Ferrari Styling Today?

IIMHO, car design has gone downhill over the past 30 years.
This is true across all makes of cars.

I think it is due to the fact that cars have become so heavily regulated with safety, emissions, and gas economy rules that it leaves the designers with a limited range of what they can do.

A modern sports car is a slave to too many masters.
And, as a result, they are not as beautiful and distinctive as they once were.

Plus, I fear we will sorely miss Carozzeria Pininfarina's artistry in the future Ferraris to come.
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I actually see a strong family design language across the entire current Ferrari stable. Its in the details, not the broad forms.

I am not a big fan of the 'melted' look and thats why i prefer Lambo to Ferrari these days.

 

Who ever says the california isn't a beautiful car has never seen one in person.

I used to think it was a chick car before I first saw it crusing around Marrenello.

IMO every F-car is beautiful once seen in person. Most of the opinions from people on here are from people who haven't seen the model under scrutiny... even fellow f-car owners. I say this with all due respect.If you've seen it in person or better still own it, I would be interested in particular of your opinion of the 612.

 

The true test of any car, it's design or otherwise is if still has the emotional stir 20 yrs later and beyond.

Think super model, I would still have a run at Cindy Crawford today as I would have 20 yrs ago, I would even be so bold as to include Sophia Loren in her late 60s

This is all subjective and personal taste. Just some do look better than others but all super models are hot,as are all exotics.

 

Like the 612, the California has grown on me, the more I see of it.

HOWEVER, there are elements of many Ferrari designs that are not that good IMHO.

For example, on the California, the 4 rear tailpipes that are not connected to the exhaust pipes are unfortunate.
And, the large vertical space above the bumper line on the rear of the car is not flattering - especially in lighter body colors.

But there are nit-picking things on almost every model.
For example, even on the beloved 458, I am not a fan of the body seam near the top of the front fenders.
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I've seen one in person and I don't find it to be particularly attractive. Big butt, side lines that look like fat rolls, lame side vents, overall mass being too big by around 15%. Sorry.

-F

 

Full disclosure, I have a Rosso Corsa California in my garage, so I'm not the most objective commentator you might find to discuss the aesthetics of the car. There is no doubt the 458 strikes deeply into the emotions; the F12 in person is a marvel of tech and design. At the same time, one of the reasons (IMHO) we strive to own Ferrari is to have the best; to have an icon of automotive excellence, to have a car that engages the driver on physical, intellectual and emotional levels. Fortunately, that means different things to different people; if it were otherwise, we'd all be driving the same thing.

The most consistent response for those who ride in my car (or who drive alongside taking video) is smiles and laughter. If money were no object, I'd probably have a F12 (old muscle car guy, and the F12 is like one of the old muscle cars perfected), but still have the California as my daily driver. In the spirit of what it means to be a Ferrari, though, the California is well within the definition of being an icon of motoring excellence.

I love convertibles; always have. I like cars that are smaller rather than larger, and which have great engineering. I had never bought a red car, but always thought I should. Using the loose definition of Ferraris being "the best;" the California is, hands-down, the best convertible on the road.

It looks fabulous top up or top down, which is no small feat. Without fail, almost every other ragtop or hard-top convertible looks better one way or the other. I drive a Lexus SC as my DD; it looks great top down, but is bulbous with the top up. Most other convertibles, T-tops and similar vehicles also emphasize the aesthetic with the top down, and sacrifice either clean lines or body panel appearance with the top up. The California is unique in that, with the top up, it looks as though it is a hard top designed to drive that way. With the top down, it is striking (yes, I know, some don't like it; that's OK, too). Add to that its DCT (a true pleasure with every shift) the quality of the build consistent with all other F-cars, the attention to detail and the comfort for a extended drive (also tough to do in performance cars) and you have a great car.

I wanted a Ferrari that was open to the roadway. I also wanted one I could drive distances; this one can without complaint (from my wife, who would hate it if it didn't). I also wanted one that would let me blast through the gears while laughing wildly, which is all part of the thrill.

Google a photo of a Shelby Cobra with the top up sometime if you want to see a great car ruined; most others with removable or mechanical tops are more or less the same. I would be the last guy to throw rocks at someone else's dream car, and I understand YMMV. The rear is less sleek than one might want; understanding it is so to enable the engineering of the hard top helps one to appreciate it more. The front, and the flow of its fenders, is voluptuous (wanted to provide an alternate to some of the other descriptions...). As has been stated, it tends to grow on you if it has a chance. Once it does, it will be less an interloper or step-child, and more a member of the family.

