Well gang, I have done it --- I have "defected" | FerrariChat
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Well gang, I have done it --- I have "defected"

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by finnerty, Apr 8, 2011.

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  1. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #1 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2011
    I've owned several Ferrari's over the years (enjoyed them all) --- and, I do intend to keep the ones I have now ;) --- but, I'm afraid that I've lost interest in having any more. In particular, the newer cars (since '99 or so) from Maranello do not impress me enough to want to own one. They just simply don't do it for me --- especially when weighted against their relatively high acquisition and running costs :(.

    The only exception is the 458, which I was strongly considering.... But, then along came the type of sports / exotic car I've always dreamed of. A car, that in my view, really nails it --- the best balance of engineering, performance, ride quality, and styling. And, for the money, I believe it cannot be beaten by anything else out there.

    So, for now, I waive 'bye-bye' to the prancing horse....

    I placed my order this week for a McLaren MP4 :):):)

    Anyone else considering doing the same???
     
  2. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
    Moderator

    Oct 1, 2008
    39,942
    Huntsville, AL., USA
    Full Name:
    Andrew
    #2 NeuroBeaker, Apr 8, 2011
    Congratulations, I hope you enjoy driving it when it arrives. :)

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  3. Fan512bbi

    Fan512bbi Two Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Mar 25, 2004
    20,938
    Wales-UK
    Full Name:
    Steve.
    #3 Fan512bbi, Apr 8, 2011
    A great choice, I saw Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button driving one recently on fifth gear and was very impressed :)
     
  4. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2003
    19,036
    Virginia
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    Toggie (Ron)
    #4 toggie, Apr 8, 2011
    Congratulations! What color MP4 did you order?

    Also, where do you live and how close is the nearest authorized dealer/repair facility?
     
  5. troy_wood

    troy_wood Formula 3

    Apr 28, 2007
    1,457
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    Full Name:
    Troy Wood
    #5 troy_wood, Apr 8, 2011
    Stunning automobile. Congrats David.
     
  6. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,652
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    #6 greyboxer, Apr 8, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2011
  7. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #7 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
  8. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #8 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2011
    Azure Blue paint with a 2-tone mix of (Carbon) Black / (Natural) Tan full leather. Other than the 2-color, full leather interior, the only other option I requested is the brake calipers painted in "McLaren Orange".

    I have (2) primary residences --- one in Canada and one in the US. Either way, I'll be pretty far away from an authorized service center (so, I'm hoping for few problems :)).

    In Canada, I'm about 370 miles from Miller Motorcars in Connecticut, and about 320 miles from McLaren Toronto (but, it's unclear whether Toronto will be able to offer full service capabilities yet??). In the US, I'm about 350 miles from Lake Forest Sports Cars in Chicago.
     
  9. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    7,334
    NJ
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    RMani
    #9 rmani, Apr 8, 2011
    when do you take delivery? can you buy them in a real stick?
     
  10. venusone

    venusone F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
    3,238
    #10 venusone, Apr 8, 2011
    I really know nothing about the car - but it looks hot! Still will never have the allure of a Ferrari. But is an exciting adventure into the super car universe. Have a blast & post pix!
     
  11. ParkCity360Spider

    ParkCity360Spider Karting

    Sep 20, 2010
    155
    Park City, Ut
    Full Name:
    Tim M
    #11 ParkCity360Spider, Apr 8, 2011
    I put my deposit down in February for my MP4 after thinking the next car would certainly be the 458 Spider (whenever that would've come out). It was pretty uncharacteristic of me to buy something sight unseen, but everything about the car seemed to say buy me. FWIW, I do plan on keeping my 360 Spider as I simply love that car.

    While I never expected FChatters to universally like the Macca, it appeals to me and that's all that really mattered, so I went for it. Congrats!. I'm looking at November build. How about you?
     
  12. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    105,566
    Vegas baby
    #12 TheMayor, Apr 8, 2011
    A "defection" would have been a 76 Cadillac while wearing golf shoes and white pants up past your navel. :)

    I think we all like high speed sports cars. Congratulations on the 12C. I think you'll really like it... but it's not for me. I just have a problem with turbo cars for street use.

    I'm waiting for the 458 spider but I'm sure the 12 C is truly a wonderful machine. If it we're for the price and lack of a spider, Lambo is making the first car that really excites me with the Aventador.
     
