Is LED a deal breaker? | FerrariChat

Is LED a deal breaker?

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Tifoso48, Aug 12, 2016.

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  1. Tifoso48

    Tifoso48 Karting

    Feb 3, 2013
    77
    Sunny Isles Florida
    Full Name:
    Jurgen
    As I outlined previously I am putting together the specs for a 488 spider.

    I truly love the Corsa Blue/ Black leather - all aluminum -- no cf look for this car.

    Aluminum caliper, aluminum color dial.

    It is exactly like the Ferrari PR photos on this car - in the photo they use a standard steering wheel.

    So, in order to get the LED without the CF steering wheel you have to order the CF wheel and then have it wrapped in leather.

    Net, net - this steering wheel will cost about $ 5900 !!

    The question therefore is how much of a deal breaker not having an LED steering wheel is going to be.

    I would appreciate everyone's opinions on this.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Surfah

    Surfah F1 Rookie

    Dec 20, 2011
    3,143
    Definite deal breaker. LED steering wheel is functional and is key for resale.
     
  3. leead1

    leead1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 29, 2006
    2,828
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Lee
    It would not be a deal breaker for me. My 458 came with it but with a F1 no point to it in my view.

    If my car was a manual I would like it.

    Good hunting

    Lee
     
  4. DK308

    DK308 F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,738
    Europe, way north.
    Full Name:
    AB
    I don't care much for non-functional CF in street car interiors. I know I'm not alone, and for me the CF would be a deal breaker. Different stokes...
    Why don't you just get the steering wheel you like and get the car you want. Sometimes price of the steering wheel and options gets paid off when selling, other times not. It depends on time, the market and the buyer. Unless you're planning to sell within a short period, why worry? It may not make any difference when you sell one way or another. That being said, many seems to like the LEDs, so it might be an insignificant loss in the end, if any.
     
  5. Shack

    Shack F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    May 2, 2005
    2,615
    Earth
    Deal breaker for me for sure. Would not consider a car without it. Having said that I was looking at an F12 w/o LED and Ferrari could have replaced the wheel for me - so either way no issue
     
  6. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    Deal breaker.

    Afaik Ferrari is the only one to put LEDs on the wheel. So without it you could get a McLaren, Lambo, Porsche, etc. For me this is one of the unique things that makes owning a Ferrari like no other car.
     
  7. e46m3

    e46m3 Karting

    Jul 20, 2006
    156
    DC
    Full Name:
    Ravi
  8. jaa1359

    jaa1359 Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Jun 1, 2014
    931
    For me, I love CF in the interior. The car I have configured has every interior CF option available. Having said that, you need to love your car. I wouldn't concern yourself with resale. Get the car you want so that you enjoy it to the maximum.
     
  9. yangstein

    yangstein Formula Junior

    Mar 23, 2015
    571
    Orange County, CA
    Full Name:
    Brian
    Having a "LED Streering wheel" would be considered as a "MUST" for a great looking 488
    IMHO.
     
  10. Dohangs

    Dohangs F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2008
    3,120
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Spiro
    Deal breaker for me as well. From what I've heard, it's especially handy on a 488
     
  11. graphicdisorder

    graphicdisorder Formula Junior

    Jan 11, 2015
    410
    Johnson City, TN
    I passed on SEVERAL 458s over just the LED wheel missing. So in my perspective it has to have it or I wouldn't have it. Others must agree as you see those none LED wheel cars sit a bit.
     
  12. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    105,661
    Vegas baby
    Unless its a car that is in a very rare color or combo that you love, its a deal breaker for me.

    I would need a good reason to overlook it.
     
  13. Stevenb

    Stevenb F1 Rookie

    Aug 5, 2012
    2,799
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Steven
    Definite deal breaker
     
  14. BG23

    BG23 Formula Junior

    Jun 16, 2015
    443
    Australia
    I passed on it - you very quickly get used to changing gears without it. But sure, on balance I would prefer the LEDs were there.