Thanks, Bob H

 

"Designers are why you like cars. Good ones anyway. Think about it. Did you know the top speed of the first Ferrari you saw? Probably not, but you stopped and stared because of how it looked. That's design. The best executions have few regrets."

- Greg Migliore.

 

Exactly.

 

The more radical these newer designs become, especially with the radical new prices, it gives me more appreciation for the designs of the 308, 512's and TR's.

 

I've been asked to participate in a panel discussion on "the best designed " cars since 1950.

There are quite a few Ferraris on my list.....

 

If you are looking at the best designed as an overall package, the 3x8 has to be up there. Not only because of looks but all the other factors such as accessibility for servicing, compactness, rear and three-quarter visibility, reasonable boot (trunk), the entire design is just right.

 

When a car's lines take on the curves of M&Ms it is time to drop cars and start designing ladies bras. Ferrari is really close to that mark.

 

There has always been a close relationship between the curves of Italian cars and those of the ladies.

 

There is usually a decline in culture and freedom for all companies when they grow in size. Ferrari not only grew but is faced with outside regulation, even conflicting regulation. Much harder now to compromise between the car you want to build and the car you have to build.

 

it's on my list

 

I think the 458 coupe/spider and the F12 are both stunning... really love them both.

I'm not a fan of the rear 3/4 of the FF though. If you want 4 seats, buy a Maserati. --- Also, I'm not a fan of the California. If you want a girl car, buy a Maserati.

 

Geez, and after my impassioned plea yesterday about the California...oh well, c'est la vie, monsieurs... Bob H

 

Would love to see your final list

 

In my opinion Ferrari is currently at the top of their game style wise. The 458 Italia is a stunning car and has been received very well in the marketplace and IMO is definitely the pinnacle of the V8 Family style wise, at least since the Dino (well a V6, but still the first of the mid engine cars).

Everyone appears to have their personal favorite era, whether that be the 308/328, 348/355, or 360/430, often probably driven by when they first gained interest in Ferrari's, so it is hard to sway people from their favorites. It often seems fans of the 355 don't like the 360/430 as the cars were so different style wise. People seem to either gravitate strongly to the more square design of the 348/355 or the more rounded design of the 360/430. But I think you would really have to try hard to see a 458 in person and come up with any reasons to not like the car, it is just a stunning car looks wise, as well as performance wise.

As far is the F12 is concerned, I haven't seen one in person yet, but based on photos and videos the styling looks spectacular. I think it will easily be the best looking of the V12 cars since they went back to the front engine design for the V12's.

The FF and California seem to always get picked on and I would agree with the criticism of the FF as the back of the car is ackward, but I would also agree with what a few above had said about the California, that in person it is a very impressive looking car. Before I saw a California in person, I thought that it looked like a Maserati GranTurismo, but as a hard top convertable, a Ferrari badge, and a much higher price tag, but once I saw one in person I was very impressed, it is a beautiful car.

Being an entirely new category in itself, I think it gains a lot of criticism from long time Ferrari fans just like how the Porsche purists disliked the Cayenne. But the California appeals well to a lot of non-Ferrari people and competes against the likes of the MB SL series, which of course is what the company is trying to do in terms of gaining new customers and selling more cars. And after all it is not an SUV or anything radical and out of character, it is trying to capture some of the style of the (now incredibly expensive) late 50's California's and IMO does a great job doing so with a modern look.

 

actually I did 3 lists for different criteria i.e.ones I think were great designs,ones that were mass produced (+3000 units),and then a longer comprehensive list.....but I still need to add to that last one

way too difficult to pick 10-15 cars from a 60 yr time frame

once the show airs later this week,then I'll be glad to share it

 

FWIW, I think the best looking sports cars of the post war period are the Miura and the 288 GTO. Great proportions with relatively simple and direct details.

The best designs start with great proportions and end with simple details. The 458 has great proportions but a few too many details. The FF has sacrificed good proportions for a very usable back seat. It should be the other way around. The F12 seems to be in the right place in terms of proportions and details.

Good design is not easy.

-F

 

if it were easy........anyone could do it

and they can't

tell my class this all the time
that's what they're paying soooo much money in tuition

 

True. To a point.



But today's Size 6 ...


... is yesterday's Size 12.



Disheartening ..... the evolving female form Ferrari is appearently following.






As you can tell, I really do not LOVE "The Marque," or any marque for that matter. I do Love what I Love; however, and no car has EVER "grown on me." I have never "fallen out of Love" with a car either.

I am extremely picky/critical. It is "In or Out" forever, at first glance. As long as the car is more than I can drive, its performance numbers mean NOTHING to me.

 

Unlike autos the growth in female specs can't be put down to government regs.