Actually, I wouldn't dis an FF to an owner's face if I ran into him in public - that's simple courtesy - but I have no problem criticizing the car's styling on a site dedicated to discussing such issues. You see, some of us are not happy with the direction Ferrari styling has taken over the past several years, and for us older guys, it's not the first go-round with this issue: The Daytona through 365 GT4 2+2 were gorgeous automobiles. Then the 400 through 412 totally and completely sucked. Then they got back on track with the 456, 456M and 612, and then the wheels came off again (If you'll pardon the metaphor), with the FF. Similarly, the 365/512BB's were outstanding designs, and then the abominable Testarossa appeared. The 206/246 through 308 was a great run, but by the 348 everything was fugly again. Redeemed with the 360/430, but now the 458 is... well, the Japanese-style LED headlights ruin it (Like they ruin every car they are tried on), but otherwise it's the only good looking car Ferrari makes now. So, I don't mid telling you, I think the FF is a travesty. And yes, I've seen one in person. "Gross" was the first word out of my mouth. Not to rub it in needlessly, but it doesn't look much worse to me burned. Basically, Ferrari needs to ditch the gigantic wheels/high sills look along with the idiotic looking LED headlights. Otherwise, they might as well turn Ferrari styling over to Nissan. Tell me how the FF and F12 couldn't be Japanese designs, or how they look Italian. Fortunately, these things are cyclical, and I imagine Ferrari will at some point make a car that doesn't disgust me again. Cheers, George
George, I'm trying to figure out how a person could be more wrong. "Those who wish to live in the past are doomed to repeat it." Just where did these "classics" come from? Do you understand that the Dino in 1980 was thought of as ugly and old fashioned compared to the 308 GTB? That Daytona you love so much was considered an ugly duckling compared to the 275 GTB before it. Without moving forward, everything is simply "retro". I just saw the latest Mustang on the road and went: "Meh -- BFD". Is that what you want from Ferrari? New styling needs to be controversial. Some works, some doesn't -- but reliving the past is a cop out. I would argue that Lamborghini has lived too long in the Countach's past. Although the Aventador is the best iteration yet, they are stuck in a style of their own creation simply because they have failed to experiment and be bold. That's not what I want from Ferrari. I like the FF because it says to "purists": F-U. A Ferrari can be a great family/business car. There's no reason why Mercedes, Rolls, Bentley, and BMW have to own this market. It looks the way it looks (with the shooting brake) because that's the best way to package this car for it's purpose. Deal with it. As long as Ferrari continues to make fire breathing sports cars and GT's like the 458 and F12, I say: fine with me.
It's sad to see ANY Ferrari burst into flames .. I just dunno how some fchat threads can go so pear shaped. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I thought this site was about Ferrari appreciation and everything that goes along with that, not turning everything someone says into a "he said she said" argument.
The US and other governments should do a Toyota style investigation into Ferrari and why so many of them go up in flames every year, we have had 3 Ferraris go up in smoke this year in Kuwait, I lost a dear friend 7 years ago when his 360 Spider caught fire. Another friend had his oil cap come off in his Stradale spewing hot oil all over the engine bay, he was lucky none of it sparked up but he doused the engine bay just in time. Absolutely terrible and unacceptable given how much they charge for their cars. S
George, I agree with most of what you said to some extent...except the bit about the Testarossa. I caught a red one in Chester, NJ the other day and she still looks beautiful. Bob, I don't remember the Daytona being considered ugly but I do remember it being considered plain, which was remedied by the BB. That being said some of the more recent Fcars are unredeemable...458 excluded. Just curious what you think of the lights as you own a sweet one. No amount of time will smooth some lines though. Like the 308GT4 and Mondial some Fcars will find only niche Fcar fans. I happen to like both by the way. Cheers.