    We probably have a unique situation in Australia - we pay a luxury car tax on the cars delivery price, but if you order the part after the fact you don't. So you can order the wheel after delivery for the same price as the cost of the option i.e you can have 2 for the price of one - so from a resale perspective it's a non issue here.

    If you get a carbon wheel I think you need CF driving zone and dash inserts. Which is over $25k here.
     
  15. RBK

    RBK F1 Rookie

    Jul 27, 2006
    3,105
    Calif and Nev
    Full Name:
    Bob
    The CF is a matter of opinion, the LED's a necessity with this fast revving car. I own a 458 and rely on the LED's because they can bee seen peripherally, eliminating changing eye position when driving. Best

     
  16. vans

    vans Rookie

    May 28, 2010
    42
    You might appreciate covering all but the last two leds, that way when you see the fist remaining led light up, you know you're there.
     
  17. Balsamina

    Balsamina Formula Junior

    May 19, 2010
    942
    San Francisco Area
    Full Name:
    S
    IMHO, for most street driving situations, the LEDs are a fun gimmick that evokes Ferrari's F1 heritage, just like Scuderia shields on non-race team cars. My input would be to get the wheel if you would enjoy it and wouldn't be upset with yourself having spent the extra money, and think about the next owner only as a further rationalization for being less bothered about the extra cost. One of the joys of ordering a Ferrari is that you can get the car exactly the way you (not the prior or the next owner) want it. In other words, order the car for yourself, not the next guy. It would be a shame to spend so much time and money on a possession and later feel it is missing something.

    As you know I paid up. :) Did your dealer confirm $5900 is the current price to get LEDs regardless of non-CF?
     
  18. Tifoso48

    Tifoso48 Karting

    Feb 3, 2013
    77
    Sunny Isles Florida
    Full Name:
    Jurgen
    Yes, the price was confirmed by the Atelier in New York.

    You start with the Carbon Fiber steering wheel for $ 5060 and then you wrap the carbon fiber with leather which costs around $ 800 for a total of about $ 5900.

    Essentially a non CF LED steering will will end up costing more.
    And that unfortunately, is the only way to get the look I want and LED.

    Based on what I am hearing, I guess I will bite the bullet and go for it.

    Thank you everyone for your input and suggestions.
     
  19. JimPVB

    JimPVB Formula Junior

    Apr 24, 2016
    674
    Florida
    That is the same price I was told to expect for ordering that steering wheel.



    Jim
     
  20. 2Veloce

    2Veloce Formula Junior

    Aug 8, 2014
    566
    annapolis, maryland
    Full Name:
    Al
    deal breaker for me
     
  21. spiders

    spiders Formula Junior

    Jun 8, 2012
    474
    Carbon fiber on the steering wheel is a less pleasant tactile experience than a full leather wheel. I have CF on the wheel and it's the only thing I don't like about my car. The CF already makes the wheel feel chunky. Wrapping leather over it would be worse.

    If I order a 488 I'm taking the stock leather wheel. It feels better.
     
  22. United458

    United458 Karting

    Dec 2, 2015
    212
    Chapel Hill, NC
    i would not have bought my car without it.
     
  23. Afonsolaw

    Afonsolaw Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2011
    1,911
    New jersey
    DEAL BREAKER those LED is part of the excitement very F1 ... For me my future car has to have all the bells and whistles including carbon seats!!!
     
  24. agrun

    agrun Formula Junior

    May 24, 2009
    699
    FLA
    IMHO its a gimmick. seriously, who really needs it unless on the track racing against others when you can't look at rev counter. I have 2 Fcars w/o it and a 488 spider coming w/o it. its a bit distracting be forced to watch it all the time. you know your car and can see the rev counter. leather wheel is the way to go. its classic, simple, elegant. i realize my comment may not be popular on this thread, but its fact. i also realize that most who comment on this thread feel strongly about it and i can respect that. and those who don't feel strongly about it simply won't comment. the silent majority is out there and believes its a gimmick for street cars
     
  25. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,540
    Deal breaker.

    Who needs it? Who needs a sports car? Its not about need. Its about want.

    I want it!
     

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