488 arival

Perhaps one of the US dealer presentation cars being driven?

 

First 488 arrivals in the US are slated for late fall / early winter

 

Most likely a demo car.

 

Yes, demo cars are here for now

 

My local dealer has an invite only viewing next Thursday I'm going to try and hit

 

There are no 488 demo cars in the US, just the ones to show at the premieres
at the dealerships and the chances of driving those are 1000 to 1

best

 

There was a premier 488 in Tampa tonight. I did not make it up there. But I'll get a report from Rob ( italiafan ) over the weekend.

 

The car is beautiful. Plus it comes with its own hot dog grill for cars and coffee meets.

 

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Tom and I had a fun time telling everyone that the engine looked like it would be great for grillin' dogs at the C&C...and should put "Weber" stamps next to the Ferrari on valve covers.

In person the car is strikingly beautiful.
Since I got there so early I was able to drive it in...beautiful view across fenders/bonnet (better than 458), the sound was very pleasant though different than 458 (and I suspect won't be a deciding factor for most potential customers).
The lines are gorgeous and well proportioned, balanced and flow together very nicely. The side air intakes in person actually "work" with the overall design.
The front and rear views are particularly beautiful.
I think a Gigio Titanio color would show off the curves and angles beautifully.

All in all a nice "refresh" update on the still gorgeous 458 "backbone."

The real issue for many of us 458 owners and lovers of the 458 is....does the 488 move the game on enough to justify you handing over the keys to your 458 AND stroke a check for ~$100K? For us standing there last night unanimous answer among us was "no, not yet, but maybe in 2-3 years when looking for a little adrenaline 'pop' of needing to buy a new Ferrari."

I give it two thumbs up overall, and the engine-view two big thumbs down. I wish they could have found a way to proudly show off two big beautiful turbochargers back there as part of the "artistry" of it all.

 

That was what I meant by demo car. Whether they are at dealers or at premiers, they are still cars used for demonstrations

 

+1

Although I know many future owners who got to drive them....1000 to 1 is comical.

 

Drove a black 488 with New jersey plates in Montreal today. Ferrari north american brought it in for the ferrari challenge event.

I was one of the first north americans to take it for a spin!

 

Was that at Ferrari of Central Florida ?

 

Jaz, It was at Ferrari of Tampa. I was told today that the invitations are going out today. I believe the one here in Orlando will be on the 24th or close to that.

 

Miami dealer having their unveiling this Tuesday, I'll be there.

 

There was very little to pick apart. The look of the engine was one. It just didn't have the look that I love so much peering through the glass of other models. Even though its not, it looks small and weak. A very minor set back if any. The black plastic around the headlights looked cheap as well. Like it was taken from an over Armor Alled 86 Camero dash. Carbon fiber would take car of that if its an option. Other than that the car was perfect in every line and angle. Like Rob said the engine sounded beautiful, but we were told that wasn't going to be the same sound the production models made. Not sure what that meant. The view out the windshield was completely different and wonderful all the same. Not sure I'll be forking out the cash but a lovely car.

 

Thx

 

this is where people who thinks of $100K as pocket change come in. They allow for us po folks to buy their second hand cars a few years down the road. God bless capitalism.

 

its only demo cars right now. Will see most 488's at the dealers by the middle of the fall.