458 impressions

I've seen a lot of posts about brakes. Ceramic brakes are very different from steel brakes. They can feel like your stepping on a piece of plywood. But when warmed up, they will make your eyes pop out of your head. Awesome brakes once you get used to the feel.

 

Interesting that I have this issue as well. It seems like the brake boost (or vacuum) is lost at times. The pedal becomes very hard and it's impossible to get into ABS. I don't think it is a question bedding of the brakes. I've owned many ceramic brake cars (Ferrari and Porsche) and this is more of a brake boost/bias/pressure issue. My dealer is investigating. Did you have any luck resolving your issue?

 

Appears to be much better without a trip to dealer. Interesting posts about booster because at first that was the problem HARD pedal, but seems ok now.

 

Got my 458 a few days ago and surprisingly it does not meet my expectations. It is very comfortable for everyday use, just like the California, but can this car really be used as a daily driver? I don't know about others but for me there are few places to park it without having to worry a lot. I don't live in Beverly Hills.

The thing that disappoints me is the sound. At idle and in sport mode at low rev it is very quiet. If I close my eyes it feels like an ordinary sport coupe. In race mode around town the exhaust bypass cuts in and out constantly with any slight throttle movement and is extremely irritating. When I put the pedal down and hustle along a windy road the sound is very satisfying, but at a more sedate pace the sound ranges from boring to annoying. I'm much happier with the sound of the 430.

So far I'm disappointed. I hope next week it will blow me away when I take it to the track.

 

My leaf now has become my daily driver. Both the 458 and 430 Spider are waiting for warmer days.

The 458 is still my favorite car, even more than my all electric leaf.

 

Wow, that's too bad buddy. Hopefully I'll feel differently. I've had the pleasure of going for a spin in my buddies 458, and it felt and sounded outrageous. I can't even wait to get my hands on mine. As I'm sure you know, you can easily modify the exhaust valves so they're open at all times. That might be you answer.

Otherwise, who said you should buy a 458 as a daily driver?

 

One of the reasons you're disappointed is that you can't park it without worrying? Seriously? That's like saying I don't like my house because I have to lock the doors when I go out.

 

Darn. Ferrari loses another customer to Lexus.

 

No, I am disappointed because it does not sound like the Ferraris I am used to. Sure, the exhaust can be made open all the time but even then it does not sound as thrilling as CS or 430 which I also have.

Sorry for being offensive with my opinion.

 

IMHO The 458 is the GREATEST sports car I've ever owned/driven PERIOD, and I've owned or driven just about everything. The looks, power, gearbox, and handling astound me everytime I turn the key. IMO you have to spend a few weeks with it just to begin to explore its limits, at 80-90% I could see not thinking its worth the extra money over a 430, explore its limits and that changes. It takes some getting used to but once you do there isn't anything out there that could touch it.

 

I have put about 1000 miles on my 458. For some recent history of comparison, I currently have a Scud with over 4000 miles on the clock, all me I recently traded in my Aston DBS for the 458 because the 458 offers the same level of comfort as a DBS. That was impressive enough for me to pull the trigger and add that to the fact the 458 offers performance equal to or greater than vehicles in a much higher price bracket. I cant believe I am going to type this, but in my mind, its pretty good value. LOL

One poster mentioned the exhaust issue and he is being flamed a bit. I will completely agree with his comment. This was an issue on my Scud as well. I hate it when you are simply cruising on the highway and the car is quite and then give it a little gas the butterfly valves open for only a split second, it makes the car sound like its burping. I tried holding a conversation with a passenger on the freeway and every time I gave just a smidgin of throttle the car would burp and interupt the conversation, its intrusive and annoying. The solution, my dealer plugged my vacum lines to keep the butterfly valves open permanently. On my Scud, I have a solenoid that is activated with an OEM switch that opens and closes the vacum line at will. The cars sound much better, especially at idle with everything open. Also, it adds to the experience of driving as you get a proper audio response from your throttle inputs at low revs as well.

Another complaint, the headlight washer fluid bubbles out of the hood when taken to the track. The resevoir is too close to the radiator which heats up the fluid, then it is sloshed around and foam comes out of the hood.

Other than those two items, the car is fantastic. Super fast, amazing rear grip, and in grigio silverstone it looks like a fighter jet I cant wait for the Scud version

 

I could write 5 or 6 things that I don't like about my 458 but at the end of the day it's the best car I've ever owned.

 

great points and an interesting read in here....

 

You know Serge, even though I haven't taken delivery yet, I can bet I will be able to just copy and paste your comments. I feel I've been very fortunate to have owned 56 brand new cars of all shapes and colors, starting with my 1972 L82 Corvette, and driven another 20 exotics that I didn't own but had a chance to experience. For me, nothing has been even close to my 430. I can't wait to get in and turn the key every single chance I get.

Truth is, I'm not a real critic. But if I was, in my humble opinion the 458 has removed and or improved most of the little things that Ferrari could have done better with the 430.

Thanks for taking the time to post this and I look forward to hearing more and see lot's of pictures!!!

 

This is exactly my feeling. I had a 430 spider, and was a little let-down by the less visceral experience of the 458. It's definitely a little more smooth, quiet and numb in comparison. (Some would say "refined".) I really respect its fantastic performance capabilities, but you have to really drive it hard to get that "fizzy" Ferrari feeling that you get at slower speeds in the older cars. Maybe it's a little TOO refined for me. Still, it's a Ferrari and do I want it? YES!

 

Serge, I just read your review. I'm pleased you are liking it!

 

the left hand seat belt buckle bumps the side of the carbon seat when driving and is very annoying.

 

Take the bride along. That'll fix it.

 

Very interesting point, have you tried surrounding the reservoir with a heat insulator?

Greetz,


Joseph

 

So I guess now converstions are off as the car is louder all the time.....sounds good to me- the motor sound is better than a converstaion with a passenger

Just kidding around...

 

Even if the exhaust is made loud all the time, it is not mechanical like the CS or 430 (I still have these two), not thrilling loud, just plain loud. On the street the CS and 430 sound much better. I also miss the vibration during idling that is present in the earlier cars.

At Laguna Seca my 458 failed sound check. A quiet switch is definitely necessary. The windshield washer fluid also bubbled out of the hood and flowed all over the car. Worse, the brake fluid leaked out of the calipers after two sessions and ended my day early.

But during the sessions the car was phenomenal, exhibiting less body roll and dive than my CS, the rear was planted, the acceleration awesome and the shifting sounded like an F1 car. The weak link in the chain was the street tires. On the track the exhaust sound quality is not important since I concentrated on driving instead of listening.

 

What was the Manettino set to and how was brake wear? Thanks!

 

Manettino was on Race. Sport would have blown sound check anyway since sport opens the bypass too. Brake wear was barely noticeable. Carbon ceramic pads are very durable when they are still thick but they wear much faster as they get worn down due to reduced volume for absorbing heat. When they are thin one session wears 1 mm.

 

completely agree. the scud exhaust is entertaining at all rpms. the 458, you really need to rev it for it to sound really good and by that time you are moving at a good rate of speed.

you are onto my master plan! lol