Interesting stuff. I don't doubt the veracity of the author. However, I suspect many, if not most, of the marques are guilty of the same sins. Not sure i buy the righteous indignation, though. Does anyone truly believe in the objectivity of auto mag reviews? Does any magazine forego the manufacturers' ad revenue in the interest of objectivity? Moreover, most auto writers consider sponsored press junkets and free swag a divine right. Let's face it: car magazines are entertainment, not journalism. I cannot get worked up over a little chicanery. Indeed, in my opinion, the best writers give short shrift to the numbers.
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=140295422&posted=1#post140295422 another interesting take?
Only part where Mr. Harris messes up is he doesn't once talk about how other manufacturers do this. At that point article goes from any journalistic value to pure rubbish. Sucks Ferrari is being singled out, but that's life at the top for you. I could probably buy the argument Ferrari does it more than others.
There will probably be longevity or emissions issues. There is a reason why "regular" cars are set up a particular way. But I am sure you know this.
Not to mention that the press isn't exactly known for going "lightly" on them. But, still, I can always use an extra 50bhp now and then. It might come in handy. CW
Shameful. Nissan underrates the GTR power while Ferrari overrates all their cars. There are shops who've dyno'd Ferraris that come in well under 100hp less than what Ferrari claims.
Read the article again. Ferrari is the only one taking it to this ridiculous level. And with that in mind we have to consider has Ferrari ever really been at the top anyway.
Just remembered seeing this video where there is a glimpse of what I think Chris Harris is on about with the teams of specialists. You see them for a few seconds during a group handling test that Autocar put on... Thought others might find it interesting to look at the comments and results of the test after the rant http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/best-handling-car-2010-video/
Nissan sent a HEAVILY modified GTR(s) to do their famous 'Ring time. All manufacturers do this sort of thing.
What shops? The 15k dyno the hick is operating in his rented barn? Lots of real shops in europe have used proper engine dynos and they all came in or above factory spec.
The internet makes it easy to see the man behind the curtain. I think the F control freaks forget that.
So, this is the first time an accredited journalist has said anything about something pretty predicable. Ferrari being - at times - ridiculously touchy, and wishy-washy is something we're all probably on the same page about. I'm sure we have a few members who can attest to that. All that concerns me is the fact that Chris Harris' work with Ferraris is probably going to slow, and the performance of a customer car. I wonder if some 458 owners will be curious about phoning somebody with a Dyno. I'm looking forward to their official response: "Na-ah. - Ferrari SpA"
Agreed, plain and simple Mr Harris has never been too enthusiastic about Ferrari, read his articles and then read his articles on Porsche, understandable when one is given works drives in 24 hour races and suchlike. Fact remains everyone has specially prepared press cars. Sure Ferrari are more blatant than others but it doesnt make the rest innocent. I sincerely hope I never have to read another Harris article on a Ferrari, and if by him writting this article that has been achieved then I am very happy.(similarly I dont care with his Porsche love affair articles either)
Now you're doing exactly the same of what you accuse Mr Harris from doing. He NEVER said the others weren't doing it, just not by these idiotic levels.