  13. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #13 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2011
    I'm envious!!! Good for you :)

    Unfortunately, I got my order in so late (just this week), that although I have been told, "It is possible you may get a November/December '11 car....it is unlikely" ---- basically, McLaren would have to either increase their target build number (of US export cars), or a few folks already ahead in line would have to drop out. Care to step aside for me? LOL ;)

    So, I have been assured a slot for a second run (2012) car next Spring. That's okay by me as it is the only way to get exactly the configuration I want. If folks drop out on some of the 2011 cars, their cars become available to others further down on the list, or go to Dealer floors. But, if those cars' builds have already begun, I could only choose from what configs have been preset --- possibly with a few changes able to be made while the car is still in process.
     
  14. Miura Jota

    Miura Jota F1 Rookie

    May 26, 2004
    3,632
    Toluca , Mexico
    Full Name:
    Martin
    #14 Miura Jota, Apr 8, 2011
    If going Lambo is the dark side ...

    then how the Big Mc thing is gonna be called ?
     
  15. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #15 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2011
    I echo that sentiment :)

    I've got a V8 TT Esprit now, and it is, at times and for various reasons, a PITA to drive around town. However, the MP4 engine / turbo set up is supposed to address (and resolve) all the "standard driveability issues" (e.g., 80+% of full torque available down at very low RPM) of that layout. I hope so ---- because this is the first car I've ever bought without driving one first!

    Who knows....maybe after a year or so, I'll be trading it across for a 458 :p ?
     
  16. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #16 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    TIM ---

    What configuration did you specify for yours???
     
  17. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

    May 18, 2004
    10,406
    #17 finnerty, Apr 8, 2011
    Don't worry ---- lot's of clever smart-asses on this board.....someone will come up with something !
     
  18. fgcfire8

    fgcfire8 Formula Junior

    Jan 19, 2008
    459
    Montpelier Va
    Full Name:
    Frank Castelvecchi
    #18 fgcfire8, Apr 8, 2011
    Ugggg

    Years ago I bought a '75 Eldorado Convertible--one of the worst cars I have ever owned--gas hog, sluggish acceleration, and my sailboat can out turn it. And 4 years old it made a 29 year old Mondial look reliable.
     
  19. ParkCity360Spider

    ParkCity360Spider Karting

    Sep 20, 2010
    155
    Park City, Ut
    Full Name:
    Tim M
    #19 ParkCity360Spider, Apr 8, 2011
    I still have a couple months before I have to spec it but I'm looking at either a British Racing Green with 2 tone leather and carbon interior, sport exhaust, ultralightwheels, CCB, Iris and a fair amount of carbon, or...
    Volcano Red ( my wife - who is prety conservation wants me to go this direction - go big or go home).
     
  20. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    105,566
    Vegas baby
    #20 TheMayor, Apr 8, 2011
    I like the BRG idea. I've seen a lot of Lotus Elises in this and they look really great.

    I cannot get used to McLaren orange. Orange and black to me mean Halloween no matter how I look at it. I don't like Scuderia Red either for the same reason -- it looks orange to me.
     
  21. VIZSLA

    VIZSLA Four Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jan 11, 2008
    41,692
    Sarasota
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    David
    #21 VIZSLA, Apr 8, 2011
    Wasn't McLaren Orange originally called Papaya?
     
  22. BlueBiturbo

    BlueBiturbo F1 Rookie

    May 19, 2004
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    TS
    #22 BlueBiturbo, Apr 9, 2011
    Yup
     
  23. VIZSLA

    VIZSLA Four Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jan 11, 2008
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    David
    #23 VIZSLA, Apr 9, 2011
    Thanks.
     
  24. 50hdmc

    50hdmc Formula 3

    Oct 10, 2006
    1,211
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    mark s
    #24 50hdmc, Apr 9, 2011
    +1....I had a Cuda orange and blk and hated it. It is about the ONLY color combination that I absolutely can't deal with. Now red and blk, is another story.....anyays, if your are keeping your 360 you are not a true "defector".......and that is a good thing. Congratulations - looking forward to your report....
     
  25. Peloton25

    Peloton25 F1 Veteran

    Jan 24, 2004
    7,646
    California, USA
    Full Name:
    Erik
    #25 Peloton25, Apr 10, 2011
    Azure Blue would be my choice as well though I'll admit to being tempted by the British Racing Green too. :cool:

    Around here it will probably be referred to as "cheating". ;) :D

    However, given the accolades the 12C has been receiving so far as a game-changer, it doesn't seem like they've done anything but rewrite the book with this car.

    >8^)
    ER
     
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