenniferq, Oct 6, 2010
    +1

    Drove her 180 miles today and loved the steering. Tight when she needs to be, and relaxed and easy when she doesn't. GT is what it's all about with this car. If someone wants a track car, they need to buy a race car, not a GT.

    77 degrees and beautiful blue skies. Top down, sheer joy...
     
  4. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    418
    #4 rainforest, Oct 6, 2010
    I don't really have a problem with the steering, but many people who drove my car have made such a comment. And I have to admit, the steering is as light as my Lexus. Is this normal? I thought that sports cars are supposed to have more "road feel".

    The second criticism I get is that the side bolsters are too tight, and that the seats are uncomfortable. I already released the pressure in the bolsters, but passengers still say the seat is uncomfortable for long periods. For myself, I am very thin and hence cannot even feel the bolsters when set to their tightest setting. Pretty sad. Gotta work out more.
     
  5. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    #5 PhilNotHill, Oct 6, 2010
    I thought I was too fat for a California. The seats for me are painful.
     
  6. lee168

    lee168 Formula Junior

    Dec 19, 2003
    251
    Texas
    Full Name:
    Eddie
    #6 lee168, Oct 6, 2010
    I would prefer a slightly heavier steering myself on the California. It's a bit too light for me as well.
     
  7. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #7 jenniferq, Oct 6, 2010
    So that's why hubby says he doesn't like them! Well, Pilates is helping him with that...:)
     
  8. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #8 jenniferq, Oct 6, 2010
    +1 I love the seats and find them quite comfortable, but much more so when I'm driving than just "passengering'!
     
  9. ARED4RE

    ARED4RE Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2004
    250
    #9 ARED4RE, Oct 7, 2010
    Yes, steering too light (although you get used to it) and Daytona seats too tight ( and you don't get used to it).
     
  10. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    #10 forgeahead, Oct 7, 2010
    I, personally find the steering feel appropriate. It is definitely lighter than my 360 was. It does seem to have a similar feel to the 612. Yes, the side bolsters are too tight for me as well. I blame myself for this, though, as they would have been comfortable for me 10 years ago.
     
  11. RickLederman

    RickLederman F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 18, 2007
    2,830
    Swanton Ohio
    Full Name:
    Rick Lederman
    #11 RickLederman, Oct 8, 2010
    Steering is perfect, very light at very low speeds, and as I remember, stiffens up as you go faster. At 140 it seemed just right.
     
  12. of2worlds

    of2worlds F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 6, 2004
    16,474
    ON
    Full Name:
    CH
    #12 of2worlds, Oct 9, 2010
    Steering feel is actually something Ferrari pays close attention to when they are developing the model. What you get in the California is what Ferrari felt was appropriate. Just as the more 'sporty' 458 features more agressive and quicker steering.
    CH
     

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