Cancelled my 296 after seeing it, keeping F8

According to Carbuzz, the F8 is just 0.8" wider than the 296 GTB. I doubt that will make much of a difference.

 

Elsewhere I suggested that an ICE only 600hp 296 would make for a great "entry" level mid engined Ferrari and then for those that wanted more HP add the hybrid option. Problem is an ICE only 296; does not help Ferrari with the EU regulations, Ferrari and others are still in their HP wars, how many people would skip the hybrid option, etc. It is a shame as either that, or as you say a more compact car (preferably by quite a bit) 600hp ICE only mid engined might have been great fun.

 

I LOVE driving my Roma. Fast, agile, and quirky. Probably something to do with the lack of traction under hard acceleration.

Yes, here we absolutely agree. The interior and dash is beautiful but utterly useless to use at all let alone while driving.

As for the 296, I've got one on order and will keep the order. Told the dealer it will also be for sale at the end of 6 months. No emotional attachment to the car at all.

 

Yes, very true. My daily driver is a 1990 Toyota pickup for a reason lol. What you say is on target, not just for Ferrari, but really any electric car and/or hybrid car. When those giant battery packs fail and or something electrical stops working, it's not like you can just swing by Autozone and fix it yourself. Even at the dealership, I really doubt most of the service mechanics at the dealer will have the electrical engineering knowledge / background to repair complex hybrid systems.

Ray

 

Speed is no longer the issue. All modern super cars are speed demons. The real metric is the sensation the car engenders when you drive it. It is not about the time it takes to reach your destination. It is all about the excitement during the journey.

 

Personally, there is nothing ugly about the 296. On the other hand, it is not stunning. The appearance does not tug at the heart to make a purchase. Buying the 296 would require the driving dynamics to be overwhelmingly immersive, compelling and thrilling. If it does not reach that level of performance, I will not be a buyer.

Another serious concern is the reliability of this new technology. It is reasonsble to assume that owners should be prepared for issues to develop.

 

ferrari was late to the reliability table - and just when it got there.....you bring EV/Software tech into the mix?

hummmm.....first edition ev/hybrid 296....not with my hard earned dollar......unless it was beautiful and or cheaper or something....but more HP aint going to do it.

easy pass.

 

I was at the 296 launch a few months back in NYC. I had seen photos but was unimpressed. In person it was a slightly different story, definitely better looking in the flesh. Same with SF90. In pics it looks meh, but in person, it definitely has a presence.

I also think one of the big issues with these cars is the wheel design. SF90, 296, heck even my Pista spider - the wheels are weak, standard or forged. The carbon ones look better but at $20k+ a clip, no thanks. IMHO the best looking late model Ferrari wheel was the 5 spoke Forged wheel on the 458.

 

Coincid,
I still remember your quote from another thread
" The aesthetics of the 296 is sufficiently appealing that in the event it is a compelling performer, it would not discourage a purchase. However, its appearance is not irresistibly stunning to compel a purchase if the driving dynamics are not stellar. "

I don't think you can phrase any better than the above quote

 

I just ordered the 296. It's my first Ferrari. Your comment about the driving position ion the 296 s very concerning. I haven't seen or sat in one yet. I wonder if the racing seats would provide a more normal driving position.

 

You might ask your dealer for the demo showing. This will give you an opportunity to sit in it. Surprised they did not invite you for their local event. 296 has been showing locally among our dealers.

 

You don't like Emily Dickinson?

 

I think the best car they released from the current lineup is the Portofino M. I like the F8 but I'm not crazy about it compared to previous models. I think with the Portofino M they definitely improve their GT pedigree.

 

Been a Ferrari lover since Crockett and Tubbs tore up Miami in the fake Daytona. I'm on my second F8. Stared with a coupe and now on a Spyder. Great car. Also have a 458 Speciale. When I spend 300+ I want to be in love with the car and not just like it or maybe tolerate it. Neither the 296 nor the SF90 do it for me. Its like my grandfather and my son got together to design a car and the inspiration is 50% from 1960 and 50% from 2030. Just doesn't work for me. Wish them the best though...

 

I agree! The new crop of non Pininfarina designs look very labored and squinty, as you said. Same genre as the new Corvette!



Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

Hmm. I was wondering why the F8 prices keep going up. I have a ‘21 F8 with extensive options Titanium/blue roof and a great deal of blue carbon fiber. I was thinking about selling in to make room for the GT3 touring which arrives in February. You have me thinking I should hold on to it for a bit. It has less than 300 miles.

 

The 296 and Roma are why I bought a Pista. I'm a Porche guy, but the F8 and Pista are the last (for the time being) of the truly beautiful Ferarris and I had to own one. The SF90? I just don't get it.

 

please post pics i have a 22 f8 tributo have 1100 miles already just havnt had enough time to drive her more

 

@Stams

Loved your post

Not to understate the magnificence of recent Ferraris. I think they're amazing.

As an F430 gated 6spd owner, newer ones are sleeker, faster, more powerful, more features, - better? Not IMHO

 

I agree 100%. Every time I drive my 360 I am smiling and leave that car a little buzzed. It might "only" have 400 hp, but that's more than enough for a 3200-pound car. The sound is exhilarating. Rowing through my gears and hearing the "snick-snick" is intoxicating. Speed in that car actually feels like speed. Newer cars are so dialed in that you look down and you're at 100+ and it feels like 60 mph. In the 360, 100 feels fast, even though you need the speedometer to be at 110 for it to be 100 since Ferrari can't calibrate a speedometer to save their lives...

 

you definitely need to see cars in person before deciding if you like the styling or not. Even with today’s excellent cameras, they cannot really replicate what is seen by the human eye. I have not seen the 296. However, the last Ferrari that I really enjoy the styling of was the 458 (again, completely subjective). I do think there’s a distinct inflection point in Ferrari styling that is recently occurred. We will see if it is something that will stand the test of time. I don’t think it is as extreme as when the 246 Dino went to the 308 Dino (which may be the only style change in history that absolutely no one considers an improvement) but we will see.

 

I agree with you as the 296 styling looks already dated and unfinished. I ordered a Roma not just for the stunning looks but for the comfort, good visibility, and impressive performance.

 

I'll see the 296 in January. I'm not expecting to like it simply because you can't see the engine and I don't like the way the engine looks when you open up the cover to see it.

Does anyone know if they are going to make a Speciale or Pista version of the F8? Did they skip it and go right to the 296?

 

IMHO I don't dislike the 296, it seems to me it comes from the line of the 250LM & the Dino designs.
BUT... I wouldn't get one. The F8 and the SF90 are for me on the top of the line, design wise.
And the Roma covering the Gran Turismo line.

 

I think Ferrari should have some experience with hybrids from the F1!!!!